Ghatotkacha attacks Duryodhana, but the mighty warrior retaliates and brings the Rakshasa under control, ultimately killing him with Karna’s assistance.
On the 14th night of the Kurukshetra War, chaos engulfed the battlefield. The Pandavas unleashed Ghaṭotkacha, Bhima’s mighty Rakshasa son, whose powers multiplied in darkness. Wielding sorcery and immense strength, he devastated the Kaurava forces—crushing elephants, hurling warriors into the air, and scattering chariots with illusions of fire and storm. Duryodhana, enraged by the destruction, advanced to confront him. Ghaṭotkacha rained down astras and rocks, while Duryodhana countered with calm precision, his valor holding firm against the demonic assault.
Yet Ghaṭotkacha’s illusions overwhelmed the Kauravas, forcing Duryodhana into a desperate situation. He called upon Karna, who had sworn to protect him. Remembering his divine weapon, the Vasava Shakti, given by Indra, Karna invoked it despite knowing he could use it only once. As Ghaṭotkacha rose gigantic and furious, Karna released the Shakti. The blazing missile struck true, tearing through the Rakshasa’s chest.
As Ghaṭotkacha fell, his immense body crushed countless Kaurava troops beneath him. His dying act fulfilled Krishna’s design—for Karna had now spent his only divine weapon, leaving Arjuna safe for the final confrontation.
