ādiparva - Chapter-19

आदिपर्व - ādiparva

अध्यायः – 19 ::Chapter-19

Shlokas	No. of Shlokas
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ दत्तेऽवकाशे पुरुषैर्विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनैः । विवेश रङ्गं विस्तीर्णं कर्णः परपुरञ्जयः ॥ 1॥ सहजं कवचं बिभ्रत्कुण्डलोद्द्योतिताननः । सधनुर्बद्धनिस्त्रिंशः पादचारीव पर्वतः ॥ 2॥ कन्यागर्भः पृथुयशाः पृथायाः पृथुलोचनः । तीक्ष्णांशोर्भास्करस्यांशः कर्णोऽरिगणसूदनः ॥ 3॥ सिंहर्षभगजेन्द्राणां तुल्यवीर्यपराक्रमः । दीप्तिकान्तिद्युतिगुणैः सूर्येन्दुज्वलनोपमः ॥ 4॥ प्रांशुः कनकतालाभः सिंहसंहननो युवा । असङ्ख्येयगुणः श्रीमान्भास्करस्यात्मसम्भवः ॥ 5॥ स निरीक्ष्य महाबाहुः सर्वतो रङ्गमण्डलम् । प्रणामं द्रोणकृपयोर्नात्यादृतमिवाकरोत् ॥ 6॥ स सामाजजनः सर्वो निश्चलः स्थिरलोचनः । कोऽयमित्यागतक्षोभः कौतूहलपरोऽभवत् ॥ 7॥ सोऽब्रवीन्मेघधीरेण स्वरेण वदतां वरः । भ्राता भ्रातरमज्ञातं सावित्रः पाकशासनिम् ॥ 8॥ पार्थ यत्ते कृतं कर्म विशेषवदहं ततः । करिष्ये पश्यतां नृणां मात्मना विस्मयं गमः ॥ 9॥ असमाप्ते ततस्तस्य वचने वदतां वर । यन्त्रोत्क्षिप्त इव क्षिप्रमुत्तस्थौ सर्वतो जनः ॥ 10॥ प्रीतिश्च पुरुषव्याघ्र दुर्योधनमथास्पृशत् । ह्रीश्च क्रोधश्च बीभत्सुं क्षणेनान्वविशच्च ह ॥ 11॥ ततो द्रोणाभ्यनुज्ञातः कर्णः प्रियरणः सदा । यत्कृतं तत्र पार्थेन तच्चकार महाबलः ॥ 12॥ अथ दुर्योधनस्तत्र भ्रातृभिः सह भारत । कर्णं परिष्वज्य मुदा ततो वचनमब्रवीत् ॥ 13॥ स्वागतं ते महाबाहो दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोऽसि मानद । अहं च कुरुराज्यं च यथेष्टमुपभुज्यताम् ॥ 14॥ कर्ण उवाच॥ कृतं सर्वेण मेऽन्येन सखित्वं च त्वया वृणे । द्वन्द्वयुद्धं च पार्थेन कर्तुमिच्छामि भारत ॥ 15॥ दुर्योधन उवाच॥ भुङ्क्ष्व भोगान्मया सार्धं बन्धूनां प्रियकृद्भव । दुर्हृदां कुरु सर्वेषां मूर्ध्नि पादमरिंदम ॥ 16॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ततः क्षिप्तमिवात्मानं मत्वा पार्थोऽभ्यभाषत । कर्णं भ्रातृसमूहस्य मध्येऽचलमिव स्थितम् ॥ 17॥ अनाहूतोपसृप्तानामनाहूतोपजल्पिनाम् । ये लोकास्तान्हतः कर्ण मया त्वं प्रतिपत्स्यसे ॥ 18॥ कर्ण उवाच॥ रङ्गोऽयं सर्वसामान्यः किमत्र तव फल्गुन । वीर्यश्रेष्ठाश्च राजन्या बलं धर्मोऽनुवर्तते ॥ 189॥ किं क्षेपैर्दुर्बलाश्वासैः शरैः कथय भारत । गुरोः समक्षं यावत्ते हराम्यद्य शिरः शरैः ॥ 20॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ततो द्रोणाभ्यनुज्ञातः पार्थः परपुरञ्जयः । भ्रातृभिस्त्वरयाश्लिष्टो रणायोपजगाम तम् ॥ 21॥ ततो दुर्योधनेनापि सभ्रात्रा समरोद्यतः । परिष्वक्तः स्थितः कर्णः प्रगृह्य सशरं धनुः ॥ 22॥ ततः सविद्युत्स्तनितैः सेन्द्रायुधपुरोजवैः । आवृतं गगनं मेघैर्बलाकापङ्क्तिहासिभिः ॥ 23॥ ततः स्नेहाद्धरिहयं दृष्ट्वा रङ्गावलोकिनम् । भास्करोऽप्यनयन्नाशं समीपोपगतान्घनान् ॥ 24॥ मेघच्छायोपगूढस्तु ततोऽदृश्यत पाण्डवः । सूर्यातपपरिक्षिप्तः कर्णोऽपि समदृश्यत ॥ 25॥ धार्तराष्ट्रा यतः कर्णस्तस्मिन्देशे व्यवस्थिताः । भारद्वाजः कृपो भीष्मो यतः पार्थस्ततोऽभवन् ॥ 26॥ द्विधा रङ्गः समभवत्स्त्रीणां द्वैधमजायत । कुन्तिभोजसुता मोहं विज्ञातार्था जगाम ह ॥ 27॥ तां तथा मोहसम्पन्नां विदुरः सर्वधर्मवित् । कुन्तीमाश्वासयामास प्रोक्ष्याद्भिश्चन्दनोक्षितैः ॥ 28॥ ततः प्रत्यागतप्राणा तावुभावपि दंशितौ । पुत्रौ दृष्ट्वा सुसन्तप्ता नान्वपद्यत किञ्चन ॥ 29॥ तावुद्यतमहाचापौ कृपः शारद्वतोऽब्रवीत् । द्वन्द्वयुद्धसमाचारे कुशलः सर्वधर्मवित् ॥ 30॥ अयं पृथायास्तनयः कनीयान्पाण्डुनन्दनः । कौरवो भवता सार्धं द्वन्द्वयुद्धं करिष्यति ॥ 31॥ त्वमप्येवं महाबाहो मातरं पितरं कुलम् । कथयस्व नरेन्द्राणां येषां त्वं कुलवर्धनः ॥ 32॥ ततो विदित्वा पार्थस्त्वां प्रतियोत्स्यति वा न वा ॥ ॥ वृथाकुलसमाचारैर्न युध्यन्ते नृपात्मजाः॥33 एवमुक्तस्य कर्णस्य व्रीडावनतमाननम् । बभौ वर्षाम्बुभिः क्लिन्नं पद्ममागलितं यथा ॥ 34॥ दुर्योधन उवाच॥ आचार्य त्रिविधा योनी राज्ञां शास्त्रविनिश्चये । तत्कुलीनश्च शूरश्च सेनां यश्च प्रकर्षति ॥ 35॥ यद्ययं फल्गुनो युद्धे नाराज्ञा योद्धुमिच्छति । तस्मादेषोऽङ्गविषये मया राज्येऽभिषिच्यते ॥ 36॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ततस्तस्मिन्क्षणे कर्णः सलाजकुसुमैर्घटैः । काञ्चनैः काञ्चने पीठे मन्त्रविद्भिर्महारथः ॥ 37॥ अभिषिक्तोऽङ्गराज्ये स श्रिया युक्तो महाबलः ॥ ॥ सच्छत्रवालव्यजनो जयशब्दान्तरेण च ।38 उवाच कौरवं राजा राजानं तं वृषस्तदा ॥ ॥ अस्य राज्यप्रदानस्य सदृशं किं ददानि ते ।39 प्रब्रूहि राजशार्दूल कर्ता ह्यस्मि तथा नृप ॥ ॥ अत्यन्तं सख्यमिच्छामीत्याह तं स सुयोधनः ॥ 40॥ एवमुक्तस्ततः कर्णस्तथेति प्रत्यभाषत । हर्षाच्चोभौ समाश्लिष्य परां मुदमवापतुः ॥ 41॥	41 (1262)
Vaisampayana continued, 'When the onlookers, eyes wide with amazement, cleared the way for Karna, the conqueror of enemy cities, he stood tall like a walking cliff, adorned in his natural armor and sparkling with earrings. He took up his bow, strapped on his sword, and entered the arena. Renowned for his prowess, the large-eyed Karna was born of Pritha in her youth. He was a part of the blazing Sun, powerful like a lion, a bull, or the leader of a herd of elephants. Resembling the Sun in brilliance, the Moon in beauty, and fire in energy, he stood tall like a golden palm tree, filled with youthful vigor capable of defeating even a lion. Handsome and skillful, he had many talents. The strong warrior surveyed the arena, nodding casually to Drona and Kripa. The whole gathering, frozen in place and intently watching, wondered, 'Who is he?' Their curiosity about this warrior rose. The eloquent son of the Sun, with a voice as deep as thunder, addressed his unknown brother Partha, the son of Indra, saying, 'O Partha, I will perform feats before this amazed crowd, surpassing anything you've done! You will be astonished when you see them.' And, O greatest of speakers, almost as soon as he spoke, the crowd rose together, as if stirred by a great force. O tiger among men, Duryodhana was filled with joy, while Vibhatsu felt nothing but embarrassment and anger. With Drona’s approval, the mighty Karna, eager for battle, repeated everything that Partha had done earlier. Duryodhana, along with his brothers, warmly embraced Karna, exclaiming, 'Welcome, mighty warrior! I consider myself fortunate to have you! Live as you wish and command me, along with the kingdom of the Kurus.' Karna responded, 'Since you've said it, I see it as already done. I only desire your friendship, and my wish is to face Arjuna in single combat.' Duryodhana exclaimed, 'Enjoy life's blessings with me! Be a true friend, and, O slayer of foes, let your feet rest upon the heads of all enemies.' Vaisampayana continued, 'Arjuna, feeling disgraced, called out to Karna, who stood among the brothers like a towering cliff, 'The path of the unwelcome intruder will be yours, Karna, for I will slay you!' Karna replied, 'This arena is open to all, not just you, O Phalguna! Those with true energy are kings; the Kshatriya value power above all. Why engage in petty arguments, which are for the weak? O Bharata, let your arrows speak until I take your head today in front of our teacher!'' Vaisampayana continued, 'Quickly hugged by his brothers, Partha, the conqueror of hostile cities, stepped forward for battle with Drona's blessing. Opposite him, Karna, embraced by Duryodhana and his brothers, readied his bow and arrows for the fight. The sky darkened with clouds flashing lightning, and Indra's radiant bow appeared, illuminating the scene. The clouds seemed to dance with the white cranes taking flight. Observing Indra fondly watching the battleground for his son, the sun cleared the clouds for his offspring. Phalguna remained hidden in the cloud cover, while Karna stood in the sunlight. Dhritarashtra’s son stood by Karna, and Bharadwaja, Kripa, and Bhishma supported Partha. The assembly was split, along with the women in the crowd. Seeing this, Kunti, daughter of Bhoja, fainted. Vidura, wise in responsibilities, revived her with sandalwood paste and water. Regaining her senses, Kunti saw her sons in armor and was filled with dread, yet felt powerless to protect them.' As both warriors stood ready with their bows, Kripa, son of Saradwat, understanding all the rules of combat, spoke to Karna, saying, 'This Pandava, the youngest son of Kunti, is part of the Kaurava family and will fight you. But, mighty one, you must also share your lineage, the names of your parents, and the royal line you come from. Knowing this, Partha will decide whether to engage with you or not; sons of kings do not battle those of lowly birth.' Vaisampayana continued, 'Upon hearing Kripa's words, Karna’s face turned pale and wilted like a lotus drenched by rains. Duryodhana then said, 'Teacher, it's said that three types of individuals can claim royalty: those by blood, heroes, and those who lead armies. If Phalguna refuses to fight someone without royal status, I will make Karna the king of Anga.'' Vaisampayana said, 'At that moment, seated on a golden throne, surrounded by grains, flowers, water pots, and plenty of gold, the mighty warrior Karna was crowned king by learned Brahmins. A royal umbrella was held over his head while yak tails fanned around this impressive hero. When the cheers faded, Karna addressed the Kaurava Duryodhana, saying, 'O fierce king, what can I give you that matches your gift of a kingdom? I will do anything you ask!' Duryodhana replied, 'I long for your friendship.' Karna then answered, 'So be it.' They joyfully embraced, sharing great happiness.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ततः स्रस्तोत्तरपटः सप्रस्वेदः सवेपथुः । विवेशाधिरथो रङ्गं यष्टिप्राणो ह्वयन्निव ॥ 1॥ तमालोक्य धनुस्त्यक्त्वा पितृगौरवयन्त्रितः । कर्णोऽभिषेकार्द्रशिराः शिरसा समवन्दत ॥ 2॥ ततः पादाववच्छाद्य पटान्तेन ससम्भ्रमः । पुत्रेति परिपूर्णार्थमब्रवीद्रथसारथिः ॥ 3॥ परिष्वज्य च तस्याथ मूर्धानं स्नेहविक्लवः । अङ्गराज्याभिषेकार्द्रमश्रुभिः सिषिचे पुनः ॥ 4॥ तं दृष्ट्वा सूतपुत्रोऽयमिति निश्चित्य पाण्डवः । भीमसेनस्तदा वाक्यमब्रवीत्प्रहसन्निव ॥ 5॥ न त्वमर्हसि पार्थेन सूतपुत्र रणे वधम् । कुलस्य सदृशस्तूर्णं प्रतोदो गृह्यतां त्वया ॥ 6॥ अङ्गराज्यं च नार्हस्त्वमुपभोक्तुं नराधम । श्वा हुताशसमीपस्थं पुरोडाशमिवाध्वरे ॥ 7॥ एवमुक्तस्ततः कर्णः किञ्चित्प्रस्फुरिताधरः । गगनस्थं विनिःश्वस्य दिवाकरमुदैक्षत ॥ 8॥ ततो दुर्योधनः कोपादुत्पपात महाबलः । भ्रातृपद्मवनात्तस्मान्मदोत्कट इव द्विपः ॥ 9॥ सोऽब्रवीद्भीमकर्माणं भीमसेनमवस्थितम् । वृकोदर न युक्तं ते वचनं वक्तुमीदृशम् ॥ 10॥ क्षत्रियाणां बलं ज्येष्ठं योद्धव्यं क्षत्रबन्धुना । शूराणां च नदीनां च प्रभवा दुर्विदाः किल ॥ 11॥ सलिलादुत्थितो वह्निर्येन व्याप्तं चराचरम् । दधीचस्यास्थितो वज्रं कृतं दानवसूदनम् ॥ 12॥ आग्नेयः कृत्तिकापुत्रो रौद्रो गाङ्गेय इत्यपि । श्रूयते भगवान्देवः सर्वगुह्यमयो गुहः ॥ 13॥ क्षत्रियाभ्यश्च ये जाता ब्राह्मणास्ते च विश्रुताः । विश्वामित्रप्रभृतयः प्राप्ता ब्रह्मत्वमव्ययम्॥14 आचार्यः कलशाज्जातः शरस्तम्बाद्गुरुः कृपः ॥ गौतमस्यान्ववाये च शरस्तम्बाच्च गौतमः॥15 भवतां च यथा जन्म तदप्यागमितं नृपैः ॥ सकुण्डलं सकवचं दिव्यलक्षणलक्षितम् । कथमादित्यसङ्काशं मृगी व्याघ्रं जनिष्यति ॥ 16 पृथिवीराज्यमर्होऽयं नाङ्गराज्यं नरेश्वरः । अनेन बाहुवीर्येण मया चाज्ञानुवर्तिना ॥ 17॥ यस्य वा मनुजस्येदं न क्षान्तं मद्विचेष्टितम् । रथमारुह्य पद्भ्यां वा विनामयतु कार्मुकम् ॥ 18॥ ततः सर्वस्य रङ्गस्य हाहाकारो महानभूत् । साधुवादानुसम्बद्धः सूर्यश्चास्तमुपागमत् ॥ 19॥ ततो दुर्योधनः कर्णमालम्ब्याथ करे नृप । दीपिकाग्निकृतालोकस्तस्माद्रङ्गाद्विनिर्ययौ ॥ 20॥ पाण्डवाश्च सहद्रोणाः सकृपाश्च विशां पते । भीष्मेण सहिताः सर्वे ययुः स्वं स्वं निवेशनम् ॥ 21॥ अर्जुनेति जनः कश्चित्कश्चित्कर्णेति भारत । कश्चिद्दुर्योधनेत्येवं ब्रुवन्तः प्रस्थितास्तदा ॥ 22॥ कुन्त्याश्च प्रत्यभिज्ञाय दिव्यलक्षणसूचितम् । पुत्रमङ्गेश्वरं स्नेहाच्छन्ना प्रीतिरवर्धत ॥ 23॥ दुर्योधनस्यापि तदा कर्णमासाद्य पार्थिव । भयमर्जुनसाञ्जातं क्षिप्रमन्तरधीयत ॥ 24॥ स चापि वीरः कृतशस्त्रनिश्रमः; परेण साम्नाभ्यवदत्सुयोधनम् । युधिष्ठिरस्याप्यभवत्तदा मति;र्न कर्णतुल्योऽस्ति धनुर्धरः क्षितौ ॥ 25॥	25 (1287)
Vaisampayana said, 'After this, with his robe loosely hanging, Adhiratha approached the arena, sweating and trembling, leaning on a staff. Upon seeing him, Karna set aside his bow, and out of deep respect, bowed his head still damp from the coronation ceremony. The charioteer quickly covered his feet with the edge of his robe and referred to Karna, who had achieved greatness, as his son. He embraced Karna, overwhelmed with affection, and tears streamed down his face, moistening the head that had just been blessed at the coronation of the king of Anga. Noticing the charioteer, the Pandava Bhimasena mistook Karna for merely a charioteer's son and mockingly said, 'O son of a charioteer, you don't deserve to die at the hands of Partha. Take up the whip as befits your lowly background. And, you worthless wretch, you are unworthy to rule Anga, just as a dog does not deserve the butter offered in a sacrifice.' Karna, hearing this, let out a heavy sigh, his lips trembling, and gazed up at the sun. Then, like a furious elephant rising amidst a field of lilies, the mighty Duryodhana stood up in anger among his brothers and addressed Bhimasena, the doer of terrible deeds, saying, 'O Vrikodara, it is unworthy of you to speak thus. Strength is the essence of a Kshatriya, and even a Kshatriya of lower birth is deserving of a fight. The lineage of heroes, like the sources of a noble river, is often unknown. The fire that consumes the world arises from water.' The thunder that defeated the Danavas was made from a bone of a mortal named Dadhichi. The renowned deity Guha, who embodies the qualities of all other gods, has an unknown lineage. Some say he is the child of Agni, others of Krittika, some of Rudra, and some of Ganga. We have heard that those born into the Kshatriya class have become Brahmanas. Viswamitra and others from Kshatriya birth have attained the eternal Brahma. The greatest warrior, the teacher Drona, was born from a waterpot, and Kripa from a cluster of heath. I know well your origins, O princes of the Pandavas. Can a female deer bear a tiger like Karna, who shines like the Sun, is marked by all auspicious signs, and is born with natural armor and earrings? This noble prince deserves to rule the world, not just Anga, due to his strength and my vow to serve him. If anyone here finds my actions towards Karna unbearable, let them get into their chariot and draw their bow with their feet.' 'Vaisampayana continued, 'Then a murmur of approval rose among the onlookers in response to Duryodhana's words. As the sun set, Prince Duryodhana took Karna's hand and led him out of the brightly lit arena. And, O king, the Pandavas, along with Drona, Kripa, and Bhishma, returned to their homes. The crowd dispersed too, some calling Arjuna, some Karna, and others Duryodhana the victor of the day.' Kunti, recognizing her son Karna by the various good signs on him and seeing him crowned as the ruler of Anga, felt great joy from her motherly love. And Duryodhana, oh king, relieved of his worries about Arjuna's skill in battle, was delighted to have Karna on his side. The brave Karna, skilled in warfare, began to please Duryodhana with flattering words, while Yudhishthira was convinced that no warrior in the world could match Karna.