In the Mahabharata, Karna and
Krishna were cousins. Krishna’s mother was Devaki, and Karna’s mother was
Kunti. Even though they were family, they stood on opposite sides in the Great
War. Karna fought for the Kauravas, while Krishna supported the Pandavas,
especially his friend Arjuna.
Before the war, Karna and Krishna
had a deep conversation. Karna shared his pain and the hardships of his life.
He felt abandoned by his mother at birth and grew up as a charioteer’s son. Because of this, people often looked down on
him. He was denied education, cursed by his teacher Parshuram, and insulted
during Draupadi’s swayamvar. However, Duryodhana gave him respect and a
kingdom, so Karna chose to stay loyal to him.
Krishna listened with compassion
and reminded Karna about duty (dharma) and making the right choices. He
revealed Karna’s true identity as Kunti’s son, making Karna a brother to the Pandavas.
Still, Karna chose to stay with Duryodhana out of loyalty and gratitude.
Karna promised that if he
survived the war, he would give the throne to the Pandavas. Though he stood
against his own family, Karna stayed true to his word, showing honor and
courage in a difficult life.
Here
are the key Sanskrit sources from the Mahabharata and other classical texts
that mention Karna's story and his interactions with Krishna.
Primary Source:
Mahabharata (Critical Edition) Written by Vyasa – the
main epic where Karna and Krishna’s story unfolds.
1. Karna-Krishna Samvāda (Conversation between Karna
and Krishna)
Mahabharata-Udyoga Parva
(Book 5), Chapters 140-147. This section contains the famous conversation where
Krishna reveals Karna’s true parentage and urges him to join the Pandavas.
Karna refuses, staying loyal to Duryodhana.
Sanskrit Reference:
“Kuntīputraḥ tvam eva ekaḥ, na tu
sūtaputraḥ iti.”
(You are the son of Kunti, not the son of a charioteer.)-Udyoga Parva, 144.14
2. Karna’s Lament and Life Struggles- Mahabharata-
Karna Parva (Book 8)
Karna reflects on his life, his struggles, and his loyalty
to Duryodhana during the battle.
“Duryodhana-priyārthaṁ me yuddham etan
pratiṣṭhitam.”
(For
the sake of Duryodhana’s favour, I have entered this war.)-Karna Parva
3. Karna’s Birth and Abandonment by Kunti-Mahabharata-Adi
Parva (Book 1), Chapter 112.
This section details how
Kunti invoked the Sun god (Surya) and gave birth to Karna, then abandoned him
out of fear of social shame.
“Sūryasya kāntena sutena karṇo jātaḥ.” (Karna
was born of the radiant Sun god.)
Supplementary Sources:
4. Bhagavad Gita (Mahabharata – Bhishma Parva, Book 6)
While not directly about Karna, the Gita explores
Krishna’s philosophy of duty (dharma), which he also discusses with Karna.
Bharavi’s Kirātārjunīya (Epic poetry, 6th century CE)
– contains references to Karna’s valor and his rivalry with Arjuna.
Various Puranas (e.g., Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu
Purana) briefly reference Karna and his karmic destiny.
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