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.
This is an attempt to retell the story of the great Indian epic, Mahabharat - in a different manner and style adapted to modern times to the extent possible. The posts are sequential. Readers are advised to start from Episode no 1 and then gradually move upwards.
Monday, April 28, 2014
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.
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