When Dronacharya saw that his students had been sufficiently educated, he assembled the Kuru elders and informed them, O best of the Kuru kings, your children have now completed their education. I suggest there be a tournament of arms where the youths may display their prowess.
When the day for the tournament came, all the Kings and elders of the Kuru dynasty assembled in the arena in their respective seats. The ladies headed by Kunti and Gandhari also entered the arena and took their seats on the platforms assigned to each of them. The inhabitants of Hastinapura were so anxious to witness the exhibition that there was an instant crowd at the arena. The whole sky was filled with the sounds of conchshells, drums, kettledrums and trumpets.
Dronacharya entered the arena and announced the students one by one. He then called them forward in their chariots and ordered them to display their prowess with different weapons. With Yudhisthira at their head, the boys came forward exhibiting their skill with the bow and arrow. Then they showed their ability with other weapons such as the sword and shield, the javelin and celestial darts.
Then Bhima and Duryodhana, both eager for combat, entered the arena with mace in hand. They began to exhibit their energy, roaring like two lions and fighting aggressively. The fighting became so intense that the spectators in the crowd started taking sides, and the whole atmosphere of the competition became tense. Finally, Dronacharya ordered his son, Ashvatthama, to stop the fight.
To ease the mood of the competition, Drona called for Arjuna to show his abilities in archery. Arjuna then entered the arena of competition carrying his bow and a quiver of arrows and began to exhibit his celestial weapons. Within a short time, he exhibited all the astras given by Drona, and the crowd was struck with wonder.
When Arjuna had finished, and the excitement of the crowd had died down, a personality dazzling like the sun appeared at the gate of the arena. Struck with wonder, Duryodhana stood up along with his one hundred brothers. Not knowing who the celestial person was, Drona, as well as the five Pandavas, stood to receive him. He was actually Karna, Kunti's first born son. He was the son of Surya, the sun god and was endowed with his power. Natural golden mail and exquisite golden earrings were a part of his body from birth. The spectators talked among themselves about the unknown person whose effulgence was spreading in all directions. Karna offered his obeisances to the preceptors Kripa and Drona, and then challenged Partha (Arjuna), I shall perform feats before this crowd that will excel yours. You will be amazed to behold them.
On hearing these challenging words, Duryodhana was delighted, and his affection for this unknown warrior increased when he saw the rivalry with Arjuna. Karna introduced himself to all present and then with the permission of Drona, he accomplished all that Arjuna had accomplished. Witnessing the superexcellence of this great warrior, Duryodhana and his followers embraced Karna saying, Welcome, O mighty-armed warrior! I have obtained you as my friend by good fortune. Live as you please in the kingdom of the Kurus.
Arjuna welcomed the competition and addressed Karna with challenging words, Exhibit the weapons you have learned from your preceptor. I shall counter all of them, and prove my superiority with the bow and arrow. Stand and prepare to fight!
O Phalguna (Arjuna), this arena is meant for all, Karna replied, not only for you. Why do you fight with words only, O Bharata. You may release your arrows until I strike off your head before the great Drona himself!
When the day for the tournament came, all the Kings and elders of the Kuru dynasty assembled in the arena in their respective seats. The ladies headed by Kunti and Gandhari also entered the arena and took their seats on the platforms assigned to each of them. The inhabitants of Hastinapura were so anxious to witness the exhibition that there was an instant crowd at the arena. The whole sky was filled with the sounds of conchshells, drums, kettledrums and trumpets.
Dronacharya entered the arena and announced the students one by one. He then called them forward in their chariots and ordered them to display their prowess with different weapons. With Yudhisthira at their head, the boys came forward exhibiting their skill with the bow and arrow. Then they showed their ability with other weapons such as the sword and shield, the javelin and celestial darts.
Then Bhima and Duryodhana, both eager for combat, entered the arena with mace in hand. They began to exhibit their energy, roaring like two lions and fighting aggressively. The fighting became so intense that the spectators in the crowd started taking sides, and the whole atmosphere of the competition became tense. Finally, Dronacharya ordered his son, Ashvatthama, to stop the fight.
To ease the mood of the competition, Drona called for Arjuna to show his abilities in archery. Arjuna then entered the arena of competition carrying his bow and a quiver of arrows and began to exhibit his celestial weapons. Within a short time, he exhibited all the astras given by Drona, and the crowd was struck with wonder.
When Arjuna had finished, and the excitement of the crowd had died down, a personality dazzling like the sun appeared at the gate of the arena. Struck with wonder, Duryodhana stood up along with his one hundred brothers. Not knowing who the celestial person was, Drona, as well as the five Pandavas, stood to receive him. He was actually Karna, Kunti's first born son. He was the son of Surya, the sun god and was endowed with his power. Natural golden mail and exquisite golden earrings were a part of his body from birth. The spectators talked among themselves about the unknown person whose effulgence was spreading in all directions. Karna offered his obeisances to the preceptors Kripa and Drona, and then challenged Partha (Arjuna), I shall perform feats before this crowd that will excel yours. You will be amazed to behold them.
On hearing these challenging words, Duryodhana was delighted, and his affection for this unknown warrior increased when he saw the rivalry with Arjuna. Karna introduced himself to all present and then with the permission of Drona, he accomplished all that Arjuna had accomplished. Witnessing the superexcellence of this great warrior, Duryodhana and his followers embraced Karna saying, Welcome, O mighty-armed warrior! I have obtained you as my friend by good fortune. Live as you please in the kingdom of the Kurus.
Arjuna welcomed the competition and addressed Karna with challenging words, Exhibit the weapons you have learned from your preceptor. I shall counter all of them, and prove my superiority with the bow and arrow. Stand and prepare to fight!
O Phalguna (Arjuna), this arena is meant for all, Karna replied, not only for you. Why do you fight with words only, O Bharata. You may release your arrows until I strike off your head before the great Drona himself!