As they entered the dining room, they were met with a scene of bustling activity. The companions, along with palace staff, were busy preparing for the celebratory feast that awaited them. The long table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes, and the air was filled with the aromas of spices and freshly cooked food.
"Karna!!!"
Krishna and Balram hurriedly stood up from their seats at the head of the table, their expressions a mix of joy and surprise. Karna and Radha Maa entered the dining room, and their presence immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
"Welcome, Karna!" Krishna's voice carried genuine warmth as he approached Karna with open arms. The two friends embraced, their bond evident in the way they held onto each other.
Balram's booming laughter filled the air as he clapped Karna on the back. "About time you showed up, brother! We were beginning to think you'd forgotten your way back to us."
Karna chuckled in response to Balram's playful remark, his eyes reflecting a sense of camaraderie and familiarity. "You know me, Balram. I couldn't stay away for too long. And I couldn't miss the opportunity to reunite with all of you."
Krishna's gaze held a mixture of amusement and affection as he regarded Karna. "Indeed, Karna. Your return has brought much joy to our hearts."
And so, in the tranquil realm of the Anga Royal Palace, a reunion filled with joy, camaraderie, and a sense of unity unfolded—a testament to the power of love, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of friendship and family.
[After Few Days]
The golden rays of the morning sun painted the horizon as a new day dawned over the Anga Royal Palace. The courtyard was alive with activity, as servants and courtiers bustled about, making preparations for the day's events. The air was filled with an air of anticipation, for today marked a significant occasion—the coronation of Karna as the new king of Anga.
The courtyard had been transformed into a magnificent setting, adorned with vibrant flowers, elegant draperies, and intricately designed arches. A raised dais had been erected at the heart of the courtyard, where the coronation ceremony would take place.
Karna stood before a full-length mirror, dressed in regal attire befitting his new role. The ceremonial robes draped over his shoulders, and a crown rested on a velvet cushion nearby, awaiting the moment when it would be placed upon his head.
[Crown Of Anga]
And the bed lays a sword gleaming with a divine aura like it is blessed by gods themselves. The sword, known as the "Sword of Rajasuya" was a symbol of both Karna's authority as the new king and his commitment to uphold justice and protect his kingdom.
It was said to have been forged with divine blessings, its blade gleaming with a brilliance that seemed to capture the very essence of power and righteousness.
Radha Maa entered the room, her expression a mixture of pride and affection as she regarded her son. "You look every bit the regal king, Karna."
Karna turned to his mother, his eyes holding a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Mother. Your presence here fills me with strength and purpose."
Radha Maa's smile was radiant, and she approached Karna, placing a hand on his cheek. "You have always had the heart of a king, my son. Today, the world will see the leader that you have become."
Karna's gaze shifted to the nearby cushion that held the crown of Anga. He reached out and picked it up, the weight of responsibility and history embedded in its intricate design.
"You are ready for this, Karna," Radha Maa's voice was filled with unwavering faith. "Your journey, your experiences—they have all prepared you for this moment. The crown you wear is a symbol of not just authority, but of your commitment to your people."
Karna nodded, his grip on the crown firm yet gentle. "I am humbled by the trust and support that my people have placed in me. I will do everything in my power to serve them with honour and dedication."
Radha Maa's gaze held a mix of amusement and teasing as she looked into her's son eyes. "Your father wanted to come in my place but he would loos his control of his emotions and start crying like a baby when he sees you wearing that crown."
Karna's lips curved into a soft smile at the mention of his father, Adhiratha. His eyes shimmered with warmth and nostalgia as he recalled the lessons and values his father had imparted to him. "Father has always had a tender heart, especially when it comes to me. I'm grateful for his love and guidance."
Radha Maa's expression softened, her fingers brushing against Karna's cheek once more. "As am I, my dear. Your parents' legacy lives on in you, and today's coronation is a testament to their teachings."
As the sun continued its ascent in the sky, Karna and Radha Maa shared a quiet moment of reflection, their bond palpable even in the silence.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, the guests and attendees had gathered in anticipation of the coronation ceremony. Nobles, courtiers, and citizens of Anga had come together to witness this momentous event.
There were many kings from neighbouring kingdoms and King Dhritarashtra with Queen Gandhari, and King Drupad with Queen Prishati (Mother of Draupadi) were present as well, each representing their own realms and extending their congratulations to Karna.
The atmosphere was charged with a sense of excitement and reverence, for the coronation of a king was not merely a ceremonial event—it marked the beginning of a new era for the kingdom.
At the appointed time, the courtyard fell into a hushed silence as Karna and Radha Maa made their way to the dais. Karna's presence commanded attention, his regal attire and dignified bearing befitting of the occasion. Radha Maa walked beside him, her aura radiating pride and grace.
On the dais, Krishna and Balram awaited, dressed in their own ceremonial attire. Krishna's eyes held a mixture of admiration and camaraderie as he regarded Karna, while Balram's expression conveyed a sense of brotherly pride.
As Karna and Radha Maa reached the dais, they were met with a chorus of respectful bows and hushed murmurs of approval from the gathered guests.
Karna's gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes meeting those of his companions, allies, and well-wishers. He could feel the weight of their expectations and hopes, and he stood tall, ready to embrace the responsibilities that lay ahead.
Krishna stepped forward, his voice carrying a regal tone that resonated through the courtyard. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and citizens of Anga, today marks a momentous occasion—a day of new beginnings and renewed aspirations."
The crowd's attention was rapt as Krishna continued, his words holding a sense of gravitas. "We gather here to witness the coronation of a king—one who embodies the virtues of strength, compassion, and wisdom. Karna, the son of Adhiratha and Radha Maa, stands before us today not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the aspirations and dreams of the people of Anga."
Karna's gaze remained fixed on Krishna, his expression a blend of humility and determination. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to his people, and he knew that the decisions he made as king would shape the course of their lives.
"As King of Anga, Karna pledges to uphold justice, protect the well-being of his subjects, and lead with integrity," Krishna's voice carried a note of unwavering conviction. "He is not just a ruler, but a guide and a protector—a beacon of hope in a world that is often fraught with challenges."
Krishna turned towards Karna, his gaze locking with his friends. "Karna, do you accept the responsibilities that come with this crown? Will you pledge to serve your kingdom to the best of your abilities, to lead with fairness and compassion?"
Karna's voice held a steady resolve as he responded, his words clear and unwavering. "I do, Krishna. With humility and determination, I accept the responsibilities of this crown. I pledge to protect and serve my people, to uphold justice and lead with integrity."
The crowd's murmurs of approval swelled into a round of applause, the atmosphere charged with a sense of affirmation and support.
Krishna's gaze shifted to the crown of Anga, held by a palace official nearby.
"Karna, Where is he? Time is running out," Krishna's voice carried a sense of urgency as he glanced around, expecting someone to come.
Just then, a figure emerged from the palace gates, dressed in a sage's attire. However, there was an axe in the hands of the sage, a symbol of his unique identity and purpose. This sage is none other than Bhagwan Parshuram, Known for his extraordinary prowess with the axe and his role as a warrior and teacher.
The arrival of Bhagwan Parshuram sent a ripple of surprise and anticipation through the gathered crowd. His presence was unexpected yet revered, and all eyes turned to him as he approached the dais where Karna stood.
Karna also walked toward him, And immediately went on his knees touching Bhagwan Parshuram's feet while saying, "Parnam Guruji, thank you for coming."
As Karna knelt before Bhagwan Parshuram and touched his feet with deep reverence, the atmosphere grew hushed in respect for the sage's presence. Bhagwan Parshuram's gaze held a mixture of sternness and approval as he looked down at Karna.
"Rise, my disciple," Bhagwan Parshuram's voice was firm yet not devoid of warmth. "Your humility and respect honour me. I have come here for your coronation and to offer you a gift—one that befits your heritage and destiny."
Karna stood up, his expression a blend of gratitude and curiosity. He knew that Bhagwan Parshuram's presence carried significant meaning, and he awaited the sage's words with a sense of anticipation.
"I have watched you grow, Karna," Bhagwan Parshuram's gaze seemed to penetrate Karna's very soul. "You have been a dedicated and diligent student, absorbing the teachings and skills I imparted to you. Your journey from a mere boy to a formidable warrior has been nothing short of remarkable."
Karna's eyes held a mixture of humility and respect as he listened to Bhagwan Parshuram's words. The sage's acknowledgement was a testament to his years of training and devotion.
"Now, as you stand on the threshold of kingship," Bhagwan Parshuram continued, his voice carrying a weight of authority, "I bestow upon you a gift—a divine weapon that shall serve as an extension of your strength and purpose."
With a swift movement, Bhagwan Parshuram lifted his hand and started chanting sacred mantras and lastly, "Om Namah Shivay"
A flash of intense light emanated from Bhagwan Parshuram's hand, illuminating the courtyard with a radiant glow. The air seemed to shimmer with divine energy as the sacred mantras resonated through the atmosphere.
As the light began to fade, a magnificent orb of multicoloured light materialized in Bhagwan Parshuram's hand. The orb pulsated with vibrant energy, its hues shifting and dancing like a celestial rainbow. With a reverent gesture, Bhagwan Parshuram extended his hand toward Karna, presenting the divine gift.
"This, Karna, is the 'Pashupatastra' — the most powerful and sacred weapon granted by Lord Shiva himself," Bhagwan Parshuram's voice held a profound resonance as he spoke. "It is a weapon of ultimate destruction and preservation, capable of annihilating foes and upholding righteousness. It is not to be used lightly, for its power is unmatched and divine."