Love – an emotion that has been defeated.
In the land of Kurukshetra, where the Ganga murmured ancient hymns and the winds bore the burden of centuries, resided a warrior whose existence was a blend of blessing and curse. He was a natural-born warrior with divine lineage, yet forsaken by destiny and his own mother. This boy possessed unparalleled skill and an indomitable spirit. His quest was not merely about battles and chariots, but also about hidden sorrows, quiet pride, and the deep yearning for acceptance.
The Abandonment of Love
His story began with abandonment, the first of many defeats in his life. Kunthi Devi, his biological mother, was cruel in her heart and could not bring herself to face the consequences of her actions. The child she bore in secret was cast into the river Ganges, forsaken by the very woman who carried him for months. From the moment of his birth, the Prince was rejected not only by his mother but by the royal society she represented. A son of a royal lineage, yet raised on the margins of society, a son of a queen but seen as a mere suta-putra—a child of a charioteer, destined to remain forever in the shadows of his true potential.
He became a symbol of the caste system that governed the ancient land, a system that judged him not by his valor, his virtues, or his knowledge, but by the accident of his birth. Despite being unbeatable by anyone in the world, he faced a series of insults in life. Guru Dronacharya denied him the knowledge of war, Draupadi refused him in her swayamvara, and the world mocked him, calling him “low-born” despite his blessed strength.
Struggle for Love
Karna faced silent struggles and unseen sufferings, but he was a symbol of empathy and dignity. Despite being a warrior and a king, his true self was often overlooked. He strived for greatness but never truly experienced the warmth of success. His life was marked by giving without receiving. While the world judged him harshly, King Duryodhana recognized his worth and made him a loyal friend. Despite his wealth and status, Karna carried the burden of unfulfilled love and societal rejection. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his duty as a friend, warrior, and son. He fought not for fame but for honor, not for acknowledgment but for the love of a friend who accepted him when no one else did.
Mother – Selfish Intent of Love
The day before the war, Kunthi, Karna’s mother, approached him not to ask for forgiveness for her past actions, but to ensure the safety of her five legitimate sons. She disclosed the truth of his birth to him in an attempt to undermine his confidence, weaken his spirit, and exploit his compassion. She aimed to diminish his moral values and take advantage of his kindness, despite knowing his prowess as a warrior.
Kunti’s words deeply affected Karna, as he had always questioned the cruelty of the world. The revelation made him feel the heavy burden of abandonment, rejection, and silent suffering he had endured for so long. Despite his heartache, Karna remained steadfast in his determination. He did not seek revenge but felt sorrow for the deception, not for himself. He had already come to terms with the harsh reality of his life: as a warrior, he was bound by destiny. While he could have sided with the Pandavas and fought for righteousness alongside his brothers, Karna’s sense of honor was intertwined with his loyalty to Duryodhana. Betraying him would mean betraying his core identity. Therefore, with a heavy heart, Karna made his choice: to uphold his integrity, honor his commitment, and fight for the Kauravas.
The Moment of Truth – A Dark side of Love
On the eve of the great battle, Karna, standing at the edge of his fate, expressed the depth of his emotions: “I have faced defeat three times in my life, but never as profoundly as I do now. The first was when you, my mother, abandoned me at birth. The second was when my Guru, Parashurama, cursed me. And now, the third is when you ask for my life in exchange for the safety of your five sons. How can a man find honor when even his own mother sees him as a mere tool?”
With tears in his eyes, he pleaded with Kunthi, “Mother, you could have asked for the life of your six sons instead of demanding mine for the safety of your five sons.” He whispered, “Even now, your concern is for your five sons, not for me. You seek to save their lives by using my promise. In this way, you have defeated me once again, Mother… the greatest defeat of my life.”
Despite the anguish, Karna remained committed to his duty. He refused to abandon the battle, to betray his brothers, or to forsake the one person who had shown him loyalty—Duryodhana.
And so, Karna fought with the skill of a god, the determination of a man with nothing to lose, and the conviction of someone fighting for a cause he believed in. He fought not for glory, but for a principle. As the war reached its climax, with the earth trembling and the sun seemingly lamenting his destiny, Karna faced Arjuna, his own brother, on the battlefield.
The Last Battle – Love that was defeated.
When Karna’s chariot appeared to be stuck in the mud, he pretended it was sunk to give his younger brother an opportunity to defeat him. He knew his protective armor had been taken by Arjuna’s father, leaving him vulnerable. However, he prioritized his mother’s wish for her sons to survive the battle. Karna chose to be defeated and silently urged Lord Krishna to guide Arjuna to use the Bramstra, which he could easily defend against. He believed in supporting his younger brothers rather than defeating them, showcasing his love for his family. Despite his vulnerability, Karna faced death without fear, honoring the warrior’s code of dying in battle. As he knelt down, his mother’s words resonated in his heart, reminding him of his identity as her son. Karna’s act of giving away his protective armor and earrings, gifted by his father Sun, was a testament to his warrior spirit and self-reliance. He faced his final moments with acceptance, having sacrificed everything
without seeking anything in return. In his defeat by Arjuna, Karna’s true victory lay in his unwavering adherence to his principles and his embodiment of sacrifice, honor, and unspoken love.
A Fake Mourning in Terms of Love
As the Pandavas mourned, and Karna’s body was laid to rest, Kunti’s song echoed through the land. In her sorrow, she expressed not only the grief of a mother who had lost her firstborn but also the eternal lesson that Karna’s life had taught her:
“The seed of love is an eternal lesson, my son. One must be patient, watchful, and ready to weather the storms. Each leaf that falls teaches us to surrender. And the branches, stretching ever so high, reveal our ambitions, our dreams—fragile, yet unyielding.”
Through Karna’s life, the world learned that love is not always recognized in the moment; sometimes, it grows silently, without expectation, beneath the surface. Like the tree reaching for the sun, Karna had given his all, without ever seeking the warmth of recognition, but always reaching, ever steadfast in his quest for honor and truth.
And thus, Karna lives on—not in the battlefields of Kurukshetra, but in the hearts of all who understand that true greatness lies not in what we are given, but in what we give, without expectation. He is the unseen hero, the warrior whose spirit lives in the soil beneath our feet, in the silent strength of those who give without asking for anything in return.
The prince’s narrative commences with the profound emotional impact of his mother, Kunthi Devi, abandoning him. This abandonment can result in deep-rooted feelings of rejection, unworthiness, and a persistent sense of loss. Such trauma often affects an individual’s self-esteem and trust in others.
Despite his royal lineage, the prince was brought up as a suta-putra (charioteer’s son). This dual identity creates an internal conflict as he grapples with his true heritage and the societal role imposed on him. This conflict can lead to feelings of confusion and a search for self-identity.
The caste system judged him based on his birth rather than his abilities or virtues. This social exclusion and stigma contribute to feelings of inferiority and resentment. Being constantly reminded of his “low-born” status despite his capabilities can lead to frustration and bitterness.
Despite enduring numerous insults and rejections, the prince’s story also showcases his resilience. His ability to persevere and strive for his rightful place demonstrates a strong determination and inner strength. This resilience is essential for overcoming adversities and societal barriers.
To cope with the constant rejection and insults, the prince may develop various defense mechanisms, such as rationalization (justifying others’ behaviors), displacement (redirecting emotions toward less threatening targets), or suppression (consciously avoiding distressing thoughts).
The rejections from influential figures like Guru Dronacharya and Draupadi further exacerbate his feelings of inadequacy and injustice. These encounters with authority figures can lead to a deep mistrust of those in positions of power and influence.
The prince’s ongoing struggle and aspiration to prove his worth motivate him to excel in his skills and abilities. His accomplishments, despite societal limitations, demonstrate a strong drive to overcome his circumstances and gain recognition.
The continual judgment and rejection by society likely result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Despite his strength and valor, the lack of acceptance from his peers and society can leave him emotionally isolated.
The prince’s journey raises existential questions about his purpose and position in the world. The conflict between his potential and the societal constraints placed upon him can lead to a sense of existential anguish and a search for meaning. The prince experiences cognitive dissonance as he grapples with the knowledge of his true royal lineage and the reality of being treated as a low-born. This dissonance creates internal conflict and stress as he tries to reconcile these opposing aspects of his identity. These psychological elements paint a nuanced picture of the prince’s inner world, shaped by abandonment, societal judgment, resilience, and a quest for identity and recognition.
Dr.Sreedhar Saraswathy