Karna- The Hero Chosen by the Gods

Lord Parshuram's Gurudakshina

Yudhishtir, 'Overconfidence can be fatal anuj. Don't underestimate him.'

Tournament Ground

The news of the tournament was spread like a wildfire in Hastinapur. It was big news that Lord Parshuram himself came into the city and his favorite student was a Sutaputra. the news reached Radha's house as well. Though both Adhirath and Radha were a little worried, still they knew that Karna was not an ordinary human being. So he could be able to defeat Arjun.

Both Arjun and Karna came to the stadium and greeted the king and the royalties. Arjun was in his full battle regalia but Karna wore just a simple dress. seeing that Bheem taunted, 'What Sutputra, can't even afford an armor for yourself?'  But Karna just smiled. Duryodhana offered him armor but Karna politely declined. 

Shakuni to Duryadhona, 'Bhanje, if this Karna can win the match, then we shall try to make him our ally. We should support him in the match.'

Bheesm announced the rules and warned Karna not to injure Arjun as spilling the blood of a prince was a crime. Then Duryodhana said, 'Pitamaha, then ask Arjuna not to spill Karna's blood as well. As Karna is a citizen of Hastinapur and it is forbidden to harm a citizen without any reason.'

Then the match started. Both the archers took their positions. 

Arjun, 'Himastra' and tried to trap Karna in ice but Karna evoked Agniastra to melt it. Then Karna evoked Vayastra but Arjun countered it with Meghastra.

Karna, 'Andhak astra

Arjun, 'Mrityunjai astra'

Karna, 'Varunastra,' to spread a huge amount of water on Arjun.

Arjun, 'Agniastra' which turns the water into a vapour.

Bheesm to Vidur, 'I don't know who will be the winner but one thing I can say. This boy is immensely powerful. All his weapons are different than Arjuna's. He is not even using his full strength otherwise he can defeat Arjun easily.' 

Both the warriors fought among each other for some time, then Arjun launched ulka Astra to Karna. This is a weapon of Suryadev, seeing that Karna did not try to defend himself. Everyone thought that Karna was going to burn but then his Kavach appeared and formed a protective shield around him. Seeing that Arjun was shocked. Kunti who was sitting among the royal women immediately recognized the Kavach and she realized Karna's identity.

Karna (thinking), 'M... my..my son is alive' and she fainted.

Arjun was getting frustrated and also felt a little tired. But Karna showed no sign of tiredness, in fact during the entire tournament he had a small smile on his face as if he was enjoying the duel. Seeing this Arjun was more frustrated. So to finish the match Arjun launched Brhhammstra. Everyone was stunned seeing his action. 

Drona, 'Arjun, what have you done. You cannot launch Brahhmastra like this.'

But both Parshuram and Karna did not show any sign of distress or fear. Karna just folded his hand and started chanting  mantra. When Brahhmamstra reached Karna it turned into flowers. 

Then Lord Parshuram instructed him, 'Karna, finish the duel.'

Karna launched a special arrow called 'Tashtra' which hypnotized Arjun and he fainted. Shakuni was so happy that he started jumping and King Dhritrashtra declared Karna as a winner. All the Pandavas rushed to the ground and picked Arjun up to take him to the healing chamber.

Karna then went to Guru Drona and said, 'Guru Drona, I never had any intention to humiliate you or Prince Arjun. I always respect you as you are a great teacher. But in your pride, you disrespected your own Guru and I cannot tolerate anyone disrespecting my Gurudev. Now you shall apologize to your teacher.'

Lord Parshuram, 'Karna my son, today you gave me your Dakshina. I am very happy. Today I am blessing you, no one in this Aryavarta can defeat you. One day you will be Digvijayee.'

Hearing that Shakuni taught, 'Karna I shall bring you to my side by hook or crook.'

King Dhritrashtra asked Lord Parshuram to stay as a royal guest but he refused and then left the palace. Both Radha, Adhirath, and Karna's other siblings were also very delighted to see his triumph. All the common citizens were also very happy as Karna was one of them and his victory seemed like their own victory. 

King Dhritarashtra wanted to give Karna expensive jewels as a gift but he declined saying,'I took part in this tournament just to protect my Guru's honor and give my Gurudakshina. I don't need any gift, your majesty. Your blessings are enough for me. But if you want to do anything then please help those people whose properties were damaged by Aswatthama's foolish act.' 

Then Bheesm asked him, 'I know that you are not only an expert in weapons but also in Shashtras as well. May I know your Shastra Guru's name, my boy?'

Karna smiled, 'You know my ShastraGuru quite well Mahamahim, He is none other than Guru Brihaspati.'   

Next episode- Duryodhana befriended Karna.

Note- Sorry as I am not very good at describing the action scenes. Thank you everyone for liking the story and sorry to those who requested to update another chapter yesterday. I was feeling very sick and could not type. I will try to update more chapters as soon as possible.