After Kunti gave birth to a radiant and powerful boy, she placed him in a chest filled with precious jewels. With a heavy heart, she set the chest afloat upon the waters, entrusting her son to destiny’s care. As the chest drifted, it was discovered by a noble and renowned charioteer named Adhiratha, the husband of Radha. Together, the couple took the child as their own, adopting him lovingly and raising him as their son. They named him Vasusena, saying, “He is born with wealth.” As Vasusena grew, he became strong, skilled in every weapon, and full of vigor. When the time came, he approached the Sun in devotion, seeking blessings and guidance. During this period, the earth was devoid of gifts for Brahmins, and none could be found anywhere. Then, one night, as Vasusena slept, the Sun appeared to him in a dream, taking the form of a Brahmin. The Sun spoke: “Hear my words, O hero. When the night has passed and morning arrives, Indra will come to you in the guise of a Brahmin. Do not give him alms, for his intention is to take your armor and earrings. Remember my words.” Vasusena, however, replied, “If Shakra, disguised as a Brahmin, asks me for something, how can I refuse, as I have been instructed? Brahmins must always be honored by those who seek the favor of the gods. Knowing him to be the lord of the gods, I cannot disregard him.” The Sun then counseled, “If that is so, listen: he will grant you a boon. You should ask him for a spear that destroys all enemies.” With these words, the Brahmin vanished from the dream, and Vasusena awoke, pondering the vision. As foretold, Indra, for the sake of his own son, approached Vasusena in the guise of a Brahmin and requested his radiant earrings and armor. Without hesitation, Vasusena cut the armor from his own body, which bled, and sliced off both earrings from his sides, offering them with folded hands. Pleased by this act of supreme generosity, the lord of the gods smiled and thought, “Ah, what courage! Among gods, demons, yakshas, gandharvas, serpents, and rakshasas, I do not see anyone who could perform such an act.” Indra said, “I am pleased by this deed. Tell me, what boon do you desire?” Vasusena asked for a spear that would destroy his enemies, and Shakra granted it, saying, “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. From that time, Vasusena, who had been so named at birth, became known as Karna, the son of Vikartana, famed for his generosity and valor. Elsewhere, Kunti—also called Pritha—was a woman of great beauty, virtue, and swift qualities, devoted to righteousness and noble vows. She was the broad-eyed daughter of King Kuntibhoja. Adorned with youth and grace, many kings sought her hand in marriage. In time, Kuntibhoja invited these kings to a svayaṃvara, a ceremony where his daughter would choose her husband. Amidst the assembly of monarchs, Kunti beheld Pandu, the foremost among the Bharatas—a tiger among kings. With the pride of a lion, broad-chested, bull-eyed, and radiant like the sun, Pandu outshone all others present. Standing there like another Indra, Pandu stirred Kunti’s heart; her mind wavered for a moment, and her body was overcome with desire for him. Bashful yet resolute, Kunti placed the garland upon Pandu’s shoulders, choosing him as her husband. When the assembled kings saw this, they departed as they had come—on elephants, horses, and chariots. Kuntibhoja then performed the wedding ceremony of his daughter to Pandu. Thus, the fortunate Pandu, son of the Kurus, was united with Kuntibhoja’s daughter, just as Maghavan was with Paulomi. After the marriage, Kuntibhoja honored the couple with many treasures and sent them, O best of Kurus, to Pandu’s own city. With a grand army adorned with many banners, and praised by Brahmins and great sages, Pandu—delight of the Kurus—returned to his city and established Kunti as his queen in his palace. In time, Bhishma, the wise and renowned son of Shantanu, considered the matter of another marriage for King Pandu. Accompanied by his aged ministers, Brahmins, and great sages, and with a fourfold army, Bhishma journeyed to the city of the king of Madra. Hearing of Bhishma’s arrival, the foremost of the Vahikas came forth to greet him, honored him, and brought him into the city. The king of Madra offered Bhishma a splendid seat, water for washing, arghya, and madhuparka, and inquired about the purpose of his visit. Bhishma, the glory of the Kurus, replied, “Know that I have come seeking a bride, O subduer of foes. It is heard that your virtuous sister Madri is renowned. I wish to choose her as a bride for the illustrious Pandu. You are indeed suitable for alliance with us, O King, and our lineage matches yours. Consider this, O king of Madra, and accept us as is proper.