Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi

by Pratibha Ray

  As mother Kunti was going on narrating, she was growing emotional. Her calm eyes became tearful. Her generous heart was visible in those eyes. Truly, when a woman becomes a mother, how generous and soft she becomes! I, too, was a woman. The distressing story of Karna's life touched my heart. But, it could not mingle and become part of my heartbeats altogether as with mother Kunti. I had not become a mother, so a flood of pure maternal love for another's child did not flow in my heart as in mother Kunti's. That was why mother Kunti's maternal love and compassion for Karna had struck me as unnatural.

  Suddenly I recalled the story of Karna's life heard from Maya. It was after that incident that mother Kunti had accepted Karna as dharma-putra. She had revealed publicly her irrepressible maternal love and compassion for Karna. That day I had not believed Maya's words. Today tallying all these I wondered how much Maya knew and how much she imagined.

  The education of the princes was over. Famous scholars of the entire kingdom were present for the test of knowledge. Many kings, being invited, had also arrived to watch the expertise of the princes. The judges were seated on a large decorated dais. Grandfather Bhishma, mother Satyavati, Gandhari, Kunti, Vidur, counsellor Sanjay, Dhritarashtra, Kripacharya were gracing another dais.

  Not just princes, but the disciples had also come to participate, Among them were Karna and Drona's only son, Ashvatthama.

  Drona was the master of ceremonies. It was the success of his students that was his achievement. Whoever might win the test, it would be his success and it would be guru Drona's fame that would spread in the world.

  After prayers, Drona arrived wearing new clothes. The princes also arrived in the assembly dressed in new clothes and ornaments, smiling. Everyone's forehead was marked with his mother's victory-blessing and the goddess' vermilion mark. Everyone's face was gleaming with the firm assurance of success. All around shouts were raised cheering the princes. Brahmins were feeding the sacred flame. The weapons were worshipped and then one by one each prince displayed his mastery of weapons.

  Fighting with the sword, mace and other weapons; wrestling, horse-racing, archery, piercing targets blindfolded and many types of skills were displayed. Then began Bhim-Duryodhan's mace duel and wrestling. The ground shuddered. It seemed as if there was an earthquake. Still, neither of the two was winning or losing. The very dais was in danger of being upset. Drona stepped in between them and stopped the competition. Then came Aryavart's finest warrior, Arjun. The assembly echoed with claps and cheering. Truly, rulers from afar had gathered to watch Arjun's war-skills. First of all, Arjun pranam-ed his gurudev devotedly. Then he turned round and saluted everyone. After that the display of weapon-craft began.

  Arjun's weapon-craft was so miraculous, so astonishing that spectators could not believe their eyes. It was as though Arjun had magically enchanted everyone. Some wondered whether they were not being deceived. How could the impossible be happening? So difficult was it to comprehend Arjun's skill!

  When Arjun loosed the fire-missile, tongues of flame leapt up all around Hastina. The outbreak of fire sent a wave of fear rippling through the spectators — had the princes of Hastinapur plotted to free themselves of all obstacles? Startled, many warriors began to shout and scream like children, and, afraid of dying, fell down unconscious. That was when Arjun loosed the water-missile. Terrific rain and floods appeared. One more doom swept down licking its lips. Terrified, people prayed to their gods. Meanwhile, he loosed the wind-missile. None knew where the waters of the flood were driven away by the wind. Spectators were not only amazed but also grateful and were clapping all around. Commotion broke out among the spactators. Some collapsed clutching pillars and seats. Most lay down clutching the ground itself. Everyone was upset by the force of the wind. Noticing their condition, Arjun used the cloud-weapon. The skies became overcast with clouds. The spectators got some relief. Fear was removed. Everyone was getting acquainted with Arjun's skill. But what was this? The breeze stopped blowing. People were getting stifled. Everyone was restless. In a short while there would be no one left alive to see Arjun's expertise. But Arjun is never the cause of any innocent person's death. Immediately he used the fragrance-missile. A gentle, scented breeze began to waft under Hastinapur's skies. In which kingdom's garden did such fragrant flowers bloom? From where was this breeze blowing? No one knew. Thrilled and gratified spectators stood up to congratulate Arjun. Right then Arjun loosed the earth-weapon. He hid in the earth. The next instant using the mountain-weapon he stunned everyone. The entire Hastina city stood atop a mountain. Sitting in their individual seats the spectators saw Arjun saluting them from the highest peak. They had but raised their hands in response when, using the vanishing-weapon he disappeared. Then, would the spectators remain seated on the mountain? Suddenly he loosed the underground-missile. Hastina was taken netherwards. The spectators were terrified and chaos reigned among them. That was when he used the space-weapon. Everyone was suspended in mid-air. It became an impossible situation. Who would have come to see the display if they had known that such would be the predicament! They began to regret it. But by then the steadiness-weapon had been used. Everyone reverted to the original state and was relieved. All were overwhelmed.

  Arjun's skill filled mother Kunti with tears of joy. But the very next instant seeing in front the furious face of Karna, she was stunned. She was aware that Karna was a mighty hero. Since birth he had borne the immortal armour and ear-rings with the blessings of some god. He was roaring out his challenge to Arjun. Karna was Drona's disciple too. He was Arjun's equal as a warrior. But Karna was a charioteer's son and Arjun, a prince of Hastinapur. Knowingly or unknowingly, Dronacharya discriminated against Karna while teaching. Yet neither Karna nor Arjun gave way to the other. Karna himself knew that because of not being a prince, guru Drona's grace was somewhat less in his respect. Daily Drona taught his son, Ashvatthama, and his dear disciple, Arjun, some additional tachniques. Karna had always been plain-spoken and upright. He did not fear anyone. He even protested against the preceptor's injustice. Many times he said that he too should be taught for a longer period. In reply, the guru said, "In future the protector of Hastina shall be Arjun. Ashvatthama shall become the weapons-preceptor of the future kings of Hastinapur. Hence, there is need for special education for both of them. What is the need for such special training for you? You will never be king." Karna remained silent. But day by day he grew intolerant of Arjun. Secretly he began to resolve to prove himself in future a greater warrior than even Arjun. He engaged in single-minded ascesis.

  And today the day had arrived for establishing himself. He would prove before all that deeds were more significant than birth.

  Karna began to display his prowess in arms. In no way was he less skilful than Arjun. But since the miraculous display of Arjun had kept the spectators spellbound still, they were not amazed with Karna's skill. After this Karna directly challenged Arjun to a duel in public: Let his status become crystal clear vis-a-vis Arjun.

  Arjun prepared himself. In a loud voice he announced that the result of this duel would be the death of Karna.

  On the dais, Kunti lost consciousness. In the duel either Karna would die or Arjun. In her anxiety over whose death did mother Kunti fall unconscious? Arjun was her own son, but Karna, too, was dear like a son. Therefore, she could not face the tragic posibility that either might die. The spectators were applauding this nobility of heart on the part of Kunti.

  Here, too, Karna's self-respect and manhood were slighted. Guru Dronacharya knew that the result of a duel between Karna and Arjun would be horrifying. Therefore, he hit at Karna's weak spot — "Duel! That befits between one prince and another. Arjun is a prince of Hastina, and you? Who is your father, who is your mother? You might be a warrior, but how are you an equal to Arjun in status?"

  Karna was silent! Because of the humiliation and grief, he wished he could vanish into the dust. What was the point of living in a world where manhood was not valued? But Duryodhan was watching all this. Sudden
ly he announced — "I am installing friend Karna as ruler of Ang country."

  Instantly a jewelled throne arrived and the next moment the fate of the charioteer's son changed. But, what did not change was the history of Karna's birth. Bhim commented, "Out of pity anyone might be made a king, but in his body the blood of a royal dynasty cannot be made to flow. Now, instead of holding the reins of a horse, Karna will grasp the reins of government and for this shall ever remain indebted to Duryodhan."

  For preventing the battle of Arjun with Karna, right at that time the sun set. Karna felt that even the lord of dharma, Surya, was turning away from him. In such a world pervaded with darkness the establishment of the glory of manhood was but a daydream. Yet he would not admit defeat. For, it was battling throughout life for the glory of manhood and sacrificing his life in that cause, that was preferable to the hero.

  On the occasion of the anointing of the king of Ang, celebrations were held throughout the night in Hastinapur. Duryodhan had everyone fed. Having drunk their fill, the citizens of Hastina began praising Duryodhan. It was Karna who should have been the happiest person during this festival. That day, at dawn he was the son of an ordinary charioteer. Now he was the ruler of the rich state of Ang. But where was Karna? In the festive hall all the princes were immersed in gaiety. Other guests, who had come to watch the exhibition of weapon-craft, were also there. But Karna was not there. After eating and drinking he had lost control of himself. No one had the slightest inkling that he, for whom the festivities have been arranged, was not present there at all. Even without Karna the night of Karna's anointing was glittering.

  Seated alone in a room, King Karna was seeking to plumb the mystery of his life-story: "who is your father? Who is your mother?" And Bhim's sarcasm — out of pity someone could be seated on a throne, but royal blood could not be made to flow in his body — was ringing in his ears. In anger and fury, his whole body was hot, his mind was going to pieces. By making him a ruler, Duryodhan had displayed his graciousness, had proved his charity. He had become worthy of being thanked. In this Karna did not have the slightest interest. Rather, this singing and dancing, the festivities, were mocking Karna's manhood. At every beat the dance and song were telling him: "Despite there being no royal blood in your body, because of Duryodhan's pity and kindness you are today a king; you ought to be grateful to him. You are favoured, you are dependent!"

  Refuse this governance of Ang state, this royal crown, this royal throne? But if he did that people would say, 'Karna is not fit for kingship; the royal throne has filled him with fear; the royal crown does not befit him. Duryodhan has given gifts to one unsuited for them.' No, he would show this world that merely being a prince was not eligibility for becoming king; it was the suitable man who was eligible for it. That it was not the status of parents, but the proof of manhood that was the true proof of manhood.

  Karna began musing again: "Who are my parents? As long as I knew that I was the son of charioteer Adhirath, that Radha was my mother, I was happy like all the restless children of the world. I had never even wondered why I had not been born a prince. In the world everyone does not, after all, take birth as a prince. Yet, everyone's parents seem like kings and queens to their children." Karna, too, was happy with his adoptive parents. But in his youth, that day, in those strange moments when, for the first time, he had attempted to overhear from outside the private conversation of mother Radha with Kunti, then he had felt a shock. Mother Kunti was saying, 'This son of yours is full of royal signs. Who can say that he is a charioteer and your son? Look at his appearance! If he stands with the princes of Hastinapur, he will surpass all. Oh! How lovely do those ear-rings and armour appear on him? I do not know why on seeing him I long to embrace him. Would it he were my son! Truly, he should have taken birth as a royal prince."

  Radha had said, "As he is growing up, people are saying that he is not our son, noticing his qualities and appearance. What is the point of hiding the truth from you? Actually, he is not our son. Some unfortunate woman had, after giving him birth, placed him in a box and floated it down the Yamuna. Finding it while bathing, we considered it a divine blessing. He has had these invulnerable armour and ear-rings since his birth."

  Then Kunti said, "Alas! Why didn't lightning strike that cruel mother?" Soft-hearted Kunti, bride of the Soma dynasty, cursing that stone-hearted mother that day, began weeping.

  Karna returned to his room. In the life of twelve-year-old Karna a new chapter began from that very day. Since then he had been searching for his father's identity. However, he had never spoken of his secret sorrow to his parents. He had no right to destroy their happiness. Rescuing him from the waters of the Yamuna they had given him refuge, otherwise death was inevitable. He would not have had the experience of this precious human life. Therefore, at every step he had been doing his duties towards his parents. Sometimes he would think, "Why did I not become a prince? Mother Kunti had said so the moment she saw me!" Even today he was seeking that stone-hearted mother of his. Bhim's words had cut him to the quick.

  Outside Radha called, "Son! Karna! To greet you, mother Kunti herself has arrived. Open the door."

  Karna was astonished. On the assembly dais Kunti had lost consciousness at the thought of her son's danger. She had not regained consciousness till the evening. The moment she recovered and heard that Karna had become a king, despite being unwell she had come to congratulate him. He who was the sworn enemy of her dear son, Arjun — on his acquiring kingship Kunti was delighted! was this the generosity of Kunti's heart or some stratagem on her part?

  Karna opened the door. He pranamed Kunti. With trembling limbs Kunti embraced him. She was crying. In a faint voice she said, "Karna, my son, may you be immortal and famous. I heard that despite becoming king you are not happy. Bhim has mocked you and this has deeply hurt you. Therefore, I have come myself to beg your forgiveness. Do not take it to heart."

  In an agitated voice Karna said, "Ma! Your body is hot. Your limbs are trembling in weakness. For such a small matter you have come so far! Bhim's mockery is nothing new. Right from the time of our training Bhim has been reminding me that I am not a prince, that the blood of charioteers flows in my veins. Bhim always speaks the truth. What is there to be agitated about in this?"

  Kunti could not remain standing any longer. Karna supported her and took her inside and seated her. In a distressed tone she spoke out, "Right from his birth Bhim has been irritating me. Time and again I have told him not to hurt you. But his arrogance in being the son of Kunti is without any limits. Therefore, at every step he keeps hurting you. I have determined to break his arrogance. I shall accept you as my adopted son. From today you are my eldest son, and the Pandavs are the younger sons." Suddenly Kunti placed Shiva's prasad in Karna's mouth. Drawing Karna to her breast she began speaking with tearful eyes, "If your mother had not fallen into such a predicament she would never have consigned a son like you to the waters of the river. Being a woman, I can understand the agony of that helpless mother. If she is alive anywhere, then remembering you she will be bearing mortal pains at every moment. And that is her atonement. What greater punishment than this can there be, Karna, my son? Take it that the unfortunate one is dead. From today I am your mother. From today you are the son of Kunti. I vow I shall announce it to the Pandavs. Then Bhim's arrogance will be destroyed."

  Still Karna did not appear satisfied. His mind felt that this was a burden on him of Kunti's infinite kindness and compassion. Till that day he had detested pity. All would bestow favours on him but would deny his manhood. Then, should he be indifferent to this compassion of mother Kunti?

  Raising his eyes Karna looked at Kunti. Pale, mournful face; body worn out; in fever; distressed, helpless look and tears brimming over in deeply sad eyes. Bewildered and helpless, Karna kept staring. Karna, too, could not help weeping. Should royally favoured Karna, deprived of maternal love, neglect and reject the veritable embodiment of motherhood?

  As if to himself, Karna said, "Mother Kunti
, I am not in the least hesitant in sacrificing my manhood for the glory of becoming Kunti's son." Speaking out he said, "Mother, had I been your son, I would have been blessed. But I detest pity and compassion, and in accepting your kindness I feel glorified. I have always regarded you as my mother. From today I will think you are my mother who held me in her womb. Perhaps, there will be some consolation in my distressed life."

  Kunti felt hurt. She wept. She said, "This is no pity or compassion, Karna. It is the spontaneous overflow of my heart. This is no ploy, or something put-on. The mother's heart can never be plumbed by the son. For, he is a man. This, too, is the mother's grief." In a choked voice Karna said, "Forgive me, Mother. The hurt of my heart and its wounded honour have been exposed before you." With a wan smile Kunti said, "It is before the mother that the son's entire hurt pride is expressed."

  Before leaving, Kunti said, "My son, fighting with Arjun is not good. I feel deeply distressed. May such an event never occur. That will be my greatest good fortune."

  Karna was silent. Then was it out of concern for her own son's security that Kunti had poured out all this maternal love before Karna?

  The thread of my thoughts was snapped. Maya whispered into my ears, "Karna is coming." Mother Kunti, too, said, "Bahu, Karna is coming. Pranam him. He is your elder brother-in-law. As it is, Yudhishthir is younger than Karna in age. And Karna is my adopted son."