The grand arena was divided in two, and even the assembled women were split in their loyalties. Kunti, the daughter of Kuntibhoja, who understood the deeper truths, found herself overwhelmed by confusion in this tense moment. Vidura, wise and learned in dharma, saw her distress and comforted Kunti, bringing attendants and soothing her with cool sandalwood water. Once Kunti regained her composure, she anxiously watched her two sons, but, deeply troubled, could do nothing to intervene. At this juncture, Kripa, the son of Sharadvat, expert in the rules of single combat and well-versed in dharma, addressed the two young warriors who stood with their mighty bows raised. He introduced the youngest son of Pritha, declaring him a son of Pandu, and announced that the Kaurava would engage him in single combat. Turning to the challenger, Kripa requested, “You too, mighty-armed one, declare your mother, father, and lineage to the kings, for you are the ornament of your clan.” He explained that only after this declaration would Arjuna—Partha—choose whether to accept the challenge, for princes do not fight with those whose lineage is unknown. Upon hearing this, Karna’s face fell in shame, like a lotus battered by rain, its petals drooping. He replied to the teacher, “There are three kinds of royal birth, as determined by scripture: one from noble family, one who is heroic, and one who leads armies. Fire comes from water, warriors from Brahman, iron from stone; their inherent energy is everywhere, but rests in their own origins.” Duryodhana then spoke, “If this Phalguna does not wish to fight without the king’s command, then I shall anoint Karna as king in the land of Anga.” He addressed the king and Bhishma, the son of Ganga, and, with the help of the twice-born, gathered the materials for the consecration. After giving ten thousand cows in good deeds, the twice-born declared, “He is worthy of the kingdom of Anga.” At that moment, Karna, the great chariot-warrior, was consecrated as king of Anga. The ceremony was conducted with jars adorned with sandalwood and flowers, golden vessels, and upon a golden seat, by those skilled in mantras. Thus invested with royal splendor and strength, Karna wore a diadem, necklace, armlets, and bracelets, adorned with auspicious ornaments, white umbrellas and fans, and victory shouts resounded through the arena. Karna, now king of Anga, turned to Duryodhana and said, “What gift shall I give you in return for this grant of a kingdom?” Duryodhana replied, “I desire your utmost friendship.” Karna answered, “So be it,” and both embraced each other joyfully, attaining the highest delight. At this point, Adhiratha, Karna’s foster father, entered the arena, his upper garment slipping, sweating and trembling, as if summoned by the very call of his heart. Seeing him, Karna, out of respect, set aside his bow and, his head still wet from the consecration, bowed low. Covering his father’s feet with the edge of his garment and trembling, Adhiratha addressed Karna as “Son,” expressing his full affection. He embraced Karna, and his heart overflowing, bathed Karna’s head—still wet from the Anga consecration—with his tears. Witnessing that Karna was the son of a charioteer, Bhimasena, the Pandava, spoke, almost laughing, “You are not worthy, son of a charioteer, to be slain in battle by Partha. Take up the whip quickly, as befits your lineage. Nor are you fit, wretch among men, to enjoy the kingdom of Anga, just as a dog is unfit to taste the sacrificial offering near the fire.” Karṇa’s lips quivered slightly at these words. He exhaled toward the sky and gazed at the sun. Duryodhana, mighty in strength, sprang up in anger from among his brothers, like a maddened elephant from a lotus pond. He addressed Bhīmasena, “Vṛkodara, it is not fitting for you to speak such words. A kṣatriya must always employ his greatest strength; the origin of the brave and of rivers is difficult to comprehend. From water arose fire, which pervades all that moves and does not move; from the bones of Dadhīci was fashioned the thunderbolt that destroyed the Dānavas. The divine Guha, full of all secrets, is known as the son of Kṛttikā, as born of fire, as fierce, and as the son of Gaṅgā. And those brāhmaṇas born from kṣatriyas are also renowned—such as Viśvāmitra and others—who attained the eternal state of brahmanhood. Droṇa, foremost among wielders of weapons, was born from a vessel; Gautama was born in the line of Gautama, from a clump of reeds.” Duryodhana continued, “I have also learned the story of your birth: how, with earrings and armor, marked with all auspicious signs, a tigress gave birth to one like the sun. This lord of men is worthy of ruling the earth, not just the kingdom of Anga—by the strength of his arms, and with me as his obedient follower. If there is any man here who cannot tolerate my actions, let him mount a chariot and bend the bow with his own hands.” A great uproar arose throughout the arena, mingled with cries of “Well done!” as the sun set. King Duryodhana, taking Karna by the hand, left the arena, the way lit by torches. The Pandavas, along with Drona, Kripa, and Bhishma, each returned to their own quarters.