7 LESSER KNOWN CHARACTERS IN MAHABHARATA (PART 2: "THE FORGOTTEN SON: THE STORY OF VRISHAKETU")

INTRODUCTION:

The Mahabharata is an epic that is full of larger-than-life characters and their heroic deeds. From Arjuna to Karna to Draupadi, the story is filled with characters that are celebrated for their bravery and valour. However, there are also several lesser-known characters whose stories are just as compelling and impactful. In this blog post, we will explore the story of Vrishaketu, the forgotten son of Karna, and his contributions to the Mahabharata. Despite not being a major player in the epic, Vrishaketu's story serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.

WHO WAS VRISHAKETU?

Vrishaketu was the son of Karna, the great warrior who fought on the Kaurava side during the Kurukshetra war. He was Karna's only surviving son, as all of his other sons were killed during the war.

As Karna's son, Vrishaketu inherited his father's great warrior skills and was trained in archery and combat. However, after the war, he had to live with the knowledge that his father had been killed by his half-brother, Arjuna.

Despite this, Vrishaketu was known for his kindness and generosity. He was loved by the people of Hastinapura and was considered to be a just and fair ruler.

VRISHAKETU'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE MAHABHARATA:

Although Vrishaketu did not play a major role in the Mahabharata, his character is significant in that he serves as a reminder of the human cost of war. He lost his father and all of his siblings in the war and had to live with the consequences of their actions.

Vrishaketu's story also highlights the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Despite the fact that his father was killed by the Pandavas, Vrishaketu did not seek revenge and instead chose to live a peaceful life.

HOW DID VRISHAKETU DIE?

After the war, Vrishaketu became the king of Anga, a kingdom that was located in the eastern part of India. He ruled justly and was loved by his people. However, his peaceful reign was short-lived.

According to some versions of the Mahabharata, Vrishaketu was killed in battle while trying to defend his kingdom against a neighboring kingdom that was attacking it. It is said that he fought bravely, but was ultimately killed in the battle.

Other versions of the Mahabharata suggest that Vrishaketu died of natural causes. After ruling over Anga for many years, Vrishaketu retired from public life and spent his remaining years in meditation and contemplation. It is said that he passed away peacefully and was mourned by his people.

Regardless of how he died, Vrishaketu's legacy lived on. He may not have played a major role in the Mahabharata, but his story serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Vrishaketu's character is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness in the face of adversity.

CONCLUSION:

Vrishaketu may not be as well-known as some of the other characters in the Mahabharata, but his story is an important reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. His character is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.