After the learning of princes, an exhibition of their prowess and learning was held in Hastinapur. Arjuna excels in all departments. He demonstrates all astras and how to recall them. Duryodhana and Bhima prepare for Gada (mace) fight. But it was stopped by Drona as they were fighting for real. towards the end of the day, there comes a thunderous sound of clapping of thighs and arms, showing the readiness of a person for combat. It was Karna, who was shining in all splendour with his natural mail, son of Sun god, overshadowing all. He then girdled his sword, and took his bow and arrows, and demonstrated all that Arjuna did and much more. He at the end, challenges Arjuna for a duel. Arjuna prepares for duel.
The sky becomes clouded with thunder and lightening, and sun was peeping from behind the clouds. The area that Arjuna stood is shadowed by clouds and the area that Karna stood is brilliant by sunlight. It appears that Sun god is overlooking for his son, while Indra was overlooking for his son, Arjuna.
Acharya Kripa intervenes, and says, "Only a person with Royal blood can challenge a prince, tell us whose son are you Karna, and your birth, then we will permit this duel." At this Karna's face becomes pale. Duryodhana rises and thunders, "A kshatriya is defined by the virtue of his might. not by his birth. Kshatriya is defined as three types, Born kshatriya, a Hero, Who is a soldier in army. The origin of a warrior is irrelevent. Even the warrior god Guha's birth is a mystery. We all know that Drona is born in a clay pot and Kripa is born in a heath. And we all know the birth of Pandavas. If this is the case, I will make Karna the king of Anga at this moment". and then Duryodhan performs the ceremonial rites to make Karna the king of Anga and gives him the kingdom of Anga.
The congregation of the citizens gathered is divided in its opinion at that moment, some supported Duryodhan, karna, and some supported pandavas.
My commentary :
The argument put forth by Duryodhan is seemingly right, but there is a contradiction that one cannot become a kshatriya by charity. Duryodhan on one hand says might defines a kshatriya. On the other hand gives kingdom Anga to karna, and he takes it. There lies the flaw. Deeds doesnt follow words. The friendship between Duryodhana and karna is that of a convenience.
Hari Om
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