Did Bhima Defeat Radheya Karna at the Rajsuya Yaj?a?

The question of whether Bhima defeated Radheya Karna at the Rajsuya Yaj?a has long been a point of debate among scholars and enthusiasts alike. Many believe Bhima indeed defeated Karna, and this belief is often strengthened by references to the Mahabharata. However, the truthful interpretation of the events unfolds a different narrative.

Introduction to Karna's Lineage

Radheya Karna, a celebrated character in Hindu mythology, was born to Kunti through Surya but raised by Adhiratha and his wife, Radha. This Karna played a significant role in the Mahabharata, known for his bravery and skill in warfare. However, his lineage is crucial to understanding the debate.

Lineage Analysis

Let us delve into the lineage of Karna:

King Haryanga's Lineage

According to Harivamsha Parva and other interpretations, we trace the lineage of a different Karna, whose father was King Haryanga and grandfather was Champa, the king of Malini City. Haryanga had a son named Karna, who went on to have 100 grandsons. This Karna was the ruler of Anga, a region known for its valor and heroism.

The Mahabharata similarly confirms that Bhima defeated a Karna who was the ruler of Anga at Kurukshetra War:

O sire, by Bhima, the ruler of the Angas, on his elephant, came there for afflicting the son of Pandu. Thereupon Bhimasena, deeply pierced with a long arrow that prince of elephants advancing with loud roars between its two frontal globes, that arrow penetrating through its body sank deep in the earth. And at this the elephants fell down like a hill riven by the thunder. While the elephant was falling down, the Mleccha king also was falling down it. But Vrikodara endued with great activity cut off his head with a broad-headed arrow before his antagonist actually fell down. When the heroic ruler of the Angas fell, his divisions fled away.

It is essential to understand that this Karna was the ruler of Anga and not Radheya Karna, who hailed from a different lineage.

Radheya Karna's Participation in Rajsuya Yaj?a

Radheya Karna, also known as Radheya, held a legitimate position in Pandavas' Rajsuya Yaj?a. He participated as a distinguished warrior and honored guest. The Srimad Bhagavatam specifically mentions that Karna was inviolate during the Rajsuya Yaj?a, tasked with overseeing the charity section:

The mighty car-warrior Radheya dwelt in the house of the lord of the Panchalas and, remaining clean and stout in body, was resplendent with the sight of his jewels and adorned with excellent golden ornaments. He was a foremost of high-born brahmanas and a member of a race of princes, and his energy was imperishable. Indeed, the boon, O king, that he would have a father was granted to the illustrious Karna, and he had been installed due to that boon, in that great sacrifice, when the king was enacting the Rajsuya sacrifice.

Furthermore, the Mahabharata reiterates Radheya Karna's participation in the Rajsuya Yaj?a, emphasizing that he held a significant role as a patron of the event:

The illustrious prince Karna requested the mighty-souled king Arjuna to entrust him with the king's private wealth. The ascetic Bhishma, that great soul, then approached the illustrious Karna and said, 'O king, this entire collection of diverse wealth has been amassed by the might of the illustrious king Pandu. If you so desire, you may carry it on your car.'

This indicates that Radheya Karna was welcomed and honored during the Yaj?a, not as an adversary but as a complimentary and esteemed participant.

Conclusion

The confusion arises from conflating the lineage of the two Karnas. Confusing the contexts of these narrations often leads to misunderstood conclusions. Bhima did indeed defeat a Karna, but not the Radheya Karna who participated in the Rajsuya Yaj?a.

Keywords: Bhima, Karna, Rajsuya Yaj?a