{|Karna: After the fall|}

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Vrish

@Vr15h

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Posted: 11 years ago

This fanfic is written to cover Karna in the period b/w his own death, and the final demise of the Pandavas. While it covers what Karna might have gone thru in swarga-lok, it also has parallel events happening on earth, albeit with some changes.

While Karna was known to have several sons, as per different versions, I introduced one in here who took a stance somewhere b/w Vrishasena, who fought on the Kaurava side along w/ his father, brothers & uncles, and Vrishaketu, who faithfully served the Pandavas following the war. I named this son Vrushadeva, and made him take an ambivalent stance towards the Pandavas - neither being overly hostile to them, nor condoning them altogether. He also takes a somewhat cold stance towards the Kaurava side, particularly Gandhari, and returns Anga to them to eliminate any debts towards the Kauravas. However, he doesn't stay @ Hastinapur either, but goes to his father's birthplace of Kuntirajya and set up a succession to Kuntibhoj's dynasty.

I also included a few more daughters of Krishna, had 2 of them marry Vrushadeva, and have him create an alliance w/ most of Krishna's family. He does however have a resentment towards his father-in-law for the way his father was treated, which doesn't completely go away until near the end, when Krishna's time on earth too is almost over.

For a look @ my previous fanfic on Mahabharata, refer here -

|}Kahani mere Mahabharat ki{|

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Vrish

@Vr15h

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 11 years ago

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Edited by .Vrish. - 10 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

Stunner

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Posted: 11 years ago

Karna arrives at Surya-kund

Thus cut off with that Anjalika, the trunk of Karna fell down on the earth. The head also of that commander of the (Kaurava) army, endued with splendour equal to that of the risen sun and resembling the meridian sun of autumn, fell down on the earth like the sun of bloody disc dropped down from the Asta hills. Indeed, that head abandoned with great unwillingness the body, exceedingly beautiful and always nursed in luxury, of Karna of noble deeds, like an owner abandoning with great unwillingness his commodious mansion filled with great wealth. Cut off with Arjuna's arrow, and deprived of life, the tall trunk of Karna endued with great splendour, with blood issuing from every wound, fell down like the thunder-riven summit of a mountain of red chalk with crimson streams running down its sides after a shower. Then from that body of the fallen Karna a light passing through the welkin penetrated the sun. This wonderful sight, O king, was beheld by the human warriors after the fall of Karna. Then the Pandavas, beholding Karna slain by Phalguna, loudly blew their conchs. Similarly, Krishna and Dhananjaya also, filled with delight, and losing no time, blew their conchs. The Somakas beholding Karna slain and lying on the field, were filled with joy and uttered loud shouts with the other troops (of the Pandava army). In great delight they blew their trumpets and waved their arms and garments. All the warriors, O king, approaching Partha, began to applaud him joyfully. Others, possessed of might, danced, embracing each other, and uttering loud shouts, said, "By good luck, Karna hath been stretched on the earth and mangled with arrows." Indeed, the severed head of Karna looked beautiful like a mountain summit loosened by a tempest, or a quenched fire after the sacrifice is over, or the image of the sun after it has reached the Asta hills. The Karna-sun, with arrows for its rays, after having scorched the hostile army, was at last caused to be set by the mighty Arjuna-time. As the Sun, while proceeding towards the Asta hills, retires taking away with him all his rays, even so that shaft (of Arjuna) passed out, taking with it Karna's life breaths. The death hour of the Suta's son, O sire, was the afternoon of that day. Cut off with the Anjalika weapon in that battle, the head of Karna fell down along with his body. Indeed, that arrow of Arjuna, in the very sight of the Kaurava troops, quickly took away the head and the body of Karna. Beholding the heroic Karna thrown down stretched on the earth, pierced with arrows and bathed in blood, the king of the Madras, went away on that car deprived of its standard. After the fall of Karna, the Kauravas, deeply pierced with shafts in that battle, and afflicted with fear, fled away from the field, frequently casting their eyes on that lofty standard of Arjuna that blazed with splendour. The beautiful head, graced with a face that resembled a lotus of a 1,000 petals, of Karna whose feats were like those of the thousand-eyed Indra, fell down on the earth like the thousand-rayed sun as he looks at the close of day.

Suryadev was indeed unhappy, but had mixed reactions: while he was unhappy about Karna's death, a part of him was relieved that Karna's miseries were over. He asked Sugreev & Roma to go and welcome Karna, and attend to his needs, as well as that of other recent arrivals from his family, like Prasena and Vrishasena. Accordingly, Roma went to the latter 2 and told them that their father was arriving, and that they'd not have to be lost in this strange place. Yamaraj went and fetched Karna, and brought him to his sons, who Karna was happy to see. He told him that as Surya's son, Surya kund was his new home, as well as that of his family. Karna was happy to hear that someone at least loved him, and told Yamaraj that as a token of gratitude, he forgave Yudisthir for his latest outburst against him towards Arjun & Krishna, when those 3 were having their argument.

Karna entered Surya kund w/ Vrishasena & Prasena and greeted everyone there - Sanjana, Chaya, Manu, Shani, the Ashwins and all of Suryadev's other sons & daughters. He then started weeping @ the raw deal that he had gotten on earth, but Chaya comforted him. Sugreev came to him and told him that his son Vrushadeva was destined to become a great ruler, and that Karna would have the pleasure of seeing him & his sons achieve greatness. That cheered up Karna considerably, as well as Vrishasena & Prasena.

Vrishadeva was the youngest of Karna's sons, but a genius for his age. An devotee of Mahadev whose devotion exceeded Gandhari, he had already gotten several boons from Shiva & Durga. His devotion covered not just Shiva & Parvati, but percolated down even to the Ganas, which endeared him to Shiva, Kartikeya, Ganesh & Nandi. As a result, he had a boon that he'd have 6 unmatched sons - one a great ruler, second a genius, third an economic whiz, fourth a Yudisthir like pious son, fifth an unmatched warrior worthy of even Krishna, and the sixth an all round implementor who would implement the decisions of his 5 older brothers. Vrushadeva was also blessed to have 2 daughters, one who would form a matrimonial alliance w/ Asuras, and another who would do so w/ the Nagas. In addition to this, he also received a boon that he could curse anyone, while no curse on him would ever work. Unlike his brothers, he urged his father to persuade Duryodhan to reconcile w/ the Pandavas so that Karna too could and get his rightful recognition, but Karna rejected the idea.

Roma then asked Karna if he wanted to watch events at Kurukshetra, but Sugreev advised against it, since 3 more of Karna's sons were going to die the next day, and that instead, Romi should prepare to welcome them as well. The next day, as battle started, Karna, Vrishasena & Prasena went off to sleep, and when they woke up, Chitrasena, Sushena & Satyasena had joined them. Karna was saddened to see Satyasena, since Vrushadeva and he were twins, and the latter would be particularly devastated by his loss 😭

Yamaraj assured Karna that while going to get the souls of those who've just died, he'd comfort Vrushadeva so that he too didn't try to join them prematurely.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

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Posted: 11 years ago

Karna meets Pandu, Kuntibhoj

After Chitrasena, Sushena & Satyasena joined them, Karna was told that he had visitors. Namely Kuntibhoj, his wife, Pandu and Madri. Karna welcomed them to his place, but was embarrassed to face Pandu. He apologized to him for having to be an enemy to his sons, and killing his grandson Ghatotkacha, and helping send Abhimanyu there. Pandu however comforted him and told him that it was not his fault that Kunti witheld his secret, and that he did have a grudge, but against Kunti. Kunti-bhoj too agreed, and they decided that a due punishment ought to be given to Kunti.

In the meantime, Shalya too had arrived, but Madri slapped him for his stupidity that led to him joining the Kauravas in the war, and sent him away. Karna too was happy to see the back of him, and greeted Madri, who told him that along w/ Pandu, she accepted him as her son as well, and hugged him. She then told Pandu that they needed to mete out a proper punishment for Kunti.

Vrushadeva's twin Satyasena suggested that since Vrushadeva had a boon of getting a daughter who'd marry a asura and cement an alliance w/ them, he suggested that Kunti be denied moksha this time, and instead be sent back to bhulok to be born as that daughter, and have to live the life of a human bahu to the asura kul. Madri lit up on hearing that idea, and begged Kuntibhoj to curse her accordingly. So Kuntibhoj, Pandu and Suryadev all 3 combined and cursed Kunti that she'd be the daughter born to Vrushadeva and sentenced to be the wife of the Asuras. Both Madri & Karna felt satisfied. 😈

While the family was enjoying this reunion, there was suddenly a tumult. On earth, Ashwatthama had done his massacre of the Pandava camp, and suddenly, Draupadi's sons were there looking for directions. Karna released Pandu & Madri and asked them to take them back to where they were, along w/ Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha, and all the others. Pandu & Madri returned to escort the remaining Pandava warriors, like Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Draupadi's sons to his abode.

Kuntibhoj and Purujit remained w/ Karna, and Kuntibhoj expressed his desire that Vrushadeva should succeed him as the ruler of his kingdom, since his dynasty had been wiped out. Karna too expressed the hope that his son would rule an inherited kingdom, rather than one that he got as a gift from Duryodhan.

After the 18th night, the massacre was complete, and Yamaraj worried that he was out of space in Yamalok. Karna suggested to him that he grant Vrushadeva a wish to suggest anybody he wanted back in life, as long as it wasn't Karna himself or his sons. Yamaraj liked the idea and told him that it'd help console Vrushadeva.

On the 19th day, Drona too wanted to visit Karna, but Manu & Karna both agreed that Drona didn't deserve to even see that place. Karna noted that while Drona had denied him the knowledge of the Brahmashira, he gave that same thing to Ashwatthama, w/ catastrophic effects. Manu went & told Drona that he was the vilest of Brahmins for teaching this weapon to anybody when it wasn't needed, and that he wouldn't be allowed to defile Suryakund. He cursed him that Ashwatthama would never gain salvation, and would be wandering on earth like a leper. He then ordered Drona to leave, and a completely ashamed Drona left the place.

The next day, after Gandhari's curse to Krishna, the funerals were underway.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

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Posted: 11 years ago

Enter Vrushadeva

Following the war, Yudisthir asked Yuyutsu and Sudharma to arrange the funerals of the Kauravas, while he & Dhaumya worked on that of everybody who had died fighting for the Pandavas, and included Shalya & his men in the latter category as well.

In the meantime, Vrushadeva arrived @ Kurukshetra and gathered the bodies of his father & brothers. Remembering how Bheeshma used to constantly spar w/ Karna, he resolved not to do it near the Ganga, but instead, went to the Amba river to do it. Despite Ganga's curse to Amba that that river would never be usable for religious purposes, he went ahead when Ganga appeared b4 him. In response to her alerting him about her curse, Vrushadeva told Ganga that he had no truck w/ anyone associated w/ Bheeshma, and that he refused to have his family or anyone defiled by her. Ganga gave up and left, and Vrushadeva did their funerals and immersed their remains into the Amba.

While all this was on, Kunti revealed to her sons that Karna was her eldest son, and therefore their eldest brother. So Yudisthir then sent for Karna's wives & Vrushadeva. Vrushadeva however declined to come, and said that he had nothing to do w/ the Pandavas, even while having no enmity w/ them. The Pandavas & Kunti then came to see him, and Vrushadeva confronted Kunti over her behavior throughout his father's life. Yudisthir & Kunti invited him to join them in doing his father's last rites, but Vrushadeva told them that he was perfectly capable of doing it on his own, and wasn't a beggar like Kunti.

Sahadev was furious, and Arjun & Bhima were livid as well, but Kunti stopped them. Vrushadeva however pointed out to them that Kunti never did anything in Karna's interest when he needed her the most, and that she let him become a debtor of Duryodhan. It was only when the war was approaching and she realized that Karna could kill all her sons that she approached him like a beggar, w/o ever giving him anything in return. He pointed out that even Indra gave Karna a shakti, which regrettably was used against Ghatotkacha. He told them that since Karna received nothing from Kunti during life, he didn't need anything from them in death. If they wanted to do his father's rites, they could, but he wouldn't join them.

The Pandavas tried to point out to him that Karna being their brother was unknown to them, and Vrushadeva pointed out that he wasn't blaming them, he was blaming Kunti & Krishna. Yudisthir tried to invite him to join the family, but Vrushadeva said that if not Adiratha's family, he belonged to Kuntibhoj's family since Karna was never adopted by Pandu, and so any attempt to claim Vrushadeva now was illegitimate. Moreover, he had no desire to be connected w/ a family via a characterless wretch like Kunti, who had no qualms about staying in the home of her enemies while her grandsons were getting killed by her hosts.

Yamaraj arrived, and Vrushadeva begged him to take him w/ him, since he had lost his entire family in the war. Yamaraj refused, and told him that Yamalok was overcrowded, and that he wished to restore some of the fallen, just like Indra had restored the lives of the Vanaras after the Ramayan war. Vrushadeva asked that all the Pandava sons, aside from Ghatotkacha, be restored, since he didn't want them anywhere near Karna. He also asked that Vikarna be restored to Gandhari, so that she had at least 1 son, and that everyone who was killed by Bheeshma in the war would get restored, so that it would be like he hardly fought, and just got killed. Yamaraj was surprised that he didn't ask anything for Karna. Vrushadeva told him that Karna was in a better place away from a family that never cared for him, and that he didn't wish to get him more pain. Yamaraj granted his wishes & left. Vikarna, Draupadi's sons, Abhimanyu, Iravana and others, like Virata's son Sveta were all brought back to life, and rejoined their surviving families.

The Pandavas were surprised @ what Vrushadeva asked, and Draupadi, Subhadra and other queens too invited him to join them, but Vrushadeva asked that in return for what he did, they do 2 things:

Not interfere in his life ever
Not have anything to do - friendly or hostile - w/ the Kaurava side of the family

Dhritarashtra & Gandhari arrived w/ Vikarna & Yuyutsu to thank him as well, but Vrushadeva told them that he wanted something from them as well. Both Dhritarashtra & Gandhari promised anything, and Vrushadeva asked for 2 things from them as well:

Accept back the kingdom of Anga, which was Duryodhan's gift to Karna, and accept that all debts b/w them are clear: Vikarna would be the new king of Anga
Not to have anything to do - friendly or hostile - w/ the Pandava side of the family, and leave for Anga immediately, along w/ Kripa, Sanjaya, Vikarna, Yuyutsu and all the Kaurava womenfolk

Dhritarashtra was shocked to hear this, but Vrushadeva reminded him of how he had been the recipient of other people's vows up to now, and that it was time for him to give something back. Vyasa too persuaded him to accept, and he agreed. Vikarna was crowned the new king, and they left for Anga

Yudhisthir tried to convince Vrushadeva to accept a reconciliation where they could all be one big family again, but Vrushadeva pointed out that it would be an insult to everyone who had died. There would be nothing more obscene than Kunti & Gandhari fraternizing when so many millions had died in a war b/w their sons, which was why he put both sides the conditions not to have any relations - friendly nor hostile - to each other. Arjun told Vrushadeva to meet Bheeshma, but given the bad blood b/w his father & Bheeshma, Vrushadeva declined, and told him that he had nothing to do w/ the Kuru family or Bheeshma, and didn't regard either as one of his own.

Yudisthir then offered Vrushadeva the yuvraj of Hastinapur/Indraprastha, but Vrushadeva reminded him that he doesn't take charity, and moreover, as far as reconciliation went, he would not accept anything that wasn't even offered to his father openly. He would leave Hastinapur forever, which had brought nothing but misery & death to his family, and settle in his father's birthplace of Kuntirajya. He would serve whoever ruled that kingdom. Yudisthir pointed out that everyone in Kuntibhoj's family - Purujit, his 10 brothers et al were slain, and that kingdom had no king. Vrushadeva suggested that it go to Arjun, since the latter was the youngest of Kunti's son, and would therefore be the first in line to that throne, but Arjun declined, and suggested that Vrushadeva take it, if that was where he wanted to live

Vrushadeva then told Yudisthir that he'd search for any survivors of this family, and only if none existed, he'd take over that kingdom. He noted that Kuntibhoj was a Pandava ally in the war, and honoring that tradition, all the Pandava allies in that war would remain friends, and all the Kaurava allies enemies, while he kept his options open for neutral kingdoms. Yudisthir tried to tell him that he had ended all enmity w/ everyone, but Vrushadeva told him that he would be the one deciding their foreign policy, not Yudisthir

Vrushadeva then left for Kuntirajya, where he lived for a few weeks. The kingdom was in chaos, having lost its king, so he introduced himself and set up a search for any survivors or scions of the dynasty. In the meantime, he also took it on himself to help administer the kingdom and restore law and order, thereby becoming popular. After a few months passed by unsuccessfully searching for any successors to Purujit, the people of that kingdom approached him and asked him to ascend the throne. He accepted, and was crowned the new king of that kingdom. In the meantime, the Pandavas had completed their Ashwamedha yagna, w/o the horse passing through that kingdom. Vrushadeva did receive an invitation to attend it, but declined.

Back in Suryakund, Karna, who was watching all this w/ his wives & sons, was happy to see peace returning to his family.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

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Posted: 11 years ago

Enter Jhanvi & Vedavati

Krishna had daughters from his 8 major wives. As is well known, he had Charumati from Rukmini, but there were others:

Jhanvi from Jambavati
Savitri from Satyabhama
Vedavati from Bhadra
Karenamati from Kalindi
Madhavi from Mitravindya
Shakuntala from Satya
Lopamudra from Lakshmanaa

All the 8 girls grew up together, but had relationships that mirrored and enhanced that b/w their mothers. For instance, just like Satyabhama was somewhat possessive about Krishna, which got her in some rivalry w/ Rukmini & Jambavati, Savitri too was even more competitive w/ Charumati & Jhanvi. Jhanvi was a close confidante of Charumati, and Krishna's favorite daughter. Vedavati was very attached to Jhanvi, while Shakuntala & Lopamudra were attached to Savitri.

During the Pandava exile, when Abhimanyu and Draupadi's sons were living in Dwarka, Vedavati would follow their archery practice from a distance, a la Ekalavya, and practice the same things. As a result, she became a skilled archer in her own right, sans all the divyastras. One major talent that she had was creating things out of arrows, such as statues, bridges and so on. She was very proud of her archery skills & honed it to perfection. Later during their stay, she'd also practice w/ Abhimanyu & his brothers & help them train, and became an accomplished archer in her own right. That also had the side effect of making her less appealing to most men in and outside Dwarka.

In the meantime, Vrushadeva had established his hold in his kingdom. Within the royal family, he ended all yagnas dedicated to Vishnu, and reoriented them towards Mahadev, Durga, Kartikeya or Surya-dev, due to his resentment @ Krishna's role. However, citizens were free to worship anybody, including Vishnu, but the new monarch refrained from patronizing anything that honored the deity he now disdained. Aside from that, the kingdom was fine, & quickly recovered.

A couple of years after Vrushadeva became the ruler of Kuntirajya, he invaded what used to be the Yadava lands of Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, and conquered them. During his return, the ruler of Madra tried to give his sister in marriage to him, but Vrushadeva pointed out the example of Shalya, and told him that he had no desire to ally w/ a family as stupid as Shalya's, where his in-laws would become his enemies. The furious ruler of Madra accused him of insulting his sister and attacked him, but was defeated by him. However, the Pandavas got the news of their battle, and Sahadev went to intervene. Vrushadeva told him to ask Madra to avoid engaging him for any reason whatsoever. The princess was then arranged for marriage to Prativindya.

Following that, the ruler of Gandhara, still smarting after his defeat by Arjun during the Ashwamedha yagna, wanted to invade Indraprastha, and asked Vrushadeva for an alliance, but the latter declined. He then arrived w/ his army, but Vrushadeva told him that he couldn't use his territory to pass, since that would be a violation of his agreement w/ Yudisthir. The ruler of Gandhara ignored him and tried passing anyway, so Vrushadeva, w/ his army, confronted him and slew him and what was left of Shakuni's family. He then invaded Gandhara and crushed them, and that kingdom surrendered.

Vrushadeva next visited Kekaya, and offered their ruler, the son of Vridhakshatra, the kingdom of Gandhara as a gift. Kekaya accepted, and a new alliance was formed. The Kekaya ruler accompanied Vrushadeva to Gandhara, and his armies occupied that kingdom and took it over in his name. Vrushadeva then invited him to Kuntipura, where celebrations were held for their victory.

In the meantime, at Dwarka, rivalries b/w the Vrishnis & Satvatas on one hand vs the Andhakas & Bhojas on the other were growing. Devaki, desiring to strengthen the Andhaka support in her family, started lobbying for Charumati to be married to Kritavarma's son Bali. Rukmini, desiring to please her, agreed, and the nuptuals of Bali and Charumati were arranged, and invitations were sent to all kingdoms, including the Pandavas, who arrived @ Dwarka.

Vrushadeva too received an invitation from Krishna, but still resentful at the treatment his father had received, he declined the invitation. However, a few days later, Kritavarma visited him and asked him to be his own guest i.e. attend it from the groom's side, rather than the bride's, and also be there out of Bhoja loyalties, since he was representing Kuntibhoj's dynasty. Vrushadeva accepted and accompanied Kritavarma to Dwarka, and was his guest for that wedding.

During the wedding, Vedavati spotted him and was totally swept off her feet by the mere sight of him. Her other sisters noticed it, and teased her, but she claimed that she was thinking about him as a groom for Jhanvi, just like Bali had been for Charumati. Hearing this, Jhanvi chased her all over the place, and the chase ended when Vedavati crashed into none other than Vrushadeva, causing them both to fall into a lake. 😆 Jhanvi too fell in, unable to stop the momentum. Vrushadeva got both of them out, and then came out himself. Bhadra and her nephew came there, and she took the 2 princesses, while the Kekaya ruler took Vrushadeva and attended to him. Vedavati was heart broken @ being separated, while Jhanvi kept glaring @ her for getting both of them touched by this king, and making them both unsuitable for marriage to anyone else.

Although the Pandavas too attended, Vrushadeva managed to avoid them and kept himself restricted to the Andhaka factions during the wedding, particularly Akrura. After the wedding, he stayed w/ the party for a few days, and after the wedding, gave Bali as a wedding gift his ancestral home of Martikavat, which he had recently occupied. This made him very popular not only w/ the Andhakas, but w/ Krishna's family @ large as well. However, he rebuffed any attempts by them to befriend him, and instead accompanied the bridal party back to Martikavat, b4 spliting w/ them and being accompanied by the Kekaya ruler to Kekaya. After leaving him there, he returned to his kingdom.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

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Posted: 11 years ago

Kunti dies

Following the marriage of Charumati, the next one to want a marriage was Jhanvi. However, her accident w/ Vrushadeva meant that she could only marry him, but the Vrishni's failed to placate him due to his differences w/ Krishna. This left Jambavati really distressed, and Jhanvi depressed. Bhadra decided that a good way to get their mood upbeat would be to take them to Kekaya, where her brother was a good friend of Vrushadeva, and most likely to be able to persuade him to marry her daughters. They went to Kekaya, and from there, her brother took Jhanvi and Vedavati to Kuntipura.

In the meantime, the Pandavas were about to return to Hastinapur, but Satyaki requested them to stay on for the marriage of his son Asanga w/ Savitri. Yudisthir asked Arjun, Subhadra, Nakul and Draupadi to remain there, while he'd return w/ Bhima & Sahadev to Hastinapur. When they got there, they described to Kunti everything that had happened in the marriage. Kunti then expressed to Yudisthir her desire to visit her old maayka once more. Yudisthir granted that wish and asked Bhima & Sahadev to take her.

In the meantime, Vrushadeva had received the Kekaya ruler as well as Jhanvi & Vedavati, and welcomed them. Vedavati wished to see the city, so Vrushadeva gave them all a tour of the city. He showed them the place, and ultimately the old royal palaces of Kuntibhoj & Purujit.

Along w/ Bhima & Sahadev, Kunti arrived in her old childhood home and dwelt on the place where she had abandoned Karna. Karna got emotional watching this from above, but Pandu told him that the time had come for Kunti to pay her debts, and he needed to be strong. Kunti showed Bhima & Sahadev the place where Suryadev had blessed her w/ Karna, and then she went to the place where she had set Karna afloat. She then started weeping, and Bhima & Sahadev tried comforting her.

Vrushadeva then arrived w/ his guests, and welcomed them as well, and Kunti was glad to see him. He invited them to join him, but Kunti told him that she was ravaged by guilt and wanted to see the place where she had Karna and had given birth to him & then abandoned him. Vrushadeva was uncomfortable dwelling on that, and told her that he had done his best to forget all that and move on. Kunti blessed him that he would, but asked him whether he'd grant her one last wish. Vrushadeva said that it would be conditional, and told her that he'd not grant it if he thought it improper, or too much of a drain on himself. Sahadev was upset @ Kunti not getting unconditional support, but Kunti told him that she wouldn't ask Vrushadeva to sacrifice anything. Vrushadeva asked her what she wanted.

Kunti told him that she wanted him to erect a statue of Karna near the spot where she had abandoned him. Vrushadeva said that he'd be fine if anybody built a statue w/ an appropriate theme and presented it to him, and if chosen, he'd give the sculptor whatever s/he wanted. Kunti told him that she too would like to witness it. At this, Vedavati volunteered to make the statue, and Vrushadeva agreed. Vedavati then asked for a bow, and Vrushadeva had one brought for her.

Vedavati then fired a number of arrows @ a spot near where Kunti had laid Karna afloat. She was so skillful that she arranged them so that when completed, it was a statue of an young Kunti setting afloat baby Karna in a basket on the river. Jhanvi was furious @ Vedavati recreating the memory of something that would only bring more grief to Kunti, but Vrushadeva pointed out that that was the only moment b4 Karna's life of suffering began, and so Vedavati couldn't have picked a better theme. He asked Vedavati what she wanted, and she mentioned that she wanted his hand in marriage. Vrushadeva told her that he would give her what he had promised, but given Krishna's role in keeping his father in the dark when he could have been put on the path of dharma in time, he did have a condition: Krishna could not attend their wedding. Vedavati was hurt to hear this, but agreed. Vrushadeva pointed out to her that his father wouldn't be there either, so he understood how she felt, and that he too was hurt that his FIL wouldn't be someone he loved or respected.

Jhanvi was furious @ Vedavati for not thinking about Kunti, but Vrushadeva stopped her and offered to give her any wish she wanted as well independently of Vedavati, and not deny Vedavati what she wanted. Jhanvi told him that she wanted Kunti forgiven, and no further grudges to be held: to that end, she was willing to become indebted to him, if that was what it took. Vrushadeva granted her that, adding that she needn't be indebted to him, and approached Kunti, who hugged him. She told him that she too agreed w/ him that that statue was an appropriate one, no matter how much it hurt her. She also told him that she'd try paying off Jhanvi's debt.

Kunti then called Jhanvi and privately asked her if she could offer Jhanvi's hand in marriage? Jhanvi told her that while she disliked Vrushadeva since she was devoted to her father, she had already been touched by Vrushadeva, so she doubted whether anyone else could accept her. However, Kunti was free to give her to anybody, including Vrushadeva.

Kunti then took Jhanvi's hand and went back to Vrushadeva, telling him that she too wished to give him something in return. She placed Jhanvi's hand in Vrushadeva's, and asked him to accept Jhanvi as her gift from her, and marry her b4 Vedavati, since she was older to her sister. Vrushadeva was shocked, and asked if that was something that had Jhanvi's permission? Jhanvi told him that it was really out of her power, since she had already been touched by him in the lake accident in Dwarka, and that she'd accept Kunti's decision and marry him, and be devoted to him. Vrushadeva repeated his condition about Krishna's absence, and Kunti persuaded Jhanvi to agree. A tearful Jhanvi agreed, and started sobbing in Kunti's arms. 😭 Kunti told her that she had never had the opportunity to hand over a daughter or granddaughter in marriage, and thanked Jhanvi for giving her that. She also asked her to serve Vrushadeva faithfully, and that in time, relations b/w Vrushadeva & Krishna would heal, just like it did b/w herself and Vrushadeva. Jhanvi assured her that she'd honor her and ensure that Vrushadeva would have no cause for complaints against Kunti over Jhanvi. She also told her that she was honored that just as her sister Charumati's marriage was fixed by Devaki, that Kunti did her the same favor. Kunti also asked her to respect Vrushadeva's sentiments & love Vedavati, since he was obviously in love w/ the latter. Jhanvi assured her that she'd love Vedavati & her children just like her own.

Vedavati then went to the new statue that she had made, and bowed to the statue of the infant Karna, touching his feet. Vrushadeva was moved, and he & the Kekaya ruler too followed suit. Kunti then asked Bhima & Sahadev to do the same, & they too did, followed by Jhanvi.

The Kekaya ruler then approached Kunti and disclosed to her that the main reason for his visit was to offer his friend the hands of his 2 nieces in marriage, and so thanked Kunti for making his job easier. He also told her that Bhadra was already a guest in his kingdom, so he'd take Jhanvi & Vedavati and keep them w/ him, and invite Vrushadeva over to marry them. Kunti thanked him and handed over Jhanvi to him, while Vedavati too joined him.

Kunti then hugged Vrushadeva one last time, thanking him for giving her the peace of mind, and then collapsed in his arms. She was dead. Vrushadeva picked her up and handed her over to Bhima. Her last rites were done by Bhima & Sahadev, who invited Vrushadeva and the Kekaya ruler to join them.

Kunti's last rites done, Bhima & Sahadev returned to Hastinapur, while Jhanvi & Vedavati returned w/ their uncle to Kekaya.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 11 years ago

Kunti punished

Following her death, Yamaraj went and brought Kunti to the gates of swargalok, where she was supposed to join Pandu & Madri. However, Pandu & Kuntibhoj were both there instead, ready to confront her.

Kunti was glad to see them. 'Arya, I'm so happy to see you - I missed you all these years. How have you been'?

Pandu was cold. "Ashamed. Ashamed of the fact that I ever married you. You saw the pain that I was in, unable to procreate, and you never bothered to tell me that you already had a son? What did you think - that I'd spurn you? While I may have done that had Rishi Kindama never cursed me, I wouldn't have thought of it after that. If I was requesting you to get sons from the devas - Indra, Yamaraj, et al, why would you think that I wouldn't want Surya's son as well?"

Kunti: "Arya, to be honest, I had forgotten about him"

Pandu: "You can say that again. At the rangbhoomi, you recognized him, yet you didn't think it worth getting him recognized by others. That night, or any number of occasions, you had endless private moments w/ Yudisthir, Arjun and others. You could have told them on any occasion who he was, and asked them to apologize. They'd happily have worshipped Karna the same way they worshipped Yudisthir. Karna too - I've spoken to him, and he had no cravings for the throne - he'd have happily given it to Yudisthir and supported him, if only his brothers had given him the love & respect"

Kunti: "You're right, Arya"

Pandu: "Instead, you kept silent, and forgot him. As a result, he became an enemy, and it turned out that in fighting for dharam, my sons ended up committing a major adharm. Instead of giving him anything, like his brothers and family, you just shamelessly stole from him. You took from him the vow of not killing any of your other sons, and in the process, Nakul & Yudisthir are disgraced. If Ghatotkacha is dead, it's b'cos of YOU!!! If Abhimanyu was killed, it's b'cos of YOU!!! That is the fate of anyone who is associated w/ a wretch as impure as you"

Kunti: "Arya!!!"

Kuntibhoj: "Maun raho!!! You consider yourself pure? You, who spent 13 years in Hastinapur despite your sons being elsewhere? When did you marry Dhritarashtra? And after the war, you were going to move w/ Dhritarashtra & Gandhari??? Why did you ever choose Pandu, instead of choosing Dhritarashtra???

I have discussed this issue w/ Pandu here. We've both agreed that you need to be cursed b4 you can attain moksha - it won't happen this time. You've gotten Jhanvi engaged to Vrushadeva? Good - since you'll have to be reborn as his daughter. He wants 2 daughters - one to marry a Naga, and another to marry an Asura. You'll be the daughter of Jhanvi, and marry Banasura's son Asurasura. Only after you go through life attaning an alliance b/w the asuras and the aryas that you will gain moksha."

Pandu: "Yeah, what were you doing w/ Dhritarashtra, Kunti? When I asked you to give more sons to Madri, you refused, yet you served Gandhari like a servant!!! 😡 From now on, you shall hang head downwards in the heavens, like Trishanku. When Jhanvi conceives her daughter, your soul will enter her womb, and your next journey will start. You will have to guide the asuras on the path of dharam, from the inside. That's the only way you'll ever gain moksha"

Kunti then started falling head downwards. Back in Suryakund, Suryadev, Vrushali, Vrishasena, Prasena, Chitrasena, Sushena & Satyasena all enjoyed this. Satyasena was particularly happy @ the idea that Kunti would now be their niece. They noticed that Karna wasn't too enthused. They asked him why

Karna: "I know she's undergoing a punishment that she deserves, but I'd love my granddaughters, and am not so thrilled about them marrying asuras or nagas"

Vrushali: "Arya, up to now, it's only worked one way - Aryan men marrying Naga women - like Arjun-Uloopi, or Rakshashis, like Bhima-Hidimbi. It's our family which will be reversing this, and subduing the pride of the Aryans."

Karna was satisfied, and decided that he was more interested in seeing his new bahus come in. His sons too were excited about 2 of Krishna's daughters continuing the lineage 😆

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 11 years ago

Marriages of Jhanvi, Savitri & Vedavati

Once back in Kekaya, the king told Bhadra about Kunti's death, and what had happened @ Karna's birthplace. Bhadra was worried about hearing that Krishna was not supposed to be present @ the wedding. The king suggested that Balarama come and officiate as the person doing the kanyadaan, and Bhadra liked the idea. A message was sent to Dwarka explaining the situation, and so Balarama, Revathi & Jambavati set off for Kekaya. Jhanvi & Vedavati were glad to see them, and Balarama assured them that Krishna's blessings to them accompanied him, and that they had nothing to worry about. Kritavarma too was sent an invitation, and he too arrived there, along w/ Bali & Charumati.

In the meantime, at Dwarka, Satyabhama wanted Savitri's wedding to be accelerated, and wanted to beat Jhanvi to the nuptuals. She managed to arm-twist Krishna into agreeing, telling him that Asanga's love life couldn't be put on hold for Vrushadeva's obduracy. So Krishna agreed. As mentioned earlier, Satyaki did manage to get Arjun, Nakul, Draupadi, Subhadra & Karenamati to the groom's side, and they all helped w/ the preparations as well.

Following the death of Kunti, Vrushadeva spent a few days in the capital, and continued to hold court. The statue of Kunti & Karna created a flutter, w/ citizens curious about the circumstances under which it was built. Soon, it was pretty much well known that their 2 of Krishna's daughter's were bethrothed to their king, and that really excited the city. 😆 One day, this was brought up in court, and they refused to do any official work or discuss anything until their king left for Kekaya to get married. Unable to get any of his courtiers interested in anything else 😆 Vrushadeva left for Kekaya, b4 even any invitations could come his way.

On his way to Kekaya, Vrushadeva noticed an army approaching Kekaya. It was the Trigartha army, led by Susharma's son Dhritavarman. Vrushadeva told him that Kekaya was an ally, and if Dhritavarman wanted to invade, he'd have to fight him. A furious battle took place in which Dhritavarman was defeated and fled. By then, the Kekaya ruler had gotten news of the fact that his kingdom was being invaded and arrived there w/ Balarama, but was surprised to see Vrushadeva there. They told him that since he had arrived, they were there to take him to marry their 2 girls. The Kekaya ruler told Vrushadeva that his condition of not having Krishna there would be met, and that Balarama, who never had any enmity w/ Karna, would officiate in Krishna's place. Vrushadeva was happy & fell @ Balarama's feet, and Balarama blessed him. They then entered the city.

Revathi, Jambavati & Bhadra welcomed Vrushadeva @ the gates of the city, and led him in. The city was filled w/ celebrations, since they were preparing for the marriage. The 2 princesses were decked up in all glory, and both Jhanvi & Vedavati were happy that the cloud over their future was lifting. In the meantime, at Dwarka, Rukmini, Satyabhama and Krishna's other wives welcomed Asanga, Satyaki & the Pandavas as they too arrived @ the wedding venue.

All 3 weddings in Dwarka & Kekaya were held w/ great pomp & splendor. Vrushadeva was welcomed by Kritavarma as well, who described to him the alliances b/w Kuntibhoj and the Andhakas. Following this, the nuptuals of Vrushadeva started, and Charumati tied the knot b/w him & Jhanvi. Balarama performed the kanyadaan ceremonies, and Jhanvi was happy. Jambavati was overjoyed, and Satyabhama's wishes failed.

In the meantime, after the completion of Jhanvi's vows, in Dwarka, Savitri and Asanga too went through their nuptuals. Krishna performed the kanyadaan, and Savitri's marriage to Asanga was complete. This was celebrated w/ full pomp & ceremony by all the Satvatas & Vrishnis, as well as Vasudeva, Krishna, Arjun, Nakul & Abhimanyu. Draupadi, Subhadra, Karenamati & Uttara joined Satyaki's wives in welcoming Savitri to her grihapravesh, and the Pandavas enjoyed the occasion w/ Satyaki, who had played a major role in their victory.

Following this, the next to marry was Vedavati. She was even more excited than Jhanvi to have gotten Vrushadeva. Charumati tied her knot as well❤️, and Balarama gave her away as well to Vrushadeva. The entire kingdom of Kekaya, as well as the Bhoja and Andhaka families celebrated w/ Bhadra, as well as Vrushadeva's small retinue.

The next day, news reached Dwarka about Kunti's demise, and the Pandavas were grief stricken. Krishna consoled them, and Satyaki permitted them to leave as well. Arjun invited Satyaki, Asanga and their family to come w/ him, since they wanted to gift them a city on the Saraswati river. Krishna & Vasudeva too joined them, leaving Ugrasena & Pradhyumna in charge of Dwarka. First, the entire retinue left for Indraprastha. At Indraprastha, Bhima & Sahadeva too arrived, and described to Yudisthir & the others Kunti's last moments. The Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki and all their sons, including the newly wed Asanga, performed Kunti's shradh. Following this, Yudisthir crowned Asanga the ruler of a kingdom b/w Indraprastha & Bali's Martikavat.

In the meantime, following the marriage, Vrushadeva too left Kekaya, accompanied by his brides, as well as Balarama, Revati, Jambavati, Bhadra, Kritavarma, Bali & Charumati. The entire group arrived @ Kuntipura, where they visited the spot where Vedavati had built her statue, and where Kunti had died. They all performed a shradh for Kunti there as well, and following that, Balarama & Kritavarma's party left for Martikavat. Leaving Bali, Charumati & Kritavarma there, Balarama, Revathi, Jambavati & Bhadra proceeded to Indraprastha, where they joined Krishna & the Pandavas. The families decided to observe a year of mourning for Kunti.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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Vrish

@Vr15h

Stunner

+ 6

Posted: 11 years ago

#10

Vrushadeva makes new allies

After being welcomed back into his kingdom by his excited subjects, Vrushadeva along w/ Jhanvi & Vedavati were welcomed into their palace. Purujit had a young daughter who helped organize the grihapravesh, and welcomed Jhanvi & Vedavati into their new home. She then decked them in jewlery used by Purujit's & Karna's wives. The couples did all the grihapravesh ceremonies, followed by paying homage to Kuntibhoj, Purujit, Karna & Vrishasena, followed by all of Kuntibhoj's & Karna's other sons. Up in swargalok, Kuntibhoj & Purujit had joined Karna and was watching all these. Vrushali teared up knowing that she was missing on the opportunity of welcoming her new bahus - that too, these. Karna comforted her, while his sons were happy to watch it.

That night, as a wedding gift, Vrushadeva gave his 2 new queens a vow that he wouldn't take any more wives, and told them about the boon he had from Mahadev regarding his children. They'd have 6 sons & 2 daughters. Of the sons - first would be a great ruler, second a genius, third an economic whiz, fourth a Yudisthir like pious son, fifth an unmatched warrior worthy of even Krishna, and the sixth an all round implementor who would implement the decisions of his 5 older brothers. He also laid out his vision for his kingdom's future - ending the enmity w/ asuras & nagas. One daughter of his would marry an Asura ruler, while another would marry a Naga ruler. His queens were excited to hear about this.

Vrushadeva then told them that he'd have 3 sons & 1 daughter from each of them, alternating b/w them every year. After the first kid was born, it would be the responsibility of the each queen who wasn't the next to give birth to take care of all the kids. He also told them that one great thing about marrying them was that neither would regard the other's kids as her step kids. Vedavati assured him about that, and so did Jhanvi. The 3 of them then went to the roof on a romantic night, and Kuntibhoj, his wife, Karna and Vrushali all rained flowers on them. Vrushadeva, Jhanvi & Vedavati couldn't be happier 😳

The next day, Vrushadeva announced the coronations of both his wives as queens of Kuntirajya. He then ordered 3 thrones placed, and both his queens seated next to him on either side. Some courtiers objected and stated that it would be disrespectful, if not insulting, to the elder queen, but Jhanvi smiled and assured them that the king's decision was just. Vedavati too was seated next to him.

Following their coronation, Vrushadeva now turned to ruling his kingdom, and assigned royal duties to his queens as well. He put Jhanvi in charge of healthcare and Vedavati in charge of education. The kingdom became prosperous, and soon it rivaled even Hastinapur & Dwarka on those scales.

In the meantime, following the Ashwamedha yagna & Kunti's death, normalcy gradually returned to Hastinapur & Indraprastha, as well as all the kingdoms that had lost all their rulers in the war. With help from the Pandavas, Panchala recovered, as did Matsya.

A year passed. Kunti's mourning period over, Draupadi now wanted the other sons of the Pandavas to get married, like Abhimanyu & Prativindya. The other Pandava princes all got married to princesses of various kingdoms. Yaudeha married a princess of Ayodhya. Draupadi's sons married princesses of Pundra, Pragjyotisha, Kalinga and Trigartha. Sarvaga married a daughter of Shalva, Iravana married a daughter of Chekitan, Nirmitra married a princess of Mithila and Suhotra married the daughter of Rukmi. Babruvahana married a daughter of Duhsala, Jayadrath's widow.

Over the next several months, other daughters of Balarama & Krishna got married as well. Balarama's daughter Vatsala married Sveta, new ruler of Matsya & son of Virata. Karenamati married Yauvanashva, ruler of Bhadravati. Madhavi married Megasandhi, Jarasandha's grandson. Shakuntala married Sarabha, Sishupala's son. Lopamudra married Lakshman, the new ruler of Kashi.

A few months after the last of these marriages, Vrushadeva invited the new jijus of his wives to Mathura, and went there himself w/ Jhanvi & Vedavati. They welcomed Sveta/Vatsala, Bali/Charumati, Yauvanashva/Karenamati, Meghasandhi/Madhavi, Surabha/Shakuntala and Lakshman/Lopamudra, as well as the ruler of Kekaya, and signed an alliance. As a token of goodwill, Vrushadeva announced that he was returning Mathura, Gokul, Vrindavan and other conquered lands to the Yadavas, and also gifted a handful of villages and several gifts to each of his guests, thus cementing this grand alliance. Essentially, it stated that if any of them were attacked by an external enemy, the others would come to their defense. The group had some great celebrations, and then welcomed from Dwarka Pradhyumna, who was appointed by Ugrasena to take over & rule Mathura. Pradhyumna arrived in Mathura accompanied by Mayavati & Anirudha, and was crowned the king of Mathura. Vrushadeva, Bali, Sveta and all the allies attended.

Following this, Vrushadeva returned w/ Jhanvi & Vedavati to his kingdom. Jhanvi, who had been rather lukewarm to Vrushadeva until now due to the latter's differences w/ Krishna, now fell in love w/ him following his gestures of friendship to almost everyone else in her family. Vrushadeva's marriages were getting happier.

Edited by .Vrish. - 11 years ago

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{|Karna: After the fall|}

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