69. Arjun's mastery over archery keeps people spell-bound

The huge audience was almost scurrying for cover. Even though the raging fire was away from them, they were feeling its enormous heat. Seeing them  panicky, Arjun waved at them urging them to have patience. Then, he took out another arrow from his quiver, saluted it, and chanted a mantra , placed it on his bow string and pulled the string to its farthest limit. To their utter amazement, the vast audience saw the whole sky quickly turning black. Thick clouds began to envelop it, the sun retreated under their thick mass. And then the arrow was released by the Pandava prince into the sky. Within seconds, there began a very heavy down pour. This was no ordinary rain, but kind of cloud burst. It seemed as though, the whole sky load of clouds began to fall at once upon the earth. The fire was extinguished, the unbearable heat was gone. But the downpour seemed no less menacing. The vast masses assembled were bewildered by this sudden metamorphosis. The chill attendant with such torrential rain began to grip them. They were amazed at the power of the weapons that was being displayed by Arjun. But at the same time, they also began to become somewhat nervous, knowing not if these powerful weapons could tas well affect them badly!

68. Arjun releases a Divyastra and the whole sky was set on fire

There was a commotion in the vast audience. Most of them had no precise idea about 'Divyastrra' . But they only knew Divyastra were celestial weapons which were catastrohic in their destructive power. So they were overcome by both curiosity and fear. Sensing the mood of the audience Guru Dronacharya announced that the people had nothing to fear and that Arjun would direct the arrows to that open and unoccupied side of the stadium.
Then Arjun took out an arrow from his quiver and set it on the large bow held in his left hand. That arrow was very ordinary looking. Assembled people began to speculate as to how that benign looking arrow could be a divyastra? But it did not take long for their doubt to get settled. The young Pandava prince then saluted that arrow and began to utter a mantra. And before the eyes of the audience that was on its toe, a bright aura seemed to have enveloped him. Thereafter the arrow, that ordinary arrow, began to send off sparks alround. Arjun then pulled the bow string to its limit, directed the arrow to the sky and released it. A tremendous roar was raised as the arrow passed into the sky. To the awe of every one, that arrow seemed to set the whole sky afire!

67. Arjun kept spectators spell bound

Arjun first saluted Guru Dronacharya and sought his permission to start. Guru Blessed him. Then he ascended the vast platform and stood at its middle. There he shone like a mid-noon sun in the bosom of a vast blue sky. People leaned over each other to have a better look of this Pandava prince. His fame has already spread far and wide. There in the middle of the stage Arjun seemed to be an embodiment of calmness, composure and confidence. Hundreds of targets were set before him. He then smashed them with his arrows all without a single miss. Thereafter he started issuing arrows from his large bow relentlessly into the space. The spectators were unable to see how his hands moved. The arrows flew into the sky like torrential rains. Every one was spell bound. The Pandava prince thus stole the hearts of all.

And as everyone thought those were the end of his genius, a much greater surprise was waiting for them. Guru Dronacharya then asked his favorite disciple to give a demonstration with the divyastras or the weapons which were driven by the power of mantra.

66. Arjun enters, Karna's eyes freezes on him

The day so far was interesting. But, his wait had not ended. A few days back, when he sought his mother’s blessings when he was leaving for the capital, he was reminded the demonstration was not an open one. This one was for the princes, the royal heirs. Being the son of a charioteer was not an obstacle for him. It was because of his parents, he was whatever he was. They had encouraged him when he left home seeking the warrior saint. And even today, they did not stop him – they merely reminded him.

Karna for the past so many years with the single pointed mind of an ascetic had steadfastly pursued archery. Today he saw many shining examples of martial mastery. An eagerness to participate was difficult to subdue. While so many different thoughts fleeted his mind, the arena suddenly, it seemed, grew quite. He heard a few men enter into whispered conversations – it was now Arjun’s turn it seemed. Arjun’s reputation had escaped the fences of the Guru's ashram when he was still a young student. Many today, had just come to see him. Karna’s eyes froze on the white robes, the silver armour, and the huge frame – probably his own height.

65. After Bhim-Duryodhan duel, enters Arjun

Now that most princes had finished showing their skill and finesse, Arjun was left to be the final attraction. However, the prospect of seeing a gada yuddh or  mace duel, even if a friendly, continued to animate the huge body of spectators. Dronacharya relented to the relentless roars of public urging, The two mighty orinces – Duryadhon, the eldest Kaurava prince and Bhim – the middle Pandava entered the arena with two huge Gadas. Both princes very well built and handsome, and both seemed to be powerhouse of power and strength. They whirled their weapon in the air and began moving in circles looking for an opportunity to hit the opponent first. For quite some time neither could find a chink in his opponent. That spoke of the exalted standard of their learning. Eventually, the two maces came at each other simultaneously, clashed and released series of sparks into the surrounding air. Deafening sound was raised. That began a course of a very interesting duel. The gadas kept clashing at each other and sparks flew thick and fast. The spectators speculated that if one of those strokes had landed on it, even an adult elephant’s head would be crushed instantly.  As the two princes kept charging at each other, the people were rendered spell bound. The tension was even more palpable at the royal gallery.  As people kept speculating as to who was the more versatile warrior of the two, considerable was passed. There was no definite outcome. But it was likely to remain that way as it was a mere show and friendly at that. After an hour or so Dronacharya asked the two princes to retire. Thereafter he  made the announcement for which the whole stadium was eagerly waiting. Drona called Arjun to the arena. There was commotion all around. Amongst all one young man seated at the visitors’ gallery was seen especially interested to watch the event that Drona has just announced. This Young man is no other than Karna

64. Enter the Pandava Princes in the Arena - People give them Standing Ovation

After Dhritarshtra’s sons gave spectacular display of their performance, Guru called the Pandava Princes. People rose and gave them a standing ovation even before they begun to exhibit their skill. Kunti’s heart became filled with joy and pride. The blind king heard the roar and enquired from the attendant whether the Pandavas have displayed some extra-ordinary feat. ‘Your Majesty’, the attendant said, ‘the Pandava princes have just been called in. They are yet to start’. The reply dampened the King’s heart.  His shrewd mind at once reckoned that this huge noise of approval only reflected the popularity of his late brother’s sons.

Sahadev, Nakul and Yudhisthir showed their magnificent skill in driving chariot, sword fight and handling of spears besides archery. The people were spell bound. Thereafter came Bhim. He received unprecedented welcome. He was already known for his legendary strength and simplicity. In a pleasant surprise Bhim at first gave a fine display of archery. Then he took up a huge mace and twirled it so fast and so easily that it could not be seen at all. The people assembled in the stadium had never seen such a feat in their life time. Earlier, Duryodhan had shown to them his exalted skill in handling the same weapon. But Bhim seemed to have surpassed even that. The whole stadium was agog with the speculation as to who handled the mace better- Bhim or Duryodhan?

There were repeated suggestions to Guru Dronacharya if these two princes could be brought together?

63. Dhritastra's sons give good account of their skill

By the time Karna settled down in the gallery nearest to the main arena, the show had begun. The brothers of Duryodhan got opportunity to display their skill. There were a large number of them. Some showed their proficiency in archery, some in operating mace, some in driving spears. As they, one by one, finished their turn, people clapped and encouraged. Of them Dushashan and Bikarna, two brothers of Duryodhan distinguished themselves with very high standard of archery. Though the blind royal couple could not see the feats of their sons, their attendant kept giving them a vivid description. The sound of appreciation rose from the audience at intervals.

62. Kunti reminisces her lost son Karna

Karna managed to enter the stadium few moments before the show started. It was jam packed and it would be impossible for anybody to walk through the sea of humanity that stood between the gate and  in front of the space where the princes stood with Guru Dronacharya. But as Karna walked, the people made way for him. There was something special in his appearance. Some mistook him as one of the princes unless they saw his dresses closely. Young, strong, handsome with aura surrounding his face, he was simply extraordinary. He also carried his large bow. When people near him had a look at at, they became curious.

In the royal gallery, Kunti was seated by the side of Gandhari. Her mind was restless. She was of course happy in anticipation of seeing her sons perform some extraordinary feat. Everyone had told her about their learning and skill. But her motherly heart repeatedly went searching her first son whom she had placed on the river. Her first son, Kunti remembered, was of Lord Sun. And he carried every mark of his powerful father. How pleasant it would have been, Kunti tried to imagine, if her first son too was participating in today’s event. In every way he was qualified to do so, with other princes. Kunti thought and thought. Her eyes became misty.

61. Karna's father rushes to Hastinapuri

Adhirath, Karna’s foster father, was away when Karna had returned home.  He was eager to meet his son after a long period. But the man who gave him the news of his son’s homecoming  had also told him that Karna was preparing to visit Hastinapuri to take part in the arms exhibition. Adhirath was distinctly uncomfortable thinking about that. He was close to the King but at the end of the day he was not more than a charioteer. How could his son be admitted to the comity of the princes? He knew of his son’s potential and that pained him hard. Who knew it more than he did that his own status acted as a hindrance to his son - such a promising Youngman.. Adhirath had a strong intuition that Karna certainly had a royal pedigree. But of what use that was? All these thoughts came crowding into his mind. The more he thought, the more upset he became. But before long he realised that he must stop his son from going to Hastinapuri. His son was abundantly talented but his participation, even if allowed, was bound to foment troubles of various kinds. It was not worthwhile. So Adhirath rushed to Champanagari to persuade Karna not to head to Hastinapuri. But by the time he reached, Karna was gone. Adhirath was tired after a long journey. But he did not heed wife Radha’s request to take rest for the day. In a couple of hours he arranged for a  cart fitted with strong horses and left for Hastinapuri.

60.Karna arrives at Hastinapuri stadium

Even as the preparations were in full swing in Hastinapuri stadium, one bright handsome young archer was rushing to that city. It was a question of life and death for him to reach there in time. Of course he was not sure if he would be allowed to take part in the show. He was told that chances were bleak. The competition was restricted to the princes. He was fhe son of a charioteer. Was his hope very unrealistic? Could be. But Karna did not want to be bothered by any negative thought. He was brimming with confidence. He felt, none of the princes could compete with him on merit. So, he liked to think, how could mere formalities restrict an archer of his calibre from showing his talents to the royalty, elites and masses of Hastinapuri? Probably he also thought that his showing at such an assembly would fetch him a royal assignment-, one that would wipe out all kinds of financial distress of his parents!

With all the money in hand, Karna had hired a chariot. The charioteer was rushing his horses. Their hooves hit the soil hard and left trails of dust-storm behind. Hastinapuri was still a few miles away. Karna was impatient. He implored the charioteer to drive even faster knowing fully well that the horses were overworked. By the time Karna’s vehicle reached the main gate, the tournament just started

59. The show begins

With permissions from the guru, the demonstrations began.

Every form of arms handling was displayed – archery, mace, sword, spear, simiter – what not. The archers kept shooting down targets repeatedly to the loud cheering  of the sea of people assembled. Stationary targets were replaced by those in motion – but, that did not make much of a difference. While sometimes duels were fought, at other times a prince would singularly defend himself against large groups. So sublime was their expertise, it seemed the eagerness of the spectator had succumbed to their awe.

Many gave fascinating display of driving chariots – they drove these at such speed and with such control that left spectators speechless. Some of the princes showed great skill in riding horses and elephants. The spectators were ecstatic seeing such wonderful feats.

58. Dronacharya takes a final look

The guru felt great satisfaction today. It was a day of demonstration of not just what the princes learnt – today the world would witness too what he taught his young royal disciples all these years. Dronacharya was full of expectations. And suddenly a vague feeling arose in him that seemed to say his long period of waiting to realise an important goal was coming to an end. He tried to track that thought to its origin and there he saw the cruel visage of King Drupad mocking at him.  He reckoned that the day of revenge was not far off. But of course this was not the time to ponder over a thing that was very personal. He had great responsibility to demonstrate before King Dhritarashtra, Pitamaha Bhisma, to entire royalty and above all the people of Hastinapuri that he had made invincible warriors of these young princes. And then he looked around and saw one of these princes wearing milky white robes, silver armour dazzling on his handsome tall body- inches taller than his own self, but standing with hands folded in reverence and waiting for command. This young Prince Arjun delighted him.

57. Guru Dronacharya loudly cheered by sea of spectators

The excitement transformed into loud cheers when more princes entered the arena. Young, towering, strong, handsome, one after another they kept coming in. The spectators were happy and their expectations from the event went up. When all had entered and assumed their respective positions in the arena, another chariot seemed to speeding towards the venue. Even from a distance, the flag of the chariot, flying in full splendor in strong breeze under a clear blue sky, declared its identity. The man aboard the chariot was none other than Guru Dronacharya. As his vehicle was speeding on, the Guru, was acknowledging the rousing welcome by the thousands strong gathering. Was he tense too? Probably, yes. For it was not only challenge to individual princes to show their heroics but also for the Guru who was accountable for all of his disciples. How well has he trained the princes! From a distance, Kunti was not completely able to make out, but, the white flowing beard, long grey hair, an aura of austerity, and saffron robes were quite suggestive.. From a distance, Kunti, offered a seat by the side of Queen Gandhari, tried to get a clearer view of the chariot. Gradually, as the chariot came inside the stadium, the Guru with his white flowing beard, long grey hair was visible to the people. An aura of austerity surrounded his otherwise luminous face. The whole stadium stood up in reverence and bowed to the Acharya.