While Karna and his two sons were busy slaughtering millions of Soldiers in the bloody field of Kurukshetra. Back in the Pandava Camp, the Warriors who had survived Karna's onslaught were nursing their wounds. Among them sat their King, Yudhisthira, whose Celestial Armour had been shattered by Karna.
A sense of foreboding seemed to have fallen amongst these greatest Warriors of The Third Age. The Pandavas have always remained victorious. They have conquered most of the Earth to make their brother, the Emperor. They have taken on Warriors like undying Bhisma and Guru Drona. They have fought to a stalemate against Indra, The King of The Gods and his armies of Gandharvas (Soldiers of Heaven), Nagas (Divine beings, half Snake and half Human. Great at magic and reality warping), Magical Nymphs, Heavenly Birds and other Celestials.
But today their pride has been shattered by a single Warrior.
Even though he was a Suta, the Pandavas, especially Bheema, have always taken Karna as a serious threat. Just like them, the Suta was an all-rounder in all Weapons, even wrestling and hand to hand combat. Something which Bheema, learned yesterday when Karna defeated him in Mace fighting before humiliating him by dragging him across the battlefield of Kurukshetra with the tip of his bow.
But today, it looks like his powers have almost doubled. If Karna was a storm yesterday, today he was a hurricane, armed with his Divine Bow.
Yudhishtir groans as the healers applied healing herbs, made by his younger Brothers, at his wounds "I am fine" He muttered before looking at one of the Warriors "Please bring a new Armour"
Nakula looked at his older brother in confusion "What?"
Yudhisthira closed his eyes "A King can't abandon his men in the midst of a Battle no matter how injured he is" He shifted and groaned as another jolt of pain rocked his body "I have to return to the battlefield".
Understanding the finality in his tone they become silent, which was broken when the flap of the Tent opened, and Arjuna and Krishna entered.
The Wielder of Gandiva, looked relieved after seeing his older brother and King still alive, after the slaughter caused by Karna.
On the other hand Yudhishtir looked at Arjuna and Krishna, and seeing them without any injury, he jumped into the conclusion that his brother and his friend had slayed Karna.
Yudhishtir jumped to his feet and with a voice filled with joy, exclaimed "Oh my dear brother. It's a bliss to see you without being wounded even after fighting and slaying the mighty armed Karna. You all don't know but Karna's shadow had always haunted me for the past 13 years, like The God Of Death himself. He always comes in my dream and taunts that he will slay us all and snatch victory from our grasp" He shuddered before smiling "Oh Dhananjaya Arjuna! You have always been the foremost of Warriors. The Slayer of Nivatakavachas, The Kalkeyas, the one who fought Indra to a standstill. I always knew that you are the only one who could have slayed the invincible Karna!"
Yudhisthira then turned towards Krishna and exclaimed joyfully "Oh Krishna! Oh Madhava! The Slayer of The Demon Mura! Of Kamsa! We are forever indebted to you for your help. Oh Great Madhusudana! Thank you for assisting Arjuna in his greatest Battle and helping him slay Karna".
Arjuna who is baffled and confused by his brother's blabbering, spoke in haste to clear any misunderstanding "Brother I don't know what you are talking about. I was fighting against Ashwathama and after that, I fought against multiple group attacks led by Kritiverma, Shusherma's brothers and Kripacharia. The two remaining sons of Karna, too attacked me in multiple group attacks, but I vanquished them in battle and they all fled like kittens in front of a lion." Arjuna replied passionately "I haven't fought against Karna yet but rest assured brother, today I will slay the Suta or die trying. Come my King, come and witness our great battle".
Arjun's words fell on Yudhishtir's ears like molten gold, evaporating all the happiness from the Pandava King. Disappointment engulfed the always calm and righteous King, filling him with red hot anger.
Gritting his teeth the King began venting his anger in the form of harsh words
"You wicked Soul! You Coward! I didn't know that you feared Adhiratha's son. You ride a Celestial Chariot made by God Vishwakarma, the divine builder, himself. The Power of mighty Hanumana resides in your Flag. You have a divine Sword gifted to you by The Celestial Artisan, Lord Tvashtr. You are clad in Celestial Armour given to you by your father, The King Of Gods, Indra. Your Gandiva Bow is made by The Creator of The Universe, Brahma himself. And above all The Great Shri Krishna himself drives your Chariot!" Yudhisthira screamed "Then Why?! Why Did you flee from the battle?!"
The Warriors were all shocked at hearing such harsh words from their, always calm and composed, King and towards his own younger brother no less. The same younger brother who had defeated great Warriors like The Undying Bhishma, Susharma, Jayadratha and Vrishasena.
Arjuna too was hurt by his elder brother's words but he kept himself composed, even though Yudhisthira's words hammered his Warrior's pride.
"I didn't flee, brother.." Arjuna tried to say but was interrupted again.
"What a failure you are! It would have been better had you not been born in our Mother's womb, but had been aborted in the fifth month itself. Oh evil souled one! That would have been better than withdrawing from the field of battle." Yudhisthira was hysterical now "If you can't kill Karna then give your Gandiva to some superior Warrior or King who can do your work, while you hide here".
Satyaki and Bheema froze in horror while Nakula and Sahadeva blanched in shock. Krishna shook his head sadly, knowing the mistake that Yudhisthira just made by insulting Arjuna's Gandiva Bow.
Arjuna snarled in anger, hearing such insults to his Mother and Bow, and he swiftly pulled out his Celestial Sword he had received from Lord Tvashtr, The Heavenly Artisan. The Sword was made with Gold and other Celestial Metals, it was encrusted with Diamonds and Rubies and it gleamed in a beautiful golden hue.
He slowly marched towards Yudhisthira with the intent of beheading him. Thankfully Krishna managed to stop his friend from making the mistake of Kingslaying.
"Brother?!" Nakula said stunned "Did you just try to kill our eldest brother? Our King"
Hearing the shocked tone of his younger brother, Arjuna glanced towards Nakula, and sighed like a tired lion "When Brother Bheema took the vow of slaying all hundred Kauravas, I too took a secret Vow that if anyone asks me to hand over Gandiva to someone else, I will slice off his head" He said angrily before turning towards Krishna "Oh Krishna! You have heard what the king with the miserable soul told me in your presence. How he insulted my honour, my mother, my Bow, and my skill as a Warrior. I have no interest in pardoning him. Therefore, I will kill Yudhishthira and keep my sacred Vow"
"So you will kill your Brother, your King to protect your Childish Vow?" Krishna said sternly "You have seen what vows taken readily can cause. Look at the past! Look at the Great Bhishma, who even though righteous, was destroyed by his vows".
Arjuna nodded angrily at his well wisher, knowing that Krishna is right. Sheathing his Celestial Sword he turned to Yudhisthira, and began speaking words he had never before spoken to any of his elders.
"Oh King! You should not censure me about having withdrawn, since you have yourself been stationed more than 6 Kroshas (6 Miles) away from the battle. You should not censure Brother Bheema either for he is fighting with the foremost of the warriors. He has slain all 99 Kaurava Brothers and many brave Kings and Warriors have fallen before him. He has killed more than a Million Elephants, while emitting fierce roars like a lion. Tell me have you ever done anything like this? Have you slain any great Warrior? You have run away from Bhisma, from Drona and now from Suta Karna. And you have the arrogance to blame us!!"
Hearing this Yudhisthira bowed his head in shame, feeling humiliated by the words of his younger brother. But unfortunately for him, Arjuna wasn't finished.
"Oh Great King of The Bharara lineage! Your Words are arrogant and cruel. You think you are righteous. But it was because of your love for Gambling that we have lost everything. And now for the sake of our Welfare, we are now fighting this bloody war. Two of my sons, Iravan and Abhimanyu, now lay dead because of your love and addiction for gambling. It was because of your foolishness that we lost the Throne" Arjuna sneered "So therefore, do not anger us by using these cruel words against us again".
Saying those words Arjuna left the tent, leaving a shocked audience in his wake. Sahadeva the most knowledgeable of his brothers, knows why Arjuna has done this. Speaking to your elders with harsh words is as good as killing them. So not to falsify his sacred vow, without killing his elder brother, Arjuna uttered those dreadful words.
"We all should get ready" Bheema's gruff voice stirred them from their stupor.
"Brother Bheema is right" Krishna spoke softly "Parth needs me for the greatest Battle of his life. King Yudhisthira, I hope you will come to see Arjuna's victory, that you so desperately seek".
With that, The Lord of The Universe exited the tent to prepare his Chariot.
By the time Arjuna returned, Karna and his sons were conquering the entire Kurukshetra like Mighty Lions terrorizing the jungle.
The rest of the Kauravas too weren't far behind their commander. Duryodhona is fighting against Magadha King Jayatsena in a fierce mace battle, while Ashwathama duels with Malayadhwaja, The King Of Pandya and his three sons.
The Pandava Army was quickly losing hope. Their King has retreated in the Camp while their Army was being slaughtered by the Kurus.
However salvation soon arrived in the form of Arjuna, who arrived riding on his Celestial Chariot, with Krishna as his Charioteer. The Hanuman Flag blazed with glory, filling hope in the hearts of the terrified Pandava soldiers.
"Krishna do you think I will survive this battle?" Arjuna asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
"Parth as long as I am with you, there is no one, except the Trinity, that can beat you in battle." Krishna said calmly "You may not remember but this is not the first life in which we have fought together".
"Not the first life?" Arjuna was confused "What do you mean by that Madhav?".
Krishna laughed, his laugh is like soothing chimes of bells which calmed Arjuna's heart.
"What I mean my dear Parth is that you and I have reincarnated in this Universe multiple times, as eternal friends fighting against the darkness. You may not remember but I remember every single one of those lives" Krishna explained while smiling at the awe struck Arjuna "In our previous lives, we were Nar and Nara, twin sons of Brahma. Together we defeated the great Demon Dambhodbhava and his army and restored balance in the Universe".
Arjuna's confidence slowly rose with Shri Krishna's words.
"In this life Arjuna, you have defeated the Celestial. You have defeated the Gandharvas, The Kalkeyas. You have destroyed Hiranyapura and killed 33 Million Nivatakavachas Demons singlehandedly." Krishna looked at his friend with a smile "So believe me when I say that you will defeat Vaikartana Karna and emerge victorious in this battle".
"And if I die?" Arjuna questioned at last.
"Then I will break my oath of never lifting any Weapon in this war and vanquish all our foes with my Sudarshan Chakra" Krishna replied firmly.
With those last words Arjuna Chariot slowly headed towards Karna's position
Shalya was the one who first noticed Arjuna's Chariot. By now he has become completely loyal towards Karna. His previous jealousy and scorn towards his rider has long ago turned to awe and admiration.
"Oh mighty armed Karna, King of Anga. Arjuna's Chariot is approaching us" Shalya answered "Now time has come to fulfill your promise. Oh brave soul one! Give our side victory for no one can stand up against you".
Karna nodded, still a little surprised by Shalya's change of heart. And slowly his Chariot moved towards Arjuna's.
Finally the time had arrived for the two greatest Archers of the Third Age to face each other in their final battle. Arjuna's eyes blazed like a storm seeing the destruction Karna had caused while Karna too smiled in blood lust, eager to fuel with his greatest foe.
While Arjuna was as handsome as the moonless night sky, Karna was the exact opposite. His beautiful figure shone like radiance of the Sun itself, and though deprived of his Kavacha-Kundala no one can deny that he was the Son of the Sun God.
Both Chariots faced each other with the opposing army surrounding them. Both Armies blowed their respective counches and beat their drums to support their respective Champions.
The wind roared and lightning flashed in the sky. The Stars exploded in the sky in multicolored flairs. It felt like the very Universe itself is dividing into two halves to support either Karna or Arjuna.
And that is how their duel began.
Their duel began with ordinary arrows as both of them wanted to conserve their energy before using their Celestial Weapons. Their arrows struck each other and caused deafening noises, which echoed across the battlefield.
While this was happening the battlefield was suddenly enveloped with noises of drums and trumpets from the sky. Many looked above and what they saw shocked them to the core.
"Look at the Sky!!" A Soldier cried out in shock.
Indeed, to witness the greatest battle of The Third Age the heavens itself have opened up. Thousands of Celestial Nymphs, with beautiful faces, appeared above the sky showering flowers, while singing in their beautiful voices. The sweet aromatic fragrance of the divine flowers removed the smell of blood, rot and death from the battlefield.
Followed by the Nymphs, the residents of Heaven, The Gandharvas, soon arrived, riding on their flying horses, winged Elephants and Sky Chariots. After that Powerful divine Sages, and then the Gods, led by King Indra and King Surya, themselves arrived, to see the greatest battle between the Lion amongst the Men.
But it's not only The Gods and Celestials who arrived to see the Battle. Soon a portal to Hell opened up and from there came Demons, Spirits, Cannibals and other residents of Hell too assembled there to watch the great Battle.
(I know Patala Loka is not Hell in Hinduism. But explaining Patala and its Levels would consume too much time.)
By now the fighting has completely stopped and both sides were eagerly watching the Battle between these two warriors. The Gods were divided in their support for these two Warriors. The Gods such as Varuna, Agni, Vayu led by Indra were supporting Arjuna while the Soma, Yama, Shani led by Surya were supporting Karna.
Just like the Gods, The Sages, Nymphs and Demons too were split in two groups. Some were supporting Dhananjaya Arjuna while others were supporting Vaikartana Karna.
Karna and Arjuna meanwhile were completely ignoring everything happening around them. They were focused on fighting against their opponents.
Arjuna fired thousands of Arrows which were swiftly countered by Karna. Some of Arjuna's arrows however broke through Karna's defences and struck his Chariot, pushing it thousands of steps back. Karna too returned fire, but his Arrows struggled to push Arjuna's Celestial Chariot even a single step backwards.
The Kauravas saw this lamented while Arjuna smirked at Karna's misfortune. He however missed Krishna's impressed smile.
Karna grimaced at seeing his arrows failing in pushing Arjuna's Chariot. So he began pushing his Yogic Energy into the arrows, causing it to glow in a blazing golden light. He then fired those Arrows at Arjuna.
The Arrows energised by Karna's Yogic Powers cut through Arjuna's arrows and hit his Chariot, pushing it only a single inch back.
Krishna seeing this exclaimed "Outstanding Karna!"
Arjuna looked at his friend in confusion but he shot hundreds of Arrows at Karna, once again pushing his Chariot a thousand steps backwards. Meanwhile Karna's return fire could only manage to push Arjuna's Chariot only two steps backwards.
Once again Krishna blurted out "Extraordinary".
Confused, Arjuna looked at Krishna "Madhav why are praising the enemy when he could only push my Chariot only two steps back, even when he used his Yogic Powers" He asked in confusion "My normal arrows pushed Karna's Chariot a thousand hand backwards but you never praised me, why?"
Krishna smiled "My friend. Karna's Chariot is a normal Chariot with a normal human as a Charioteer" He explained smiling "While your Chariot is a Celestial Chariot made by Lord Vishwakarma himself. You have the Power and speed of Lord Hanuman as its flag, while I sit as its Charioteer. Did you understand Arjuna? The entire weight of the Universe rests on this Chariot and it's near impossible to move it with outside force. For Karna to even shake this Chariot is an outstanding move and he is pushing it two steps back".
Arjuna looked back at his enemy with new found respect. But he quickly squashed the admiration he felt for Karna. This man was his enemy, the one who humiliated Draupadi and called her a whore. He will die for this.
With that, Arjuna began invoking Celestial Weapons. He fired the Visoshana Astra of Lord Indra, which brought the flames of hell itself. However Karna invoked the Indrajala Astra and neutralized the flames.
Karna then fired higher Agneya Astra but Arjuna neutralised it with Varuna Astra. Arjuna then unleashed the Vayava Astra but Karna destroyed it with Shalia Astra.
This continued for two hours, as both Warriors fired different Celestial Weapons one after the other, leaving many awestruck. Both Demons and Celestials applauded the great Warriors, while the Gods used their powers to prevent the destruction of The Universe, from the backlash of using such powerful Divine weapons by these two Warriors.
Karna then summoned one of his most powerful weapons. Ulka Astra of his Father, Surya. He shot the arrow in the sky and from the filaments tens of thousands of Comets, Meteors and energies of Solar Flare fell on towards Arjuna as well as Arjuna wheel protectors.
Arjuna countered this weapon with Mahendra Astra of his Father Indra.
However the Thousands of Chariot Warriors, mostly from Panchalas and Matsyas, who were stationed as Arjuna's wheel protectors weren't so lucky. They were struck down by the blazing Comets which burned them to death. They didn't even have the time to scream in pain as their bodies were turned to charred cinders.
However that's not all. The Solar energy of the Ulka Weapon was rapidly expanding and tried to swallow off the Pandava host. Seeing this, Arjuna stopped his duel with Karna briefly and instead tried to save his Soldiers.
Arjuna shot forth the Indrajala Weapon at its strongest form to extinguish the energy of the Ulka Weapon. The entire battlefield was drenched with magical water which extinguished the flames causing the Soldiers to sigh with relief.
Seeing Arjuna distracted, Karna muttered a spell as Atharvan Astra came into being. Karna aimed the special arrow, given to him by Parshurama, towards Arjuna.
"Arjuna!" Karna shouted at the Warrior and let loose his Astra. With most of Arjuna's Wheel Protectors dead no one could counter the attack as the arrow struck Arjuna right on the chest.
While Arjuna's celestial Armour tanked the attack, it still caused him to swoon in pain.
Seeing his brother in pain, Yudhisthira clenched his teeth but in the presence of all the Gods and Divine Sages, he didn't dare interfere in this honourable one-on-one duel.
Bheema, on the other hand, however had no such reservations. He cared more for his family than any honour and glory. So he rushed towards Karna, and began showering him with hundreds of arrows.
But Karna was more amused by this interference. He destroyed Bheema's arrows and then sliced off the strings of his Celestial Bow. He then fired Nagapasha and binded Bheema with coils of living snakes, taking him out of the fight, as Bheema's Charioteer retreated from the battle.
Krishna looked at Arjuna, as his friend slowly recovered from Karna's attack. He was thankful for the distraction Bheema did for Arjuna's recovery.
"Arjuna what ails you? What has happened that you cannot defeat Karna? Why is his radiance eclipsing yours in this battle?" Krishna asked his friend "Look at the Kauravas. Look at them cheering for their Lord. They believe in him. But look at our troops. They are losing hope".
Arjuna grimaced as he saw that Krishna is right. Many of their soldiers looked ready to run at the first sign of losing.
"Oh Arjuna! Use your skill, the same skill and valour you used to impress Lord Shiva, and destroy Karna once and for all" Krishna said before adding "And if you can't defeat him on your own then use my Sudarshan Chakra and slice off Karna's head".
Arjuna gulped feeling hurt at his friend's words but he nodded his head. He took an arrow and gave salutations to Lord Brahma, and began reciting the Spell of Higher Brahmastra.
Seeing Arjuna invoking the Astra of Lord Brahma, Karna too closed his eyes. But to his horror he cannot seem to remember the Spell of Higher Brahmastra.
He then tried the Spell of Brahmasira Astra, but that too failed. Then he tried Lord Shiva's Maheshwar Astra, and just like the previous ones, he can't remember it.
Then suddenly the curse given to him by his teacher Parshurama came to his mind.
"Knowledge learned through deception never lasts. You lied to me! You deceived me! You, who I treated as a son. Then so be it. Today, I, Parshuram, Son of Jamadagni, curse you Radheya Karna, that when the time for your greatest battle will come, all your knowledge of Celestial Weapons, that you learned through deception will be wiped from your mind"
"No, it's not my time yet" Karna muttered in determination, eyes narrowing as Arjuna finally released the charged Brahmastra.
While Pandava side hoped for a victory the Kaurava troops looked anxiously, as they watched Arjuna release the dread weapon, thinking if Karna will invoke his own Brahmastra to neutralise Arjuna's.
But then to the shock of everyone watching, even the Gods, Karna didn't invoke Brahmastra. Instead he took thousands of Arrows and imbued his Yogic Powers in them. Then with lightning fast speed he began releasing them to counter the dreaded Weapon.
His Bow realised thousands of Arrows, imbued with Yogic Powers, like clouds pouring rainfall and all those arrows struck the Brahmastra. The energised arrows destroyed the Petals of Brahmastra and slowly baffled it.
The Gods applauded this feat, even Indra who was supporting Arjuna, couldn't help but shower flowers from above, in front of this miraculous deed.
Arjuna was enraged at this failure and began invoking various Celestial Weapons, and this time he used his own Yogic Powers to enhance the weapons further. Karna too invoked his Weapons, which weren't affected by the Curse, to counter Arjuna's.
UP in the sky, riding on his majestic flying Chariot, Chitrasena, The King Of Gandharvas, applauded both the Warriors.
"Oh Indra! Look at these two Warriors invoking the Divine Weapons. They are lions amongst men with powers to defeat the Gods. If Arjuna is the moon then Karna is the sun, blazing with Fire. Both of them are supreme amongst men. Both have the physical might of 10,000 Elephants. Both of them Wield Divine Bows. In glory they resemble Fire and in wrath they are like Shiva, The Destroyer himself. Both are nearly unbeatable in a fair battle. In this Universe, there is no Warrior, except the Undying Bhisma, Shri Krishna, Guru Drona and Ashwathama, who can fight evenly against them".
Hearing such words from Chitrasena, King Indra, once again showered the battlefield with Divine Flowers, in honour of the two warriors fighting their greatest battle.
Arjuna meanwhile was getting frustated. So he closed his eyes and mentally commanded his quiver to bring out new kinds of Arrows.
The Quiver hearing the command materialised four Vatsdant Arrows. This arrows are made of Celestial metals and shaped like a Calf's teeth.
Arjuna shot those arrows imbued with Yogic powers towards Karna. The arrows shattered Karna's armour and pierced him deeply.
Karna swooned in pain and briefly lost consciousness. Seeing this Arjuna briefly stooped fighting as he hesitated to give the finishing blow, as his enemy is senseless due to pain.
"Arjuna what are you doing?" Krishna urged "Finish this battle"
Arjuna didn't get a chance to respond as Karna's wheel protectors, led by Prince Sabapathi of Kashi rushed to defend Karna.
Arjuna just took a two dozen arrows and in a single volley severed Sabapathi's arms, head, bow, standard and destroyed the Chariot and killed the Charioteer.
Arjuna then released millions of arrows and blackened the skies with his arrow volley. The number of arrows are so great that for a few seconds even the sun got shrouded. The arrows killed all of Karna's Chariot Protectors, even those who were sent by Duryodhana.
"I will end them all today" Arjuna declarsd boldly as he then summoned the Aindra Astra of Indra, in its gigantic form.
The moment the Weapon was shot in the sky, from it came Lighting, Fire, Ice, Water and Mountains, all five elements of the World, started raining down from the Sky along with millions of energetic missiles which fell on the Kaurava Army.
Millions were killed instantly as the Kauravas cried out in pain desperately calling Karna to save them.
Karna meanwhile had recovered and he shot another Ulka Astra to destroy the Aindra Weapon of Arjuna. Then with swiftness he killed Arjuna's remaining Panchala and Saumaka Chariot Protectors.
Both Warriors had now killed each other's Chariot Protectors. They are now completely alone against each other.
By now both Armies were reluctant to even send any more Warriors to help either of the Champions.
Meanwhile one sharp arrow fired from Karna's Celestial Bow, sliced the string of Gandiva. But Arjuna, in a blink of an eye, tied a new string and began firing arrows once again. Karna destroyed those arrows, and once again sliced the string of Arjuna's Celestial Bow. Arjuna frustrated, tied the string again.
However, this repeated once again, with Karna slicing the string for the third time and Arjuna replacing it, only for Karna to slice it again for the fourth time.
It was quite a site, as Karna cut the strings of Gandiva 11 Times but Arjuna quickly replaced them all within a blink of an eye.
Seeing his attacks failing, Karna took a snake shaped arrow. He had worshipped this particular arrow with scent, incense, flowers, oils and imbued it with his Yogic Powers for almost thirty years. He had saved it through out his life just to use it on Arjuna.
However unknown to Karna, a Naga, by the name of Ashwasena had used his powers and taken residence in the Arrow. His goal is the same as Karna, to kill Arjuna and avenge his mother's death, at the Khandava Forest. He knows that alone he is not powerful enough to kill Arjuna, so that is why he decided to secretly take help from Arjuna's greatest enemy.
Karna aimed the dreadful Naga Astra Arjuna's head and released the arrow. The Divine Weapon streaked towards its target, smashing through the Arrow shower that Arjuna created.
But Shri Krishna once again showed his divine powers. Taking a deep breath he put forth his strength in his toe and pushed down the wheels of the Chariot in the Earth. And the Arrow which should have struck Arjuna's neck (and behead him) hit his Crown instead.
Arjuna's beautiful Crown was made by Indra himself. It was durable enough to tank Celestial Weapons like Vajra and Brahmastra. But the Snake Shaped Arrow was worshipped and empowered by Karna's Yogic Powers, for 30 years and it's strength was almost doubled because of the presence and divine powers of Ashwasena.
So the Arrow simply shattered Arjuna's crown into a thousand pieces. The destruction of the Crown created a huge echoing noise which caused many warriors to cover their ears in pain, while the Gods once again applauded Karna's another extraordinary feat of strength.
Krishna immediately jumped from his Chariot and began to take the Wheel which had sunk in the Earth.
"Parth, looks like you just lost one of your nicknames" Krishna quipped while taking out the Chariot Wheel. He was referring to one of Arjuna's many nicknames, Kiriti, which was given to Arjuna because of his Celestial Crown, which Karna, just now, destroyed with his Arrow.
Arjuna grunted and shook his head to clear the ringing. He then took a piece of cloth to tie his shoulder length raven black hair, to prevent it from falling in front of his face.
Karna grimaced seeing his arrow fail but put aside his Bow and stopped firing Arrows when he saw Krishna himself lifting the Wheel of Arjuna's Chariot.
Meanwhile Shalya groaned seeing the Arrow fail and said "Oh brave King! Aim the arrow again".
Karna clenched his jaw tightly. He had promised his Mother Kunti, that he will not use the same Celestial Weapon twice, against Arjuna.
So he replied "Oh King Of Madra! Karna never aimeth an arrow twice".
Meanwhile a disappointed Ashwasena returned towards Karna "Oh great Warrior! Please let me reside in your next Arrow! I will slay your great foe".
"No! My victory won't rely on other's might" Karna replied passionately "Even if I have to face death, I will never shoot an arrow twice".
Agitated by Karna's words, Ashwashena, who was burning with the need of revenge, rushed towards Arjuna to slay the mighty Bowman himself, while Krishna was taking the Chariot wheel out. But Arjuna, like a hawk, slayed the Naga, with his arrows.
By now Krishna had lifted the Wheel and once again resumed his position as a Charioteer. The duel started again, fiercer than before.
Karna fired the Ulka Astra which caused blazing Meteors and Comets to fall from the Sky. Arjuna countered it by Aindra Astra destroying the blazing projectiles.
Arjuna then fired Mohini Astra to bend reality and confuse his enemies, but Karna released Mahamaya Astra to counter the sorcery and reality warping of Arjuna's Astra.
Krishna meanwhile looked sadly at Karna. Oh how much he had tried to bring Karna to the Pandava side by offering him The Entire Earth, all the fame and glory, and the Throne of Hastinapura itself. But Karna rejected them all, instead remaining loyal to Duryodhona.
Shaking his head, he released a sigh. He knows that both Karna and Arjuna were near equal, but today it seems that Karna is gaining the upper hand, because of his Divine Bow, Vijaya. So now the only way to bring down the Glorious Son of Surya is through deception.
Long ago Mother Earth had given Karna the Curse, that She will swallow the Wheel of his Chariot when he was fighting the most important battle in his life. And now the time has come to do just that.
Mother Earth hesitated for a few seconds, knowing the Curse that she had given him was due to anger, a momentary lapse in her judgement. And seeing Karna fighting so gloriously, she hesitated to be the reason for his death.
But she knows that no one, not even gods, can escape the cycle of Karma. So with that, she slowly started to swallow the Wheels of his Chariot.
Karna's eyes widened, when he felt the ground shake. Looking down, he saw the Wheels of his Chariot, slowly sinking down in the Earth. He turned to look at Shalya, who was busy clutching the reins, doing everything to prevent the Horses from bolting in fright, in front of the assault of Arjuna's arrows.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
It's time for his departure.
He touched his Bow in salutation and descended down his Chariot, before walking towards the sunken Wheel of his destiny. Grasping it with his broad arms he applied all his strength to pick up the Chariot Wheel. But Mother Earth, had taken it in her firm grasp, preventing it's escape.
Arjuna, who had started chanting the Spell of Raudra Astra, quickly stopped seeing Karna's chariot sinking in the Earth. He quickly returned the Spell and waited for his enemy.
"Why have you stopped Arjuna?" Krishna asked looking at his rider, who looked confused.
"Karna's Chariot has stuck in the mud, Krishna" Arjuna pointed out confused.
"And?" Krishna tilted his head "Why have you stopped shooting".
"I am riding a Chariot and he is unarmed and on the ground" Arjuna replied baffled at Krishna's words "It's against the rules to shoot an unarmed Warrior".
"Rules" Krishna chuckled without humour "Tell me Arjuna, have the Kauravas ever played by the rules or have you forgotten the incident four days ago? Abhimanyu, too was unarmed and without chariot, but it didn't stop them from killing him unfairly".
Arjuna's jaw clenched remembering Abhimanyu's body. How he wasn't present when his son was killed brutally.
"Have you forgotten how this same Karna, had insulted someone as pure as Draupadi. How he called her a Whore! Have you forgotten it all?!"
Hearing Krishna re-memorizing all the wrongdoings of the Kauravas, Arjuna's rage, which he had suppressed for 13 Years, erupted like a roaring volcano. He swiftly took a sharp arrow shaft and imbued it with his Yogic Power, before releasing it towards his enemy. The Arrow hit Karna's left shoulder and pierced through his Armour, causing him to release the Chariot Wheel in pain.
However Karna quickly recovered from the sneak attack, and pulled out the arrow from his shoulder and climbed up the Chariot. He took a Arrow made of Vajta Metal from his Quiver and
Started chanting the Spell of Vayava Astra.
After chanting, he shot the weapon, towards Arjuna, which struck his chest with such great force, that Gandiva slipped from his hand, for the first time in his life.
The Weapon shattered Arjuna's Celestial Armour, which had already taken damage for the past 16 Days, and pierced through Arjuna's flesh, and knocked him unconscious.
Seeing his enemy unconscious Karna once again grasped the Wheel, and began using his Yogic Powers to enhance his physical strength. He pulled the Wheel but Mother Earth refused to let it go.
The mountains rumbled and the ground shook as Karna's raw physical strength which was further enhanced by his Yogic Powers, causing him to lift the entire weight of Earth, along with all its Steven Continents, its Oceans, Mountains and Rivers.
This feat of strength left everyone watching dumbstruck as they watched Karna lifting the weight of the entire Earth itself, up to four fingers breadth high. But even then Mother Earth refused to let go of the Wheel.
Arjuna who had by now regained consciousness looked at the scene in awe, however Krishna's voice snapped him out of it.
"Quick Parth! Slice off Karna's head before he lifts the Wheel or takes his Bow again!" Krishna shouted urgently "As long as Karna has his Vijaya Bow in his hand there is no mortal who can defeat him in battle".
Hearing this, Arjuna lifts Gandiva again. First, he took a Broad headed arrow shaft and cut down Karna's Golden Standard from his Chariot. The Blazing Flag fell down on the ground, along with all the hopes of Kaurava Victory.
Then from his Inexhaustible Quiver, Arjuna took a broad headed Cresent Shaped Arrow. It was large and heavy and it was made of Celestial Metals.
An Anjalika Arrow.
Quickly placing it on Gandiva, Arjuna began imbuing it with his Yogic Power causing the Arrow head to glow in a Bluish hue, while he muttered a prayer to the Gods.
"If I have done all my Penance and Austerities perfectly! If I have always devoted myself towards my elders! And If I have always remained loyal to my friends!" Arjuna muttered "Then, Oh Gods! Let this arrow vanquish my powerful foe!"
The Weapon, infused with Yogic Energy, shone like a star and it blazed all the four directions with its power. And Arjuna, muttering those last words, released Anjalikastra, towards Karna's head.
Just like how King Indra, in the First Age, slayed the mighty Demonic Dragon Vritasura with his Vajra. Arjuna's divine arrow, sliced off Karna's head from his broad shoulders. Karna's head, as beautiful as the Moon itself, fell on the ground lifeless, his body falling a few seconds later.
Thus ends the story of One of the Greatest Warrior of The Third Age. And while his story has ended in this Universe, it will soon began again in a new one.
Hope you liked the fight. It's based mostly on Authentic Mahabharat with little bit spice here and there, especially the pushing the Chariot part which was in Nepali version of Mahabharat. (And yeah Yudhishthira insulting Arjuna and Arjuna almost beheading Yudhishthira actually happened).
Though do leave a comment on this chapter. From next chapter GOT would start.