Karna-Parashuram

48 x 52 inches, Wash

In the great Hindu epic, Mahabharat, it is said that Karna (the 6th sibling of the Pandavas), wanted to train in warfare, and approached Guru Parashuram who only trained Brahmins. Karna faked his identity to get accepted into Parashuram’s tutelage. In this painting, guru Parashuram is resting on Karna’s lap, while a scorpion bit Karna on his thighs. Trying not to wake his guru from his nap, Karna endured that intense pain. But unfortunately, when Parashuram woke up and saw what happened, he realized that Karna was no Brahmin. Only a Kshatriya, or a person born into a warrior class, would be able to do such a thing. He got mad and cursed him.