Mahabharata’s Moral Crossroads: Karna & Bhishma’s Choices
Karna’s Dilemma: The Sacrifice of Kavach-Kundal
Karna, a pivotal character in the Mahabharata, faced a profound moral dilemma regarding his divine kavach (armor) and kundal (earrings). These celestial endowments made him invincible and were crucial for ensuring Duryodhana’s victory in the Kurukshetra War.
The Dilemma and Karna’s Choice
When Indra, disguised as a Brahmin, approached Karna to ask for his kavach-kundal as alms, Karna was presented with two stark choices:
- Keep the Kavach-Kundal: This would ensure his invincibility, secure Duryodhana’s triumph, and protect his friend.
- Give them away: This would risk his life and his side’s chances in the war, but preserve his image as Daanveer (the great giver).
Karna chose to give away his divine armor and earrings.
The Reason Behind Karna’s Decision
Karna prioritized his personal reputation as Daanveer above all else. He valued his image as the great giver more than his loyalty to Duryodhana or the ultimate outcome of the war. Despite being fully aware that surrendering his kavach-kundal would strip him of his invincibility and likely lead to his demise, he placed his ego and reputation above Dharma (righteous duty), friendship, and the greater good. In this critical dilemma, Karna ultimately chose himself and his personal image.
Bhishma’s Silence During Draupadi’s Disrobing
During the infamous disrobing of Draupadi in the Kuru court, Draupadi appealed to the assembled elders, including Bhishma, for protection. Bhishma, the patriarch, faced a profound moral conflict.
Bhishma’s Dilemma and His Choice
He was confronted with two difficult choices:
- Act as an Elder: Intervene and stop the adharmic (unrighteous) act, upholding justice and compassion.
- Obey the King’s Order: Adhere to his lifelong pledge to always obey the king of Hastinapura, regardless of the command.
Bhishma chose to remain silent, bound by his vow.
Moral Implications of Bhishma’s Decision
Bhishma’s choice was not morally correct. In this critical dilemma, he failed to uphold the greater good (Dharma), which would have been to protect Draupadi’s dignity and prevent an unrighteous act. Instead, he prioritized his personal pledge (swadharma) over universal justice and compassion. Unlike figures such as Yudhishthira or Vibhishana, who chose Dharma in their difficult situations, Bhishma placed loyalty to the throne and his personal vow above his moral responsibility.
The Bhishma Pratigya: A Vow of Sacrifice
Bhishma, originally known as Devavrata, took a formidable and “terrific vow,” famously known as the Bhishma Pratigya. This pledge profoundly shaped his life and the destiny of Hastinapura.
Components of the Bhishma Pratigya
- To remain a lifelong celibate (Brahmachari).
- To renounce his right to the throne of Hastinapura.
- To always obey the king of Hastinapura.
The Reason Behind the Vow
After his divine mother, Ganga, departed, King Shantanu fell deeply in love with Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman. Satyavati’s father, however, imposed a strict condition for their marriage: only Satyavati’s children, and none other, should inherit the throne of Hastinapura. King Shantanu was heartbroken by this condition, as he already had a worthy son, Devavrata.
To alleviate his father’s sorrow and ensure his happiness, Devavrata made this tremendous sacrifice. He vowed to give up marriage, family, and his rightful claim to kingship, thereby eliminating any potential challenge to Satyavati’s sons’ succession. It was because of this extraordinary sacrifice that Devavrata became known as Bhishma, “the one who took a terrible/terrific vow.”