But something important was happening elsewhere.
Taking a few steps back in time, we arrive exactly at the period in which Lomasa had returned from the planet of Indra. One day he had taken Yudhisthira aside and told him an important message concerning Karna, the nightmare that constantly threatened his dreams. Indra had in fact sent him to say the following:
“You are right to be worried about Karna, who, under certain conditions, may actually prove to be stronger than Arjuna. But Duryodhana should not be victorious, so I will make sure that he becomes vulnerable.”
In the thirteenth year of the Pandavas’ exile, Karna had a dream. At night, Vivasvan appeared to him, and the brave warrior immediately offered him his most respectful obeisances. He did not know that the Deva was his mysterious father; however, he had always worshiped him as his favorite deity and spent many hours of his time in meditation.
Surya also appeared to him in an image as sharp as the clarity of the day and gave him a warning.
“You have become famous all over the world for the generosity with which you give whatever is asked of you, especially if it is a Brahmana who asks for it. But know that tomorrow Indra will come to see you disguised as a Brahmana and will want you to make an offer to him. If you show yourself ready to please him, he will ask your natural armor and your celestial earrings, without which you are much less strong. The purpose he has in mind is clear: Arjuna is his son and he wants him to beat you in the fateful duel which will take place in a few months. For this time you must not be charitable. Do not agree to his requests, or you will be defeated. Say no and you will be safe.“
In the dream, Karna pondered it for a while, and he thought:
“Some time ago, I made the solemn vow to grant whatever was required of me, including my life. So, if Indra comes tomorrow, he will have what he desires.”
Vivasvan, despite having been pleasantly surprised and admired by that son so firm in his vows, preferred not to reveal the secret of his birth to him.
“Since you are so determined,” retorted the Deva, “do as you please. But when Indra asks you if you want something in return, then ask him for the shakti. No one can survive if he is attacked by the personal weapon of the king of the demigods. Thus, despite being stripped of your armor and earrings, Arjuna will be killed.”
The next morning, when Karna woke up, he was not feeling cheerful as usual but rather thoughtful. That dream had shaken him.
This is a section of the book “Maha-bharata, Vol. 1”.
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