Is it True That Karna's Little Son Was About to Slice Arjuna's Head Off at Draupadi's Swayamvara?

The claim that Karna's little son was about to cut Arjuna's head off during Draupadi's swayamvara is nothing more than a myth. This tale is neither mentioned in the original text of the Mahabharata nor supported by any reputable scholarly or historical sources. These assertions likely stem from fan-based interpretations or perhaps even corrupted versions of the epic.

No Evidence of a Little Son at Swayamvara

Karna, who was approximately 22 years older than Arjuna, played a significant role in the Mahabharata epic. Throughout the text, there is no mention of any sons accompanying Karna to the swayamvara of Draupadi. The swayamvara was a royal wedding ceremony where the bride herself chose her groom, and it was generally a solemn and private event. No warriors, regardless of their status or age, were expected to participate in such a function.

The Context of Karna's Sons

At the time of Draupadi's swayamvara, it is highly unlikely that Karna had any biological sons who would have been present at the event. If any such sons existed, they would have been very young, possibly five or ten years old. The idea of a little son valiantly standing up against Arjuna, who is a mighty warrior and the capital of prowess in the Mahabharata, is not supported by any evidence and seems far-fetched.

The Epic Behind Karna and Arjuna

When examining the actual epic, it is clear that the only individuals who came close to injuring Arjuna during the swayamvara were Bhagadatta, who aimed the powerful Vaishnavashatra/Narayanastra, and Karna, who, although present, did not attempt to harm Arjuna. Krishna intervened to stop the devastating effects of Bhagadatta's celestial weapon. As for Karna, he aimed the Nagastra, a powerful weapon, but its potency was increased by a Naga, which was beyond his control. Both Arjuna and Karna were equally skilled and could not be easily defeated.

The Integrity of the Mahabharata

Those who propagate such stories often do so to justify or glorify the character of Karna. However, it is important to remember that the Mahabharata is a masterpiece of Indian literature and has been preserved and passed down through generations. Modern interpretations, whether written by fanatics or drug users, should not be given undue weight. The correct version of the epic is that of Maharshi Veda Vyasa, as compiled in the Gita Press edition, which remains the authoritative text.

Conclusion

The tale of Karna's little son at Draupadi's swayamvara is a fabrication. It is important to consult primary sources and scholarly works to understand the true events and characters of the Mahabharata. The integrity of this epic is best preserved by adhering to its original narratives and recognizing the skill and heroism of all its characters as depicted in the received texts.