01.126
Core:Karna is sworn as King of Anga.
Vaiśampāyana said:
When space was given by the men with eyes wide in wonder, Karṇa, conqueror of enemy cities, entered the vast arena.
Wearing natural armor and earrings that lit his face, bearing bow and bound sword, he looked like a mountain moving on foot.
Born of a maiden, famed and large-eyed son of Kuntī, Karṇa, part of the fierce-rayed sun, destroyer of enemy hosts.
Equal in strength and valor to lions, bulls, and elephants; like sun, moon, and fire in brilliance, charm, and splendor.
Tall, with golden palm-like limbs, lion-built youth, of countless qualities, glorious, born from the Sun himself.
He, the mighty-armed, surveyed the entire arena and made a salutation to Droṇa and Kṛpa, but without marked respect.
The entire assembly stood still with steady eyes; disturbed and curious, they wondered who this man was.
He, best of speakers, with a voice deep as a cloud, addressed his unknown brother, son of the Sun, to Indra.
O Pārtha, what feat you have done, I shall now perform an exceptional one myself in the sight of all men and amaze them.
While he was still speaking, the best among speakers, the people suddenly rose all around, as if thrown up by a machine.
Then, O tiger among men, joy touched Duryodhana, and in the next instant, modesty and anger entered Bhīma.
Then Karṇa, ever fond of battle and mighty, permitted by Droṇa, did what had been done by Pārtha.
Then, O Bhārata, Duryodhana, along with his brothers, joyfully embraced Karṇa and then spoke these words.
Welcome to you, O mighty-armed! Fortunate it is that you have come, O giver of honor. Enjoy with me the Kuru kingdom as you please.
Karṇa said:
I have formed friendship with you like all others; I choose you. I desire to engage in a duel with Pārtha, O Bhārata.
Duryodhana said:
Enjoy pleasures with me, be the benefactor of our kinsmen. O destroyer of foes, place your foot on the heads of all enemies.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then, thinking himself thrown aside, Pārtha addressed Karṇa who stood unmoving in the midst of the group of brothers.
O Karṇa, the worlds of those who intrude or speak out of turn — those fallen worlds you shall obtain, struck down by me.
Karṇa said:
This arena is open to all. What concern is it of yours, O Phālguna? Among princes, strength and dharma follow the most valiant.
Why speak with weak breath and taunts, O Bhārata? In the presence of the teacher, today I shall take your head with arrows.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then Pārtha, conqueror of enemy cities, permitted by Droṇa and embraced eagerly by his brothers, approached him for battle.
Then Karṇa, ready for battle and embraced by Duryodhana and his brother, stood grasping his bow with arrows.
Then the sky was covered with clouds bearing lightning and thunder, streaked with rows of cranes, and preceded by the weapons of Indra.
Then, seeing Arjuna observing the arena with affection, the sun too dispelled the surrounding clouds.
Then the Pāṇḍava was seen shrouded in the shade of clouds, while Karṇa was clearly visible in the sunlight.
Where Karṇa stood were stationed the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and where Pārtha stood were Droṇa, Kṛpa, and Bhīṣma.
The arena was split in two; confusion arose among the women. The daughter of Kuntibhoja, knowing the truth, entered into delusion.
Vidura, knower of all dharma, consoled Kuntī, who had become deluded, sprinkling her with water mixed with sandalwood.
Then, with her life restored, seeing both her sons tormented, she was deeply grieved and undertook nothing further.
Kṛpa, son of Śaradvat, skilled in the rules of duel combat and knower of all dharma, addressed the two warriors with bows raised.
This younger son of Pṛthā, a son of Pāṇḍu, will engage in single combat with you, O Kaurava.
You too, O mighty-armed, declare your mother, father, and lineage among kings whose line you uphold. Then, Pārtha may or may not choose to oppose you.
The face of Karṇa, bent in shame at these words, shone like a lotus wilted by the rain.
Duryodhana said:
O teacher, the origin of kingship is threefold according to scripture: noble lineage, bravery, and the ability to lead armies.
If this Phalguna does not wish to fight someone of non-royal birth, then I anoint this man king over the region of Aṅga.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then at that very moment, Karṇa the great warrior was anointed king of Aṅga with golden pots filled with rice and flowers by those who knew the rites, on a golden throne.
He, mighty and endowed with splendor, was anointed king of Aṅga.
Then the king, adorned with parasol, fan, and chowrie, and amid cries of victory, spoke to that Kaurava king, the bull among men.
Tell me, O tiger among kings, what gift equal to this gift of kingship shall I give you. I am ready to act, O king.
Suyodhana said to him, "I desire utmost friendship."
Thus addressed, Karṇa replied "so be it", and both embraced in joy and attained supreme delight.
