Duryodhana received these messages in silence. And when the sacrifice, which was called Vaishnava, was held, Karna said unto Duryodhana: “When thou has slain the Pandavas and canst hold thy Rajasuya[271], I will be present also to do homage unto thee.”
Then Karna took a vow and said: “I will neither eat venison nor wash my feet[272] until I have slain Arjuna.”
Spies hastened unto the Pandavas and related all that had taken place at the sacrifice, and also the words which Karna had spoken. When Yudhishthira heard of the terrible vow which Karna had vowed, he sorrowed greatly, for he knew that a day must come when Arjuna and Karna would meet in deadly conflict.
One day thereafter Surya, god of the sun, warned Karna that Indra had resolved to divest him of his celestial armour and ear-rings. “But,” said Surya, “thou canst demand in exchange a heavenly weapon which hath power to slay gods and demons and mortal men.”
So it came that Indra stood before Karna, disguised as a Brahman, and asked for his armour and ear-rings. Having vowed to give unto the Brahmans whatsoever they might ask of him, Karna took off his armour and ear-rings and gave them unto the king of the gods, from whom he demanded in exchange an infallible weapon. Indra granted his request, but smiled[273] and went upon his way, knowing well that the triumph of the Pandavas was now assured.
It chanced that one day after this that Jayadratha[274], Rajah of Sindhu, passed through the wood when the Pandavas had gone a-hunting. He beheld Draupadi with eyes of love, and, despite her warnings, carried her away in his chariot.
When the Pandavas returned and were told by a bondmaiden what had taken place, they set out in pursuit of the Rajah of Sindhu, who left his chariot when they drew nigh, and concealed himself in a thicket.
Bhima then said unto Yudhishthira: “Return now with Draupadi and our brethren. Although the rajah should seek refuge in the underworld, he will not escape my vengeance.”
Said Yudhishthira: “Remember, O Bhima, that although Jayadratha hath committed a grievous sin, he is our kinsman, for he hath married the sister of Duryodhana.”
Draupadi said: “He is worthy of death, for he is the worst of kings and the vilest of men. Have not the sages said that he who carries off the wife of another in times of peace must certainly be put to death.”