Ghatotkacha
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- This article is about the legendary character. For the Gupta ruler, please see Ghatotkacha (Gupta Ruler)
Ghatotkacha is considered to be a loyal and humble figure. He makes himself and his followers available to Bhima at any time; all Bhima had to do was to think of him.
Ghatotkacha is summoned by Bhima to fight on the Pandava side in the Kurukshetra battle. Invoking his magical powers he wreaks great havoc in the Kaurava army. In particular after the death of Jayadratha, when the battle continued on past sunset, his powers are at their most effective (at night). Duryodhana appeals to Karna's loyalty to kill Ghatotkacha at this point as the whole Kaurava army was coming close to anhilation due to his ceaseless strikes from the air. Karna's shakti was granted by Indra in appreciation for his gift of the divine armor and earrings. Karna knew that the shakti would strike with the death of the enemy but could be used only once. Unable to refuse the request of Duryodhana who's cause he had pledged himself to serve, he hurled the missile at Ghatotkacha. Thus, Ghatotkacha died on the fourteenth day of battle in what is considered to be the turning point of the war. After his death, Krishna smiled, as he considered the war to have been won for the Pandavas. It can be strongly argued that the purpose of Ghatotkacha in the Kurukshetra war was to deprive Karna of the shakti in the upcoming inevitable conflict with Arjuna.
| The Mahabharata by Vyasa | |
|---|---|
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