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The Pandavas and the Kauravas learnt the practice of arms first', from Kripacharya and later
from Drona. A day was fixed for a test and exhibition of their proficiency in the use of
arms in the presence of the Royal family and as the public had also been invited to
witness the performance of their beloved princes "there was a large and enthusiastic
crowd.
Arjuna displayed superhuman skll with his
weapons and the vast assemblage was lost in wonder and admiration. Duryo- dhana's brow was
dark with envy and hate.
At the close of the day, there came suddenly
from the entrance of the arena a sound, loud and compelling like thunder the sound made by
the slapping of mighty arms in challenge.
All eyes turned in that direction. They saw
enter through the crowd, which made way in awed silence, a godlike youth from whom light
and power seemed toemanate. He looked proudly round him, cast a negligent salute to Drona
and Kripa, and strode up to Arjuna. The brothers, all unaware, by the bitter irony of
fate, of their common blood, faced one another; for it was Karna.
Karna addressed Arjuna in a voice deep as
rumbling thunder: "Arjuna, I shall show greater skill than you have displayed."
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
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