Birth of Karna

In the lineage of King Shurasena, a renowned ruler, there was a son named Vasudeva and a beautiful daughter named Pritha. Pritha, celebrated for her unparalleled grace, was later known to the world as Kunti.

King Kuntibhoja, who was both a relative and close ally of Shurasena, was childless. Shurasena, true to his word of friendship, gave his firstborn child, Pritha, in adoption to Kuntibhoja. Thus, the radiant girl came to be called “Kunti,” the cherished daughter of Kuntibhoja.

Kunti grew up like the waxing moon, excelling in virtues and conduct. Wishing her a glorious future, Kuntibhoja engaged her in serving sages and guests, believing that divine blessings would shape her destiny.

One day, the great sage Durvasa visited King Kuntibhoja as an honored guest. Known equally for his fiery temper and his powerful blessings, Durvasa was received with utmost devotion by young Kunti, who personally attended to his needs. Pleased by her humility and care, the sage decided to grant her a boon.

Durvasa, who was a knower of past, present, and future, taught Kunti a sacred mantra. He declared,

“Whichever deity you invoke with this mantra shall appear before you and bless you with a son.”

Kunti, still a young maiden, was curious about the truth of this extraordinary boon. One day, standing on the riverbank, she recited the mantra and invoked Surya, the Sun God, with deep reverence.

To her astonishment, the Sun God immediately appeared before her, radiant yet gentle, concealing his blazing heat. With a benevolent smile he said,

“Beautiful one, the mantra you recited binds me. I must grant you a son as promised by the sage.”

Terrified, Kunti pleaded, “O Lord, I called you only to test the mantra. I am still unmarried, I do not desire a child now. Please forgive my mistake and return.”

But Surya replied, “This mantra cannot go in vain. Yet, fear not—I shall bless you with a son while preserving your virginity. Your honor shall remain untouched.”

Thus, by the grace of the Sun God, a child was born to Kunti—glorious, adorned with divine armor and earrings at birth. This child was destined to be remembered as Karna, one of the greatest warriors of the Mahabharata.

Though Kunti rejoiced at the sight of the divine child, her heart was weighed down by fear of social dishonor. Unable to face the world, she placed the infant in a basket, along with her ornaments, and set him afloat upon the river. The river carried the child away, and thus began the life of Karna—born of Surya, abandoned at birth, yet destined for eternal fame.