“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘When the spectators, with
eyes expanded with wonder, made way for that subjugator of hostile cities,
Karna, that hero with his natural armour and face brightened with ear-rings,
took up his bow and belted on his sword, and then entered the spacious arena,
like a walking mountain. That far-famed destroyer of hostile army, the
large-eyed Karna, was born of Pritha (Karna) in her maidenhood (by Lord Surya). He was a portion of the hot-beamed Sun
and his energy and prowess were like to those of the lion, or the bull, or the
leader of a herd of elephants. In splendour he resembled the Sun, in loveliness
the Moon, and in energy the fire. Fathered by the Sun himself, he was tall in
stature like a golden palm tree, and, endued with the vigour of youth, he was
capable of slaying a lion. Handsome in features, he was possessed of countless
accomplishments. The mighty-armed warrior (Karna), eyeing all around the arena, bowed without interest to Drona and
Kripa.
“The entire assembly, motionless and with constant
gaze, thought, ‘Who is he?’ They became agitated in their curiosity to know the
warrior. That foremost of men of expression, the offspring of the Sun, in a
voice deep as that of the clouds, addressed his unknown brother, the son of the
subdue of the Asura Paaka (Lord Indra), saying, ‘O Paartha (Arjuna), I shall perform feats before this gazing crowd;
excelling all you have performed! Seeing them, you shall be amazed.’
“O you best of those blessed with speech (Janamejaya), he had hardly
done when the spectators stood up all at once, uplifted by some instrument, as
it were. O tiger among men (Janamejaya),
Duryodhana was filled with delight, while Bibhatsu (Arjuna) was instantly all ashamed and anger. Then
with the permission of Drona, the mighty Karna, delighting in battle, there did
all that Paartha had done before. O Bharata (Janamejaya), Duryodhana with his brothers immediately
embraced Karna in joy and then addressed him saying, ‘Welcome O mighty-armed
warrior! I have obtained you by good fortune, O polite one! You live as you
please, and command me, and the kingdom of the Kurus.’
“Karna replied, ‘When you have said it, I regard it as
already accomplished. I only long for your friendship. O lord (Duryodhana), my wish is for
a single combat with Arjuna.’
“Duryodhana said, ‘You do with me enjoy the good
things of life! You be the supporter of your friend, and, O represser of
enemies, you place your feet on the heads of all enemies (meaning crush your enemies).’
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Arjuna, after this,
deeming himself disgraced, said to Karna stationed among the brothers like to a
mountain, ‘That path which the unwelcome intruder and the uninvited talker
comes to, shall be yours, O Karna, for you shall be slain by me.’
“Karna replied, ‘This arena is meant for all, not for you
alone, O Phalguna (Arjuna)! There are kings who are superior in energy; and certainly the
Kshatriya regards might and might alone. What need of argument which is the
exercise of the weak? O Bharata (Arjuna), speak then in arrows, until with arrows I strike off your head today
before the Guru himself!’
“Vaisampayana continued, ‘Quickly embraced by his
brothers, Paartha that subduer of hostile cities, with the permission of Drona,
advanced for the combat. On the other side, Karna, having been embraced by
Duryodhana with his brothers, taking up his bow and arrows, stood ready for the
fight. Then the sky became enveloped in clouds emitting flashes of lightning,
and the coloured bow of (Lord) Indra (Rainbow) appeared
shedding its shining brightly rays. The clouds seemed to laugh on account of
the rows of white cranes that were then on the wing. Seeing (Lord) Indra thus viewing the arena from affection
(for Arjuna), the Sun too dispersed
the clouds from over his own offspring (Karna). Phalguna (Arjuna) remained
deep hid under cover of the clouds, while Karna remained visible, being
surrounded by the rays of the Sun. The son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana) stood by Karna, and Bharadwaja (Drona), Kripa and Bhishma remained with Paartha (Arjuna).
“The assembly was divided, as also the female
spectators. Knowing the state of things, Kunti the daughter of Bhoja, fainted
away. By the help of female attendants, Vidura, versed in the knowledge of all
duties, revived the insensible Kunti by sprinkling sandal-paste and water on
her person. On being restored to consciousness, Kunti, seeing her two sons dressed
in armour, was seized with fear, but she could do nothing (to protect them). Seeing
both the warriors with bows strung in their hands the son of Sharadwata –
Kripa, knowing all duties and knowledgeable of the rules regulating duels,
addressed Karna, saying ‘This Pandava, who is the youngest son of Kunti,
belongs to the Kaurava race; he will engage in combat with you. But, O
mighty-armed one, you too must tell us your lineage and the names of your
father and mother and the royal line of which you are the ornament. Learning
all this, Paartha will fight with you or not (as he will think fit). Sons of kings never fight with men of
inglorious lineage.’
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘When he was thus addressed
by Kripa, Karna's face became like to a lotus pale and torn with the pelting
showers in the rainy season.
“Duryodhana said, ‘O Guru, certainly
the Shastras have it that three classes of persons can lay claim to royalty –
persons of the blood royal, heroes (Veera in Sanskrit),
and lastly, those that lead armies. If Phalguna (Arjuna) is unwilling to fight with one who is not
a king, I will install Karna as king of Anga.’
“Vaishampaayana said, ‘At that very moment, seated on
a golden seat, with parched paddy, with flowers, water-pots and much gold, the
mighty warrior Karna was installed king by Brahmanas versed in mantras. The
royal umbrella was held over his head, while Yak-tails waved around that
redoubtable hero of graceful appearance. The cheers, having stopped, king (Karna) said to the Kaurava
Duryodhana, ‘O tiger among monarchs, what shall I give to you that may compare
with your gift of a kingdom? O king, I will do all you command!’
“Duryodhana
said to him, ‘I eagerly wish for your friendship.’ Thus spoken to, Karna
replied, ‘Be it so.’ They embraced each other in joy, and experienced great
happiness.’”
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