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Pancharatra-Ext: Sage Narada narrates Karna's story of how he became a disciple of Bharadwaja to learn Brahmastra, faking himself as a Brahmin. Then by accident he killed a cow and was cursed by a Brahmin.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Thus addressed, the sage Nārada, foremost among speakers, narrated everything about how the son of a sūta had been cursed.
O mighty-armed one, it is just as you say, O Bhārata; in battle, there is nothing that would be insurmountable for Karṇa and Arjuna.
O king, I shall tell you this secret of the gods. Understand, O great king, how this happened in ancient times.
O lord, how can the warrior class attain heaven, being purified by weapons? Therefore, the womb of a maiden was created as the source of conflict.
He, as a brilliant boy who had become a charioteer's son, studied the science of archery under your foremost teacher of the Angiras lineage.
He had the strength of Bhīmasena, the agility of Phalguna, your intellect, O king, and also the humility of the two Yamas.
Thinking of his childhood friendship with Vāsudeva and the affection of the people, the wielder of the Gāṇḍīva bow was consumed with grief.
He formed a friendship with King Duryodhana in his childhood; he was always hated by you, both by fate and by nature.
Seeing that Arjuna excelled in archery, Karṇa secretly approached Droṇa and spoke to him.
I wish to learn the Brahmāstra, including the secret of its withdrawal. My intention is to become Arjuna's equal in battle.
You are impartial among your sons and affectionate towards your disciples. Surely, by your grace, the wise would not call me unskilled in weapons.
Thus addressed by Karṇa, Droṇa, considering Arjuna and knowing also the wickedness of Karṇa, spoke to him.
A Brāhmaṇa who has properly observed vows should know the Brahmāstra; or a Kṣatriya ascetic may know it, but no one else should ever know it.
Thus, after being addressed, bidding farewell to the best of the Angiras sages and duly honoring him, he suddenly went to Rāma, towards the Mahendra mountain.
But he approached Rāma, bowed his head in respect, and said, "I am a brāhmaṇa, a descendant of Bhṛgu," thus he came forward with reverence.
Rāma welcomed him after inquiring thoroughly about his lineage and other details, saying, "Let him stay, welcome," and became extremely delighted.
While Karṇa was residing on the supreme mountain Mahendra, there was a gathering of Gandharvas, Rākṣasas, Yakṣas, and Devas.
There he made a weapon as prescribed by the best of Bhṛgus, and became greatly beloved by the gods, gandharvas, and rākṣasas.
Once, while he was wandering near the hermitage at the ocean's edge, a charioteer's son, armed with sword and bow, was moving about.
O Pārtha, he, by chance and out of ignorance, killed the sacrificial cow belonging to a certain brahmavādin who was engaged in agnihotra.
Thinking that it was done out of ignorance, he informed the Brāhmaṇa. Karṇa, seeking to appease him, spoke these words: "
O Lord, without prior knowledge, I killed this cow of yours there; again and again I beg you, please show me your grace.
The brāhmaṇa, angry, spoke to him as if rebuking: "You of wicked conduct, deserving death, evil-minded one, receive the result (of your actions)!"
The one with whom you always compete and for whose sake you constantly strive—when he fights, your sin will be consumed by the wheel of the earth.
Then, when the earth is swallowed, your unconscious head will be struck down by the enemy who advances. Go, you lowest of men.
Just as you, in your delusion and carelessness, have killed this cow of mine, in the same way, another careless person will cause your head to fall.
Then he once again tried to please that excellent Brāhmaṇa with cows, wealth, and jewels, and he again addressed him.
No one at all should act falsely upon my words. Go, stand, or do whatever you must—just do your duty.
Thus, when addressed by the Brāhmaṇa, Karṇa, dejected and with his face lowered, approached Rāma in fear, his mind dwelling only on that.
