The greatness of food charity is explained in numerous ways in Hindu religion. Here is a story from Mahabharata involving Karna which reveals the supremacy of food charity over other charities. Towards the end of the Mahabharata war, though Karna was losing in the battle, he still remained invincible on account of the merits of his charity. Bhagavan Sri Krishna, in order to deplete this source of strength of punya or merit, assuming the guise of a Brahmin approached Karna for charity. Karna pleaded helplessness as he had nothing more with him to give except his life which he was ready to offer at the feet of the Brahmin. Bhagavan Sri Krishna in disguise said that he had no need for his life, but He asked him to donate all his Punya which alone travels with the soul after death and secures a place in Heaven. Karna acquiesced to this demand readily. But before performing the formal act of charity, Karna said that he was tired and thirsty and wanted some water to drink. When the Bra