Karna's Realization [Old Version]

1. Veracity

"I am the exclusive bestower of knowledge pertaining to divine weaponry to Kshatriyas and Brahmins. As a sutaputra, it would be considered a sin for you to seek such knowledge," Dronacharya declared with unwavering authority, casting his judgment upon the nine-year-old Karna. Bhishma, the venerable warrior, echoed Dronacharya's sentiment, lending further weight to the rejection.

Karna struggled to hold back the tears that welled up within him. He had entered the grandiose royal palace with boundless hope. The arrival of Dronacharya, the greatest guru in all of Āryāvrata, accompanied by Karna's father, Adhirath, had sparked anticipation within the young boy. He had yearned for Dronacharya and the illustrious Mahamahim to teach him the art of archery, both ordinary and divine. However, his aspirations were shattered in an instant, solely due to his low caste.

With a heavy heart, Karna stole a fleeting glance at the two individuals who had deemed him unworthy. Without uttering a single word, he paid his respects to the great warriors of Āryāvrata, bowing humbly before them. Silently, he made a solemn promise to himself: he would rise above his circumstances and become the greatest warrior the world had ever known.

As Karna returned home, he retreated to his room, seeking solace in the confines of his thoughts. Sitting silently on his bed, he contemplated the myriad paths that could lead him to his desired destination. He yearned to prove to the world that one's caste should never determine their destiny.

An hour passed, and Karna, his resolve unyielding, approached his father. With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, he inquired, "Father, who imparted the knowledge of warfare to the renowned Gangaputra and Dronacharya?"

Adhirath, his expression devoid of emotion, replied, "It was none other than the venerable Lord Parashurama."

Eagerly, Karna exclaimed, "Then I shall seek instruction from Lord Parashurama himself! He will teach me-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Adhirath interjected, "He bestows his knowledge solely upon Brahmins and the progeny of Devas."

Though Karna's spirits dampened, he recalled the tales his mother had woven about Bhagwan Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Narayan, the preserver of the world. "He will not discriminate against me based on my caste," Karna surmised. With newfound hope burning within him, he informed his parents that he would embark on his journey to Mahendragiri the following morning to seek his education.

Adhirath cast a contemplative gaze upon his determined son and asked, "And what will you do if Lord Parashurama, too, rejects you?"

"I shall then seek out Brahmarishi Vishvamitra as my mentor in the art of warfare," Karna declared resolutely before his parents.

Adhirath sighed, bestowing his blessings upon his unwavering child. "May Narayana's blessings be upon you throughout your journey."

The next morning, after bidding farewell to his mother and father, Karna embarked on his new quest. He traversed through untamed forests, treacherous mountains, and meandering rivers for an entire week until he finally reached Mahendragiri, the abode of the mighty Lord Parashurama.