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Karna Promised Kunti That She Will Always Have Five Sons – Poignant Moments In Mahabharata

In Mahabharata, an great Hindu epic, Karna promised Kunti that she will always have five sons no matter what, by promising that he will only fight Arjuna and never kill the four others.

However, the context and circumstances surrounding this promise are a bit more nuanced. Kunti, before her marriage, was given a boon by Sage Durvasa, which allowed her to invoke any deity to have children. Without knowing the consequences, Kunti tested the boon and invoked Surya, the sun god, which resulted in the birth of Karna. Due to societal norms and personal circumstances, Kunti had to abandon Karna, who was later raised by a charioteer.

During the Kurukshetra War, when Karna learned about his true parentage and relationship with the Pandavas (Kunti's other sons), he was deeply moved. Despite being on the side of the Kauravas, he promised Kunti that he would not kill any of her sons except Arjuna. This promise was out of respect and love for his mother, despite his loyalty to Duryodhana, who was leading the Kaurava army against the Pandavas.

However, it's worth noting that Karna's promise didn't necessarily dictate the course of the war entirely. He fought valiantly against the Pandavas, and the events of the war eventually led to Karna's confrontation with Arjuna, where he was eventually slain by Arjuna. This event is one of the most poignant moments in the Mahabharata, showcasing the complexities of loyalty, duty, and familial bonds.