A long time ago, there lived a mighty warrior named Karna. He was strong, kind, and brave. But what made Karna truly special was that he was born with golden armour and glowing earrings. These were gifts from his father, Surya Deva, the Sun God. The kavach (armour) and kundal (earrings) protected him from harm and made him nearly invincible in battle.

Karna's family was modest and they raised him to be generous. Despite growing up with little himself, he had made a promise:

“I will never say no to anyone who asks me for a gift.”

Karna grew up and became friends with the Kauravas, a group of powerful princes. A great war (called the Mahabharata) was about to begin and Karna decided to fight for the Kauravas.

One day, as Karna slept, a warm golden light filled the room. His father, Surya Deva (Sun God) appeared in his dream and said:

“My son, beware. Indra, the king of the gods, will come to you in disguise. He wants your invincible golden armour and earrings so that his son, Arjuna, can defeat you in battle. Do not give them away.”

Karna woke up and thought deeply. Arjuna was his strong rival. If he gave up his kavach kundal, Arjuna would get an advantage.

But then he smiled and whispered, “Dear father, thank you for warning me. But I cannot break my promise at any cost. Even if someone is cheating.”

The next day, just as Surya Deva had said, an old man in torn clothes came to visit Karna. But this was no ordinary man. It was Indra, the King of the Gods, in disguise!

“Kind Karna,” the old man said, “I am poor and in need. Please give me your golden armor and earrings to protect me from danger.”

Karna knew this was a trick. He could feel it in his heart. But he also remembered his promise—to never say no to anyone who asked for help.

With a calm smile, he said, “Of course, kind sir. Please take them.”

And just like that, Karna cut off his golden armor and earrings (kavach kundal) and gave them to the old man. He didn't even show a little bit of hesitation.

As soon as the old man took the kavach kundal, he transformed into Indra, glowing with light!

Indra looked at Karna with wide eyes full of respect.

“You knew who I was… and still gave away your protection. Karna, you are the most noble and generous warrior I’ve ever met.”

He even felt ashamed for snatching his armour and earrings (kavach kundal) by tricking him. To thank Karna, Indra gave him a powerful weapon called the Vasavi Shakti—a magical spear that could defeat any enemy. But it could only be used once.

Even though Karna had lost his invincible armour and earrings, he had won something even greater: honour, respect, and the love of people for generations to come.

Karna showed the world that a true hero isn’t just strong. He is also kind, brave, and true to his word.