Karna The Unsung Hero of the Mahabharata

by Kotru, Umesh

  Chapter-5

  The Hero Emerges

  Concurrently with Karna’s solitary endeavour, the advanced training of the Puru Princes was fast approaching its fruition. In due course of time, after the completion of the training of the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu, Guru Dronacharya approached King Dhritarashtra and informed him that the princes were now well-versed in the art of warfare. He therefore requested King Dhritarashtra for his permission to organise a tournament to let the princes demonstrate their skills. The tournament would be witnessed by the king himself, besides a gathering of members of the royal family and ordinary citizens from all parts of the kingdom. Dhritarashtra expressed his deep gratitude to Dronacharya for accomplishing the important task of the martial training of the princes. Regarding the tournament, the king gladly agreed to Guru Dronacharya’s suggestion. He immediately instructed his Prime Minister Vidura to make necessary arrangements, which included the place and the manner in which the tournament had to be conducted as per requirements to be specified by Guru Dronacharya.

  Dronacharya selected a piece of land that was perfectly flat and quite suitable for building a sufficiently large stadium fit for the event. A large arena was constructed on the land, with several platforms to accommodate spectators according to their ranks, viz. royalty, aristocracy and the lay people. Liberal use of gold and precious stones was made in decorating the arena which enhanced its grandeur.

  In consultation with prominent Brahmins and the royal priests, an auspicious day was chosen by Vidura and Dronacharya for conducting the tournament. Announcements about the tournament were made throughout the kingdom for information of those who wanted to attend. On the day fixed for the Tournament, the king accompanied by Bhishma, Kripacharya, Vidura and other ministers of the court arrived at the arena. Vidura sat beside Dhritarashtra and assumed responsibility of narrating the proceedings to the blind king. Gandhari, along with Kunti and other ladies of the royal family, took their respective places in the section specially constructed for the female members of the royalty. Kunti took the responsibility of explaining the events to Gandhari and sat beside her. There was tremendous excitement in the air as citizens from all parts of Hastinapura, including the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, desirous of witnessing the skills of the young princes in the use of advanced arms and battle gear, were assembled at the arena. The excited spectators created a cacophonous milieu and musicians played a variety of instruments, the whole effect being that of a carnival, which quite suited the occasion.

  The proceedings started with Guru Dronacharya accompanied by his son Ashvatthama, both dressed in white, arriving at the arena. Auspicious hymns were chanted by the Brahmins and sweet-sounding musical instruments were played out to invoke blessings of the celestials. These were closely followed by the entry of the Puru princes, dressed in combat attire and equipped with all kinds of weapons, with Yudhishthira leading the group. The valiant princes arrived in the order of age. On receiving the signal to start the proceedings from Dronacharya, the princes began to display their extraordinary skills in the use of various weapons. The entire audience was thrilled at the spectacle unfolding in front of their eyes. Galloping swiftly on horses and managing them with the smooth felicity of expert equestrians, the princes began to hit marks set as targets with arrows and spears. They also started demonstrating their skills individually, in the use of their weapons of choice, including swords, spears, bows-and-arrows, maces and all the rest of those.

  In the final leg of the tournament, after completion of the group and individual performances by the princes, Guru Dronacharya got up and announced: “As part of the grand finale of today’s events I have organised a couple of special demonstrations for everyone to witness. The first demonstration will consist of a mock duel between Bhima and Duryodhana using their maces. Both of them have learnt to handle the mace with great deal of skill and finesse. The final demonstration will consist of Arjuna giving a preview of his expertise in the art of archery.”

  Immediately after this announcement, Bhima and Duryodhana came forward to the centre of the arena. Both were holding a mace in their hands. Both of them roared at each other and started landing ferocious blows with the mace on each other. Each one would deftly avoid the other’s blow or parry it with the help of his own mace. Sparks flew when their maces struck each other. Even though the duel was supposed to be only a demonstration, both Bhima and Duryodhana were going about it as though it were a real fight to the finish between the two of them. The excitement was such that the crowds could not stay neutral and meek spectators to the duel. While some of them cheered for Bhima, others started rooting for Duryodhana. Even King Dhritarashtra got excited every time the crowds backed Duryodhana loudly. He listened to the description narrated by Vidura very keenly. At last, apprehending that the situation might get out of hand, Dronacharya instructed his son Ashvatthama to go and restrain both participants which he promptly did, thus ending the fight.

  Once Bhima and Duryodhana were thus restrained, Guru Dronacharya again went to the centre of the arena. There he commanded the musicians to stop playing, and with a loud voice addressed the gathering once again: “Now is the time for the grand finale of this tournament. I would urge everyone to welcome Arjuna who is as dear to me as my own son. Today I am pleased to declare in front of all that Arjuna has been my best student. Indeed, in my considered view, he is the best archer in the whole world. You will now see Arjuna demonstrate some of the most difficult feats that can be performed with bow and arrows.” Close on the heels of this announcement, Arjuna with his quiver of arrows and bow in hand entered the arena.

  On seeing Arjuna, the whole assembly was delighted and conches were blown all around along with other musical instruments, thus creating a huge din among the spectators. After a while when the uproar had finally subsided, Arjuna began the display of his prowess in the use of various missiles with his bow. He demonstrated his expertise in summoning and releasing many divine weapons through his bow. Exhibition of advanced divine weapons like Brahma Astra etc. was forbidden as that would have resulted in all round destruction. Bettering each exhibition with the next he truly appeared like a hero no less than the great Puru elder Bhishma himself. He fully justified Guru Dronacharya’s assertion about his being the best archer with his superb skills. Everyone was very happy to behold the remarkably accomplished performance and Dronacharya’s face was beaming with pride. Arjuna hit various types of targets with his arrows, some very small and some others moving fast. He also hit multiple targets at the same time. In this manner Arjuna showed his singular skill as the wielder of the bow.

  When this last performance by Arjuna came to an end and the excitement of the spectators had cooled down, a loud roar coming from the entrance of the arena was heard by everyone. All eyes turned in that direction. Karna, tall and handsome, appeared at the entrance. His natural armour and earrings, together with his glowingly youthful personality gave him a uniquely radiant aura that blended the splendour of the sun and at the same time the beauty of the moon. He was holding his bow in hand and also carried a sword hanging around his waist. He gracefully walked into the arena and bowed in front of Dronacharya and Kripacharya, paying his respects to the gurus. After that he addressed Arjuna in a thunderous voice. “O Partha, I shall perform feats in front of this gathering which will easily surpass whatever you have demonstrated today and will fill one and all gathered here with amazement. Let everyone behold my performance and decide who is superior between the two of us.”

  Everyone was taken aback by this open challenge thrown by Karna. They began to wonder who this glowing youngster was. Nobody could understand how a stranger could challenge the Puru prince Arjuna like that, whom Guru Dronacharya himself had declared as the best archer just a while ago. His true identity became the topic of instant gossip in the arena. In this surcharged atmosphere, only a few women noticed Kunti fainting on the shoulder of Gandhari.

  This was ascribed to suffocation caused by the intense heat inside the
arena. In fact nobody including the women wanted to miss any part of the action unfolding in the middle and thus forgot about this other incident. After that short distraction, all attention shifted to the middle where a fresh bout of duel was expected to commence any moment.

  Arjuna and rest of the Pandavas were almost stunned by Karna’s challenge and could not readily decide how to react. Meanwhile, Karna after securing Guru Dronacharya’s permission, started demonstrating his skills. With absolute ease and elegance, he repeated all the feats which were accomplished earlier by Arjuna. He even surpassed many of them, bringing into play his dexterity and swiftness in handing the bow. The entire gathering was awestruck by this dazzling display of superior and flawless skills by Karna. Feeling a pang of jealousy at this, Arjuna clenched his fists and stood silently in a corner. On the other hand, Duryodhana was delighted at the prospect of finding a partner who could rival and surpass Arjuna in every manner. He recognised Karna and suddenly remembered his interactions with him at the Gurukula. Searching his memory, he could also recollect the brief period of friendship that he had struck with Karna during their basic training sessions.

  Duryodhana particularly remembered how Karna would often narrate to him his feelings; and how upset he would feel every time Guru Dronacharya and other teachers would heap all their praise on Arjuna in front of all students, even though Karna himself would easily accomplish whatever task was assigned to him, many a time better than anyone else. He remembered Karna’s disappointment at not receiving even a fraction of the approbation that was usually lavished on Arjuna. Having thus vividly recalled all the events during the days at the Gurukula, Duryodhana could appreciate the background and the motive behind Karna’s appearance at the arena and the challenge thrown at Arjuna. Other than Duryodhana, only Guru Dronacharya could recognise Karna. Recollecting the memory of Karna’s Gurukula days, he was impressed and at the same time surprised with what he just witnessed, especially considering the fact that Karna was not allowed to join the advanced training programme at the Gurukula. Everyone else present at the arena was wonder-struck at the dramatic turn of events and waited in rapt attention to see what followed the stellar performance by this worthy gatecrasher.

  Duryodhana immediately seized upon this godsent opportunity and along with his brothers quickly approached Karna and embraced him. “O Karna, I welcome you to this tournament. It has been a long time since the Gurukula days. I had almost forgotten about our interaction. Let me take this opportunity to place myself along with my brothers at your service. I offer for your enjoyment all the facilities and comforts in this kingdom in the same fashion as I and my brothers do. Everything that belongs to me is at your disposal. Please tell me what more I can do for you?” said Duryodhana.

  Karna replied, “Thank you for your kindness, I only need your friendship and desire to engage with a one-against-one duel with Arjuna, so that the whole world can judge as to who is the superior warrior once and for all”.

  These words of Karna sounded like sweet music to the ears of Duryodhana and he could barely manage to conceal his immense pleasure. “Sure, you are most welcome and I believe Guru Dronacharya also should not have any objection to this duel. This tournament is open to all warriors of the land to demonstrate their skills. After witnessing what you have just demonstrated in front of everyone, you surely qualify to take on Arjuna”, replied Duryodhana.

  Arjuna got furious at this and clenching his fists he shouted at Karna, “You have barged into this arena as an uninvited intruder. You will face the consequences. You are going to meet your death at my hands and go to hell.”

  Karna responded by saying, “O Arjuna, this tournament has been organised by Guruji for everyone who is talented in the use of weapons and in the art of combat. Duryodhana also said likewise just before your angry outburst. I have only demonstrated a glimpse of my capabilities, which actually are far superior to yours. If you think you are good enough, then instead of mere talk why don’t you take up your bow and engage in a one to one combat with me? Let all those who are assembled here see for themselves who is the better warrior.”

  Being a Kshatriya, Arjuna could not turn down this challenge that was openly thrown at him by Karna. He embraced his brothers and sought permission from Guru Dronacharya before accepting the challenge. Karna also readied himself for the duel. Intense excitement arose all around. The spectators got divided into two camps. While some felt that Arjuna would triumph, others were not so sure. Duryodhana and the other sons of Dhritarashtra started rallying around Karna.

  But before the two mighty heroes, all ready for combat, could proceed further, Kripacharya arose from his seat and addressed Karna. “Young man, the person whom you are going to engage in combat is the youngest son of Late King Pandu of the Puru race and Maharani Kunti. As per the laws of dual combat, both the opponents should be of equal stature. I, therefore, request you to please disclose your lineage and let us know which royal family you belong to before this duel can be allowed.”

  Hearing these words from Kripacharya, Karna became pale with embarrassment, realising that Kripacharya had hit his one weak spot by raising this technical issue. He fell silent, struggling to think of a response. Duryodhana realised Karna’s discomfort. In order not to let the opportunity of Arujna actually being subdued by an ally slip out of hand, he got up from his seat and addressed Kripacharya. “Gurudeva, if Karna cannot be allowed to fight with Arjuna unless he himself is a Prince, I declare him as the King of Anga Desha which is well within my rights.” Duryodhana immediately proceeded to Dhritarashtra for his royal assent to this declaration, which Dhritarashtra promptly granted.

  Consequently, Duryodhana hastily made all necessary arrangements on the spot for formal coronation of Karna as the King of Anga. The formal coronation ceremony was conducted there and then, accompanied by ceremonial Vedic chants by the Brahmins. Karna, who suddenly found his position elevated from a Suta Putra to a king, was overwhelmed by this kind gesture of Duryodhana. He approached Duryodhana and thanked him profusely. Then, being by nature one who would rather give than take anything, he requested Duryodhana to ask for anything that he could offer in return for his kindness.

  Duryodhana replied: “Karna, I desire nothing but your everlasting friendship and support.” Karna agreed promptly and told Duryodhana, “Dear Friend, I shall never forget this moment and will remain forever indebted to you for this kind gesture. I promise you my friendship and will gladly fulfill your wishes till the last breath of my life”. Both of them embraced each other and thus a life-long bond of close friendship was established between the two of them.

  While Karna was speaking with Duryodhana, Adhiratha entered the arena. Due to old age he was slowly limping with the help of a stick towards the direction where Karna was coronated. News of the coronation of his son had reached him, which made him rush towards the arena. He was visibly trembling with excitement and sweating profusely. Karna saw Adhiratha enter the arena through a corner of his eye while he and Duryodhana were embracing each other. He immediately put his bow down and rushed towards Adhiratha. Karna then bowed in front of his father and placed his head, still wet with the ceremonial water sprinkled over him, at the feet of his father with affection. Adhiratha picked Karna up, wiped his head with a corner of the cloth he was draped with, and affectionately hugged his son.

  His thought process transported him to the eve of Karna’s departure for Hastinapura when, during a casual talk with his wife, he had predicted that Radheya was destined to achieve glory. Realising that his prediction was now coming true before his very eyes, he could only mutter a few words of wonderment in a feeble and trembling voice. “My dear Son, mysterious are the ways of destiny”.

  A continuous stream of tears was flowing down his cheeks at this proud moment of witnessing his son’s coronation as the King of Anga Desha. Karna too felt his eyes getting moist with emotion and he held Adhiratha in a tight embrace.

  Everybody knew that Adhiratha was one of the charioteers of
King Dhritarashtra. The way Karna went down to receive Adhiratha and their subsequent conversation clearly indicated that he was the son of a charioteer, a Suta Putra. It was now clear why Karna remained silent in response to the question put by Kripacharaya just a while ago. Seizing this opportunity, Bhima got up and started taunting Karna with piercingly sarcastic words. “O son of charioteer, this then is why you fell silent when Guru Kripacharya enquired about your lineage. You are after all a low-born Suta. You do not deserve to die at the hands of Arjuna. It befits you to take a whip in your hand and pursue the safe profession of your father instead of bragging about your capability as a warrior. Surely you are not worthy of ruling the kingdom of Anga which has been undeservedly gifted to you by Duryodhana”.

  Karna became infuriated by these harsh words of Bhima; but could not retaliate and stood silent, trembling with intense rage. Adhiratha also felt a poignant pain in his heart since he knew about the mystery surrounding Karna’s birth. In the absence of any definitive knowledge about Karna’s real lineage and to avoid complicating the matter further, he preferred to suffer silently together with his son.

  On the other hand, Duryodhana, who was not one to suffer Bhima’s barbs, rejoined with matching sharpness: “O Bhima, do not speak such disrespectful words. A real Kshatriya is recognised by his valour and not by his birth. Karna has demonstrated that he is no less than the greatest of warriors of this world. The lineage of heroes, like the source of mighty rivers, is difficult to ascertain. There is mystery surrounding the birth of several great men. Guru Dronacharya himself was born in a pot. Questions can be asked about your own birth and that of your other brothers too. Can’t you make out from the powerful personality of Karna which is further enhanced by his natural armour and earrings, that he is a shining personification of a true Kshatriya? Surely there is some deep mystery that shrouds Karna’s birth. How can a tiger take birth from the womb of a deer? If your brother (Arjuna) is afraid of facing my friend, let him desist from doing so; but don’t make lowly excuses to avoid the fight. As for me, I have no doubt in the greatness and capability of Karna and that is sufficient for me, irrespective of his background.”