Hear now the wondrous story of Karna’s birth and deeds, as told in ancient times. The sun god, Vivasvat, declared to gentle Kunti that her son would be invincible to all weapons and missiles, and that nothing would ever be refused by him to Brahmins. Even if urged otherwise, he would never turn a Brahmin away, but would always give, proud and steadfast in his generosity. Hearing these words, Kunti replied with humility to the radiant lord of light, explaining, “I am a maiden, given by my father, and I have no husband. A Brahmin once granted me a boon and secret knowledge. Out of curiosity about that, O destroyer of foes, I 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 me with his boon. Setting aside my fear, let our union take place here.” The sun god, shining bright, 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.” Thus addressed in many ways, with gentle words by Vivasvat, Kunti did not consent, insisting, “I am a virgin.” Out of fear for her family and modesty, the illustrious maiden hesitated. Then the Sun spoke again, “By my grace, O queen, no fault will befall you.” Kunti pleaded, “Be gracious, O Lord, for I have no arrogance. The blemish of losing my virginity should be removed by you alone.” The sun assured her, “Let your fear depart today; you will see the child. By my permission, you will again become a maiden.” Thus comforted, Kunti, her body thrilled with joy, was united with the great-souled Aditya, her beautiful brows radiant. The shining Sun, whose deeds are manifest, placed a child in her womb—a hero, foremost among all bearers of weapons, was born there. He came into the world with divine armor and earrings, his face bright and glorious. This son was Karna, renowned throughout all the worlds. The radiant Sun restored Kunti’s maidenhood to her. Having given the child, the blazing lord ascended to heaven. Yet, upon seeing her newborn, Kunti, of the Vrishni line, was deeply troubled. She pondered anxiously, “What should I do so that virtue may result?” Wanting to conceal her transgression and fearing for her family, she placed the powerful boy in a chest filled with jewels and set him afloat upon the water. The child, carried by the current, was found by the noble and famed charioteer, Adhiratha, husband of Radha. Together with his wife, the charioteer 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 he was asked, he approached the Sun, full of vigor. At that time, while the heroic and wise youth recited prayers, there was not a single gift to be found for Brahmins anywhere on earth. Then, at the end of one night, in a dream, the Sun appeared to Karna in the guise of a Brahmin and spoke, “Hear my words, O hero. When morning comes, Indra will visit you in the form of a Brahmin. Do not give him alms, for he seeks your armor and earrings. Remember my warning.” 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.” The Sun then counseled, “If that is so, listen: he will grant you a boon; ask him for a spear that destroys all enemies.” Having spoken thus, the Brahmin vanished from the dream, and Karna awoke, pondering his vision. Indra, for the sake of his son Arjuna, took the form of a Brahmin and approached the radiant Karna, requesting his divine armor and earrings. Without hesitation, Karna cut the armor from his own body, blood flowing, and sliced off both earrings, offering them with folded hands. The lord of the gods, Vasava, was pleased by this selfless act. Smiling, he thought, “Ah, what courage! Among gods, demons, yakshas, gandharvas, serpents, and rakshasas, I do not see anyone who could perform such a deed. I am pleased; speak, tell me what boon you desire.” Shakra gave him a mighty spear and, amazed, declared, “Among gods, demons, yakshas, gandharvas, serpents, and rakshasas—whomever you strike in anger with this, he will not survive. After slaying one enemy in battle, it will return to me.” Having granted this boon, Shakra vanished. Thus, the one who was once called Vasusena on earth, by this act became known as Karna, the son of Vikartana, famed throughout the worlds.