Karna - Epic Characters of Mahabharatha - E-book - ePub

Karna was born to Kunti before she was married as a result of her testing the boon that Durvasa had given her. Afraid of society, she set him afloat in a box. The baby was found by a charioteer, Atiratha, who along with his wife brought him up with all love and care. He then grew up under Dhritharashtra's care and learnt archery under Drona. He became friends with Duryodhana after which his sole aim was to fight with Arjuna.
When Drona refused to teach him the use of Brahmastra, he approached Sage Parashurama who accepted him as a disciple. Once he killed a cow mistaking it for a wild animal and got cursed that his chariot's wheel would get stuck and his head would be severed. Parasurama got infuriated with him for lying to him about his lineage and cursed him. Jarasandha made peace with the matchless warrior, Karna, and Duryodhana was beholden to him for his support.
He gave away his earrings and armour to Indra knowing fully well that his life span would be shortened without them. He got the use of "Shakthi" in return and his fame as a daanashura grew. He refused to take Krishna's advice and join the Pandavas as he felt he couldn't let down his foster parents and Duryodhana. Even when Kunti told him about his birth and requested him to join his Pandava brothers, he refused to leave Duryodhana's side.
He fought valiantly in the great Mahabharata war until Parasurama's curse came true. Though Karna was a mix of good and bad, he will remain as one who was wronged at birth for no fault of his.