The Last Rites of Karna: A Detailed Examination in the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is a rich and extensive epic that narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war and the complex interrelation of its characters. One of the most intriguing parts of the epic is the way in which the last rites of Karna were carried out. This article delves into the details of how Karna's last rites were performed, based on the descriptions provided in the epic.
The Rites According to Stri-Parva
According to the Stri-Parva, which is part of the Mahabharata, the last rites of Karna were performed by King Yudhishthira, who was known for his righteousness and wisdom. The text states that 'The puissant monarch then offered oblations of water unto his deceased elder brother.' This indicates that Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava brother, performed the funeral rites for Karna, recognizing the bond of brotherhood and the gravity of the occasion.
During the ritual, Shri Hari (an incarnation of Lord Krishna) and Veda Vyas play crucial roles in resolving a conflict between the Pandavas and Duryodhana over who would perform the last rites. Initially, Duryodhana and the Pandavas led by Yudhishthira were in a conflict due to the honor and recognition of Karna's status as a great warrior. Duryodhana viewed performing the last rites as his opportunity to honor a great warrior, while the Pandavas, guided by Krishna, saw it as a moment of communion with a deceased brother.
The conflict is ultimately resolved through the intervention of Shri Hari. Krishna convinces Yudhishthira that the bond of friendship is stronger and that Duryodhana should perform the last rites, thereby allowing both parties to honor Karna in their own right. This resolution highlights the complex interplay of familial and social obligations in the epic.
Various Accounts of Karna's Last Rites
There are several accounts regarding who performed Karna's last rites. One popular belief is that Krishna, due to Karna's request, performed the last rites on the palm of his hand. This is based on a passage where Karna is said to have wished for his last rites to be performed on the palm of a virtuous soul. The text suggests that Krishna, being the epitome of virtue, fulfilled Karna's wish.
However, based on the descriptions in the Mahabharata, King Yudhishthira performed the last rites. The text mentions that 'the intelligent king of the Kurus Yudhishthira caused the wives and members of Karna's family to be brought before him. Of righteous soul he performed with them the water-rite in honour of his eldest brother.' This indicates a more traditional and religious approach to the ritual, aligning with Yudhishthira's character as a just and righteous ruler.
Conclusion
The last rites of Karna in the Mahabharata are a testament to the complexities and nuances of the epic. The text presents a detailed account of how Karna was honored by his family and the assistance of Lord Krishna, highlighting the importance of friendship, righteousness, and ritual observance. The conflict between Duryodhana and the Pandavas and the eventual resolution through the intervention of Shri Hari underline the moral dilemmas and the way they were resolved in the epic.
Keywords:
Mahabharata, Karna, Last Rites