As Karna witnessed this pivotal moment in Ravana's life, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of respect for the demon king. He saw a different side of Ravana—one that showed love and affection for his son, Meghnad. Karna understood that Ravana, like any other parent, had hopes and dreams for his child's future.
At the same time, Karna recognized the irony of the situation. The celestial powers of the Navagrahas, which were symbolically under Ravana's feet, played a significant role in shaping the destinies of all beings, including his own. It reminded Karna of the complex interplay of fate, choices, and consequences that governed every life.
As the vision of Ravana, Meghnad, and the Navagrahas faded away, Karna found himself back in the foggy hall, still feeling the weight of the moment he had just witnessed.
"With this, The strongest warrior of Treta Yuga was born."
Karna's surroundings shifted once more, and he found himself standing in a lush, beautiful garden. The fog had dissipated, revealing vibrant flowers and a gentle breeze that carried the sound of laughter and giggles.
In front of him, he saw a young boy with radiant eyes and a mischievous smile running and playing. It was none other than Meghnad, the young prince of Lanka, known for his exceptional strength and prowess.
Karna couldn't help but smile at the sight of the young boy's innocence and playfulness. Despite being the son of the mighty Ravana, Meghnad seemed unaffected by the weight of his destiny and the celestial powers that surrounded his birth.
As Karna watched Meghnad play, he felt a sense of connection to the young prince. He could see glimpses of himself in Meghnad—the innocence, the curiosity, and the desire to explore the world.
"You are not just the son of a demon king, Meghnad. You are your own person, with the power to shape your destiny," Karna whispered to himself, feeling a strange bond with the young prince.
At that moment, Karna realized that destiny was not solely determined by birth or lineage, But by the choices one made and the actions one took throughout their life.
As the visions of Meghnad's life played out before Karna, he witnessed the young prince's training, his devotion to his father, and his unwavering loyalty to the demon king. Meghnad grew into a formidable warrior, mastering the art of warfare and becoming a symbol of strength and courage.
Karna also saw the moments of conflict and dilemmas that Meghnad faced. Despite his loyalty to his father, Meghnad questioned the ethics of some of Ravana's actions. He struggled to balance his duty as a prince of Lanka with his sense of morality. This inner conflict made Meghnad a more nuanced and complex character in Karna's eyes.
One such event was the war with Devas (Celestial Beings/Gods) Ravana was leading the armies of all types of demons while their opponent was Devraj (King of Gods) Indra himself.
As the vision unfolded, Karna saw Meghnad displaying incredible valour and prowess on the battlefield. He fought fiercely, leading the demon armies with a sense of duty and pride. However, amidst the chaos of war, Meghnad spotted his father, Ravana, lying injured on the ground.
At that moment, Meghnad faced a profound dilemma. His loyalty to his father conflicted with his sense of duty as a warrior. Should he continue to fight and protect his people, or should he rush to his father's aid, possibly jeopardizing the safety of the entire demon army?
Karna understood the weight of Meghnad's decision, as he had faced similar dilemmas in his own life. The choices one made during crucial moments could define their character and shape the course of their destiny.
In the end, Meghnad made a courageous choice. He put the welfare of his father above all else and rushed to Ravana's side, protecting him from further harm. This act of compassion and filial devotion resonated deeply with Karna, who appreciated the strength it took to prioritize love over duty.
However, the consequences of Meghnad's decision were not without cost. The momentary distraction from the battlefield allowed Indra to take advantage of the situation and launch a powerful attack, ultimately leading to Meghnad's temporary defeat. Karna saw that even the best intentions could have unintended repercussions.
But Meghnad returned to the battlefield with renewed vigour and led the demon army with unwavering resolve.
The war with the Devas raged on, and Meghnad's feats of valour became legendary. He displayed exceptional combat skills, strategic brilliance, and unyielding courage.
Not only that but also forced Indra to retreat to his (Indra's) abode but Meghnad follow Indra, determined to bring the war to the doorstep of the Devas.
After Meghnad's restless pursuit, Indra fought with him, But the results were not in his (Indra's) favour. He was beaten so mercilessly that he even got trauma from it.
After defeating Indra, Meghnad tied him in front of his chariot and took him as a prisoner to Lanka.
Karna watched with awe as Meghnad's valour and determination reached new heights. Despite facing formidable adversaries like Indra himself, Meghnad remained resolute in his pursuit of victory.
His actions showcased not only his martial prowess but also his determination to protect his people and uphold his family's honour.
However, Karna couldn't ignore the consequences of Meghnad's actions. Defeating and humiliating Indra had severe implications for the balance between the Devas and demons, and it led to further hostilities and conflicts.
As the visions continued, Karna saw the toll that the ongoing war took on both the Devas and demons. Lives were lost, families were torn apart, and the cycle of violence seemed endless.
In a moment of introspection, Karna realized that war, regardless of the side one fought for, only brought suffering and sorrow. The pursuit of power and dominance often led to devastating consequences for all involved.
As the visions gradually came to an end, Karna found himself back in the foggy hall, Which was not for long because Fogg again dispersed and he found himself again in a battlefield but a different one.
This time, Karna saw Meghnad leading the demon army against the Vanaras (monkey warriors) and humans who were fighting alongside Lord Rama in the epic battle of the Ramayana.
Karna observed as Meghnad's prowess in combat was put to the test against formidable opponents like Hanuman, Sugriva, and Angada, the mighty warriors from the Vanara army.
Meghnad fought with unmatched skill and strength, and the battlefield seemed to tremble under the force of his attacks. His determination to protect Lanka and his people was evident in every strike he made.
But despite his ferocity, Karna also noticed moments of conflict and doubt in Meghnad's eyes. The weight of the war and its consequences seemed to weigh heavily on his young shoulders.
Amid the battle, Meghnad's eyes met with those of his opponents, and in that fleeting moment, Karna saw something unexpected—a reflection of humanity and vulnerability.
Karna understood that despite his status as a prince and a warrior, Meghnad was still a young man facing the harsh realities of war and its toll on both sides. The clash of ideologies, duty, and emotions created a tumultuous inner conflict within him.
In the midst of all this, Karna's eyes met the One with eyes resembling the petals of a lotus, AKA Lord Rama who has one of the most beautiful smiles on his face.
Lord Rama was looking directly at Karna like he could see him standing there.
Karna felt a mix of emotions as he looked into Lord Rama's eyes. It was as if their souls connected for a brief moment. He sensed compassion and understanding in Lord Rama's gaze, despite being on opposite sides of the battlefield.
At that moment, Karna realized that the battle wasn't just about two opposing forces fighting for dominance. It was a clash of ideals, beliefs, and destinies. The war had far-reaching implications beyond the physical realm—it was a test of character, values, and principles.
And Lord Rama was not the only one to see Karna but Hanuman as well.
As the visions of the battlefield continued, Karna saw the devastating impact of war on both sides. The once-lush landscape turned into a battlefield strewn with fallen soldiers, both demon and Vanara alike. The cries of pain and sorrow echoed in his ears, serving as a haunting reminder of the consequences of conflict.
In between all the cries, One particular cry was the most heart-wracking, It was Meghnad's own voice, filled with anguish and acceptance.
Being pierced by Anjalikastra which was immediately beheaded Meghnad. With his life force leaving his body, he fell to the ground, and the once radiant eyes grew dim.
Karna felt a surge of sorrow and empathy for the fallen prince. Despite his formidable strength and valiant efforts, Meghnad succumbed to the cycle of violence that consumed the battlefield. His death served as a stark reminder that even the mightiest warriors were not immune to the consequences of war.
As the visions of the battlefield faded away, leaving Karna back in the foggy hall, he couldn't shake off the emotions and lessons he had experienced.
"So what do you think?"
Karna was taken aback by Meghnad's sudden appearance in the foggy hall. He felt a mix of emotions—respect, admiration, and sorrow.
He looked at Meghnad, the young prince who had displayed such bravery and determination on the battlefield, but also faced the consequences of his choices and actions. (This Meghnad is different than Karna used to take before.)
"I think you were a remarkable warrior, Meghnad," Karna replied sincerely. "Your strength and courage were awe-inspiring, and your love for your father was admirable. But I also witnessed the toll of war and the complexities of the choices you had to make."
Meghnad nodded solemnly. "Yes, the path of a warrior is not an easy one. It is filled with challenges and dilemmas, where duty often clashes with morality. I fought with all my might to protect my people and uphold my family's honour, but I also faced moments of doubt and conflict within myself."
Karna nodded in understanding. "War has a way of testing our character and principles. It forces us to confront our beliefs and question the consequences of our actions. I saw that in your eyes during the battle."
Meghnad smiled faintly. "You are perceptive, Karna. It was a constant struggle to balance my responsibilities as a prince and a warrior with my sense of right and wrong. But I don't regret my choices. I did what I believed was right in those moments."