Vaishampayana said: -
1. There was a chief among the Yadus, named Sura, who was the father of Vasudeva. His daughter was named Pritha, she was matchless in beauty on earth.
2-3. O descendant of the Bharata race, that truthful man (Sura) give his first-born child to the son of his paternal aunt, his childless cousin and favour seeking friend, the high-souled Kuntibhoja, according to a promise given before.
4-5. She (Pritha) was appointed as her (adoptive) father’s house to look after the hospitality to the Brahmanas and guests. One day by careful attentions she gratified the terrible Brahmana of rigid vows, known by the name of Durvasha, learned in the mystery of religion.
6. Anticipating the future difficulty of her getting sons, he (Durvasha) taught her a Mantra for invoking any of the celestials (she liked for growing her children). The Rishi then said to her.
7. “Through the effulgence of those celestial whom you will invoke by this Mantra, offspring will be certainly begotten on you”.
8. Having been thus told by the Brahmana, (Durvasha) the illustrious Kunti (Pritha), being curious, invoked in her maidenhood the god Arka (Sun).
9. She immediately saw (before her) that effulgent deity (Sun), that beholder of everything in the world. Seeing the wonderful sight, that maiden of fruitless feature was very much surprised.
10. The deity Vivaswata (Sun), coming to her said, “O black-eyed lady, here I am. Tell me what I can do for you.”
Kunti said: -
11. O slayer of foes, a certain Brahmana gave me this science (Mantra). O Lord, I have invoked you, only to see the efficacy of the Mantra.
12. For my fault, I bow down my head to you to ask for your grace. A woman, however guilty, deserves protection.”
The Sun said: -
13. I know Durvasha has given you this boon. Cast off your fears and allow me your embrace.
14. O amiable girl, my approach is infallible; it must be fruitful. O timid maiden, if my coming be for nothing, it will be certainly a transgression of yours.”
Vaishampayana said: -
15. Vivaswata thus spoke to her many things to allay her fears. O descendant of the Bharata race, the illustrious and beautiful girl, as she was a maid.
16. Did not consent a grant his request from modesty and from the fear of her relatives. O best of the Bharata race, Arka again addressed her thus.
17. “O princess, there will be no sin in gratifying me.” Having said this to the daughter of Kuntibhoja, that illustrious deity.
18-19. That illuminator of the universe, Tapana (Sun) received her embraces. Thereupon was born a hero, known all over the world by the name of Kama, the foremost of all wielders of arms, encased in a natural armour, blessed with good fortune and endued with celestial beauty and all auspicious marks and with a face brightened by ear-rings.
20. The greatly effulgent Tapana, then giving Pritha her maiden-hood, again went to heaven.
21. The princess of the Vrishni race (Pritha) became affected with sorrow to see the birth of the child. She intently reflected on the course she should adopt.
22. She resolved to conceal her frailty from the fear of her friends and relatives. Kunti threw her that powerful son into water.
23. The illustrious husband of Radha took up that child thrown into the water. That son of Suta, (the husband of Radha), with his wife brought him up as their son.
24. They gave that son the name of Vasusena, because he was born with wealth, (a natural armour and earrings).
25. He grew up very strong and became expert in all weapons. Possessed of great energy, he worshipped the Sun until his back was scorched by its rays.
26. When he was thus engaged in his worship, there was nothing on earth that the heroic and intelligent Vasusena would not give to Brahmanas.
27. Indra, assuming the form of a Brahmana, came to him for alms. Ever engaged to do good to Aryuna, he asked for the armour.
28. Taking off the natural armour from his body, Karna with joined hands gave it to Indra in the form of a Brahmana.
29. The king of the celestials received the gift and he was exceedingly pleased with his liberality. The lord of the celestials gave him a weapon, saying.
30. “Among the celestials, the Asuras, the Gandharvas, the Nagas and the Rakshasas, whoever you will desire to conquer he will certainly be killed by this weapon.
31. The son of Surya was known by the name of Vasusena, but after his cutting off his natural armour, he was called Kama (cutter).
Thus ends the hundred and eleventh chapter, the acquirement of Indra’s weapon, in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.