Mahabharata Episode 67: Fall of Ghatotkach

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Stories of Mahabharata Episode 67: Fall of Ghatotkach

Host: Sudipta Bhomik
Release Date: January 9, 2023

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Introduction

In Episode 67 of The Stories of Mahabharata, host Sudipta Bhomik delves into the dramatic and pivotal "Fall of Ghatotkach." This episode continues the epic saga, exploring the intense battles, strategic maneuvers, and complex character interactions that define the great war of Kurukshetra.

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Recap of Previous Events

Timestamp: 01:37

Sudipta opens by recapping the events from the last episode, highlighting Krishna's cunning strategy that led to Jayadratha's demise at the hands of Arjuna. This victory, however, severely undermines Duryodhan's confidence and loyalty, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

Quote:

“Duryodhan came to Drona and said, ‘Gurudev, I understand I am not the righteous kind of man whom you'd lend your support... The throne is bigger than me or any other individual. Show some respect to the throne.’”
(01:37)

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Duryodhan’s Plea and Drona’s Determination

Duryodhan approaches Drona, expressing his frustration and loyalty to the throne over individual grievances. Despite Duryodhan’s attempts to sway Drona, the latter remains steadfast in his commitment to the Kaurava cause.

Key Points:

• Duryodhan admits his failures and vows to continue fighting without yielding.
• Drona declares his intent to battle until the Pandava warriors are completely defeated.

Quote:

“I won't take off my armor till I've finished the last of the Pandava warriors. That's what I can promise.”
(01:37)

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Conflict Among the Kauravas

Tension escalates as Karna criticizes Dronacharya, questioning his abilities and loyalty. This confrontation reveals internal conflicts within the Kaurava ranks, undermining their unified front against the Pandavas.

Key Points:

• Karna confronts Duryodhan about Dronacharya’s effectiveness.
• Kripacharya defends Drona, highlighting the futility of internal bickering.
• Aswathama, Drona’s son, nearly engages Karna but is restrained by Duryodhan and Kripacharya.

Quote:

“I have in possession the deadly Shakti weapon of Indra. No mortal can escape it... If you utter one more word of insult I'll cut off your tongue.”
(03:15)

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Karna's Onslaught and the Arrival of Ghatotkach

The battle intensifies with Karna unleashing a relentless barrage of arrows, threatening to decimate the Pandava army. Yudhishthir, witnessing the chaos, appeals to Arjuna for intervention.

Key Points:

• Karna’s formidable use of the Shakti weapon creates havoc among the Pandavas.
• Yudhishthir implores Arjuna to confront Karna directly.
• Krishna intervenes, revealing a strategic plan to summon Ghatotkach, whose magical prowess can counter Karna’s might.

Quote:

“If Karna isn't checked tonight might be the last night of the war.”
(08:10)

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Summoning Ghatotkach

Krishna summons Ghatotkach, Bhima’s son, emphasizing his immense power and ability to turn the tide of battle. Ghatotkach agrees to engage Karna, pledging to use his magical abilities to protect the Pandavas.

Key Points:

• Krishna highlights Ghatotkach’s strengths and the necessity of his intervention.
• Ghatotkach prepares for battle, promising a fierce and unprecedented fight.

Quote:

“Tonight I'll fight a battle that nobody has seen before. I won't spare anybody. Victory will be ours.”
(08:45)

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The Fierce Battle: Ghatotkach vs. Karna

Ghatotkach enters the battlefield with formidable might, unleashing magical attacks and illusions that challenge Karna’s skills. The clash between these two warriors becomes the focal point of the evening's combat.

Key Points:

• Ghatotkach employs various magical strategies, creating chaos within the Kaurava ranks.
• Despite his relentless efforts, Karna manages to counter many of Ghatotkach’s maneuvers.

Quote:

“Karna wasn't fooled though. He riddled Khatoth Kach with arrows and soon the Rakshas looked like a porcupine.”
(12:30)

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Duryodhan’s Ultimatum and the Use of the Shakti Weapon

As Ghatotkach continues to wreak havoc, Duryodhan pressures Karna to utilize the Shakti weapon against him. Torn between loyalty and desperation, Karna finally decides to deploy the potent weapon.

Key Points:

• Duryodhan insists that the Shakti weapon is the only hope to eliminate Ghatotkach and secure victory.
• Karna reluctantly agrees, understanding the dire consequences of not using it.

Quote:

“Use your Shakti weapon on Ghatotkach, said Duryodhan, that weapon will kill him for sure, isn't it?”
(15:20)

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Ghatotkach’s Sacrifice and the Aftermath

The Shakti weapon strikes Ghatotkach, leading to his heroic sacrifice. In his final moments, Ghatotkach expands his form to maximize destruction, ensuring significant losses for the Kauravas before succumbing to the weapon.

Key Points:

• Ghatotkach's ultimate sacrifice deals a devastating blow to the Kaurava forces.
• Karna exhausts his most powerful weapon, leveling the playing field but at a great personal cost.

Quote:

“I have kept the weapon for Arjun it can be used only once.”
(17:05)

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Krishna’s Revelation and Arjuna’s Resolve

Post-battle, Krishna reveals the strategic necessity behind Ghatotkach’s demise, explaining that it was essential for Arjuna to obtain and use the Shakti weapon against Karna. This manipulation stirs Arjuna’s emotions but ultimately strengthens his resolve to continue the fight.

Key Points:

• Krishna clarifies his actions, emphasizing the greater good and the need to defeat evil.
• Arjuna grapples with the loss of his ally but understands the strategic importance of the sacrifice.

Quote:

“Karna has spent his Shakti weapon on Ghatotkach... Now you should be able to kill Karna without any fear.”
(19:45)

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Conclusion and Preparation for the Next Battle

With Ghatotkach’s death, the Pandavas gain a temporary advantage. Arjuna prepares to confront Karna, empowered by the knowledge that the deadly Shakti weapon is no longer a threat. The episode concludes with heightened anticipation for the ensuing clashes that will determine the war’s outcome.

Quote:

“With a heavy heart, Arjuna picked up his gondeiver and prepared to fight the enemy once again.”
(21:20)

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Notable Insights

• Strategic Sacrifices: The episode underscores the theme of sacrifice for a greater good, highlighting how personal losses are often pivotal in shaping the course of events.

• Complex Loyalties: The internal conflicts among the Kauravas illustrate the fragile nature of alliances, especially under the strain of intense warfare.

• Divine Intervention: Krishna’s strategic manipulations emphasize the role of divine planning in the epic, steering outcomes for the Pandavas’ advantage.

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Closing Remarks

Sudipta Bhomik masterfully narrates the "Fall of Ghatotkach," blending intricate battle strategies with profound emotional undercurrents. This episode not only advances the Mahabharata’s narrative but also offers deeper reflections on duty, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of righteousness.

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Additional Information:

• Availability: The podcast is also available in book form titled Duapar: The Stories of Mahabharata, published by HarperCollins India.
• Follow Us: Stay updated by joining the MahabharataPodcast group on Facebook and subscribing via iTunes or your preferred podcast platform.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. “Duryodhan came to Drona and said... Show some respect to the throne.”
   (01:37)

2. “I have in possession the deadly Shakti weapon of Indra. No mortal can escape it...”
   (03:15)

3. “If Karna isn't checked tonight might be the last night of the war.”
   (08:10)

4. “Tonight I'll fight a battle that nobody has seen before. I won't spare anybody. Victory will be ours.”
   (08:45)

5. “I have kept the weapon for Arjun it can be used only once.”
   (17:05)

6. “Karna has spent his Shakti weapon on Ghatotkach... Now you should be able to kill Karna without any fear.”
   (19:45)

7. “With a heavy heart, Arjuna picked up his gondeiver and prepared to fight the enemy once again.”
   (21:20)

---

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 67, providing listeners and readers with a detailed understanding of the "Fall of Ghatotkach" and its significance within the larger Mahabharata narrative.

Transcript

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[Sudipta Bhomik]

The Stories of Mahabharata Retold by Sudipta Bhomik welcome dear friends to another episode of the Stories of Mahabharata. In the last episode we heard how Krishna tricked Jayadrat to come out of hiding and get killed by Arjun. Jayadhar's death struck a severe blow to Duryodhan's confidence. He had promised to protect his brother in law but failed miserably. Duryodhan came to Drona and said Gurudev, I understand I am not the righteous kind of man whom you'd lend your support. I also understand that Arjun is your favorite student and you can't kill him. But instead of individuals you should think about your loyalty to the throne that supported you and all your life. If you want, I can go and kill myself right now. But the throne. The throne is bigger than me or any other individual. Show some respect to the throne. Drona was tired of listening to Duryodhan's complaints. Stop bickering, Duryodhan. You don't have to teach me about my responsibilities. You have seen for yourself. With Krishna's support the Pandavas are invincible. You. You, along with six of the greatest Kaurava warriors failed to protect Chayatrath. Still you blame me. Let me tell you this. I won't take off my armor till I've finished the last of the Pandava warriors. That's what I can promise. And for that, today the battle will not stop even after sunset. It will continue as long as necessary. Now let me go and fight. Dron raised his bow and instructed his charioteer to take him to the middle of the battlefield. Karna overheard Duryodhan's conversation with Dron. He pulled his chariot near Duryodhan and said My friend, you should not blame Dron. The poor Brahmin is old and has lost his touch. He no longer possesses the vigor and skill that once made him a great warrior. Don't you worry. I alone will defeat the Pandavas and make you victorious. Kripacharya was passing by. He stopped and laughed at Karno. If words could have won battles then I'm sure you'd succeed in bringing victory to Duryodhan. In all your previous battles with the Pandavas you lost miserably and had to run away to save yourself. Now stop boasting and go fight. Karna was furious. He yelled at Kripa. How dare you insult me? Do you have any idea about my strength and prowess? I have in possession the deadly Shakti weapon of Indra. No mortal can escape it. I have been saving it for I planned to use the weapon to kill Arjuna. And when I hurl the weapon not even Krishna can save him. So keep your mouth shut and watch me do my job. For if you utter one more word of insult I'll cut off your tongue. Dron's son Asvathama heard this and couldn't control himself he pulled out his sword and ran to Karna. How dare you threaten my uncle Kripacharya. Who do you think you are? Where were you when Arjun killed Jayadrat? Where was your so called Shakti weapon? You are nothing but a fraud. You deserve to die. Aswathama raised his sword to strike Karna. Duryodhana and Kripa jumped ahead to stop him. Control yourself, Aswathama, said Duryodhan. My friend Karna had no ill intention. Please forgive him Ashwathama was still angry. If if Uncle Kripacharya forgives him then only I can forgive. Kripa said well we are all on the same side. We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves. I forgive you Karna for your insolence. But remember Arjun won't be so kind and he will not tolerate your arrogance.

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[Sudipta Bhomik]

About the Creeper and then asked his chariot to take him to the middle of there he launched the most ferocious attack one could imagine. None of the Kauravas had such a devastating effect on the Kaurava soldiers in the battle so far. Thousands were killed and Karna's bow seemed to be spitting out endless stream of deadly arrows. The sun went down on the western horizon, but no corn shells rang out to deter the end of the day's battle. The fighting continued and in the darkness of the night one could only hear the death cries of the soldiers, the sound of the racing chariots, the galloping of the horses and the cries of the stampeding elephants. The generals on both sides asked the warriors to carry lambs and torches. Each elephant carried seven torches, each chariot carried ten, each horse two, and the infantrymen carried one torch each. The thousands of dancing torchlights gave the battlefield an eerie look that was never witnessed before. Unable to control Karna's onslaught, the Pandava army began to scatter and flee the battlefield. Yudhishthir knew if Karna isn't checked tonight might be the last night of the war. He asked his charioteer to take him to Arjun. Yudhishthir's charioteer skillfully drove the chariot through the darkness and took him to Arjun. Yudhishthir stood up on his chariot and yelled, arjun, what are you doing here? Go stop Karna. He is killing thousands of Pandava soldiers every instant. Our warriors and generals are fleeing the battlefield. You must kill Karna today. Arjun knew Yudhishthir was serious. He looked at Krishna and said, krishna, take me to Karna tonight. Either I will kill Karna or he'll kill me. Krishna looked at Yudhishthir and said, don't worry Yudhishthir, we'll take care of Karna. You should go to your tent and take some rest. Krishna tugged the reins of his horses and the chariot slowly moved forward. Arjun was perplexed. What are you doing, Krishna? Take me to Karna. Krishna stopped the chariot and said, listen to me carefully. Karna has with him a deadly weapon called Shakti. Lord Indra gave him this weapon when struck. Nobody can survive it. Karna has been keeping this weapon in his custody with the sole objective of using it against you till now. He has been waiting for the right moment to strike after Jayadrat's fall. He is under tremendous pressure to do something. So I don't think it would be wise of you to face him now. I can't hide away from Karna just because he has this weapon, said Arjun. You know very well that only I can stop Karna and defeat him. No other human being can kill him, right? No other human being can defeat Karna but a Rakshas can, said Krishna. Arjun was baffled. Krishna elaborated. Bhim Sen's son, the Giant Rakshas, Ghatotkach is an indomitable fighter. He has a wide array of weapons at his disposal and he possesses magical powers. He should be able to overpower Karna and defeat him. Let me summon him. As soon as Krishna thought of Ghatotkach, the Giant Rakshas appeared before him. He bowed to Krishna and said, please accept my regards. Krishna, tell me, what can I do for you? Krishna smiled at him and said, my dear Khatkach, I have heard that you have killed thousands of enemy soldiers and wreaked havoc amongst the Kauravas. Now you have something greater to do. Karna is causing a lot of trouble to your uncles and your relatives. His arrows are killing thousands of Pandavas and our warriors and generals are fleeing the battlefield in hordes. You must use your powers to stop and destroy Karna. I know your powers amplify during the night, so this is the best time to exercise your strength and your magic. Arjuna said, I regard you as the greatest of the Pandava warriors, same as Bhim Shen and Satyaki. I want you to engage with Karna tonight. Satyaki will cover you. Khatorkaj bowed to Krishna and Arjuna and said, thank you for your trust in me. Tonight I'll fight a battle that nobody has seen before. I won't spare anybody. Victory will be ours. Khadutka jumped on his chariot and drove to the direction of Karna. Karna wasn't prepared for this sudden attack from this huge and grotesque looking Rakshas Khatoth Kutch. With eyes, bloodshot, beard dyed yellow and teeth sharp as steel swords and a brass armor on his body, Khatod Kach rode a chariot driven by hundred horses. On top of the chariot mast sat a hungry vulture who teared apart the flesh of Katotkach's victims in seconds. Lorna was startled for a moment, but then attacked Khatoth Kutch with full force. Khatkach used his magic to create thousands of ferocious looking Rakshas soldiers who attacked Karna's army using spears, machetes, boulders, chains and whatnot. Karatkach used all to confuse Karna. Sometimes he would disappear and then suddenly attack from behind. Sometimes he'd fly up high in the sky and attack from above and the next instant emerge from the ground below and howl a spear at Karna. Karna wasn't fooled though. He riddled Khatoth Kach with arrows and soon the Rakshas looked like a porcupine. Suddenly Katotkach split himself into several wild animals like lions, tigers and snakes and pounced upon Karna. Karna killed them all, but Kato Kaj was indomitable. Alayud, another Rakshas from the Kauravasai attacked Khatodkach. Khatodkach severed his head and threw it at Duryodhan. Khatod Kach's illusionary Rakshas army began to kill thousands of Kaurava soldiers and Karna was finding it difficult to keep up with his never ending tricks. Karna knew at this rate Ghatotkocch alone can annihilate the entire Kaurava Duryodhan came running to Karna and said what are you doing Karna? Kill Ghatakach immediately else we are doomed. I am trying my best, said Karna as he shot another volley of weapons at Gatutkach it seems he is indestructible Use your Shakti weapon on Ghatakach, said Duryodhan that weapon will kill him for sure, isn't it? Yes, but. But I have kept the weapon for Arjun it can be used only once Karna was hesitant Duryodhana was impatient Forget Arjun if we can't kill Ghatotkach now the war will end tonight don't hesitate. Use the weapon and kill Khatod Kach Now Karna knew Duryodhana was right Katot Kach must be eliminated to keep alive any hopes for Kaurava victory He pulled out the deadly Shakti weapon aimed it at Ghatotkach uttered a mantra and hurled it the weapon shot ahead with a loud roar with fire streaming from its tip and before one could blink an eye it struck Ghatotkac's chest and exploded with a loud bang. Khadotgach stumbled at the impact of the weapon he knew instantly that his final moment has come I. I must cause maximum damage to the Kauravas even with my dad. Using his magical powers he began to expand himself and soon became as huge as a mountain and then as he died his body crashed to the ground on top of the Kaurava soldier killing thousands by crushing them to their death. The Kauravas who survived rejoiced at the death of Gatotkach they praised Karna for his gallantry and prowess in destroying the Rakshas while the Pandavas felt depressed at the death of Bhim's son Krishna, however, didn't seem to be sorry at all when the news of Ghatotkacha's demise reached him he jumped in joy and hugged Arjun Arjun was surprised to say the least he asked Krishna, what are you doing? Bhim Sen's son My nephew Ghatot Kutch has been killed and you are dancing in joy. Krishna laughed and said yes, yes, I am happy indeed very happy for you. Karna has spent his Shakti weapon on Gatotkach the weapon that he intended to use on you that is why I sent Gatotkach to fight Karna to save you. Now you should be able to kill Karna without any fear Arjun was stunned to hear this how could you be so cruel, Krishna? Krishna smiled and said I have done this only for you for it is through you I want to get rid of evil and build a righteous world for you. I have killed Jarasandha, I have killed Sushupal and Ekalavya. If they weren't dead they would have joined Duryodhan and caused your defeat. For you I caused the deaths of Villeins like Hirimba, Bak, Kirmir and now Khatoth Kach. It's good that Karna killed Khatoth Kutch and gave him a glorious death. If not one of these days I might have to kill him. You would have killed Ghatkach. Arjun was shocked to hear this. Gadutkach is your nephew Bhim Sen's son and he has treated you and your family with respect. But I know he was a Brahmin hater and a ferocious creature who has plundered many hermitages and Yajnas, tortured the sages and the hermits and killed many innocent humans. I've been hearing complaints about him a lot and didn't take any harsh action only because of you. Now he has died a proper warrior's death and will be respected forever. So stop lamenting and get ready to fight again. Krishna tugged the reins of his horses and the chariot began to roll. With a heavy heart, Arjuna picked up his gondeiver and prepared to fight the enemy once again. The Stories of Mahabharata is written, directed and told by Shilipta Bhamek Audio Engineering Original music and sound design by Avi Ziv Find us [e-mail] MahaBharataPodcast Join the group for updates and news. Subscribe to the podcast using itunes or any other podcast catcher on Twitter. We are Mahabharataudio.

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[Sudipta Bhomik]

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[Sudipta Bhomik]

And now for some late breaking news. The podcast is also available as a book, Duapar the Stories of Mahabharata, published by HarperCollins India.