12.004
Pancharatra-Ext: Karna helps Duryodhana to win the maiden of Rājapura, in the territory of Kaliṅga, daughter of King Citrāṅgada, by defeating several kings.
Nārada said:
But Karṇa, having fully acquired this weapon from the son of Bhṛgu, rejoiced together with Duryodhana, O best of the Bharatas.
Then, O king, at some time, the kings assembled at the svayaṃvara in the territory of Kaliṅga, for King Citrāṅgada.
O Bhārata, in the city called the glorious Rājapura, hundreds of kings assembled there seeking the maiden.
When Duryodhana heard this, he saw all the assembled kings there; then, accompanied by Karṇa, he went in a chariot with golden ornaments.
O best of kings, then, when that great festival of the svayaṃvara commenced, the kings assembled there for the maiden.
Śiśupāla, Jarāsandha, Bhīṣmaka, Vakra, Kapotaromā, Nīla, Rukmī, and the steadfastly valiant were present.
The jackal, the great king, the lord of the women's kingdom, and those named Aśoka, Śatadhanvā, Bhoja, and the hero.
O Bhārata, many others, including foreign teachers and kings from the east and north, have also taken refuge in the southern direction.
All wore golden armlets and garlands of Jambūnada gold; their bodies shone, and they were all as fiercely proud as tigers.
O Bhārata, when those kings were seated, that maiden, accompanied by her nurse and the cloud-bearer, entered the arena.
Then, O Bhārata, as the names of the kings were being announced, that maiden of excellent complexion crossed over Dhritarashtra's son.
But Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince, could not tolerate the transgression and, having disrespected that maiden, restrained the kings.
Because of his intoxication with strength and pride, having taken refuge with Bhishma and Drona, he mounted the chariot and invited the kings along with the maiden.
Karna, the best among weapon-bearers and a bull among men, wearing a ring made from an auspicious monitor lizard, followed him as his charioteer and sword-bearer from behind.
Then, O Yudhiṣṭhira, a great conflict arose among the kings. Let the body-armors be donned and the chariots yoked as well.
Both Karna and Duryodhana, enraged, rushed forward, releasing showers of arrows like clouds pouring on two mountains.
Karna, with a razor-headed arrow, indeed caused the bows with quivers and arrows of each of those rushing towards him to fall on the ground.
Then, there were some without bows, some with raised bows, and some carrying arrows, chariots, spears, and maces as well.
By his swiftness, Karna, the best among fighters, threw the enemy into confusion, slew the charioteers, and conquered most of the kings.
The kings themselves, urging their horses and shouting 'Drive, go!', left the battlefield and departed, their spirits broken.
But Duryodhana, guarded by Karṇa, joyfully brought the maiden to the city of Nāgasāhvaya (Hastināpura) at that time.
