Least Known Characters Of Mahabharata – Vikarna

Usual knowledge of Mahabharata tells us that Kaurava’s were on the side of the Adharma. We all know what Duryodhana, Dushasana did. But it will be complete unjust with one Kaurava who always chose the side of Dharma, Vikarna!

Vikarna is regarded as the best of the Kaurava’s. According to mentions in Mahabharata, Vikarna was third strongest Kaurava after Duryodhana and Dushasana. In Mahabharata, he is considered as a mighty archer. From the beginning, he was closer and gave more respect to Yudhishthira as his elder brother. After the training was done, Dronacharya asked Druapada (King of Panchal) to be arrested as Guru-Dakshina. Kaurava’s failed to arrest Drupada as he was stronger and smarter. Vikarna had to leave his chariot and walk back to Hastinapur on foot.

The real character of Vikarna comes forward when in the notorious Dice game between Pandava’s and Kaurava’s is won by Kaurava’s with help of Shakuni. Vikarna raised his voice against the game and especially against the shameful treatment given to Draupadi (his sister-in-law). He echoes the questions raised by Draupadi, the elders like Dhritarashtra, Dronacharya and Bhishma. But, all he got was silence from them. Karna taunts Vikarna for his stance against Kaurava’s. But, brave Vikarna answers Karna that, ‘If answers are not given to Draupadi’s questions make sure that the destiny of our bloodline is doomed’

During the Kurukshetra war, Vikarna fights for Duryodhana against Pandava’s. On the Fourth day, he tries to stop Abhimanyu but fails, on the fifth day he tried to check Arjuna and Shikhandi but in vain. On the thirteenth day, Vikarna becomes bystander while Abhimanyu was killed by Adharmic and unjust way. On the fourteenth day, Bhima who had sworn to kill all the Kaurava’s in encountered by Vikarna. Bhima pleads Vikarna to step aside because he chose the side of Dharma on that day of the dice game. But Vikarna said, ‘that was my dharma, my duty. Today I am fighting against you which I consider my duty’. Bhima fights with Vikarna and in the end, Vikarna is killed. Bhima falls into tears after the death of Vikarna saying ‘Alas, you didn’t have to die Vikarna. You were just, you followed the dharma. This war is like a curse on us that, we have to kill men like you.’

Vikarna’s story is no doubt very interesting…