IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 7. GHATOTKACA

 

Ghatotkaca-A Loyal Warrior of the Pandavas

 In the Mahabharata, Ghatotkacha was the powerful son of Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and a Rakshasa woman named Hidimbi. He was known for his great strength and magical powers. Ghatotkacha fought on the side of the Pandavas during the great Kurukshetra war.

Krishna, who guided the Pandavas and served as Arjuna’s charioteer, played a clever role in how Ghatotkacha was used during the war. Karna, a strong warrior on the Kaurava side, had a special weapon called Vasavi Shakti, which he could use only once.

On the 14th night of the war, Krishna sent Ghatotkacha to fight Karna. Ghatotkacha fought fiercely and caused heavy losses to the Kauravas. Karna was forced to use his one-time weapon to kill Ghatotkacha. This was exactly what Krishna had planned.

Though Ghatotkacha died, his sacrifice saved Arjuna’s life, because now Karna could not use that weapon against him. The Pandavas were sad, but Krishna was satisfied. He knew that this sacrifice was important for the victory of Dharma (righteousness).

Since Ghatotkacha was not fully human and was born a Rakshasa, Krishna may have felt his death was a necessary part of the larger plan to defeat evil.

Source:

The story of Ghatotkacha’s death and Krishna’s strategic use of him is primarily found in the Dronaparva (Book 7) of the Mahabharata, particularly during the events of the 14th night of the Kurukshetra war.

While the Mahabharata is a vast epic and has many versions, here is a relevant Sanskrit verse from the critical edition (Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute) that reflects Krishna’s reaction to Ghatotkacha’s death:

"Hato Ghatotkacho yuddhe karmaitat sumahad bhavet |
Rakṣaso’yam hataḥ śūro mama prītaṃ manaḥ kṛtam|"

(Mahabharata, Dronaparva, Chapter 178, Verse 45). "Ghatotkacha has been killed in battle; this is indeed a great achievement.  This brave Rakshasa has been slain, and my heart is gladdened."

This verse reflects Krishna’s relief and satisfaction—not out of cruelty, but because Karna had to use his one-use divine weapon (Vasavi Shakti) on Ghatotkacha, making Arjuna safe. Krishna, who deeply understood Dharma and long-term outcomes, viewed this as a necessary and strategic sacrifice.

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