The news of the event shook the Kurava court.
Everyone was impressed by the narration of Arjuna’s exploits during the fight against the Gandharvas, especially Bhishma who took the opportunity to scold and warn his grandson once again. But this time Duryodhana, who did not wish to hear moralistic speeches, ended up insulting Ganga’s son, who left the hall in disgust.
Karna, meanwhile, reflected on the defeat suffered which had undoubtedly sown a general sense of despondency and a beginning of distrust in his abilities. Indeed, Arjuna had been victorious where he had failed. This was undoubtedly a point against him, especially considering that Duryodhana’s hopes were all placed on him. At that point something had to be done.
Finally, after much thinking, he came to a solution.
“My friend, I have an idea that I think you will like,” he then told Duryodhana. “In this moment of discouragement, wouldn’t it be best to celebrate a Rajasuya to reaffirm your supremacy? I myself could travel all over Bharata-varsha and alone will report the same victories as the four Pandavas. I will follow their own journeys, and I will overpower the monarchs themselves, so that it can be said that Karna has the same power as all the Pandavas combined.”
And so, with the approval of the elder Kuravas, the brave son of Surya traveled for a long time and achieved great triumphs. He returned to Hastinapura bringing with him incalculable riches and the promise of fidelity from all the rulers of the world.
At that point the Rajasuya could be celebrated.
As soon as the preparations were completed, Duryodhana summoned everyone to his sacrifice, not forgetting, with incredible sadism, to invite the Pandavas too.
“Yes, we will come, and soon,” Bhima replied through gritted teeth, “but not for this sacrifice, but for another one: the one who will see all the sons of Dhritarastra sacrificed together with Karna, Sakuni and all those who are so foolish as to put themselves against us. Go back to your king and tell him what I said.”
Duryodhana’s Rajasuya was great, but according to many, it could nowhere near compare to that of Yudhisthira. Still, at the end of the sacrifice Duryodhana felt radiant.
“Oh, king and friend of mine,” Karna said during the ceremony, “let me not be truly welcomed into your heart until I have killed Arjuna. And I swear that until that moment I will not wash my feet or eat any more sumptuous food.”
After this vow Duryodhana, who had placed infinite trust in his dearest friend, considered the Pandavas already dead.
This is a section of the book “Maha-bharata, Vol. 1”.
To buy the complete book, click above
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