Awakening of Karkandu Diwakar Chitrakatha 023

Author(s): Pankajmuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

Page 23

THE AWARENESCHOPNARKANDU
The emissary left without any comment. When he reported the words of Dadhivahan to Karkandu the king lost his temper. He declared a war. War trumpets were blown and the armies of Anga and Kalinga started a fierce war.
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On the other hand, nun Padmavati was keeping a trace of Karkandu's activities since he had fled Dantapur. When she heard that Anga and Kalinga are at war against each other she trembled with apprehension. Unaware of their relationship a father and his son had become enemies. Padmavati approached her preceptor and after telling the whole story said, "Because of ignorance thousands of men are being slaughtered.... if you allow me can convince them to stop this war." The preceptor gave her permission. Padmavati came to the battle field and told the story of her past and his birth to Karkandu. She added, "Son! King Dadhivahan is not your enemy. He is your father...." When Yamadand also confirmed this, Karkandu was filled with love for his real father. After this Padmavati went to the camp of King Dadhivahan. Everyone there was surprised to see her. King Dadhivahan was also filled with joy. Padmavati told her story starting from the point of her separation from the king. She informed, "Sire! Karkandu is not the son of a chandal. He is your son. Chandal has only brought him up. Karkandu is your own blood. Why this war?"
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