Amidst the 17th sun of Kurukshetra's war,
The stage was set for a legendary clash, destined to transcend the pages of history and etch its name into eternity.
A battle of cosmic proportions ignited—the ultimate confrontation, where the boundaries between righteous duty and malevolent chaos blurred.
As the chariots glide toward the fringes of the battlefield, Duryodhana's gaze fixates on Karna, and with a knowing smile, he imparts,
"Behold, my companion, the ruler of Madras, a figure surpassing even Krishna, akin to Matali, the charioteer of the divine Indra. Today, he shall steer your chariot."
"With your valor as the blade and his mastery over the reins, there exists no doubt that the third son of Kunti shall meet his defeat under your might."
Approaching the chariot's side, Shalya approaches, met with Karna's warm welcome. "Prepare this chariot, noble Shalya, for my forthcoming clash,"
Karna utters with spirited enthusiasm. Adorning the vehicle with weaponry and armor, the King of Madra then bows respectfully to the son of Adiratha, pronouncing, "May victory adorn your path, O sovereign of Anga."
As the two heroes secure their positions, they mirror the very essence of celestial grandeur. Their presence evokes the image of Surya and Agni, poised regally on a bed of clouds amidst the vast firmament.
unforeseen to Karn , In the intricate web of relationships, Shalya emerged as a pivotal figure, linked to the Pandavas by blood. His sister, Madri, had entered Pandu's life as his second wife. The fruit of this union was Nakula and Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandavas. When the war drums reverberated between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Shalya's natural allegiance leaned towards supporting his nephews against their own blood.
Yet, destiny weaved a twisted path. En route to the impending battlefield, Shalya's loyalty was cunningly diverted. As his forces advanced from Madra, forging their way towards Kurukshetra's turmoil, unexpected refreshments adorned the high road, an act that warmed his heart. Blinded by gratitude, he wholeheartedly pledged his allegiance to the source of this generous offering, assuming it to be the handiwork of the Pandavas, his kin. A stark revelation awaited him, however.
In an unforeseen twist, the orchestrator of these provisions was none other than Duryodhana, the banner-bearer of the Kauravas. Bound by his own words, Shalya had no choice but to align his forces against his own flesh and blood. The weight of his responsibilities as a king was juxtaposed with the role fate had thrust upon him – that of a charioteer for Karna, a son of charioteer lineage.
Karna initially found solace in Shalya's role, a charioteer who did not hold his birth against him however,
As they step onto the sprawling battlefield, Shalya takes on the role of a cautious advisor to his 'master'.
"O Sutaputra," he begins, his tone carrying an edge of the derogatory epithet that Duryodhana had once tried to establish. "Why do you hold the sons of Pandu in such low regard? Each one of them is graced with immense merit. They possess unmatched prowess in archery and wield all weapons with astonishing mastery. They stand as unconquerable forces, virtuous souls, and bearers of strong camaraderie."
"Amidst the battle's cacophony, when the Gandiva's string is released by Arjuna, akin to the roar of thunder, you shall witness your facade of false courage crumbling away. When Nakula, Sahadeva, Yudhishthira, and Bhimasena grace their chariots, releasing their arrows that pierce the heavens and form a celestial canopy, your once-bold words will wither within your throat before they can find their way onto your trembling tongue."
In this manner, Shalya forgoes the conventional charioteer role, instead dedicating the entire day to extolling the virtues of the Pandavas, indirectly urging Karna to face the reality that lies ahead.
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