Raghukul: Mahabharat

Chapter 17: LOVED ONES

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the sprawling plains of Kurukshetra. The air was thick with anticipation and the distant sounds of soldiers preparing for the imminent clash filled the atmosphere. The great war that would decide the fate of Aryavarta was only a week away. Kauravas and Pandavas, united in their dark ambitions, had amassed a formidable force of 20 Akshauhini sena. In contrast, Ayodhya and its allies, though fewer in number with 15 Akshauhini sena, exuded a sense of calm determination as they set up their camps.

Karn, the noble and revered king of Ayodhya, led his family towards a secluded hill overlooking the battlefield. With him were his beloved wives Draupadi, Subhadra, and Devika, along with their children Ram, Lakshman, Lavanya, and Rudra. The hill was bathed in a serene light, a perfect place for invoking the divine blessings they sought.

Karn stood at the forefront, his heart brimming with reverence as he began chanting ancient hymns. The sacred words echoed in the air, creating a powerful resonance that transcended the earthly realm. Suddenly, a divine light enveloped the hill, and from that light emerged the forms of his parents, Shree Ram and Mata Sita, in all their celestial glory.

Karn bowed deeply, his voice filled with devotion as he spoke, "PitaShree, I seek your blessings for the battle that lies ahead. I also have a humble request."

Shree Ram's eyes were filled with love and wisdom as he responded, "My blessings are always with you, my son. Tell me, what is it that you desire?"

Karn, his heart pounding with both anticipation and humility, said, "PitaShree, for this DharmYudh, I request you to grant your Sarang Dhanush to your grandson, Ram."

A warm smile spread across Shree Ram's face. "Why not, my dear son? Ram, come forward."

Ram stepped forward with reverence, and Shree Ram handed him the Sarang Dhanush, the divine bow that had once vanquished many evils. As Ram grasped the bow, a surge of divine power coursed through him, filling him with an unparalleled sense of purpose and strength.

Shree Ram then turned to Lakshman and said, "For you, my dear grandson, I present a bow similar to Sarang, one that will serve you well in the battle."

Lakshman received the bow with gratitude, feeling its divine energy resonate within him. Next, Shree Ram addressed Lavanya, "For you, my granddaughter, a pair of Divya swords. These swords are imbued with divine power and can cut through almost anything."

Lavanya accepted the swords with grace, feeling their weight and the immense power they held. Finally, Shree Ram turned to Rudra, "And for you, my youngest grandson, an unbreakable Divya Gada. This mace can only be wielded by our family and will prove invaluable in battle."

Rudra took the Gada, its divine strength resonating with his own power. Mata Sita stepped forward, her presence radiating peace and warmth. She blessed each of them, saying, "I give you all these special pieces of jewelry. These will absorb the energy released by Divya Astra, so you only need to concern yourselves with the impact."

As they prepared to leave, a celestial figure appeared before them. It was DevRishi Narad, his presence accompanied by a divine melody. He greeted them with his customary "Narayan Narayan Pranipat RamPutra."

Karn, surprised yet honored, responded, "Pranipat DevRishi, you honor us with your presence."

DevRishi Narad smiled and said, "Mahadev has sent a gift for you." He presented Karn with a golden bow, its radiance far surpassing any earthly weapon. "This is the Pinak Dhanush," Narad declared.

Karn, awestruck, held the divine bow in his hands. As he did, he felt an overwhelming surge of power and divinity. "Thank you, DevRishi," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.