In her father’s house, the maiden Pṛthā—later known as Kuntī—was entrusted with the sacred duty of serving Brahmin guests. Among them was the formidable sage Durvāsas, whose ways were fierce and whose intentions were subtly woven into dharma. Kuntī attended to him with unwavering devotion, striving to satisfy him in every way, for he was steadfast in his vows. Day after day, she honored Durvāsas with curds, ghee, and countless other delicacies, offering him hospitality that surpassed all expectations. Her dedication was unmatched, and at the end of a year, Durvāsas, recognizing her adherence to righteousness even in adversity, bestowed upon her an exceptional mantra. He instructed her in its use, telling her that whichever deity she invoked with this mantra, by the power of that god, she would be granted a son. Filled with curiosity and remaining chaste and renowned, Kuntī invoked the sun god with the mantra. Through the clouds, the radiant Sun himself—creator of the worlds—approached the broad-eyed maiden. Astonished by the marvel before her, flawless in form, Kuntī beheld the Sun, summoned by her call. The sun god, prompted by the sage’s mantra, addressed her: “Know me, O pure-smiling one, to be the Sun, come for the purpose of granting you a son. Your son has been created—he will bear my earrings and armor, born from the Sun. He will be invulnerable to weapons and missiles, and nothing of his will ever be refused to Brahmins. Even if urged by me, he will not refuse; he will always give to Brahmins, and he will be proud as well.” Kuntī, hearing these words, replied with humility: “I am a maiden, given by my father, and I have no husband. A Brahmin gave me a boon and knowledge; out of curiosity about that, I have invoked you, O lord. For this unintended offense, I beg your pardon with bowed head; women must always be protected, even when they err. I know all that Durvāsas granted with his boon; setting aside fear, let our union take place here.” The Sun replied, “My appearance is unfailing, and you have summoned me, O auspicious one. Even if your call was in vain, timid one, blame would surely fall upon you—there is no doubt in this. If you think so, timid one, why did you call upon the Sun? If you disregard me, the sage’s blessing will not come to pass. Because you are proud from receiving the mantra, and filled with arrogance, today I will burn your lineage with my anger-ignited gaze.” Though addressed in many ways by Vivasvat, Kuntī did not consent, saying, “I am a virgin.” Fearful for her relatives and modest, she hesitated. The Sun then spoke again: “By my grace, O queen, no fault will befall you.” Kuntī pleaded, “Be gracious, O Lord, for I have no arrogance. The blemish of losing virginity should be removed by you alone.” The Sun reassured her: “Let your fear depart today; you will see the child. By my permission, you will again become a maiden.” Thus comforted, Kuntī, her body thrilled with joy, was united with the great-souled Aditya. The Sun placed a child in her womb—a hero, foremost among all bearers of weapons, born with divine armor and radiant earrings. The boy was glorious, his face shining with the gifts of his father. A son was born, Karna, renowned throughout all worlds; and the radiant Sun granted Kuntī her virginity again. Having given the child, the Sun ascended to heaven. Yet, upon seeing her newborn, Kuntī was distressed in mind. She pondered deeply, “What should I do so that virtue may result?” Fearing for her relatives and wishing to conceal her transgression, she placed the powerful boy in a chest filled with jewels and set him afloat in the water. The child, released into the river, was found by Radha’s husband, a noble and famed charioteer. Together with his wife, he adopted the boy as their own. They named him Vasusena, saying, “He is born with wealth.” As Vasusena grew, he became strong and skilled in all weapons. When asked, he approached the Sun, full of vigor. At that time, while reciting prayers, there was not a single gift to be found for Brahmins anywhere on earth. Then, at the end of some night, the Sun, taking the form of a Brahmin, appeared to Karna in a dream and spoke: “When the night has passed and morning arrives, Indra will come to you; do not give him alms, for he will appear in the guise of a Brahmin. His intention is to take your armor and earrings; therefore I am warning you, remember my words.” Karna replied, “If Shakra, disguised as a Brahmin, asks me for something, how can I refuse him, as I have been instructed? Brahmins are always to be honored by those who seek the favor of the gods; knowing him to be the lord of the gods, I am unable to disregard him.” Thus, the story unfolds: from Kuntī’s service and devotion, through the miraculous birth of Karna, to the destiny that awaited him, shaped by divine boons, unwavering generosity, and the unbreakable bonds of dharma.