Mrityunjaya ~ Shivaji Sawant (64 of 2024)

Finally I am fortunate to read the English version of the Marathi Novel written by Shivaji Sawant, which was translated as Karnan in Malayalam thanks to Thanseeh from CBC. Have heard about this book since childhood from Sasiman, and was fortunate to get hold of the Malayalam version with Raghavan Chittapan.  

In the Mahabharata, Karna, who shines with the brilliance of the sun, is the story that has attracted the novelists the most. Am waiting to read the original Marathi version of the book. Hopefully soon.

 Brotherly love, friendship, filial affection, generosity, charity, fearlessness, courage, sense of value, idealism, purity of character, passion for culture, all of these are revealed in the novel. The sense of loss of not being able to experience anything of his own - true motherly love, family pride, Kshatriya - the disdain he had to hear even from the unworthy  - none of this swayed the Maharati even at the crucial moments. In vain moments and in dire straits, unbroken, unflinching, that brave man stood firm.

Without yielding to any temptation, he persevered with his righteousness till the end of his life. Karna faced human and divine challenges all his life with self courage and became invincible even in the face of death. Such is the immortal story of Karna that Shivaji Sawant has reimagined through the novel Mrutunchaya.

The novelist has adopted the technique of moving the story forward through the autobiographical accounts of Karna, Kunti, Duryodhana, Vrishali, Shon and Sri Krishna. Centered around Karna, rest of the Mahabharata stories are intelligently combined here. Each chapter though named after a character,  is not about them but a view of each of the characters on the events during that period. 

There are four chapters titled Karna. Athirathan's adopted son who excelled in every area. Athirathan's real son was Shon, he admired Karna a lot. For him Karna was his beloved elder brother, God like.  He has seen how Karna with all pain stood strong with smile.

Karna used to bathe in Ganga daily, where he met his first wife Vrishali  a beautiful lady. He also had another wife whose story is described in The Outcasted Queen.

In Vedas any person who has slept with more than three people is called 'Pumchali'. Karna told this about Draupadhi so Kaurava don't trouble her. Which was misunderstood.  There are so many stories and sub-stories looked at from different viewpoint  and ends with Sri Krishna describing the 18 day war and the need for it; covering emotions,  promises and betrayals of those involved. Mothers sorrow and the bond between Krishna and Karna is explained at the end with all its mirage. Enchanting,  poetic,  philosophical. 

One interesting subplot worth pondering is, the question from Arjun when Krishna praise Karna as his Chariot moves three steps behind.  Arjuna ask Sri Krishna why he was not praised when Karna's chariot was pushed five steps behind.  To this Sri Krishna said Karna did it alone when Arjuna had Sri Krishna himself as the charioteer and Hanuman to protect him. 

Shivaji Sawant presents Karna's life through his own perspective, exploring themes of fate, honor, and sacrifice delving into Karna's struggles with his identity, loyalty, and the societal pressures he faces.

The great poet Vyasa has given a miracle, by providing us the glimpse of the character Surya Sambhava Karna, in the Mahabharata.

Perhaps if Karna  had the strength of Durga, Sri Krishna would not have had to tell the secret of the Gita to Arjuna.

Vyasa says that the one who was branded as Maharati and Ardha Rati, who had the power to consume love, sacrifice, and vision, was brought to chastity  even when Karna was dead. 

Narada on meeting the Pandavas after the war tell them Karna was the most brilliant and energetic character in the Mahabharata, even if the qualities of five pandavas were put together, they would not equal to Karna.

The story of Karna and his life is a lesson on how human life is so very interconnected. Unaware we ridicule, harm and even kill others. Only to repent later. A valuable lesson for one and all of all ages. 

The book is philosophical poem. A poignant retelling and a profound exploration of a complex hero.