When Arjuna, known as Phalguna, hesitated to fight without the king’s command, Duryodhana made a bold proclamation: if Arjuna would not engage, then he would anoint Karna as king of Anga. With this declaration, Duryodhana addressed the king and Bhishma, the son of Ganga, and began gathering all the necessary items for Karna’s consecration, enlisting the help of learned brahmanas for the sacred rites. He performed acts of charity, gifting ten thousand cows to the twice-born, and called upon them to proclaim Karna worthy of ruling Anga. At that very moment, Karna, the mighty chariot-warrior, was consecrated as king. The ceremony was grand—jars adorned with sandalwood and flowers, golden vessels, a regal golden seat, and the chanting of potent mantras by those well-versed in sacred rites. Thus, Karna was invested with the kingship of Anga, shining with new splendor and strength. He wore the royal diadem, a resplendent necklace, armlets, and bracelets, all the marks of sovereignty. Adorned with every auspicious ornament and royal insignia, shaded by white umbrellas and cooled by fine fans, he was greeted with jubilant shouts of victory. In the midst of this celebration, Karna, that bull among men, turned to Duryodhana and spoke: “What gift can I offer you in return for this kingdom you have granted me?” With humility and gratitude, he asked the Kaurava king to name his wish. Duryodhana replied, “I desire only your utmost friendship.” Karna accepted joyfully, saying, “So be it.” The two embraced, their hearts filled with delight at their newfound bond. Just then, Adhiratha, Karna’s foster father, entered the arena. His upper garment slipped from his shoulder, sweat glistened on his brow, and he trembled with emotion, drawn as if by the call of his very soul. Seeing him, Karna—out of deep respect for his father—set aside his bow. Though his head was still wet from the sacred waters of his consecration, he bowed low before Adhiratha. Adhiratha, his heart overflowing with affection, covered Karna’s feet with the edge of his garment. Trembling, he addressed Karna as “son,” his voice thick with emotion. Embracing Karna, Adhiratha’s tears mingled with the water still upon Karna’s head from the Anga consecration. But Bhimasena, the mighty Pandava, observed this scene and, nearly laughing, spoke harsh words: “You, son of a charioteer, are not worthy to be slain in battle by Partha. Take up the whip, as suits your lineage, and drive a chariot instead.” He added, “You are as unfit to enjoy the kingdom of Anga as a dog is to taste the sacrificial offering at the fire.” These words stung Karna deeply. His lips quivered, he exhaled toward the sky, and his eyes turned to the sun, seeking solace. Duryodhana, enraged by Bhima’s scorn, leapt up from among his brothers like an angry elephant bursting from a lotus pond. He addressed Bhima sternly, “Vrikodara, it is not right for you to speak so. The origin of the brave, like that of rivers, is difficult to discern. A kshatriya must always show his greatest strength.” He continued, “From water arose fire, which fills all things. The thunderbolt that vanquished the Danavas was forged from Dadhichi’s bones. The divine Guha is known as the son of Krittika, as born of fire, as fierce, and as the son of Ganga. And brahmanas born from kshatriyas, like Vishvamitra, have attained the highest state.” Duryodhana further reminded all, “Drona was born from a vessel, Gautama from reeds. I have also heard of your own wondrous birth, Bhima: with earrings and armor, marked by auspicious signs, you were born of a tigress, shining like the sun. This lord of men, Karna, is worthy of ruling not just Anga, but the earth itself, by the strength of his arms—and I will serve him faithfully.” Then, challenging the assembly, Duryodhana declared, “If any man here objects to what I have done, let him mount a chariot and bend the bow himself!” A great uproar filled the arena, mingled with cries of “Well done!” as the sun set on the day’s events. Duryodhana took Karna by the hand and led him from the arena, their path illuminated by torches. The Pandavas, along with Drona, Kripa, and Bhishma, each returned to their own quarters. As the crowds dispersed, some praised Arjuna, others Karna, and still others Duryodhana, each voicing their own champion. In the midst of this, Kunti recognized Karna as her own son by his divine marks, and though her heart swelled with joy, she kept her feelings hidden. With Karna at his side, Duryodhana’s fear of Arjuna quickly vanished. Karna, skilled in all the weapons, addressed Suyodhana with utmost courtesy, and even Yudhishthira conceded in his heart that no archer on earth could equal Karna. Soon after, when the sons of Pandu and Dhritarashtra had mastered all the weapons, their teacher Drona deemed it time to ask for his fee. Bharadvaja, seeing all the princes assembled at the arena’s gate, addressed them: “It is time for me to receive my rightful fee. Tell me, my disciples, what shall you offer?” With respect, all the princes replied, “Revered sir, command us—what would you have us do?” Drona summoned his students and instructed them, “Seize King Drupada of the Panchalas in battle and bring him before me. This shall be the greatest fee for your instruction.” Agreeing at once, the princes, swift and adept in battle, mounted their chariots and set out alongside Drona, prepared to fulfill their teacher’s request.