Guru Vashistha ascended the magnificent Mahendragiri mountain to discuss a matter of utmost importance with Lord Parashurama.

"Pranipaat, Lord Parashurama!" Maharishi Vashistha greeted with reverence.

"Namaste, Maharishi," Bhagwan Parashurama reciprocated.

"What have you done today? The madness of finding his birth mother has consumed Karna entirely," expressed a concerned Maharishi Vashistha.

"This is Madirakshi's test, to see how she can manage the furious Karna. It is indeed a formidable challenge," replied Lord Parashurama.

"Today is a dreadful day for the people of Dwapara. They will witness the true power of Karna when he clashes with Bhishma. I am deeply worried about today," expressed a concerned Maharishi Vashistha.

"I share your thoughts, Maharishi. However, we must have faith in Mahadev. He will surely intervene if Madirakshi fails to counter Karna's anger," reassured Lord Parashurama.

"She will, my lord. I am certain of it. But afterward, I am concerned about Karna. His emotions, fueled by the search for his birth mother, will be shattered," shared Maharishi Vashistha.

"Let us hope for the best and observe today's events," concluded Lord Parashurama as he gazed towards the Hastinapur palace and the rising sun.

***

The next morning was uneasy for Karna. Thoughts of his mother had occupied his mind for the past few months, and now he yearned for the love of his true mother, longing to fill the void within him.

The morning sun shone brightly, radiating happiness and love. Madirakshi woke up, her face glowing from the beautiful dreams she had experienced.

Karna noticed his wife stirring, so he gently kissed her forehead, causing Madirakshi's cheeks to turn red. He then ran his rough fingers through her hair. Madirakshi looked at her husband with pure affection and care.

"Don't you need to go?" asked Madirakshi, her voice soft, as she gazed at him.

"Go where?" questioned Karna.

"For the Surya puja," replied Madirakshi.

"Oh, yes. Priye, I am headed to the banks of the Ganges for the Surya puja," Karna said, immediately getting up from bed and making his way to the river.

***

Madirakshi prepared for the day's meetings and the puja at the Lord Shiva temple. She arranged the items and puja plate in a traditional Ayodhya style.

She also got the twins ready for the day, knowing well that Karna would not take them along due to their mischievous nature.

"Matashree, why are you all dressed up?" asked Aditi. "Yes, mother, why are you dressed so nicely?" clapped Vrishasena, finding amusement in it.

"Your father and I are going for a puja at the Mahadev temple. So, please refrain from causing any mischief in the palace. Consider this your warning," Madirakshi commanded authoritatively.

The children nodded and said, "Okay, Matashree, we promise not to cause any trouble. But, Matashree, can you please give us little brothers?" playfully pleaded Vrishasena.

Madirakshi blushed and then heard her husband's voice.

"Let's fulfill our beloved son's wish, Priya," Karna teased, exchanging a soft smile with her. Karna was already dressed in a white silk dhoti and a red angavastram, his jewelry shining against his radiant face.

As it was an important ritual, both of them wore red attire, following the customs of Ayodhya. They embarked on their journey towards the Shiva temple, with Karna continuously gazing at Madirakshi with love, passion, and care.

"Suryanandan, I wish to visit Ayodhya," Madirakshi expressed.

"We will go after Dushala's svayamvara," Karna replied.

"Yes, you heard it right. Today, Maharaj Dhritarashtra will be announcing the svayamvara for his daughter, Dushala," Karna added, revealing information he had obtained through his spies.

"Shon is also close to completing his studies. Once he finishes, he will come to live with me, Priye. He has become a skilled warrior and will assist me in my duties," Karna shared with pride.

"I am happy for him as well. Look, we have arrived at the temple. Let us begin our work," Madirakshi said.

After planting nineteen trees in the temple, they returned to the Hastinapur palace.

Upon their return, they found Vrishasena and Aditi crying. Concerned, Madirakshi asked, "What happened? Why are you crying?"

"Pitashree, we miss you. We thought you left us because of our mischief," Vrishasena said between sobs.

"Oh, my brave son, don't cry now. Go play with Lakshmana and Lakshman," Karna comforted, gently tousling Vrishasena's hair.

Then Madirakshi and Karna proceeded to the court of Hastinapur, where a full court session was in progress. Every courtier was present, and the air was filled with anticipation and confusion.

Everyone wondered what announcement was about to be made. Not only the courtiers but also all the members of the royal family were in attendance.

Maharaja Dhritarashtra and Maharani Gandhari occupied their thrones, while Rajmata Kunti sat on the throne of Rajmata. Mahamahim Bhishma, Mahamantri Vidur, and the Yuvrajas sat on their respective thrones. Two grand balconies overlooked the court.

On the right balcony, Madirakshi sat with Bhanumati, Amrita, Devika, Meenakshi, and Dushala, accompanied by other royal women. They engaged in continuous conversations, while the attendants served refreshments to the women on the right balcony.

On the left balcony sat Karna, Bhima, Arjuna, Dushasana, Nakula, Vikarna, Yuyutsu, Sahadeva, and the other Kauravas. Similar to the right balcony, attendants offered refreshments to those on the left side.

The entire court fell silent as Dhritarashtra raised his hand.

"My courtiers, today I have the pleasure of announcing a special event that will take place in Hastinapur one month from now. The Kuru Clan has only one daughter, our princess Dushala, the youngest among her hundred and six brothers. After consulting with Mahamahim, the Yuvrajas, and the Mahamantri, I am delighted to declare that we will organize a svayamvara for Princess Dushala," Dhritarashtra joyfully proclaimed.

Madirakshi smiled as she glanced at Dushala, who shyly smiled back at her. The hundred and six brothers exchanged smiles, thrilled for their little sister. Even the Kauravas, including Duryodhana, were elated by the announcement.

Bhishma, too, felt a sense of joy. After such a long time, he was eager to witness a marriage in Hastinapur. Vidur was proud to see his daughter getting married. Gandhari and Kunti experienced mixed emotions of happiness and sorrow. They were delighted about Dushala's marriage but saddened by the thought of her leaving the palace.

After the court session concluded, Karna approached Bhishma and requested a private conversation.

As Karna approached Bhishma, he asked directly, "Do you know who my real parents are?" The court fell silent upon hearing this question.

Kunti's eyes welled up with tears. Duryodhana and the other Kauravas were taken aback by Karna's inquiry.

"I know that you know the identity of my real parents. Lord Parashurama has revealed to me that Mata Ganga shared everything with you. You possess this knowledge," Karna confronted.

"Son, I apologize, but I made a promise to your mother never to disclose this information," Bhishma confessed, glancing at Kunti.

"Why can't anyone tell me about my real parents?" Karna shouted in anger, sending chills through the entire assembly.

"I understand your frustration, Karna, but I am bound by my promise. I cannot speak about this matter to anyone," Bhishma explained.

"Fine! If no one will tell me, then I will find my mother myself with my own intelligence and power!" Karna declared furiously, storming out of the court.

"Today, I must find a way to stop him," Madirakshi exclaimed, frustration etched on her face. "Why didn't you tell him about his birth mother, Mahamahim? He longs to know who she is, the woman who abandoned him when he was just a newborn. He despises her for leaving him, yet there remains an empty void in his heart, reserved for her."

"Putri, I cannot reveal the truth to him. It's a sensitive matter, and I made a promise," Bhishma explained before leaving the gathering abruptly.

"Precious daughter, please enlighten us. What is happening?" Gandhari pleaded, her eyes filled with curiosity. Madirakshi took a deep breath and proceeded to unveil the enigma surrounding Karna's birth, shocking everyone present. Kunti struggled to hold back her emotions, fighting to maintain her composure.

"He is the son of the magnificent sun," Dhritarashtra exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment.

"Yes, Maharaj. He carries the blood of the Chandravanshi and Suryavanshi lineages," Madirakshi confirmed with a solemn expression.

"But why did he present himself as a sutputra, a charioteer's son?" Vidur questioned, his face contorted with disbelief.

"Because he despises that identity, as it always reminds him of his birth mother. I implore you, do not broach this matter with him. His anger, which we have all experienced, is his response to it," Madirakshi explained, her tone serious.

"How have we felt his anger, Putri?" Vidur asked, his confusion evident.

"Do you recall the fifty dark days before the Kalapradarshan?" Madirakshi inquired, her voice tinged with gravity.

"How can one forget those fifty days, especially the final thirty?" Gandhari replied, her memory jolted by the recollection.

"The unsettling atmosphere during that time was a result of the fierce duel between Lord Parashurama and suryanandan. Initially, the battle proceeded without calamity for sixteen days. However, when Lord Parashurama questioned Karna's loyalty as a disciple, his rage ignited, leading to a cataclysmic confrontation. On the last day, both warriors unleashed their divine weapons, capable of annihilating the world. Fortunately, the Tridev intervened and halted the battle. Therefore, I urge you all not to mention this sensitive matter to him. Now, Mata, please take care of the children. I have a challenging day ahead as I must keep him calm, as his anger can lead to unimaginable consequences," Madirakshi said with a grave countenance, rising from her throne. Suddenly, the ground shook.

"Oh my God! Lord, please save us! Nath is invoking the Tridev astra in a fit of rage. I must stop him. Brother Duryodhana, come with me," Madirakshi said with urgency.

"Yes, sister. I am with you," Duryodhana declared, following Madirakshi as they departed the court.

"We should all go and prevent him from causing further harm. He was incensed by the King's decision. Bhabsishree Kunti, please stay with the children. We will do our best to restrain him," Vidur proposed.

Kunti teetered on the brink of collapse, but she fought to maintain her composure, gathering the children and escorting them to her room.

Meanwhile, Karna stood on the banks of the Ganges, beseeching Mother Ganga to reveal his true mother's identity. Frustrated by the lack of response, his anger intensified, feeling betrayed by destiny's refusal to grant him the love of his birth mother.

He began chanting ancient verses, commanding them to converge—Pashupatastra, Narayanastra, and Brahmanda astra. The earth quaked incessantly, comets streaked across the sky, and fiery rain descended, enveloping the atmosphere in a sense of impending destruction.

The devas and asuras trembled at this transformation, abandoning their meetings, consumed by anxiety.

At Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati observed Karna intently. "Swami, why is Karna behaving in this manner?" Devi Parvati asked, her voice filled with concern.

"It is Niyati Devi's doing, my love. Destiny seeks to test Madirakshi's capabilities for the forthcoming events, and it highlights the void within Karna's heart that can only be filled by his birth mother's love. He loves Radha Ma immensely, but he harbors a softer sentiment towards his biological mother," Lord Shiva explained.

"Will you intervene if Madirakshi fails to succeed?" Devi Parvati inquired.

"No, this predicament was created by Lord Parashurama and Maharishi Vashistha, and it is they who must resolve it," Lord Shiva replied, shifting his gaze to the banks of the Ganges.

Karna continued constructing the most devastating weapon, a process that demanded time. His body was enshrouded in flames as he chanted the sacred mantras.

Through sheer determination and with Duryodhana's assistance, Madirakshi managed to reach Karna's side. She was aghast at the sight of her nath consumed by madness.

Soon, Bhagwan Parashurama and Maharishi Vashistha materialized before Madirakshi. "Gurudev, please put an end to suryanandan reckless behavior," she pleaded desperately.

"Only you can accomplish that, Madirakshi," Bhagwan Parashurama replied.

Madirakshi nodded, mustered her courage, and approached Karna, who burned with the torment of love's absence. His astra was ready, poised to unleash destruction, but Madirakshi managed to halt him in time.

"Why are you stopping me, my love?" Karna bellowed, his fury palpable.

"Because your uncontrolled rage threatens to annihilate this world. By succumbing to it, you would harm me, Radha Ma, Adhirath Pitashree, your closest friend, your sisters, Vrishasena, Aditi, Lakshman, and Lakshmana," Madirakshi explained.

"But I yearn to know my mother's name! Why is it kept hidden from me?" Karna demanded, seething with anger.

"Nath, you know the truth. You were born to her before her marriage, and she was compelled to let you go, flowing away with the river's current. Please understand that Gurudev is also here because of your recklessness," Madirakshi gently implored, her smile filled with warmth.

"Fine, I won't bring about the world's destruction. But don't presume to dictate my actions. I am retreating to my chamber, and I demand not to be disturbed. I detest my birth mother," Karna roared, his words echoing throughout Hastinapur Palace. With that, he departed the banks of the Ganges, consumed by burning rage.

Kunti stood on the precipice of despair. As the calamity subsided, she instructed the children to play outside the palace. However, the sound of Karna's roar struck a final blow to her heart, and she succumbed to tears.

Duryodhana trembled with fear, for he had never witnessed Karna's wrath in such magnitude. The Pandavas swallowed hard, intimidated by Karna's declaration. Dusshasan and Ashwathama stood frozen, shocked by Karna's proclamation. The women were in a state of utter disbelief.

Bhishma felt immense sorrow upon hearing Karna's announcement, aware of the truth but unable to speak it, as only Kunti held that power.

Vidur and Dhritarashtra were gripped by fear, as they had never witnessed Karna's rage before. They remained silent for a time, unable to find words.

Gandhari's heart ached for her son. Unaware of the immense pain Karna carried, she grasped the magnitude of his suffering. While she knew Karna loved Radha Ma unconditionally, his heart still longed for a mother's love. Karna's hatred for his birth mother shattered her, as she couldn't fathom a son despising his own mother.

All eyes turned toward the palace as Karna approached, his fury burning brightly. No one dared to utter a word, for he had locked himself in his chamber.

Lotd Parashurama and Maharishi Vashistha advised Madirakshi to provide emotional support to Karna once his anger subsided before departing.

"What now, Bhena?" Duryodhana asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"First, let us proceed to the palace," Madirakshi replied. With the aid of chariots, they made their way to the palace.

***

As they entered the palace, they noticed Vrishasena approaching Madirakshi, who was on the verge of tears. Vrishasena embraced her and asked, "Mata, what happened to Pitashree? Why is he consumed by rage? Is it because of us?"

"No, my child, it's not your fault," Madirakshi assured him, gently patting his back. "Now, go and play with your siblings."

Vrishasena and Aditi happily ran off to engage in playful activities.

Curious about her husband's well-being, Madirakshi inquired with Vidur. He informed her that Karna had secluded himself in his chamber. Madirakshi sighed and resolved, "Let us carry on with our daily duties. Leave Arya to me; he is in pain. But remember, we must never discuss this topic again."

With that, Madirakshi made her way towards Karna's chambers, determined to provide him the support he needed.