On the 17th day of the Kurukshetra war the great warrior Karna was wounded. The Pandavas were happy and celebrated their victory. But Krishna seemed sad and forlorn and sat alone under a tree.
“why are you sitting alone Krishna,” asked Arjuna.
“The world has lot a great soul, Arjuna,” replied Krishna.
“Krishna, don’t think so highly of Karna,” said Arjuna.
“I have to prove the good nature of Karna to you,” said Krishna.
Disguising themselves as Brahmans, Krishna and Arjuna arrived in the battlefield and met the wounded Karna.
Krishna asked Karna if he would help his poor family. Karna said “If you go to my house, my wife will provide you all the help you want.”
The Brahman said “I asked for your help and you are making me run around here and there.”
Immediately, Karna removed his golden tooth and offered it to Krishna.
Krishna said “It is soaked with your saliva, I cannot touch it.”
After a minute of thinking, Karna took an arrow from his quiver and sent it to the heavens and the rains began. He washed his tooth in the rain water and offered it to Krishna again.
Krishna took his full form at this and Karna was overjoyed. “You have won Karna,” said Krishna and granted him a boon.
“Seeing you in person is a boon in itself, Krishna, what more can I ask,” said Karna.
Arjuna was overwhelmed at the piety of generosity of Karna. Krishna blessed Karna and both of them left.
Vidya, I never knew this story. Thanks for the link to my site.