The Mahabharata is not only the story of war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, but this book is filled with stories of many characters. One of these is the untold story of Nag Ashwasen, who considered Arjuna as his enemy and his only wish was Arjun’s death. Let us know how this story of Ashwasen started and why his vengeance remained incomplete.
According to the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas found the land surrounded by the dense forests of Khandavaprastha, Arjuna set fire there on Shri Krishna’s suggestion. This fire was the beginning of a new construction, but as a result many creatures died. One of them was Nag Ashwasen’s mother, who was scorched in the fire. Ashwasen somehow survived, but his soul could never forget this damage.
After the death of his mother, Ashwasen’s feeling of hatred and vengeance towards Arjuna was awakened. He vowed that he would one day avenge his mother’s death by killing Arjun. But Arjuna was a great warrior, so Ashwasen made a plan – a plan for a hidden attack.
During the Kaurava-Pandava war, when Karna and Arjuna were face to face, Ashwasen saw the opportunity of his vengeance. He sat in the quiver of Karna as a Nagabana. As soon as Karna took out an arrow to shoot Arjuna, Ashwasen hugged him. When Karna asked Ashwasen his introduction, he told his whole story.
Karna listened to Ashwasen’s story carefully, but as a true warrior, he followed religion and policy, saying, “I think you have done injustice, but Arjuna did not do so intentionally. This fire was not for destruction, but for new construction.” He said, “I will fight with Arjuna, but not with your help.”
Ashwasen was impressed after hearing Karna’s truth and loyalty and quietly returned from the battlefield.
It is clear from this story that Karna, who was the enemy of Arjuna, still obeyed his principles and religion and kept the truth and dignity supreme. This is the identity of a true warrior.
Ashwasen’s story highlights the depths of Mahabharata, where there is a conflict between vengeance, sorrow and religion. It states that Mahabharata is not only the saga of war, but also a Mahasangram of human feelings and morals.
