Indra, the leader of the gods, gave Karna a powerful missile that could only be used once.
The Divine Gift: A Powerful Missile
Following a period where Indra, the chief of the gods, praised Karna, he bestowed upon him an incredibly potent weapon. This gift was a special missile, imbued with divine power, designed for a single, decisive strike.
Characteristics of Indra's Missile
The missile given by Indra to Karna possessed unique and formidable attributes, making it an invaluable asset in warfare:
- One-Time Use: The most crucial characteristic of this missile was its limitation to a single deployment. Once used, its power would be expended, rendering it inert.
- Universal Lethality: This weapon was designed to be effective against any target, regardless of their nature. It had the power to kill any mortal or even immortal being, making it an unparalleled asset against even the most formidable adversaries.
Karna's Strategic Intent
Karna, understanding the immense power and the critical one-time use limitation of this divine weapon, strategically decided to keep it in reserve. His primary aim for this potent missile was to use it against Arjuna, a renowned warrior and a key opponent. By holding it back, Karna intended to deploy it at the most opportune moment to eliminate his greatest rival on the battlefield.
| Giver | Recipient | Gift | Key Feature | Intended Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indra | Karna | Missile | Usable only once; kills any mortal or immortal | Arjuna |
