“Do not blame yourself for Karna’s death,” said Narada, “He himself was responsible for it. I will tell you how.” Karna went to learn the use of the Brahmastra from Drona, who said it was only taught to Brahmanas. Karna disguised himself as a Brahmana and became a disciple of Parashurama. Parashurama taught him the use of divine weapons. Once, during practice, he killed a Brahmana’s cow. The Brahmana cursed him, saying that the wheel of his chariot would sink in mud during the battle and he would be as helpless as the cow. Parashurama discovered the fact that Karna had deceived him: he was a Kshatriya, not a Brahmana. Parashurama cursed Karna that he would not be able to recall the mantras to use the divine weapons when he needed them. Karna gave away his protective armour and ear-rings to Indra.
Narada Talks of Karna
