53. Everyone in Hastinapuri is eager to see the princes in action

King Dhritarashtra summoned the pundits and the astrologers and asked them to determine an auspicious date for the grand event. They made a detailed study of movements of the planets  and then conferred and argued and at last settled on the precise day.  It would be a great, grand event and the feats of the Hastinapuri princes were likely to attract spectators from several parts of Bharat. Keeping in view these possibilities the King ordered for a large stadium to be constructed well in time. The architects gathered, high quality materials were brought in. With every passing day the stadium was taking little more shape. The old and the young and the children, the men, the women, all of them driven by immense curiosity, kept visiting the giant ‘structure’ that was taking shape. Gradually, the topics of discussion of the Hastinapuri citizens began to center round the impending event. People began to speculate about the skills, abilities and prowess of individual princes. As the ‘D’ day’ neared, the city was agog with speculations. For every one there was a favorite prince and there would be animated discussions amongst them with each one espousing the greatness of his own favorite. Notwithstanding these differences, which at times became emotionally charged, every one was sure of one thing – that the coming event was going to be a magnificent one.

52. Kaurava and Pandava princes have come of age - Guru Dronacharya allows them to show their heroics

The Guru was a venerable figure. Long long years ago he was one whom Lord Parashuram had found a befitting student in; and he has been the one in whom the Pitamaha found an able teacher in. Words of appreciation coming from such a one comforted the royal court.

‘How nice to hear this! I have been dying to hear precisely this. It is with considerable difficulties that I have so long managed to refrain from making inquiries. See the providence. Before I had to, you are in with this great news.’

Then the king grew little pensive:

‘Destiny has made this unfortunate a born blind. Alas, I would not be able to see the princes in action. How much I wished I could do that.’

Hours that followed the visit of the Guru were busy. Never was Pitamaha’s advice ever not been heeded to – nor was it done today. It was decided to arrange a grand demonstration – one where the citizenry would witness the martial abilities of the future governors of the state. The king had expressed great satisfaction at the advice and had Vidur immediately arrange for the event.

51. Dronacharya briefs Dhritarashtra about the learnings of the princes

The talks that the princes be invited to display their learning gathered so much momentum that the matter could no longer be kept in abeyance. But before that could take place, Guru Dronacharya was required to declare that the teachings were complete and that the princes have come of age. Eventually that day arrived and Guru Dronacharya decided to meet King Dhritarashtra.

 

It was not everyday that the guru would visit the royalty. Expectations lightened the eyes of even him who was habituated to the darkness today. It was probably not as much joy of the Guru visiting him – somehow, a glimpse into the future of the princes captured the king’s imagination.

About few minutes back, when the king and the ministers were busy dispensing some issue, Vidur more than once reminded the absence of Pitamah. Dhritharashtra felt helplessly irritated at the umpteenth reminder. But, he knew Bhishma’s indispensability to Hastinapur – more so because of his own handicap. It was just then that Bhishma had walked in – closely following him was Drona.

Now with other matters settled, Dhritharashtra found the opportunity to vent his eagerness. But, for most Aryans propriety was not something that could take the back seat.

‘Acharya, I am always eager to hear from you. Especially for past some months I was thinking to ask you of the progress of your wards – I mean the Kaurava princes. It’s good that you have chosen to step in. Tell me, how can I serve your holy being?’

‘I’m obliged, your majesty for your kind gesture. I have nothing to ask. Right from the day I stepped into your kingdom, Pitamaha has ensured that all my needs are catered to. See the coincidence. I came just to tell you that all the princes – sons of you and Pandu have completed their training. And believe me, they have emerged as excellent warriors. As far as I am aware they are the finest of princes, in the whole of the holy land of Bharat.’

50. Hastinapuri is eager to see Kaurava and Pandava princes in action

And soon the people of hastinapuri began to grow impatient to see their princes exhibit the prowess. After all, the security, progress and prosperity of the kingdom and all its people rested on these younger royalties in the years ahead. They wanted to be reassured of that fact. The keenness was no lesser amongst the royalties as well. Except probably Pitamaha Bhisma who had less curiosity but more concerns. All these years he was keeping a keen watch over the training of the princes and he had now a fairly good idea of the accomplishment of each of them. He knew the Pandavas and in particular Bhim and Arjun have already left the others way behind. He realised that once these disparities became public knowledge the vacillating king Dhritarashtra would be stung with dark jealousy. At the same time, it was only reasonable that the long years’ of training ought to culminate in a public demonstration. The citizens too had a legitimate right to see their princes in action and celebrate.

49. Bhim and Duryodhan - who is more powerful?

Even as the training of the princes, Kauravas and Pandavas, were coming to an end Hastinapuri began to be filled with different kinds of rumours. The ordinary people could hardly understand the nuances of the lessons that the princes mastered over last several years, but some news, emanating intermittently from the training camps, were too weighty not to move them. That Bhim and Duryodhan both developed the highest level of skills in handling of their maces was one such. It became a matter of frequent discussion amongst the citizens, most of whom had a soft corner for the middle Pandava. The story of Duryodhan’s attempt to administer poison to and drowning Bhim in the Ganges some years ago, though was never officially accepted, had no difficulty in evoking complete acceptance of the masses. They were unhappy to reconcile to the assumption that Duryodhan was an equal to their favourite Bhim. But then, some amongst them claiming some kinds of special expertise in the matter of warfare, would comfort these citizens saying Bhim had some special skills which he would most certainly bring round in the event of a duel. They also pointed out that as per as physical strength went, Bhim was head and shoulder above. The citizens also discussed about Yudhisthir’s skill in fighting with the spear, and the experise of Nakul and Sahadev in sword fight and horse riding. What however obviously surpassed all these stuff was the news that their very favoured prince Arjun has received the most powerful weapon on the earth – the Brahmastra from Guru Dronacharya.

Thus both the palace and the roads, the royalties and the masses began to discuss more and more about the profile of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes at the end of their formal training.

48. Karna, the young archer, determined to overcome his terrifying destiny

Karna broke into tears: ‘Lord, I take your curse on my head. But kindly shed your anger and forgive me.’ He fell at the feet of Parashuram and sobbed. But the curse was a fait accompli and Karna deemed it as his destiny. 

Once again asking for forgiveness, Karna prepared to return home. As he walked down the road, he reasoned he should not unduly worry about the curse. Death was inevitable for every one. His Guru’s curse would be operative on such a fateful day. But till then, he could take the world by storm with his might.

Thus began the eventful journey of a hero, who gathered grit and determination to defy destiny.