Surya Warns Karna Not to Give Earrings to Indra

Twelve years of exile had passed. The thirteenth year had begun. And Indra, king of the gods, decided it was time to act. The Pandavas were living in the forest, stripped of their kingdom, hunted by their cousins. But Karna — Karna was the obstacle. As long as Karna wore the kavach (divine armour) and kundala (earrings) he had been born with, he could not be killed in battle. And as long as Karna lived, the Pandavas' cause was uncertain. So Indra resolved to go himself, in disguise, and beg Karna for the very things that made him invulnerable. Surya, the sun god, learned of Indra's intention. Surya was Karna's father. He had given Karna the armour and earrings at birth — they had emerged from amrita, the nectar of immortality, fused to the child's body. And Surya loved his son. Driven by compassion, he decided to warn him. That night, as Karna lay on an expensive bed covered with fine spreads, Surya appeared to him at the end of a dream. He used his yogic powers to assume the form of a handsome brahmana, learned in the Vedas. He spoke comforting words. "O Karna! O son! Listen to my words. Out of affection towards you, I will speak what is for your welfare. To ensure the welfare of the Pandavas, Shakra — Indra — will approach you in the form of a brahmana, so that he can take away your earrings. The entire world knows your conduct: when righteous ones beg you for something, you give and do not wish anything in return. Knowing this, the chastiser of Paka will arrive himself. He will beg you for your earrings and armour. "When he asks, you must not give them to him. Entreat him as best you can. Offer him other riches — gems, women, objects of desire, wealth of every kind. Appease Purandara with examples and with gifts. But do not give him the earrings. "If you give away the beautiful earrings you were born with, your life will be shortened and you will come under the power of death. Arrayed in your armour and earrings, you cannot be slain by your enemies in battle. Remember these words. These two treasures arose from amrita. If you desire to live, they must be carefully protected by you." Karna listened. Then he asked: "Who are you, who have shown yourself as my supreme well-wisher? If you wish, tell me who you are, dressed in the attire of a brahmana." The brahmana said: "O son! I am the one with the thousand rays. I have given you this advice as your well-wisher. Act in accordance with my words. That will be supremely beneficial for you." Surya had spoken. But Karna did not immediately accept the warning. The stage was set for his response.