That Pandu's queen and the mother. of the Pandava princes should be there, waiting patiently for him to finish his prayers, filled him with great confusion and amazement.

"The son of Radha and the chariot-driver Adhiratha bows to you. I am at your service. What can I do for you, O queen?" asked Karna, according to the established forms of respectful address.

"Karna," said Kuntidevi, "you are not Radha's son, nor is the charioteer your father. Do not think that you are a man of the chariot-driver's caste. You are Surya's son born out of the womb of Pritha of royal blood, otherwise known as Kunti.

May good fortune attend you"! She then narrated the story of his birth. "You who were born in full panoply with armour and golden ear-rings," said Kunti, "not knowing that the Pandavas are your brothers, have joined Duryodhana and have come to hate them.