Having reached the sacred Ganges, Kunti saw her son, Karna, sitting in meditation and performing his daily worship. She stayed behind him till he had completed his prayers. When Karna felt the warmth of the sun's rays, he turned around and saw Kunti standing between himself and the sun. He was surprised to see such a women, and he greeted her with joined palms.
He said, I am Karna, the son of Radha and Adhiratha. For what reason have you come here? Tell me what I can offer you, for I am a bestower of charity?
Kunti then disclosed to Karna the truth of his birth, You are not actually the son of Radha and Adhiratha. Your birth is divine. You are not a suta by birth. Your real father is the sun god whom you worship daily, and I am your mother.
Kunti was standing in the rays of the sun and Karna could not distinguish who she was. He therefore questioned her, Who are you?
I am Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. Kunti replied. You are my first born son before my marriage to Pandu. Because of the shame of begetting a son while still not married, I had set you afloat on the waters of the Ganges. Your brothers are the Pandavas. It is time to take your place next to your brothers, and conquering the Kurus, enthrone yourself as King. Today, you can embrace your younger brother Arjuna and become the best of friends. If you two are united, there is nothing in this world that you will not accomplish.
After Kunti had spoken, a celestial voice from the solar orb spoke, The words spoken by Pritha are, indeed, true. O Karna, my son, act according to the instructions of your real mother. O tiger among men, you will benefit unlimitedly if you take your stand with the pious sons of Pandu.
He said, I am Karna, the son of Radha and Adhiratha. For what reason have you come here? Tell me what I can offer you, for I am a bestower of charity?
Kunti then disclosed to Karna the truth of his birth, You are not actually the son of Radha and Adhiratha. Your birth is divine. You are not a suta by birth. Your real father is the sun god whom you worship daily, and I am your mother.
Kunti was standing in the rays of the sun and Karna could not distinguish who she was. He therefore questioned her, Who are you?
I am Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. Kunti replied. You are my first born son before my marriage to Pandu. Because of the shame of begetting a son while still not married, I had set you afloat on the waters of the Ganges. Your brothers are the Pandavas. It is time to take your place next to your brothers, and conquering the Kurus, enthrone yourself as King. Today, you can embrace your younger brother Arjuna and become the best of friends. If you two are united, there is nothing in this world that you will not accomplish.
After Kunti had spoken, a celestial voice from the solar orb spoke, The words spoken by Pritha are, indeed, true. O Karna, my son, act according to the instructions of your real mother. O tiger among men, you will benefit unlimitedly if you take your stand with the pious sons of Pandu.