Why did not Karna use Vasavi Shakti given by Indra on Arjuna?

 

On the 14th day, Arjuna eliminates Jayadratha. And, Duryodhana laments at the death of Jayadratha and blames Drona for his inaction in allowing Arjuna pass through him.

Then, Karna consoles him saying that Drona should not be blamed, as he tried his best even at that old age. Thereafter, he says that a person may strive hard to achieve something, but ultimately it the GOD that decides the result.

दैवोपसृष्टः पुरुषो यत्कर्म कुरुते क्वचित् ।कृतं कृतं स्म तत्तस्य दैवेन विनिहन्यते ॥

यत्कर्तव्यं मनुष्येण व्यवसायवता सता ।तत्कार्यमविशङ्केन सिद्धिर्दैवे प्रतिष्ठिता ॥

Whatever act, O king, a person afflicted by GOD does, is frustrated by GOD, however, much the person himself may strive to achieve it. Whatever, indeed, a man endued with perseverance should do, ought to be done fearlessly. Success depends on GOD!

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This was the only reason, as to why Duryodhana, inspite of having great warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Bhagadatta, Ashvatthama, Karna, etc, on his side, could not win the war.

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The same logic applies even to Karna also.

Yes, Karna was a great warrior, he tried his best from the 11th day of the war to defeat Pandavas, whenever possible, but the GOD had other plans.

Vasavi Shakti was given by Indra, which can be used only once. One may find some interpolated episodes/dialogues, which give an impression that it was due to Krishna’s power that averted direct confrontation between Arjuna and Karna, till 17th of the war.

As far as I understood, Sage Krishna Dwaipayana or Vyasa projected Krishna as a great strategist, warrior, but not as the GOD, if we omit the interpolated episodes.

As mentioned above, it was the GOD that averted the direct confrontation till 17th day of the war.

From 11th to 13th day of the war, Arjuna was engaged with Samsaptakas. Arjuna and Karna faced the other some times, on 14th day, and fought but those wars were not decisive.

And, Karna was forced to use Vasavi Shakti on Ghatotkacha on the night of 14th day, thus exhausting his only chance to win and kill Arjuna.

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As Karna himself stated, GOD is powerful.