Nagastraनागास्त्र

A Grievance Reaches the Battlefield

Ashvasena has survived the burning of the Khandava forest, where his mother died during Arjuna’s attack. He has kept his hostility toward Arjuna while living in the lower world. When he sees Karna confronting that same enemy, he rises to the battlefield and enters an arrow in Karna’s quiver without announcing himself.

Karna chooses a formidable shaft that he has carefully preserved. Shalya, his charioteer, warns that this particular shot will not accomplish the intended blow to Arjuna’s head. Karna refuses to change his aim. As the missile approaches, Krishna presses Arjuna’s chariot into the earth, and the horses sink down with it. The arrow passes above Arjuna’s lowered head and carries away his splendid diadem.

Karna Refuses the Serpent’s Terms

After the missed killing stroke, Ashvasena reveals himself and asks Karna to shoot him again. Karna refuses a victory obtained through another being’s help and will not discharge the same shaft a second time. The serpent then attacks on his own. Krishna explains the earlier forest incident to Arjuna, who cuts Ashvasena apart with six arrows. Krishna raises the chariot, and the warriors’ contest continues.