Duryodhana's return with a hardened resolve to vanquish the Pandavas, and his secret possession by danava spirits, directly provokes Bhishma to advise peace in the subsequent assembly, as Bhishma perceives the dangerous shift in Duryodhana's attitude.
Aranyaka Parva
Will Karna's vow to kill Arjuna force the Pandavas to abandon their exile at Dvaitavana?
After Duryodhana's return, Bhishma advises peace, but Karna and Duryodhana plan a Rajasuya sacrifice instead. Duhshasana sends an invitation to the Pandavas, and during the sacrifice, Karna publicly vows to kill Arjuna. The Pandavas learn of Karna's vow and, fearing for their safety, leave Dvaitavana.
6 stories · 0 pivotal · Chapters 538–540
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
The humiliation from the failed expedition proposed by Karna leads Karna to vow before Duryodhana to kill Arjuna, escalating the enmity and setting a direct causal path toward war.
Karna's trade of his armour and earrings (ss_591) reduces his natural protection, making him vulnerable in battle; this directly undermines his earlier vow to kill Arjuna (ss_540), as the loss of his armour is a key factor in his eventual death at Arjuna's hands.
This Arc
Karna's Vow to Kill Arjuna and the Pandavas' Departure
Leads into
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Stories
Showing all 6 stories
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.
Supporting
Bhishma Advises Duryodhana to Make Peace
After the Pandavas free Duryodhana from captivity, Bhishma confronts him with the shame of being rescued by his enemies while Karna fled in fear. He urges peace for the sake of the lineage — but Duryodhana only laughs and walks away.
Chapter 538 · ~1 min
Supporting
Karna and Duryodhana Plan a Rajasuya Sacrifice
After Bhishma leaves in shame, Duryodhana asks his advisers what to do next. Karna reassures him the earth is his. Duryodhana confesses his envy of the Pandavas' rajasuya sacrifice and wants one of his own — but a priest explains it cannot be performed while Yudhishthira and Dhritarashtra live, and recommends a Vaishnava sacrifice instead.
Chapter 538 · ~1 min
Supporting
Duhshasana Sends Invitation to Pandavas in Exile
Duhshasana sends a messenger to Dvaitavana to invite the exiled Pandavas to Duryodhana's sacrifice. Yudhishthira politely declines, citing their oath of thirteen years. But Bhima's answer is different: they will come, he says, only when Duryodhana himself is offered as an oblation in the fire of war.
Chapter 539 · ~1 min
Supporting
Duryodhana's Sacrifice and Vidura's Hospitality
Kings and brahmanas from across the land gather in Hastinapura for Duryodhana's grand sacrifice. He instructs Vidura to ensure everyone is satisfied — and Vidura, devoted to dharma, does exactly that, honoring every varna with food, drink, garlands, and garments. The sacrifice concludes successfully, and Duryodhana returns to the city with his brothers, Karna, and Soubala at his side.
Chapter 539 · ~1 min
Supporting
Karna Vows to Kill Arjuna Before Duryodhana
Duryodhana sits surrounded by his brothers after completing a great sacrifice. Karna rises and speaks of honoring him again — after the Pandavas are dead and a rajasuya is performed. Then Karna makes a public vow: he will not wash his feet until Arjuna is killed.
Chapter 540 · ~1 min
Supporting
Pandavas Learn of Karna's Vow and Leave Dvaitavana
Spies bring word to the Pandavas in the Dvaitavana forest: Karna has vowed to kill Arjuna. Yudhishthira grows deeply anxious. He thinks of Karna's impenetrable armor, of all their difficulties, and decides they must leave the forest at once.
Chapter 540 · ~1 min