Chapter 95: The Dharma of a King
Next Morning – Mahishmati
The sun had just begun to rise casting a soft orange glow across the sacred Narmada River. On its serene banks Rudra stirred from his sleep and stepped into the river for his morning bath. As the cool water touched his skin he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply letting the tranquility sink into his bones.
After his bath he moved through Surya Namaskar each motion deliberate a meditation in itself. Once completed he dressed in clean dhoti applied sacred ash on his forehead and made his way to the Shiva temple nearby. The temple stood quiet ancient a silent witness to centuries of devotion.
Standing before the Shivalinga Rudra began chanting the Shiv Tandav Stotram his powerful voice rising like a storm through Mahishmati.
Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam...
The verses thundered across the city. People paused in their morning routines recognizing the sacred rhythm that marked the start of every Mahishmati day. This was no ordinary prayer—Rudra's yogic prana infused every syllable turning his mantra into a blessing for the entire kingdom.
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At Karna's House
Karna returned from his own morning practice sweat glistening on his skin. As he entered the home he turned to Yudhishthir.
"Gurudev has begun his prayers. You should go see him before he finishes."
In the kitchen Radha Maa was busy preparing breakfast with Kunti. She called out without turning around "Let him eat something first. You boys are always running about. Putra Yudhishthir come and eat."
Yudhishthir smiled warmly. Her tone reminded him of his own mother.
"You're lucky Jyeshtha" he said to Karna. "Radha Maa treats us like her own sons."
Karna laughed. "Of course I'm lucky. I have the most loving mother in the world."
Radha's voice called from the kitchen again half stern half amused. "Enough flattery! Just eat properly both of you."
Moments later everyone gathered at the dining mat. Karna Yudhishthir Arjun Sahedev Adhirath all sat together as Radha and Kunti continued to serve.
"Why don't you both sit with us?" Karna said looking at the two women. "In Mahishmati we all eat together. It strengthens the bond."
Kunti hesitated. Such a thing was uncommon in royal households. But seeing Radha settle beside Adhirath without a second thought she sat down quietly beside Karna.
Yudhishthir encouraged her gently. "Maata this kingdom treats everyone equally. Even Maharaj Rudra serves food to the poor without hesitation."
Kunti nodded slowly still adjusting to Mahishmati's way of life. She glanced at Karna and reached to place a small piece of her roti on his plate—only to find Radha doing the same.
Embarrassed she began to withdraw her hand but Karna caught both pieces.
"I don't know why" he said with a mischievous grin "but I feel extra hungry today. Maybe because breakfast is being served by two mothers."
Laughter filled the air. Arjun added "Jyeshtha be ready. Today I'll keep pestering you with questions."
"Try me" Karna smirked.
With warmth and cheer the family enjoyed a rare moment of togetherness. After breakfast they dispersed—Karna and Yudhishthir to meet Rudra Arjun to his courtyard training and Sahedev toward the waterfalls where Vijay Raj Pratap awaited him.
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Shiva Temple Grounds
The temple stood still under the light of dawn. Rudra had just finished his prayers and now sat under a peepal tree eyes closed his aura calm and centered.
As Karna and Yudhishthir arrived they bowed together.
"Pranam Gurudev."
Rudra opened his eyes slowly. "Ayushmaan Bhava."
"Forgive us Acharya. We are late" Yudhishthir said.
Rudra smiled faintly. "No time is wasted when the heart is sincere."
Turning to Karna Rudra gestured. "Come forward."
A glowing scroll appeared in his palm. The intricate glyphs on its surface shimmered faintly.
"This scroll is for Arjun. Once he masters Shakti Vidya and learns to command his prana give this to him. When he places a drop of blood on it a technique will be revealed tailored to his inner nature."
Karna bowed respectfully as he accepted the scroll.
"They began late" Rudra continued. "Unlike you they didn't grow with the discipline of Mahishmati. Don't expect them to create their own techniques just yet. This will help. But remember—he must also learn restraint."
Rudra's voice turned firmer.
"Power without purpose brings ruin. Power with purpose brings life. Teach him to wield his strength for protection not pride."
"I understand Gurudev" Karna replied. "I will make sure Arjun understands this as well."
"You may go."
Karna bowed once more and turned to leave the scroll in his hand radiating softly.
Now only Yudhishthir stood before Rudra.
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The Conversation of Dharma
Yudhishthir lowered his gaze. His heart was a storm of thoughts. For days he had watched his brothers thrive under Rudra's tutelage. Arjun's arrows moved like lightning Sahedev's calm wisdom became admired by all. And he?
He remained... waiting.
Though Karna had reassured him doubt had crept in. He wondered if Rudra would ever truly accept him as a student or whether—like Dronacharya before—he would receive only half measures.
But something changed when he saw Rudra hand Karna the shining scroll. There was no partiality. No holding back.
Rudra's eyes keen as ever observed Yudhishthir's silence.
"Tell me O Dharma Putra... what is the Dharma of a King?"
Yudhishthir startled caught off guard by the direct question.
"Dharma of a King?" he echoed uncertain. "To be just? To uphold law? To punish the guilty and reward the good?"
Rudra stood and began to walk around him.
"And what will you do" Rudra said calmly "when two truths clash? When punishing one will bring justice to many but sorrow to the innocent? When no scripture gives you a clear answer?"
Yudhishthir said nothing. The weight of the question anchored him.
"Dharma" Rudra said "is not just a rulebook. It is a way of seeing. of knowing the hearts of people. of acting with compassion even when the world demands cruelty."
He stopped in front of Yudhishthir. "To learn Dharma, you must first forget everything you thought it was Dharm"
Yudhishthir swallowed.
"How do I learn that?"
Rudra smiled placing a hand on his shoulder. "By walking beside me. From today your training begins."
Yudhishthir fell to his knees bowing deeply "Ashirwad dijiye Gurudev"
"Rise Yudhishthir. Let us see if the son of Dharma can truly embody it."
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