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…..

 

 

KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR CONTINUED EPISODE 14

 

Episode 14

Duryodhana’s secret bomb…..

Warriors’ are warriors. War or no war they keep anchoring. The two groups of soldiers stood on their toes. The Kurukshetra battlefield was silent but not the men in arms. They kept grooming. Each had etched their name in invisible letters. The unnamed in the greatest war on earth, proud and lucky. So were the countless horses and elephants.

Krishna’s tent was the centre of attraction. The men and women who mattered the most at the helm of affairs gathered. Dhritarashtra kept away. He had authorised his wife Gandhari to take a call. He knew fully well that his son Duryodhana is a hard nut to crack. The ordained meeting had begun.

Balarama the mediator initiated the discussions. Krishna appreciated the gracious stand taken by Duryodhana to give up amidst certain conditions. Kunti asked Kripacharya to fix an auspicious day and time for the incarnation of Yudhistira as the king of Hastinapur. Vrishali however, suggested that it would be wise to consider the other conditions of Duryodhana, before jumping to a conclusion. Gandhari too supported her.

Destiny or fate!

Balarama sensed the mood of Krishna who winked. Ashwattaama was summoned to put up the conditions of Duryodhana. Ashwattaama created ripples in the meeting hall. For a moment, there was pin-drop silence. A weapon never heard, and heralded, a silent killer was released by Ashwattaama on behalf of Duryodhana. The ever tough Duryodhana wanted his loyal friend Karna to be proclaimed as the EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR and not Yudhistira.

A meticulous move indeed. Even his mentor Shakuni mama could not have conceptualized. This majestic stroke silenced Kunti. It pushed her into a dilemma. After all, Karna was her eldest son. But what about Yudhistira, her loyal and noble son, who had suffered all along? Will the Pandava dynasty reconcile?

A matter of perception

It mattered very little for Gandhari. With Duryodhana giving up, the Kauravas will be nowhere, unless the grandchildren resurrect.

It was but natural for Vrishali, Karna’s wife, to remain calm, yet rejoice from within.

Will Draupadi also called Panchali, with her vow at stake throw in her towel?

The other Pandavas dumb stuck jumped onto the shoulders of Krishna their crusader.

Yudhistira ever loyal to her mother Kunti wanted to hold a discussion with his brothers, especially the furious Bheemasena.

The clever Balarama adjourned the meeting for the time being.

To be continued in episode 15……

KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR....CONTINUED EPISODE 13...

 Episode 13

The secret weapon

Duryodhana-

 

"When surrounded with outcomes of my own deeds,

I looked around and found the one..

who stood behind selflessly..

 only for me...

He became my armor..

when the ones around me

showered blessings to my enemies 

to get me killed.. "

A QUOTE FROM @RITU4U: Mahabharat forum 

Duryodhana's squad enters the pond for the crucial last-minute strategic move. Each of the elite members is asked to propose their plan towards a graceful settlement.

Ashwattaama:

“All of us should move to a hiding far beyond the horizons of the Kingdom. Garner strength, wait for the right time, and strike back”.

Karna:

“Agree with Ashwattaama. Let us denounce everything and go on exile. But disagree that we should hit back. It should be a royal retreat. Our action should win the hearts of the citizens and remain embedded”.

Kripacharya:

“Hastinapur be handed over to Pandavas. Duryodhana be made the king of Indraprastha. Ashwattaama be appointed as the common coach for both sides. I will remain the Kula guru for both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Vidura be brought back as an advisor. Karna to continue as the king of Anghad”.

Duryodhana listens anxiously but consciously to all the suggestions. But this time a bit cautious as his mentor Late Shakuni was not by his side to (ill) advice.

Taking a deep breath, exercising his brain a bit, the wittingly insightful, and an astute tactician, Duryodhana takes a panoramic view of his close companions, laughs loud, and pronounces his decree. He knew very well that Karna would be his magic wand this time. He doesn’t need the sanctified dices of Shakuni this time at all.

Though, Kripacharya and Ashwattaama gave their consent to the brilliant idea of Duryodhana, Karna expressed his displeasure. The trio, however, managed to convince Karna to toe their line. Duryodhana’s squad enthused confidence in the pre-emptive move.

The secret weapon, which can seal the war outside the battlefield was ready to be placed across the table of negotiation. 

To be continued in episode 14...

KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR CONTINUED....EPISODE 12

 

Episode 12

The white flag furls……

The crestfallen Duryodhana at last consents to hold a face-saving negotiation with Pandavas. His handful of warriors led by Kripacharya enter the battlefield, blowing the trumpet. Surprisingly they are holding a white flag. Unaware, Pandavas rush to the ever knowledgeable Krishna.

Krishna, Balarama, Kunti, and Vrishali welcome them with a smile. The Pandavas are taken aback. They didn’t have an iota of what is happening around them. They were busy concocting Bheema to find Duryodhana and finish the war. They were stunned at the presence of Balarama and Vrishali.

Krishna called Yudhishtira and put his hands around his back. The representative smile of Krishna was well understood by Yudhishtira. Yudhishtira touched the feet of Krishna, Balarama and Kunti and sought their blessings. Kunti signaled him to take the blessings of Vrishali too. He was stunned. Yet out of respect towards his mother, which he ever had, he obeyed though in wonder.

Kunti zoomed all that transpired in the twilight. Pandavas were told for the first time that Karna was their eldest brother. They all pinched their skin in utter incredulity. Always in fury, Bheema whacked his mighty mace to the ground questioning the long secrecy maintained. For a moment the battlefield quaked. Krishna and Balarama soothed him. Arjuna had a deep sigh of relief as he had stopped short of killing his own brother.

All were waiting for Dhritarashtra’s emissary to come. Duryodhana conveyed to the parents his willingness to put an end to the unfortunate war, however under certain amicable conditions. As anticipated, the emissary arrived and handed over the consent letter to Yudhishtira. They all went into a deep discussion pondering over the pros and cons. Balarama’s opinion prevailed. Nakula and Sahadeva were sent to the battlefield along with a white flag. However, as per ever-suspicious Bheema, the entire army of Pandavas was there to provide a backup in case of any eventuality.

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari represented the Kauravas. Krishna and Kunti appeared for Pandavas. Balarama was the mediator. A long deliberation took place. Yudhishtira left everything to the wise decision of Krishna and Kunti. Gandhari spoke into the ears of Duryodhana about the relation between Kunti and Karna.

Ever agile Balarama, sensing trouble briefed Duryodhana as to how Karna rejected the proposal of both Krishna and Kunti about his birth. He made sure to applaud Karna’s stand of remaining loyal with Duryodhana despite being the son of Kunti. He even vowed to kill his own brother Arjuna in the interest of Kaurava's victory. Balarama wanted to avoid an element of suspicion in the mind of Duryodhana about Karna putting down his arms in the war when Arjuna came forward to help him set on track his chariot.

An opportunistic idea flashed into the mind of cunningly clever Duryodhana. He decided to have a final strategic meeting with his companions.

Sanjaya, the narrator had a welcome rest.

To be continued in episode 13……..

KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR EPISODE 11......

 

Episode 11

No honk no conch (trumpet)

The eager warriors from both sides were getting on to their toes as the Sun was sweeping away the dusk. One could hear the sweet chirping of the birds. The horses’ rhythmic running voices could be heard. The warriors looked beyond the horizon with eagle’s eyes and waited with oceanic patience. The dreaded Kurukshetra battleground was a baron. No honking and not even a whisper of the conch. The Sun opened up bright but cool. It was only the impatient steed’s circling around in the camps. The bewildered brave men sat across the huge fires sharpening their armory and letting out their own perceptions of the situation.

Balarama was holding a secret meeting with brother Krishna. He briefed him about his deliberations with Duryodhana, Karna, Kripacharya, and Ashwattaama. He also gave a clue that Duryodhana may honour his advice.

Krishna too disclosed that Karna was the first son of Kunti and in spite of briefing, Karna is reluctant to switch ends. And even after Kunti convincing him, Karna wished to remain steadfast with Duryodhana. However, Arjuna after “Geetopadesha” had won over the heart of Karna minus his art of archery. Krishna and Balarama now planned for a fruitful meeting of Dharmaraya with Duryodhana. The ambiguity of others participating in the crucial meeting was left wide open.

Kunti, Draupadi, Subhadra and other Queens impressed upon the Pandava brothers the need for a truce. They agreed with the condition that this is acceptable not at the cost of the CROWN OF HASTINAPUR.

Duryodhana too had a lengthy strategic discussion with Karna, Kripacharya, and Ashwattaama. Duryodhana, the arrogant that he was, did not wish to embrace the disgrace just like that. They all were preparing a via media which can not only end the war but also save their face. After all Duryodhana and Karna had enormous experience of ruling Hastinapur as an Emperor and Anghad as a King respectively. Their minds were full of strategies. Kripacharya and Ashwattaama were very much present to push in their thoughtful ingredients.

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari continued to remain tense…….

 

Episode 12……to continue…….

KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR EPISODE 10

 

Episode 10…..

Balarama arrives……only to prevail…..

         Balarama who was away on a mission assigned calculatedly by Krishna, now returns to Hastinapur, only to know the Kurukshetra battle entanglement. Dhritarashtra and Gaandhaari briefs him and prays him to prevail upon the thin-skinned Duryodhana.

         Balarama proceeds to Duryodhana’s camp. He was told that Duryodhana has gone into a hiding and that his whereabouts are unknown. Balarama being his Guru knows fully well the plausible places of hiding. His intuition takes him to the pond. Knowing that it was a hideout, pushes his plow into the pond. A void created lets Balaraama in and helps him join the team in deep planning.

         Duryodhana takes a deep sigh of relief and hugs his Guru. For a moment it was like more than winning the battle for him. Even before he could open his mouth, Balarama signals that he is aware of all that has ensued. Duryodhana tries to impress upon Balaraama by stating that he has learned and hence executes more maneuvers than Bheema if a direct mace fight is arranged between them. And that will clinch the cliff-hanger in his favour.

         After all, Balarama was Krishna’s affectionate brother and knew the mind of Krishna. How could he belittle Krishna’s plan? Balarama also was aware that Duryodhana was on the side of Adharma. But at present, was his student, thanks to the guiles of late Shakuni Maama. He had to find a way out. He just visualised the precarious situation. He very well knew the weakness or rather honourableness of Duryodhana. Duryodhana will never defy him being the Guru. Balarama put his arms around the neck of Duryodhana and told,” Duryodhana, it is true that you are in no way inferior to Bheema in the art of using the sacred weapon. Remember Krishna is on the sides of Bheema. Krishna was the main factor in Arjuna winning over Karna. The story could be repeated. Moreover, I taught you the tricks and trades of armory not to use it on your own kiths and kins. If you use it now against Bheema, the ill effect will be little your asset.”  

         Balarama prevails upon Duryodhana to end the war and seek an amicable settlement. This he said will enhance his reputation at this juncture. Karna and Kripaachaarya nod their head in consent. However, Ashwattaama begs to differ. He is yet to digest his father’s death.

Episode to be  continued…..11

KARNA THE EMPEROR OF HASTINAPUR CONTINUED.......EPISODE 9

 

Episode 9…….

The dawn of women's power……

A war could be a war. A lull need not be dull. At the horizon of setting moon and the sun getting ready to wake up, a period which the Hindu philosophy so sacredly Christian as the “Braamhi Muhurat”, Gaandhaari and Kunti were engrossed in a fruitful discussion with the queens and would-be queens from both the Pandava and Kaurava’s sides. In spite of their pride going for a toss, they were willing to the utmost sacrifice for holding the erstwhile family prestige high. The siblings of Pandava had every right to rule Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra, as a father, naturally wished that his son Duryodhana, though adamant, should rule. After all, Gaandhaari had done, what a mother could do. What if she was the queen? It was Shakuni mama who had bemused the Kauravas into the corner by tilting the fortunes.

The scenario had signalled a wise retreat for Dhrutaraashtra and Gaandhaari. Now or never, they thought, if the last sibling of their brave children were to be saved. They summoned Duryodhana. In spite of Duryodhana being a hard nut to crack, he was solemnised to heed to the inevitable and think of an amicable settlement. However, the shrewd Duryodhana pleaded for some time so that he could discuss with Kripaacharya, Ashwattaama, and Karna.

Gaandhaari conveyed to the women, who mattered the most, the outcome of her deliberations. She assured, that she could see a twilight of hope and that Dhrutaraashtra, a seasoned emperor that he is, will find a befitting solution towards a formidable truce. The wives of the great warriors retreated to their respective tents grasping their fists.

This was to be heralded, as a great stride, not only towards culminating the dreaded and fierce battle, where two gallant forces were getting butchered, but also the role women folk could cherish and inherit in the days to come. Was it women in the form of power or power in the form of women? After all Hindu philosophy is well known for the various AVATAR’S (forms) even the women Goddess adorned to prevail upon the evils.

To be continued in episode  10……..