KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR CONTINUED.....EPISODE 15......

 

Manu Smṛiti: 

yatra nāryas tu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ (3.56)

 “Societies where women are worshiped, for they are chaste and virtuous, the celestial gods are joyous.”

Episode 15

Women empowerment…..

As Balarama adjourns the meeting, the ball was now in the court of Pandavas. Krishna asks Kunti and her sons to take a decision on Duryodhana's demand. Yudhistira unable to come to terms discusses with his brothers.

Arjuna is happy to have Karna on their side but not as King. He admires the greatness of Karna as one of the great archers on par with him and that he will be an asset to the Pandava Kingdom.

Bheemasena was still twisting his hands as he wanted to prove his prowess over Duryodhana. He considered this as Duryodhana’s ploy and that his crooked mind was buying time. Bheema very much preferred a fight with Duryodhana paving for his elimination once for all.

Nakula and Sahadeva, knowing fully well that they were nowhere near, even dreaming of ruling Hastinapur left it to the discretion of their mother Kunti.

The undecided Yudhistira took refuge under his mother.

Kunti reminded her son’s that the daughters-in-law be also taken into confidence before taking a crucial decision. It is the womenfolk who had taken a lead in bringing in truce to the dreaded war.

On the other side, Duryodhana enthusing full confidence, was relaxing, yet soothing mother Gandhari about the loss of all his brothers in the war. He was trying vehemently to convince her, that it was Krishna who made all the difference and not the fault of his mighty men lead by none other than Bhisma.

Karna still reluctant to be the King of Hastinapur, when his friend and mentor Duryodhana was alive, decided to seek the opinion of his wives. Vrishali took the lead by taking into confidence the other wives. She reminded Karna of his following righteous moves now:

1.   Krishna and Kunti have made it aptly clear that Karna is now the eldest of Pandavas though not born to the late King Pandu.

2.   With Kunti being the mother of Karna, Yudhistira, Bheema, and Arjuna will not oppose. Nakula and Sahadeva will automatically follow suit.

3.   Duryodhana himself has suggested the name. So being a loyal friend of him, he should continue to honour his intentions.

4.   Karna had suffered till date, though, he had no role in all this, including his birth.

5. Circumstances forced him to side with Duryodhana, knowing fully well that the path was far from Dharma.

Vrishali convinced Karna that he had a golden opportunity now. Here is a chance to sanctify himself by ruling Hastinapur and guiding Duryodhana onto the righteous path.

When opportunity knocks at the door, wise men should open and grab it. The other wives too consented. Karna appreciated the stand and gave his nod.

Vrishali also affirmed that Sun God would be the happiest now.

    What would Panchali do? How Subhadra who lost Abhimanyu and Hidimba sacrificing Ghatotkacha would react to the proposal mattered much?

To be continued in episode 16…..