As Bhishma lay dying, Karna came to him to seek his forgiveness and blessings, bowing before him as Radha’s son. Bhishma revealed that he knew Karna was Surya’s and Kunti’s son. He had been told by Sage Narada. He had wanted Karna to be friends with the Pandavas on his own. But he had no anger or enmity towards him, said Bhishma. Karna explained that he could not betray Duryodhana at this stage, and so he must pay with his life for the wrong decisions he had made. He knew that the defeat of the Kaurava army was certain if Krishna and Arjuna could defeat Bhishma. Bhishma respected Karna’s valour and inner goodness. He forgave him and gave him his blessings. Karna now went to participate in the war, joining the Kaurava army after Bhishma’s exit, as he had vowed.
Forgiveness for Karna
