Raghukul: Mahabharat

Chapter 14: The Sabha

Five years had passed since the birth of Ram, Karn and Draupadi's beloved son. Ram grew up to be a loving and happy child, adored by everyone in the palace. At five years old, it was time for him to start his training, just as his father Karn had years ago. The bond between Karn, Draupadi, and Subhadra blossomed beautifully during these years. Subhadra called Draupadi 'Jiji,' and Ram affectionately called Subhadra 'Choti Ma' and Draupadi 'Ma.'

In these five years, Hanuman had decided to go live on a mountain near Ayodhya, planning to return when Ram turned ten to begin his advanced training.

Another five years passed, and Ram, now ten, had completed his initial training under Kulguru Vashishta. His GuruDakshina was a solemn promise to always lift his weapon to uphold dharma in the face of adharma. Ram agreed without hesitation.

Ram spent a day with his family before setting off to train with Hanuman. It was an emotional day filled with love and farewells. In the morning, Draupadi and Subhadra prepared a special breakfast for Ram. As they sat together, Ram looked at his mothers with a tender smile.

"Ma, Choti Ma, I will miss you both," Ram said, his voice steady but his eyes showing the depth of his emotions.

Draupadi hugged him tightly, "We will miss you too, my son. But we know you are destined for greatness."

Subhadra stroked his hair, "Remember, Ram, no matter where you go, our love and blessings are always with you."

Karn watched with pride and a touch of sadness as his son embraced his mothers. He walked up to Ram and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Remember your promise, Ram. Uphold dharma and make us proud."

Ram nodded, "I will, PitaShree."

The next day, Ram set off to the mountain where Hanuman awaited him. As he walked away from the palace, he turned back to see his family waving at him, their faces filled with love and hope. Ram waved back, a determined look on his face. He was ready to begin the next chapter of his training and his journey towards becoming a warrior of righteousness.

The day of the Rajasuya Yagya dawned bright and clear. The Pandavas, having established their kingdom of Indraprastha, were now preparing to perform the grand ritual to assert Yudhishthira's supremacy over other kings. The preparations were elaborate, with hundreds of kings invited to witness and accept the supremacy of the Pandavas.

Indraprastha was adorned with magnificent decorations, and the air was filled with the sounds of conch shells, Vedic chants, and the murmur of the assembled royals. The city was a dazzling display of opulence and power, reflecting the Pandavas' dominance and the respect they commanded among the other rulers.

As the ceremony progressed, Yudhishthira, accompanied by his brothers, performed the sacred rituals with utmost devotion. The Yagya was a grand affair, with priests reciting hymns and offerings made to the sacred fire. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual energy and the sense of something momentous taking place.

The assembly of kings watched in awe and reverence, acknowledging Yudhishthira's position as the supreme monarch. It was a moment of great pride for the Pandavas, as they received the homage of the other rulers, solidifying their place in the annals of history.

As the Rajasuya Yagya concluded, the mood was celebratory. However, for Duryodhana, the experience was far from pleasant. The Kaurava prince, accompanied by his brother Dusshasana, was seething with jealousy and resentment. The splendor and success of the Pandavas gnawed at his pride.

As Duryodhana was leaving the grand hall, he found himself in a hall of illusions created by Maya, the architect of the Pandavas. Unaware of the illusion, he mistook a polished floor for water and lifted his garments to avoid getting wet, causing the onlookers to laugh.