Karna Gives His Kavacha-Kundala To Indra Despite Surya's Warning : Episode 116

Recap of Previous Episode :

Arjuna chooses Krishna, while Duryodhana takes the Narayani Sena. Preparations begin for Abhimanyu’s marriage, Narada warns of war, and Indra plans to take Karna’s armour. Dhritarashtra falters under Duryodhana’s pressure and refuses to let anyone attend the wedding.

Kunti Decides Not to Attend Abhimanyu’s Wedding

Kunti empathizes with Duryodhana and rebukes Vidura and the elders for repeatedly telling the young prince that he would be the future emperor of Hastinapur. She admits that his greatest flaw is only his deep-seated hatred for the Pandavas, while his administration is otherwise commendable. She insists that as a Kshatriya queen, she must respect the ruling king’s command. Therefore, she decides not to attend Abhimanyu’s wedding and sends a messenger to convey her decision to Yudhishtra.

The Pandavas receive the message. Yudhishtra says he expected this outcome and urges Bhima to stay calm. They proceed with the wedding ceremonies without Kunti’s presence.

Abhimanyu’s marriage to Uttara is celebrated magnificently in the presence of Krishna, Balarama, and the royal families of Virata and Panchala. The palace rejoices with music, rituals, and blessings.

Karna Parts With His Divine Armour

That night, Surya appears in Karna’s dream and warns him about Indra’s plan to obtain his kavacha and kundala—the divine armour and ear ornaments that protect his life. Surya urges Karna not to part with them, for without them he will be vulnerable.

Karna refuses to deny charity to anyone who approaches him.

At dawn, he goes to the riverbank as usual, performing worship and donating riches to those seeking alms. Indra appears in the guise of a Brahmin and asks for the kavacha kundala. Karna smiles gently and reveals that he already knows the truth, but insists that the Sun God need not worry—he will never refuse a brahmin anything.

He cuts away the armour attached to his body and removes the ear ornaments, offering them with humility. Indra is stunned by Karna’s sacrifice and blesses him with the formidable Shakti missile, capable of killing one powerful enemy. Karna initially refuses reciprocation, but accepts it when Indra insists that generosity must be honored with equal return.

Shakuni and Duryodhana React to Karna’s Sacrifice

Shakuni confidently tells Duryodhana that they need not fear the Pandavas as long as Karna fights on their side, because his divine armour makes him unbeatable. But when Karna enters the court without the armour, the hall falls silent.

Shakuni erupts in rage, demanding to know who authorized Karna to give away the armour. He mocks Karna as a “slave of Duryodhana,” unworthy of such gifts. Karna turns to Duryodhana, asking whether he is considered a friend or a servant. Duryodhana placates him, asserting friendship—but Shakuni sneers that Duryodhana has wasted loyalty on a sutaputra whose worth is now lost.

Karna remains dignified and silent, bearing the humiliation.

Krishna Advises Patience

After the wedding, Krishna, Balarama, Virata and the Pandavas assemble to discuss the future. Yudhishtra maintains that they should first try for peace and understand the intentions of the Kauravas before initiating war. Bhima argues fiercely for immediate battle and revenge. Krishna supports Yudhishtra’s stance, urging restraint and clarity before bloodshed.