Karna is the tragic hero of the Mahabharata: the first son of Kunti and the Sun God Surya, abandoned at birth, raised by a charioteer, mocked for his birth, made a king by Duryodhana, and killed by his own brother Arjuna on the seventeenth day of the Kurukshetra war. Here is everything about Karna on Freeflow, from his birth to his death, with answers to the questions readers ask most.
Karna at a glance
| Parents | Kunti and Surya, the Sun God (why Kunti abandoned him) |
|---|---|
| Foster parents | Adhiratha, a charioteer, and Radha; hence the name Radheya |
| Other names | Vasusena, Radheya, Anga-raja, Danveer Karna, Suryaputra |
| Brothers | The five Pandavas (eldest of them), though he learned this only before the war |
| Wives | Vrushali and Supriya (Karna’s family) |
| Sons | Vrishasena, Sushena, Bhanusena, Satyasena, Prasenjit, Satyasandha, Vrishaketu (only Vrishaketu survived) |
| Guru | Parshurama, who later cursed him (why) |
| Kingdom | Anga, given by Duryodhana (why Karna stayed loyal) |
| Bow and weapons | Vijaya bow; Vasavi Shakti from Indra (Karna’s bow) |
| Divine armour | Kavach and kundal, given away to Indra (why) |
| Death | Day 17 of the Kurukshetra war, by Arjuna, when his chariot wheel sank (why) |
Questions readers ask about Karna
- Why did Kunti abandon Karna?
- Why was Karna cursed by Parshurama?
- Why did Karna support Duryodhana?
- Why did Karna give away his kavach and kundal?
- Did Karna kill Abhimanyu?
- Why did Karna’s chariot wheel get stuck?
- What was the name of Karna’s bow?
- What happened to Karna’s wife Vrushali after his death?
Karna’s story in order
- Karna’s past life and the reason for his hardship
- The story of Karna, the tragic hero
- Karna, a loyal friend
- Danveer Karna: who was behind his downfall?
- The Krishna and Karna conversation
- The tragic story of Karna’s death
- Parshurama’s feelings on Karna’s death
- Karna’s son Vrishaketu and the Pandavas
Stories about Karna
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