CHAPTER 45: Children became Young mens

As the sun cast its golden rays over the tranquil landscape of Dronacharya's ashram, the Pandavas had transformed from young boys into formidable warriors under the watchful tutelage of their guru. Drona had spared no effort in imparting his knowledge and skills to his princely disciples. Each one had excelled in their chosen field, but it was Arjuna, the third Pandava, whose prowess had soared to exceptional heights.

Arjuna's archery skills had evolved into an art form. His aim was unerring, and his arrows flew like lightning, hitting their marks with pinpoint precision. Drona often found himself in awe of Arjuna's talent and dedication to the craft. It was undeniable that Arjuna had surpassed not only his brothers but had become the unrivaled archer of their time.

One morning, as the Pandavas assembled for their daily training, Drona addressed them with a grave yet proud expression. "My dear Pandavas," he began, "your education and training under my guidance have reached their culmination. Each one of you has excelled in your chosen field, and I am proud of the warriors you have become."

Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, spoke on behalf of his brothers. "Guru Drona, we are deeply grateful for your teachings and guidance. You have molded us into capable warriors, and we are honored to have been your disciples."

Drona's eyes rested on Arjuna, a sense of paternal pride evident in his gaze. "Arjuna," he said, "your archery skills have surpassed all my expectations. You are, without a doubt, the greatest archer in the world today. Your dedication and hard work have made you peerless."

Arjuna's chest swelled with pride as he received his guru's praise. He knew that he had worked tirelessly to attain this level of skill, and his ego had grown in tandem with his prowess. His brothers, too, looked at him with admiration and respect, acknowledging his unparalleled talent.

However, Drona's pride in Arjuna had consequences that extended beyond their ashram. The guru's frequent praise had an unintended side effect on the Pandavas. They began to develop a sense of superiority, bolstered by the belief that they belonged to the Kshatriya caste, traditionally considered the warrior class.

As they completed their education, this pride in their caste identity led them to adopt a rigid perspective on society. They believed that individuals from lower castes were not entitled to wield weapons or partake in the pursuit of knowledge. Their minds were clouded by prejudice, and they began to harbor a bias against those they considered of lower birth.

Unbeknownst to them, their guru Dronacharya was equally responsible for this skewed perception. His influence, coupled with their own sense of superiority, had led the Pandavas down a path that was incongruent with the principles of dharma, which upheld the equality of all beings.

One day, Dronacharya called the Pandavas to his side. "My dear disciples," he began, "the time has come for you to return to Hastinapur. Your education is complete, and you must now fulfill your destinies as princes of the Kuru dynasty.I will first go and report the news to your family then I will come and take you the kingdom".

Pandavas answered positively and Guru drona take his journey on the way of hastinapur to inform the news of Pandavas.

In Asur lok:

In the realm of Asura lok, the Kauravas, led by their elder brother Duryodhana, had undergone a transformation under the rigorous training of their guru, Shukracharya. Their martial skills had flourished, and they had become exceptional warriors in their own right. Each day, they honed their combat techniques, their bodies growing stronger, and their minds sharper.

Ashwatama, the son of Dronacharya, had also blossomed into a formidable warrior under the tutelage of Guru Shukracharya. He had inherited his father's skills in archery, and now, with the guidance of his new guru, he had become a master of various celestial weapons.

One morning, as the sun bathed Asura lok in its warm, crimson hues, Guru Shukracharya gathered his disciples. Duryodhana, surrounded by his one hundred brothers, stood before their mentor with a profound sense of gratitude.

"Guru Shukracharya," Duryodhana began, "we are eternally indebted to you for the knowledge and skills you have imparted to us. Under your guidance, we have become strong and capable warriors."

The Kauravas and Ashwatama nodded in agreement, their respect for their guru unwavering. They were eager to learn more from him, to further refine their abilities.

Guru Shukracharya smiled at his disciples, a hint of pride in his eyes. "My dear disciples," he said, "it brings me immense joy to witness your growth and transformation. You have worked diligently, and your dedication has borne fruit. You have become exceptional warriors, ready to face any challenge that may come your way."

Duryodhana, ever the spokesman for his brothers, stepped forward and asked, "Guruji, we are grateful for all that you have taught us. But we must ask, what more can we do for you? How can we repay the debt of knowledge and guidance you have bestowed upon us?"

Guru Shukracharya's gaze softened as he regarded his disciples. He knew that this moment had been long-awaited, that his teachings had indeed left an indelible mark on these young warriors. It was time to reveal the true source of his inspiration.

"Young ones," Guru Shukracharya began, "there is a reason I took you under my wing, a promise I made to a dear friend and a remarkable warrior. That friend, none other than your beloved Karna.

Upon hearing the name Karna, the Kauravas were filled with a mixture of awe and excitement. They had heard stories of their friend and brother, who had trained them during their youth and then mysteriously departed from their lives.

Duryodhana's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Guruji," he inquired eagerly, "how is Karna? Where is he now? When can we see him?"

Guru Shukracharya chuckled at the young prince's enthusiasm. "Fear not, my dear disciples," he reassured them. "Karna is in the right place, where destiny has led him. I assure you that you will be reunited with him in due time."

This revelation sent a surge of joy through the hearts of the Kauravas. The bond they shared with Karna was unbreakable, and the thought of reuniting with their beloved friend and mentor filled them with anticipation.

Duryodhana and his brothers eagerly surrounded Guru Shukracharya, their questions about Karna flowing like a river. They wanted to know every detail, to hear stories of their friend's adventures and experiences since they had last seen him.

As the Kauravas reveled in the joy of the news, Guru Shukracharya basked in their excitement. It was a poignant moment, a reminder that the bonds forged in youth could withstand time and distance.

The young warriors had completed their training, their hearts filled with newfound strength, but their journey was far from over. Destiny had yet to unveil its grand design, and the role of these exceptional warriors in the epic tale of the Mahabharata was far from written.

As the days passed, the Kauravas and Ashwatama prepared to leave Asura lok and return to Hastinapur. Their reunion with Karna, their friend and brother, awaited them in the near future, promising to be a momentous occasion that would shape the course of their lives and the destiny of the Kuru dynasty.

In Mahendragiri Hills:

In the serene and sacred Mahendragiri Hills, a remarkable event was about to unfold. At the break of dawn, a young man, resplendent in his divine appearance, rose from the cool waters of a pristine river. This young man was none other than Karna, the extraordinary mortal who had embarked on a journey to master the divine arts under the tutelage of his gurus, Parashuram and Guru Brihaspati.

With utmost reverence, Karna offered his prayers to Suryadev, the Sun God, whose divine radiance graced his very being. As he stood there, bathed in the golden morning light, Karna's presence was nothing short of celestial. He possessed an ethereal aura that seemed to bridge the mortal and divine realms.

After his morning prayers, Karna ascended to the peak of the mountain, a place where he often sought solitude and a deeper connection with the universe. He understood that the pursuit of knowledge and the mastery of divine arts required not only physical discipline but also a profound spiritual connection with the cosmos.

Suryadev, the deity of the Sun, had always held a special place in Karna's heart. He saw the Sun God not merely as a celestial entity but as a symbol of unwavering dedication, righteousness, and selfless service. Karna's own life story, having been born with the divine grace of Suryadev and raised in the humble abode of a charioteer, bore testament to the idea that one's destiny was shaped not by birth but by one's actions and virtues.

As Karna settled into his meditation, the first rays of the morning sun gently caressed his divine countenance. The world seemed to hold its breath in awe as the young man radiated an otherworldly glow. His eyes, like twin universes, held a depth of wisdom that transcended human comprehension. In that moment, he embodied the essence of Lord Shiva himself.

Hours passed as Karna delved deep into the realms of meditation, his thoughts merging with the cosmic consciousness. It was during this meditation that he became aware of a presence surrounding him, a collective yearning from the villagers below who sought his divine assistance.

Karna's eyes opened, and a serene determination graced his features. With grace and purpose, he descended from the mountain, his divine aura accompanying him like a benevolent guardian.

Upon reaching the village at the base of the mountain, Karna encountered a group of villagers who had gathered, their faces etched with concern and despair. They approached him with humility, knowing that the young man before them was no ordinary mortal.

Their voices quivered with anxiety as they recounted the plight of their village. The land had become barren, crops withered away, and the once-flourishing fields now lay parched. The absence of rain had cast a shadow of drought and misery upon their lives.

Karna listened intently, his heart resonating with empathy for their suffering. He understood that their predicament was not merely the result of natural forces but also a consequence of divine wrath. Indra, the ruler of the heavens and the lord of rain, held the power to bless or withhold rainfall. The villagers had omitted their prayers and offerings to Indra, leading to his punishment in the form of drought.

With compassion in his eyes, Karna reassured the villagers, "Fear not, dear souls. Your prayers have reached the heavens, and the divine forces have heard your pleas. I shall intercede on your behalf, for I believe that compassion and kindness can mend even the most dire of circumstances."

Karna's gaze turned skyward, his eyes fixated on the celestial realm where Indradev's palace resided. He understood the gravity of the situation and was prepared to take the necessary steps to alleviate the suffering of the villagers.

With unwavering resolve, Karna decided to launch a arrow to the heavenly abode of Indra himself. His intention was not to challenge the divine, but rather to implore Indra to bestow his benevolence upon the drought-stricken village. It was a testament to Karna's unyielding commitment to Dharma and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of all beings.

As he embarked on this celestial quest, Karna's divine aura continued to shine brilliantly, illuminating not only the path before him but also the hearts of those he encountered. In the days to come, his journey would take him to the very heart of the heavens, where he would confront Indra, the lord of rain and storms, in a display of courage, righteousness, and compassion that would leave an indelible mark on the annals of history.

To be continued....