Karna's Sacrifice
“When charity becomes a test, and honor demands the ultimate price.”
Contains: self-sacrifice, war-preparation
Story Summary
During the Pandavas' exile, Indra, fearing that Arjuna cannot defeat the invincible Karna, disguises himself as a Brahmin and approaches Karna at dawn. Karna, known for never refusing a petitioner, faces an impossible choice when the Brahmin asks for his divine armor and earrings—the very source of his invincibility. Despite knowing this will make him vulnerable, Karna's commitment to charity and honor compels him to cut off his armor and earrings and give them away. In exchange, Indra grants him the Vasavi Shakti, a one-time-use divine weapon. This sacrifice, while noble, will have tragic consequences in the coming war—Karna loses his natural protection, and the weapon he receives will be used not on Arjuna as intended, but on Ghatotkacha, changing the course of the great battle.