Stories of the Great Bharata - A Retelling

Arc 1 - Karna-senāpati-nirmāṇa Parva - Chapter 10 - Salya Appointed as Karna’s Charioteer

Sañjaya said—“As Brahmā, Creator and Grandsire, became the charioteer of Rudra, so, O Śalya, restrain the steeds of the high-souled son of Radha as Grandsire restrained the steeds of Śaṅkara. Doubt it not, O tiger among kings: thou art superior to Kṛṣṇa in horsemanship, to Karṇa in the craft of reins, to Phālguṇa in the lore of steeds. In battle Karṇa is like Rudra; in counsel thou art like Brahmā. Together, ye can subdue foes as the gods subdued the Asuras. Do swiftly today that by which Karṇa, grinding the Pāṇḍava ranks, may slay Kuntī’s son with white steeds and Keśava for his driver. On thee rest Karṇa, ourselves, our realm, our victory. Hold, therefore, the reins of his excellent steeds.”

Then Duryodhana added, “Hear another tale—spoken by a righteous Brāhmaṇa in my father’s presence. Let its reasons and purposes guide thy choice.”

In the race of the Bhṛgus was Jamadagni, austere and steadfast. His son, renowned as Rāma (Paraśurāma), shone with energy and virtue. By rigid vows, tranquil heart, and sense-control, he sought from Bhava the science of weapons. Pleased by his devotion, Maheśvara manifested to him and said: “O Rāma, I am gratified. Purify thy soul; when thou art fit, I shall grant all weapons. They burn the unworthy who grasp them.” Bowing low, Jamadagni’s son answered: “O God of gods, bestow those weapons upon me—when Thou deemest me worthy, devoted as I am to Thy service.”

“Not fire for hands untried, unsure,

Nor thunder lent to hearts impure;

First cleanse the self, then claim the art—

The bow obeys the stainless heart.”

So Rāma worshipped Śarva for many years—with penances, vows, mantra and homa, sacrifice and self-restraint. At last Maheśvara, before His divine spouse, proclaimed the Bhārgava’s virtues: “This Rāma, firm in vow, is ever devoted to Me.” Meanwhile the Dāityas waxed proud and oppressed the heavens; the gods, united yet unequal to the task, sought Maheśvara, crying, “Slay our foes!” The Lord promised their destruction and summoned the Bhārgava: “O descendant of Bhṛgu, for the good of the worlds—and for My satisfaction—slay the gathered foes of the gods.”

Rāma replied: “Weaponless and mortal, how shall I smite Dānavas skilled in every arm?” Maheśvara said: “Go at My command. Having vanquished them, thou shalt win great merit.” Accepting that charge, the Bhārgava performed auspicious rites and went forth. He challenged the Dāityas—mighty, proud, and deluded—and they fought. The delight of the Bhṛgus struck them down with strokes whose touch was Indra’s thunder. Wounded in many places, he returned to Maheśvara; touched by Sthāṇu, his wounds were healed. Pleased, the Great God granted him diverse boons and the celestial weapons he desired.

“He bled and bowed, yet did not break;

He healed by grace for duty’s sake.

The arms he won by pain made pure—

Through trial’s fire the strong endure.”

Sañjaya said—“Thus armed with every celestial weapon and blessed with boons, Rāma bowed to Śiva and, receiving leave of the gods, departed. This is the old tale the seer recited. That descendant of Bhṛgu imparted the entire science of weapons to high-souled Karṇa, O king, with delighted heart. If fault had stained Karṇa, the Bhārgava—delighter of his line—would not have entrusted him with those divine arms.

I do not think Karṇa was born a Sūta’s child. He seems to me a god-begotten Kṣatriya, abandoned in infancy that his inborn mark and measure might be known by form and feat. With natural earrings and natural mail, that long-armed hero—bright as the Sun—could not have been borne by a common woman, even as a doe cannot bear a tiger. Behold his elephant-trunk arms; behold his vast chest fit to receive the shock of every foe. Vaikartana, that disciple of Rāma, is no ordinary man—endued with mighty valour and a soul of lofty reach.”

“Mail of birth and earrings bright,

A lion’s chest, a thundered might—

By deed the hidden lineage speaks;

The Sun breaks through the cloud he seeks.”

Sañjaya said—“Duryodhana, his heart elate, once more addressed the ruler of the Madras with words of deep reverence:

‘Even thus, O King, did the Grandsire of the worlds act as charioteer when Rudra became the warrior. Then, too, the driver was greater than the fighter, and therefore must it be so now. As Brahmā once held the reins of Maheśvara’s steeds, so do thou, superior to Karṇa, hold without delay the reins of his coursers in battle. Carefully chosen art thou, O lord of Madra, even as Brahmā was chosen by the gods. Thou art greater than Karṇa even as the Self-born was greater than Śaṅkara. Take up the reins, O shining one, as the Grandsire once guided the steeds of the Three-eyed Lord.’

“As Brahmā guided Rudra’s might,

So guide, O King, this hero’s fight.

For when the reins are held by thee,

No foe may stand—no fate may flee.”

Śalya replied—‘O foremost of men, I have oft heard this ancient tale, divine and wondrous, how Brahmā became Rudra’s driver and how the Asuras were consumed by one shaft. Kṛṣṇa also, O Bhārata, knoweth this same tale—how the Grandsire guided Bhava’s car of old. He who knoweth the past and future chose thus to drive the car of Pārtha, even as the Self-born once held the reins of Rudra. If by any fortune the Sūta’s son slay Kuntī’s child, then Kṛṣṇa, beholding Pārtha fallen, will Himself take up arms. That bearer of conch and discus and mace will then consume thy host; none shall stand before the wrath of the Lord of the Vṛṣṇis.’

“Should Arjuna fall, the sky shall flame,

For Kṛṣṇa’s wrath no man can tame.

The conch shall sound, the discus fly—

And kings shall perish, scorched thereby.”

Sañjaya said—“Unto the ruler of Madra thus speaking, thy son, of cheerful heart, answered:

‘Think not lightly of Karṇa, O mighty-armed one, for he is foremost of bowmen, master of the scriptures, skilled in every weapon. At the sound of his bow, the hosts of the Pāṇḍavas scatter. Thou hast seen, O hero, how Ghaṭotkaca, screened by illusion, was slain by him alone that night. Vibhatsu himself hath long feared to face him; Bhīmasena too hath been smitten and mocked by him as “glutton” and “fool.” Nakula and Sahadeva were once defeated by him, though he spared their lives. Even Sātyaki, lion of the Vṛṣṇis, was vanquished and made carless. The Pāñcālas, the Śṛñjayas, all have fled before him. Roused to wrath, that mighty car-warrior could slay even Purandara armed with thunder.

Thyself, O King, art skilled in every arm and science. There is none like thee in strength of arm or knowledge of steeds. Thou art a dart to thy foes, and therefore men call thee Śalya. None of the Sātvatas could prevail against thy might. Is Kṛṣṇa truly stronger than thou? As He sustains the Pāṇḍava host should Pārtha fall, even so shalt thou sustain our host should Karṇa fall. Why then doubt our victory? For thy sake, I would walk the path of my fallen brothers and all the slain lords of Earth.’”

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“For thee I’d tread through death and flame,

And follow where departed came;

My life, my realm, my hope, my pride—

In Karṇa’s arms and thine abide.”

Śalya said—‘O son of Gāndhārī, when thou proclaimest me greater than Devakī’s son, my heart is pleased indeed. I accept the reins of Radha’s son when he fights the foremost of Pāṇḍu’s heirs. Yet I make this compact with Vaikartana—that I may speak as I will in his presence.’

Sañjaya said—“Then thy son and Karṇa together replied, ‘So be it,’ before all the assembled kings. Assured by Śalya’s acceptance, Duryodhana, filled with joy, embraced Karṇa as bards sang his praise. Again he said to him, ‘Slay the sons of Pāṇḍu in battle, as Indra slew the Dānavas.’

Śalya having accepted the office, Karṇa, though gladdened, said softly to Duryodhana, ‘The Madra king spoke not with full cheer. Entreat him again, O lord, with gentle words.’

Then Duryodhana, wise and resolute, addressed Śalya once more, his voice deep as thunder, filling all the camp:

‘O Śalya, Karṇa prepares to face Arjuna today. Hold, O tiger among men, the reins of his steeds. Having slain all others, Karṇa seeks to slay Phālguṇa. I beseech thee again and again: as Kṛṣṇa guards Pārtha, so guard Radha’s son from every peril.’

Hearing these words, Śalya, the lord of Madra, embraced the Kuru prince and said joyfully:

‘If such be thy will, O son of Gāndhārī, I shall do all that may be pleasing to thee. Whatever task I may be fit for, therein shall I exert my whole soul. Let Karṇa and thyself forgive whatever words, kind or stern, I may utter for his good.’

Then Karṇa said, ‘Be thou, O ruler of Madra, as Brahmā to Īśāna, as Keśava to Pārtha, ever intent on our welfare.’

Śalya answered, ‘Self-praise, self-blame, slander, and flattery are not for the noble. Yet, to calm thy heart, hear this:

Like Mātali guiding Indra, I can guide even him in battle—in vigilance, in lore of steeds, in foresight of peril and skill to shun it. When thou meetest Pārtha, I shall hold the reins. Cast thy care aside, O son of the Sūta.’”

“When Mātali’s hand held Indra’s rein,

No storm could shake his skyward train;

So shall my grasp thy coursers keep—

Ride forth, and wake the gods from sleep.”

Sañjaya said — “Then Duryodhana, radiant as fire, spoke unto Karṇa with joy:

‘This ruler of the Madras shall be thy charioteer — superior even to Kṛṣṇa — as Mātali is to the lord of the celestials. As Mātali guideth Indra’s coursers, so shall Śalya hold the reins of thine. With thee as warrior and him as driver, this car shall be invincible — even the Pāṇḍavas shall fall before it.’

When dawn broke, Duryodhana again addressed the Madra king, saying, ‘O ruler of the Madras, guide the steeds of Karṇa’s foremost car. Protected by thee, the son of Radha shall conquer Dhanañjaya.’

Śalya answered simply, “So be it.”

Then the ruler of Madra approached Karṇa’s chariot, gleaming like a palace of vapor set in the heavens. With a glad heart, Karṇa said to his charioteer, “Quickly equip my car.”

The charioteer prepared that triumphal car — adorned with golden standards, wreathed with garlands, resounding with bells — and Śalya, bowing slightly, presented it to Karṇa, saying, “Blessed be thou. Victory be thine.”

Circumambulating the chariot, Karṇa worshipped it as one sanctified by ancient rite, made pure by priestly hymns. Then, standing before the image of Sūrya, his divine father, he bowed low and prayed, and turning to the Madra king, said, “Ascend the car.”

Śalya, strong as a lion, mounted that vast and radiant vehicle as though ascending a mountain peak. Beholding him seated, Karṇa too ascended, blazing like the Sun riding a cloud that glows with lightning.

Together they shone — warrior and driver — like Sūrya and Agni enthroned upon a thunder-cloud. The bards and panegyrists chanted their praise, hymning the two heroes as priests hymn Indra and Agni in sacrifice.

Standing firm, Karṇa grasped his mighty bow; Śalya held the reins. The car seemed ringed with the radiance of a solar halo, and the son of Radha glimmered thereon like the morning sun rising over Mandara.

Then Duryodhana, filled with exultant hope, addressed him, saying:

‘O son of Adhiratha, O hero! Do what Bhīṣma and Droṇa could not — the impossible feat in the sight of assembled kings. I thought those lions among men would surely slay Arjuna and Bhīmasena; yet fate withheld it.

Be thou today a second wielder of the thunderbolt! Either seize Yudhiṣṭhira the just or slay Arjuna, Bhīma, and the sons of Mādrī. Burn the host of Pāṇḍu’s sons to ashes and bring victory to me, O Karṇa!’

Then sounded a thousand trumpets and ten thousand drums, roaring together like storm-clouds in the sky.

Standing on his gleaming car, the son of Radha spoke to Śalya:

‘Urge the steeds, O mighty-armed one! Today I shall smite Dhanañjaya, Bhīmasena, the twin sons of Mādrī, and Yudhiṣṭhira himself. Let Arjuna behold the strength of my arm and the rain of my shafts feathered with kaṅka plumes. For the glory of Duryodhana, I will shoot until the sky grows dark with arrows.’

“Winged shafts shall cloud the day,

The earth shall quake beneath their play;

Let Arjuna’s gaze this hour discern,

The sun of Karṇa fierce to burn.”

Then Śalya, master of steeds and seasoned in war, spoke gravely:

‘O son of the Sūta, why think so lightly of the sons of Pāṇḍu? They are heroes all—steadfast, unretreating, versed in every weapon. Their valour cannot be baffled; their might strikes fear into even Indra’s heart.

When thou hearest the twang of Gāṇḍīva, pealing like thunder in the storm, thou wilt not boast so high. When Dharma’s son and the twins darken the sky with arrows, and the lords of Pāñcāla and Śṛñjaya move like lightning in their swiftness, then thy words will change, O Karṇa.’

“When Gāṇḍīva’s thunder rolls on high,

And clouds of shafts o’erspread the sky,

Then pride shall fade, and wrath shall pale—

Before the sons of Kuntī’s mail.”

Sañjaya said—“But disregarding the counsel of the Madra king, Karṇa, his heart fixed and fierce with purpose, said only one word: ‘Proceed.’

And the steeds, urged by Śalya’s hand, leapt forward like the four winds of heaven, bearing the fiery son of Radha to his fated duel with Arjuna.”

Sañjaya said—

“Beholding mighty Karna take up his station for battle, the Kaurava host roared with delight on every side. Cymbals clashed, drums thundered, bows twanged, conches blared, and the cries of warriors eager for death shook the air. The earth itself trembled beneath their tread; the heavens echoed with ominous sounds.

Then strange portents rose across the world: the seven planets, Sun included, seemed to move against one another; fiery meteors rained; the quarters blazed red. Thunder rumbled from a cloudless sky; fierce winds swept the field. Beasts and birds, circling to the right of thy army, cried in dread foreboding. The steeds of Karna stumbled and fell; a ghastly rain of bones descended from the firmament; weapons glowed like living fire; banners quivered; elephants and chargers wept tears of blood. Yet stupefied by fate, the Kurus marked not these signs of doom.

The lords of earth, seeing the son of the Sūta advance, shouted “Victory to Karna!” believing the sons of Pāṇḍu already slain. The mighty warrior stood blazing like the Sun recalling the deaths of Bhīṣma and Droṇa; wrath and pride burned within him as he turned to Śalya and spoke.

‘When I stand upon my car, bow in hand, even Indra with thunderbolt could not affright me. Grieve not, O Śalya, though Bhīṣma and Droṇa have fallen. Those heroes, equal to Indra and Viṣṇu, wielders of divine weapons, are gone—but I, Vaikartana, still remain. None save I can bear the onset of Arjuna, who in battle is Death himself.

Droṇa had skill and might and all the weapons of heaven; yet even he could not escape destiny. When that high-souled one was slain, what man can dream of safety? Strength, policy, and arms avail not against the hand of Time.

Behold, O king, our women wail and our children weep. Our valor is broken. Know it well—I alone must fight. Drive now against the Pāṇḍavas, the Pāñcālas, the Śṛñjayas! Either I shall slay them all or go to Yama by the path that Droṇa trod.

Destiny cannot be shunned. For Duryodhana’s sake I will lay down this body, dear though it be. This car, clad in tiger-skin, silent of axle, adorned with gold and silver, yoked with the steeds once given me by Rāma, shall bear me forth.

Behold my bows and maces, my sword, my white conch whose blare is terror, my golden quivers filled with serpentine shafts. Upon this chariot, whose wheels roar like thunder, I will meet that bull among warriors, Arjuna. Though Yama himself guard him, though Varuṇa, Kubera, and Indra shield him with all their hosts, still will I pierce him down and triumph—or perish!’

“If Heaven’s own hosts should guard his life,

Yet would I seek the fatal strife;

For doom may bind, but fear I none—

So swears the son of Sūrya’s son.”

Then Śalya laughed aloud and said in scorn:

‘Forbear, forbear, O Karna, from such vain boasting! Drunk with joy, thou speakest what ill befits a warrior. Where is Dhanañjaya, that lion among men—and where art thou, the lowest of men?

Who but Arjuna could bear away Kṛṣṇa’s sister from the house of the Yādavas, guarded by the younger brother of Indra? Who else could summon to combat Bhava, the Lord of all, upon a dispute of sacrifice? For Agni’s sake he vanquished gods, Dānavas, Nāgas, and men; he fed that god with foes as offerings.

Remember, O Karna, when thou didst flee from the Gandharvas and Arjuna freed Duryodhana himself. Remember the cattle raid at Virāṭa, when thou and Bhīṣma and Droṇa and all thy kings were overthrown by one man alone. Why didst thou not conquer him then?

For thy destruction another field awaits. Go forth if thou darest—but know that when thou meetest Arjuna, death himself shall greet thee on the way.’

“He who fled once from Gandharva’s hand

Shall fall today on Kuru land;

Where Gāṇḍīva sings its fiery breath,

There waits thy crownless sleep in death.”