Mysterious Time Traveler in Dwapara Yuga

Chapter 28: The Rise of Raja Vaikartana

"As you all know, Aditya, whom the people of Kuntala known as Karna, is a great warrior. No one here doubts his valor, kindness, humility, and all his other admirable qualities. The list of his virtues is long, and lastly, his generous nature stands out. To show our gratitude for saving our beloved Rajkumari and for all the help he has provided in making our kingdom prosperous, without asking for anything in return, we, the Royal family, have decided to give him a state within Kuntala to rule as its rightful owner. He deserves this rightfully because of his abilities and nothing less. The state will be announced by our Rajkumari."

What Maharaja Chandrahasa said brought Karna out of his stupor. He stood quickly and said, "I didn't help with the thought of getting anything in return. I only helped my family. Please don't treat me differently."

Hearing this, Ira replied with a smile, "Of course, we are family, and you will not be able to cut me off from your life. We are doing this because we are family and don't want any brainless person to think they can say anything to you just because they have some title. As your sister, I will not tolerate such things, be they small or big."

She referred to the time when a corrupt official questioned Karna's status and insinuated that someone they didn't know shouldn't ask questions. It was later that Ira produced the evidence and silenced him, showing her mastery in wordplay and her unwavering support for Karna.

As Karna was about to say something, the people of Kuntala now understood why their princess had made that look. They realized it was their turn to support their beloved Rajkumari and that, no matter which state was given; it would flourish under good hands. With this thought, they asked their Rajkumari the name of the state. Seeing their support, Ira smiled happily, which made them even more joyful.

Ira announced, "The state is Assaka Kingdom, and from now onwards, he will be known as Vaikartana. His appointment as king will be celebrated by all Kuntala people for a week, culminating in the Raja Abhishek on the last day of the week. Now, say 'Hail Raja of Assaka, Hail Raja Vaikartana!'"

After the Raj Sabha, Karna asked Ira why she always named him based on the sun. She replied, "Whenever I see you from a distance, you give me the feeling of the sun. So, I named you like that. Trust me; it suits you more than anyone. Even Surya Dev would agree with me. And as the new king, you will have many responsibilities, but this sister asks you to always allot time for me."

Hearing this, Karna turned to the Royal family, saying emotionally, "I don't know how to repay you all."

Yuvaraj Makaraksha responded, "All you have to do is give advice to your anuj (younger brother) and correct him when he does anything wrong as a jyesth bhrata (elder brother)." With that, he hugged Karna, and soon all the brothers, including Karthi and Aryan, joined in. Seeing this, Ira said, "You left me out while hugging! You all are bad people." Hearing this, Karna lifted her with one hand into the embrace and said, "You are included too, are you happy now?"

A Divine Coronation for Karna in Kuntala

As Ira announced, the entire six days were celebrated grandly by the people of Kuntala Kingdom. The people of Assaka were also happy to have Vaikartana as their king, having heard much about him. On the last day, the Raja Abhishek took place at a different level of grandeur. When the time came to place the crown, the Purohit asked Karna to call someone for this honor.

Karna was about to call Maharaja Chandrahasa when Ira stopped him, saying, "Bhrata Aditya, I have a different person in mind. If he did it, I would be happier."

Karna, curious, asked, "Who is the person you want to call?"

Ira smiled brightly and said, "How about Surya Dev coming to place this crown for you?" She spoke as if it were as simple as calling someone standing beside them. She was more enthused, believing Surya Dev would really come and place the crown, as if he had no other work.

Usually, one must do intense Tapasya to see the gods, but here she was, asking Karna to call Surya Dev without any Tapasya. Seeing her overjoyed face, no one had the heart to say otherwise, because Ira had always been mature and kind. Now, seeing her childlike innocence as she looked at the sun, expecting Surya Dev to appear at any moment, they didn't know what to do.

Karna decided to act. He prayed to Surya Dev, "Since childhood, I have always been attracted to you. I consider myself your great devotee. I request you to shower us with your grace. We all know how much Tapasya one needs to do to see a god, but I really don't have the heart to tell the child the reality. Please, I request you to grace us with your presence and place the crown on my head to make Ira happy."

He finished his prayer and heard gasps around him. When he opened his eyes, he saw Surya Dev standing in front of him. Karna looked around in shock, unsure if this was real or an illusion created by his mind. The people were blinking or shutting their eyes, unable to look properly at Surya Dev. Ira, looking at him with astonishment, later turned to happiness. She walked towards Surya Dev, smiling with the crown in her hands, and urged the Purohit to start whatever he needed to do to place the crown.

Surya Dev placed the crown on Karna's head. Ira then passed flowers to Surya Dev and asked him to give any advice to Karna, who was still in a state of shock.