Karma Yoga

Ghatotkacha forced Karna to use his divine weapon meant for Arjuna. His death paradoxically benefited the Pandavas.

Draupadis five sons were killed by Ashwathama in a night raid. They were cursed Vishwa Devas whose deaths liberated them.

All of Karnas curses converged on the battlefield - his chariot wheel stuck, he forgot mantras, and had already used his divine weapon.

Ekalavya cut off his thumb as guru dakshina to Dronacharya, sacrificing his skill to honor his teacher despite being self-taught.

Both matriarchs faced impossible choices where maternal love conflicted with dharma, ultimately seeking spiritual atonement through forest exile.

Bhishma and Drona witnessed Draupadis disrobing but remained silent. Their inaction made them morally culpable.

Bhishma refused to marry Amba despite his gurus demand, citing his celibacy vow. Their 23-day battle ended only when gods intervened.

Devavrata took a lifelong vow of celibacy and renounced the throne so his father could marry Satyavati, earning the name Bhishma.

Barbarik could end the war in one minute but his vow to support the weaker side would cause endless oscillation. Krishna asked for his head as sacrifice.

Karna deceived his guru Parashurama and accidentally killed a Brahmana cow, receiving curses that would cause his death in battle against Arjuna.

King Shibi offered his own flesh to save a dove from a hawk. When the dove kept getting heavier, he offered his entire body. The gods revealed themselves and blessed him.

Gandhari cursed Krishna that his Yadu clan would destroy itself just as her Kauravas were destroyed. Krishna accepted with a smile, and the curse later came true.

Unable to identify the herb to save dying Lakshmana, Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and flew it to Lanka, showing no obstacle is too great for devotion.

Karna gave away his divine armor and earrings to Indra despite knowing it would lead to his death, because his vow of generosity was his dharma.

Vibhishana left his brother Ravana and joined Rama, choosing personal dharma over family loyalty when the two conflicted.

Rama accepted 14 years exile without protest to honor his fathers word. Duty and parental respect supersede personal desires.

Kevat washed Ramas feet before ferrying him, fearing the dust might transform his boat. Rama embraced him as a fourth brother. Humble service earns divine grace.

Kumbhakarna knew Ravanas cause was unjust but fought for family loyalty anyway. His tragic death illustrates blind loyalty over dharma.

Lakshmana stayed awake 14 years guarding Rama and Sita. His devotion was so complete that Lakshmana Rekha became synonymous with sacred boundaries.

Urmila slept for 14 years so Lakshmana could stay awake to protect Rama. Her silent sacrifice enabled his heroic deeds.