Karna's Realization [Old Version]

13. Karna's Elixir

Karna stood in awe, marveling at the astounding creations of Mayasura. In a matter of minutes, the cities of Ang had risen from the ground, crafted by the skilled hands of the master architect. Motivated by his admiration, Karna toiled diligently, ensuring that the newly built houses were allocated to the people of Ang. But he did not stop there. Utilizing his mystical powers, he enchanted the soil, transforming it into fertile ground capable of nurturing abundant crops.

Karna's entire council consisted of members from Ayodhya, as the concept of a council was unfamiliar to the people of Ang. Undeterred by this disparity, Karna established gurukuls and kanyakuls, providing basic education to both males and females. Madirakshi, in particular, focused on teaching women about the importance of sanitation.

With great enthusiasm, men and women alike joined the military forces of Anga, enticed by the promising rewards it offered. Karna personally instructed his male comrades, while Madirakshi trained her female counterparts, all the while fulfilling his duties as niyay rakshak.

Time seemed to elude them as they busily engaged in their respective endeavors.

Karna proudly inaugurated the formidable army of Ang, which stood as the fifth largest in the entirety of Āryāvrata. Notably, he also established a female battalion within Anga's ranks. The news of this development reverberated throughout Āryāvrata, reaching the farthest corners of the realm.

Numerous kings attempted to protest this change, arguing that women should not be allowed to wield weapons. Karna, however, swiftly responded with a resolute reply, "My kingdom is my own, and I will not tolerate any interference. Those who dare to do so shall face the wrath of a disciple of Parshuram."

Every month, Karna made the journey to meet his revered gurudev, who commended him by stating, "You have begun to revolutionize the thinking of Āryāvrata."

The people of Anga revered Karna as their king, for he had uplifted the impoverished and restored health to the malnourished. In a mere two months, Anga had transformed into a powerhouse within Āryāvrata.

In Hastinapur, these changes evoked mixed reactions. Dhritarashtra appeared conflicted but ultimately accepted the transformations, as his uncle Bhishma approved of them. Bhishma himself was astonished by the rapid growth of the Anga kingdom, surpassing even that of Hastinapur.

Furthermore, Bhishma resolved to implement similar changes once Karna and Madirakshi arrived in Hastinapur, acknowledging the need for a well-established kingdom before undertaking such reforms.

Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama brimmed with pride and joy for their friend, yet simultaneously yearned for his presence. The Pandavas found themselves awestruck by Karna's skills, never expecting such extraordinary talents from a sutputra.