Karna, a central figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata, is renowned for his exceptional charity and generosity. Known as "Daanveer Karna" (Karna, the generous warrior), he is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to giving, regardless of his circumstances. Here are some notable stories that highlight his charitable nature:
1. The Gift of Kavacha and Kundala
One of the most famous stories of Karna's charity is when he
gave away his divine armor (Kavacha) and earrings (Kundala). These were gifts
from his father, the sun god Surya, and made him invincible. Indra, the king of
gods and Arjuna's father, disguised himself as a poor Brahmin and asked Karna
for these invaluable items. Knowing the Brahmin’s true identity and the
consequences of losing his invincibility, Karna still honored his reputation
for generosity and gave them away, cutting the armor and earrings from his own
body.
2. Karna and the Brahmin's Cow
Once, a Brahmin's cow wandered into Karna's kingdom and was
accidentally killed by Karna's chariot. The Brahmin demanded justice, and
Karna, filled with remorse, offered him thousands of cows, gold, and land as
compensation. Despite the Brahmin’s anger, Karna did everything he could to
right the wrong, demonstrating his commitment to fairness and generosity.
3. Karna and the Guru's Demands
Karna's teacher, Parashurama, had a deep hatred for
Kshatriyas (warrior class) and taught Karna, believing he was a Brahmin. When
Parashurama discovered Karna's true identity, he cursed him to forget the
incantations needed to use powerful weapons at a crucial moment. Despite this
harsh punishment, Karna's dedication to his guru never wavered, showing his
respect and gratitude for his teacher's knowledge.
4. The Offering of His Virtues
On the eve of the Kurukshetra war, Lord Krishna approached
Karna, revealing his true heritage as the eldest Pandava and offering him the
throne of Hastinapura. Karna, however, chose to remain loyal to Duryodhana, who
had stood by him when no one else did. Karna’s decision to reject power and
prestige, staying true to his friend, underscored his principles and
magnanimity.
5. The Donation of His Gold Tooth
During his final moments on the battlefield, Karna wished to
perform his last rites and needed gold for the rituals. A Brahmin approached
him (again, Indra in disguise) asking for charity. Karna, without hesitation,
broke his gold tooth and offered it, ensuring he upheld his reputation for
charity even in death.
These stories illustrate Karna's unparalleled generosity and unwavering commitment to charity, which remain central to his legacy in the Mahabharata. His life serves as a testament to the virtues of giving and loyalty, even in the face of personal loss and adversity.