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.