Section CCCVII - The Story of Karna: Birth, Adoption, and Training
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCCVII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
A Suta named Adhiratha and his wife Radha found a box drifting in the river Ganga, which contained a baby boy with celestial features. They named him Vasusena and raised him as their own son, alongside their other children. Vasusena, also known as Karna, grew up to be a mighty warrior and trained under various renowned teachers, earning a reputation as a skilled bowman. Despite being of royal birth, Karna was raised as a charioteer's son, unaware of his true lineage.
Pritha, also known as Kunti, learned that her son Karna was living amongst the Angas as the son of Adhiratha, and she kept this secret from him. Karna developed a strong friendship with Duryodhana and harbored a deep desire to challenge and defeat Arjuna, who was actually his half-brother. Despite his noble qualities and generosity, Karna faced challenges due to his lineage and the circumstances of his upbringing as a charioteer's son. His interactions with various characters in the Mahabharata, including Indra disguised as a Brahmana, highlighted the complexities of his identity and destiny.
Karna's unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana and his determination to prove himself in battle made him a significant figure in the Kurukshetra war. His rivalry with Arjuna, based on their shared bloodline unbeknownst to them, added a dramatic element to the epic tale. Karna's character exemplified the themes of fate, duty, and loyalty, as he navigated the challenges of his upbringing and strived to carve out his own destiny on the battlefield. His story is a poignant reminder of the complexities of identity, destiny, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the epic Mahabharata.
Full English translation:
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Section CCCVII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCCVII:
Who was Karna and how did he end up being raised by a charioteer?
Karna, originally named Vasusena, was a child found in a box by the river Ganga and adopted by the charioteer Adhiratha and his wife Radha. He grew up with great prowess and eventually became known as Karna.
Why did Karna become famous as a mighty bowman?
Karna learned all four types of weapons from renowned teachers like Drona, Kripa, and Rama, and excelled in warfare. He also befriended Duryodhana, leading him to earn a reputation as a skilled and powerful warrior.
Daily life: The Story of Karna: Birth, Adoption, and Training:
The story of Adhiratha and Radha finding Karna and their unconditional acceptance and love for him teaches us about the power of compassion and open-heartedness. In daily life, we can practice being open to unexpected gifts and embracing them wholeheartedly, just as Adhiratha and Radha embraced Karna, recognizing the unique qualities and potential within. This story also speaks to the importance of kindness and generosity, as demonstrated by Karna's willingness to give anything to the Brahmanas in need and his loyalty to his friend, Duryodhana. By cultivating generosity, loyalty, and compassion in our lives, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships and create a positive impact on those around us. Moreover, Karna's willingness to challenge Arjuna and vice versa shows the value of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. Thus, the story inspires us to persevere through our struggles, be generous in our victories, and compassionate in our interactions.