Unmarried Kunti was frightened of the social stigma of being an unwed mother.
She said, "I am unmarried. Please forgive me and go back." The Sun-god replied, "I am bound by this mantra. I cannot go back without giving you a son."
Having said this, the Sun-god blessed Kunti with a son who was born with a kavacha and kundalas. He was brilliant and handsome, just like the Sun-god. This son was none other than Karna. The Sun-god then disappeared.
Kunti, shocked and confused, wondered What would she do with the baby? With a heavy heart, Kunti gently put the baby in a wooden box and closed the lid. Kunti's heart began to beat fast. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.
She, however, gathered courage and went to the bank of a river.
