Five years had passed since Hanuman had brought Karna to Ayodhya. King Brihadbala stood with Kulguru Vashishta and Hanuman, gazing out over the palace grounds.
Hanuman spoke, "Tomorrow is Karna's birthday. We should perform a puja. After tomorrow, I want Guru Vashishta to start teaching Karna about the Vedas, Dharma, and some physical training like yoga. This way, when Gurudev and I begin his weapons training, he will understand the difference between right and wrong."
Kulguru Vashishta nodded in agreement. "Yes, you are right. I will take care of all the preparations."
As Kulguru Vashishta departed to make the necessary arrangements, Brihadbala turned to Hanuman. "Prabhu, where is Putra Karna?"
Hanuman replied, "The last time I saw him, he was playing with your eldest daughter, Avantika."
Brihadbala laughed warmly. "Ever since she was born four years ago, he has loved his younger sister dearly."
Hanuman nodded with a gentle smile and walked away. As dusk settled over the palace, a young boy walked through the corridors
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The young boy was Karna. He met Hanuman and said, "Pranipat, Bhrata Hanuman."
Hanuman smiled and responded, "Ayushman bhava, Putra. What are you doing here?"
Karna replied, "Bhratashree, I think you forgot. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I was just walking around and enjoying because after tomorrow, my training is going to start. I want to finish it as fast as possible so I can learn archery like PitaShree."
Hanuman said, "Putra, if you want to be like your PitaShree, then I, Ram Bhakt Hanuman, promise you that when I feel you are ready, I will give you your PitaShree's dhanush."
Karna smiled brightly at this promise.
The next day arrived, starting with Karna waking up before sunrise and going to the river, as his Bhrata Hanuman did every morning, to perform Surya Puja. After returning and changing into his royal attire, Karna, along with Hanuman, went to the top of the palace. This area was reserved only for the royal family and Kulguru Vashishta.
As they began the puja, Karna asked Hanuman, "Bhrata, what is this puja for?"
Hanuman replied, "Putra, this puja is for your birthday."
Karna said, "Oh, okay."
Later that day, Karna stood sadly on his balcony. Hanuman came to his room and saw him, asking, "Karna, why are you so sad?"
Karna said, "Bhratashree, I want to see Mata and PitaShree."
Hanuman just smiled and said, "Did you forget your PitaShree is Narayan? You just have to ask me, and I will take you to him."
Karna excitedly came forward and said, "Really? You would take me to him?"
Hanuman nodded and said, "Yes, now get ready. I will take you to them after you are ready."
Karna nodded, ran off, and returned a few minutes later, ready and eager. "Let's go, Bhratashree."
Hanuman smiled, picked Karna up, and flew off.
Another five years had passed. In this time, Karna had learned and understood the essence of Dharma — what one should and should not do. Kulguru Vashishta had also helped Karna with physical training, such as yoga. Hanuman assisted Kulguru as much as he could. These years hadn't changed Karna much, except for his mature and knowledgeable behavior. However, this maturity turned into a childlike demeanor whenever he was with his younger sisters, Avantika and Avanti.
Avantika and Avanti were also learning from Kulguru but were behind Karna as they had joined later, at the age of five. Avantika, now nine years old, was a year younger than Karna, while Avanti was seven. Sadly, their mother had passed away a few days after Avanti's birth due to an assassin attack from an enemy village. At that time, Hanuman was in Vaikunth with Karna, and no one knew which kingdom was responsible.
After their mother's death, Karna and Avantika took care of Avanti as much as they could, spoiling her more than anyone else. For Karna, Avantika and Avanti were half the reason he aspired to be the King of Ayodhya — he wanted to protect his sisters from any and every danger.
Today, Karna was going to start his weapons training with Kulguru Vashishta and Hanuman. Karna wanted to learn archery first, but Hanuman stopped him, saying he should first master every other weapon and save archery for last. This way, by the time he learned his favorite weapon, he would already be a master of the others. Hanuman also promised a special surprise for Karna after he mastered archery.
And so, another five years went by.
Karna stood in front of Kulguru Vashishta and Hanuman, his eyes filled with respect and anticipation. "Gurudev Vashishta, Gurudev Hanuman, what do you want me to give in GuruDakshina?" he asked earnestly.
Hanuman replied, "Putra Karna, Kulguru Vashishta and I have decided that for both of our GuruDakshina, you should make a promise to us."
Karna nodded, his determination unwavering. "Gurudev, if you ask, I would be ready to give you my head in GuruDakshina. Please tell me what promise you want."
Hanuman continued, "Putra, we want you to promise us that you would never take any insult to yourself, your kul, your kingdom, and especially your friends and family. Also, you must never give your Kavach and Kundal, which were a gift from Surya Dev, to anyone."
Karna nodded solemnly and said, "Gurudev, this Ram Putra Karna promises you on my life, in front of every dev who is witnessing this, in front of this world, that the promise you ask for in GuruDakshina will never be broken under any circumstances. If I ever have to break this promise, then I will cut off my head and place it at your feet."
Vashishta and Hanuman smiled proudly at Karna's steadfast promise. Hanuman then said, "Putra, remember I told you I have a surprise for you."
Karna nodded eagerly. "Yes, BhrataShree, I remember."
Hanuman smiled and said, "I have found two new Gurus who will further train you and make you the greatest warrior and king, worthy of your father's legacy."
Karna's eyes widened with excitement. "Who are they, BhrataShree?"
Hanuman's smile broadened as he looked towards the entrance of the ashram. Two figures entered, their presence commanding respect.
