Karna's Realization [Old Version]

22. Realization

After an exceptionally rewarding day, Karna's exhaustion drove him to seek solace in sleep. Little did he know that his slumber would be plagued by peculiar and unsettling dreams, causing him to wake abruptly, drenched in sweat. The dreams were unlike anything he had ever experienced, entwining his own existence with those of his closest kin. Deeply troubled, Karna yearned for answers and made a resolute decision to journey to Mahendragiri at once.

In the depths of secrecy, Karna left behind a letter for his wife and cloaked himself entirely in black attire before slipping away from the confines of the Hastinapur palace.

As he made his way towards Mahendragiri, Karna's mind was consumed by the enigmatic dreams that had unsettled him. An overwhelming sense of worry for the future gripped him tightly.

Upon reaching his destination, Karna swiftly ascended the mountain peak, scaling it with urgency, until he beheld his revered guru immersed in deep meditation.

Approaching him respectfully, Karna said, "Pranipaat Gurudev, my mind is burdened with queries that seek clarification."

"Speak, my son," Lord Parashurama replied, opening his eyes.

"Gurudev, I have been visited by countless bizarre dreams involving myself and my family," Karna confessed.

"Tell me, what dreams have plagued you, my pupil?" inquired Lord Parashurama.

"Gurudev, it began with the very first encounter I had with you. When I first sought your guidance and concealed my true lineage, I spoke a falsehood. It was only after many years, when my education was complete, that you discovered my true identity. In response, you cursed me, decreeing that I would forget all my knowledge when I needed it most," Karna revealed, fear evident in his eyes.

"Go on, my son," Lord Parashurama encouraged.

"Next, I saw myself being cursed by a Brahmin in Hastinapur, as I inadvertently caused the accidental death of his cow. Furthermore, Devi Prithvi herself cursed me, foretelling that my chariot's wheel would fail me at the most critical juncture, leading to a painful demise," Karna continued, his words pouring out in a single breath. He looked upon his guru, whose face remained devoid of emotion, and proceeded with his account.

"After accepting Bhumi Devi's curse, I discovered that a grand exhibition of talents, the Kalapradarshan, was organized solely for the prince of Hastinapur. When Guru Bharata Dronacharya proclaimed Arjuna as the greatest warrior, I interfered, which led to mockery and ridicule due to my caste. Mitra Duryodhana then anointed me as the king of Anga, and I devoted my entire life to serving Duryodhana. Consequently, I became a pawn in Gandhar Raj Shakuni's treacherous schemes, tarnishing my reputation in the eyes of Āryāvrata," Karna concluded, his narrative accompanied by beads of perspiration.

"Continue, my son," urged Lord Parashurama.

"Next, I witnessed myself hurling offensive remarks at a woman who had insulted me based on my caste during her svayamvara. Then, a horrific battle unfolded before my eyes. I beheld the esteemed Bhishma lying on a bed of arrows, crafted by Arjuna with the aid of Shri Krishna. I witnessed Yudhishthira resorting to falsehood to bring about the demise of Guru Bharata Drona, who was ultimately slain by a man named Dhrishtadyumna. Bhima, meanwhile, drank from Dushasana's chest and anointed the same woman's hair with his blood. Finally, I witnessed my own death, as all three curses converged, leading to Arjuna's victory over me, a consequence of the Kauravas' wrongful killing of his son," Karna recounted, pausing momentarily to catch his breath, his weariness palpable. He then continued his tale.