Karn's Realization [Old Edition, UNEDITED]

34. Whim

After two months, Lord Parashurama and Maharishi Vashistha arrived in Hastinapur, leaving everyone in awe of the revered sage's presence. Bhishma, Drona, and Karna greeted their guru with utmost respect.

Lord Parashurama addressed Karna, pointing out that his policies were not being strictly followed.

"I am aware, Gurudeva. I have made every effort to change the perspectives of different kings, but they refuse to listen to me," Karna replied.

Bhagwan Parashurama and Maharishi Vashistha then suggested that Karna embark on a Digvijaya yatra, liberating the people of other kingdoms. They advised him to conquer these kingdoms and have their kings sign the treaty of equality.

Karna nodded in agreement with their suggestions and began preparing for his Digvijaya yatra. Duryodhana, Dushasan, Ashwathama, Shon, Vikarna, and Yuyutsu also expressed their desire to accompany Karna on his journey.

After six months of preparations, they set off on their Digvijaya yatra.

The musketeers were highly successful in defeating Drupada in the western direction. Had Drupada signed the treaty of equality, they would not have conquered Panchal. However, driven by his ego, Drupada used harsh words against Karna, which not only hurt him but also fueled his anger. As a result, Drupada lost his empire to Karna.

Following this humiliation, Drupada silently signed the treaty of equality, liberating Panchal from all human atrocities.

Next, the musketeers embarked on their campaign in the northern regions of Āryāvrata. Karna managed to defeat Bhagdatta, the son of Narkasur. He then conquered the Himalayan regions, receiving a warm welcome from the people who hailed him as their liberator. The Himalayan inhabitants were finally free from slavery, and Bhagdatta was succeeded by his son after his brutal defeat to the hands of Karna.

Moving eastward, Karna defeated the Bangas, Kalingas, Mandikas, Karkarlandas, Avasiras, Yodhyas, and Ahishastras. In the land of Batsa-bhoomi, where monsters called Rakshasas resided, Karna eradicated them, granting freedom to the people. Subsequently, Karna continued his conquest, annihilating all Rakshasas in the east, including Kevali, Mrittika Vali, Mohana, Patrana, Tripura, and Konasa.

Karna united the entire East into a single kingdom, which was now referred to as Greater Anga. The people rejoiced at this monumental step, and Karna established new cities for his subjects.

The musketeers then headed south, where Karna single-handedly defeated Rukmi, Pandya, Nila, and other kings of the region. He vanquished Shishupal, his son, Yavana, Varvara, and many others. This part of Āryāvrata was now granted greater freedom, and Karna killed Kichak, liberating Matsya Desh from his tyranny.

Having achieved victory in all four directions, Karna effortlessly conquered the remaining regions, including Mlechecheas, Bhadras, Rohitakas, Agneyas, Malavas, Sasakasand, Yavanasunder, and many others. The people in this part of Āryāvrata were overjoyed, finally experiencing the freedom they had longed for. All the conquered kingdoms were granted independence, under the condition that the people would be free from any oppressive rule and have their rights protected. The kingdoms respected Karna's decision.