War and Vengeance

Years before the Mahabharata War, the Pandavas were pitted against the Kauravas. Arjuna was determined to kill his foe. The Pandavas were given a patch of wilderness to establish their capital, which included a dense forest. To raise their castle, Arjuna decided to burn down the forest. Within it lived Takshaka, the great leader of the serpents, who lost his family in the fire. This tragedy fueled his lifelong grudge against Arjuna.

The great Mahabharata War erupted between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Karna, the celebrated hero and Arjuna’s adversary, served as the charioteer on the battlefield. He was acutely aware of the destructive potential of the arrow that Karna would unleash. As the battle raged on, Karna’s arrows were mostly thwarted by Arjuna’s skill. However, with the added strength of Takshaka, one especially powerful arrow was on its way to inflict grave damage.

At a brief moment during the battle, the serpent Takshaka appeared before Karna, introducing himself and instructing Karna on how to effectively use his arrow. “My poison shall kill Arjuna instantly,” Takshaka declared, eager for vengeance. Nonetheless, Karna gazed into the serpent’s eyes and replied, “Thank you, my friend, but I will not resort to your assistance. My weapons are empowered by my own efforts and the blessings I have received. My courage and skill complement them.”

“Arjuna also fights with weapons charged by his own merit. Your desire for vengeance against Arjuna does not pertain to our conflict. You wish to use me as a vessel for your revenge, but that is not honorable. Employing an arrow empowered by your poison would be an act of treachery towards Arjuna.” Takshaka listened in silence, absorbing Karna’s words. He appreciated Karna’s principled stand and ultimately chose to depart without insisting on his help.