Karna's Realization [Old Version]

4. Ethnarch

The sun began to paint the sky with shades of gold as Karna awoke from his slumber, his heart brimming with enthusiasm and determination. With swift movements, he freshened up, ready to present his gurudakshina, the offering to his beloved guru. With a resolute stride, he made his way to his teacher, who awaited him eagerly, a knowing smile playing upon his lips.

As Karna reached his gurudev, he respectfully touched his mentor's feet, bowing in reverence. "Lord, I am now prepared for the second task," Karna spoke with a touch of anticipation, eager to prove his worth.

Before proceeding, Lord Parashurama, the mighty warrior sage, wore a smile that held a hint of mystery. "Before the task, my dear Karna, I have a gift for you," he revealed, his voice resonating with warmth and pride.

"A gift?" Karna's voice quivered with surprise, his eyes widening as he tried to fathom the unexpected gesture.

Parashurama extended his left hand, and to Karna's amazement, a resplendent, golden-brown dhanush materialized within it. The celestial bow, known as Vijaya, radiated a divine aura that left Karna awestruck. The realization that this bow belonged to none other than Lord Shiva himself sent shivers down his spine.

"This bow, Karna, belongs to Lord Shiva himself. He bestowed it upon me to eradicate the tyrant Kshatriyas. Now, I pass it on to you. Take this bow, Vijaya, Karna. From this day forward, the world shall know you as Vijayadhari Karna," Parashurama proclaimed with immense pride. He continued to bestow upon Karna the Bhargavastra, his personal divine weapon, acknowledging the young warrior's prowess.

Additionally, Parashurama entrusted Karna with a monumental task-to become the emperor of the entire Āryāvrata in a single day. The weight of the challenge hung heavy in the air, leaving Karna momentarily stunned.

"How can I become the emperor of Āryāvrata in just one day? I cannot perform the Rajsuya Yagya, as I am not the king of any kingdom," Karna voiced his doubts, his brow furrowed with confusion.

A hearty chuckle escaped Parashurama's lips as he reassured his student, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Who told you that you cannot become the emperor of Āryāvrata in one day? You certainly can, my son. You need only defeat a kingdom whose king assumes the title of emperor," he replied, his voice carrying an air of amusement.

"Do you mean I have to conquer the Kingdom of Suryavanshi?" Karna sought clarification, his mind racing to grasp the enormity of the task at hand.

Lord Parashurama nodded, affirming his words, and replied, "Indeed, defeat the Chaturangini Sena of Shri Ram and Ayodhya, and become the new emperor of Āryāvrata."

Karna's solemn nod conveyed his acceptance, his mind already consumed by thoughts of the impending war. He steeled himself, his determination unwavering, as he declared, "I am ready for the war. I promise you, Gurudev, I will emerge victorious."