Karna - The Benevolent Warrior

Karna is the tragic hero of the Mahabharat epic. He was the eldest Pandava son, but due to unforeseen circumstances, had to fight against his own brothers, ultimately getting killed by one of them. 

Now Karna is known to be very kind and benevolent. He is called Daanveer, meaning one who gives huge donations. 

Karna was born with a celestial golden armor which was a gift given by Lord Surya dev, Karna's father. It was attached to him as his body part. 

It so happened that just before the war began, Lord Indra, Arjuna 's father went in disguise and asked Karna, his Kavach or armor and Kundal, his celestial earrings. Without getting these Karna would never be defeated in war, meaning that Arjuna' s life would be in danger. 

Now Karna was informed beforehand by Lord Surya that Indra would be coming that day in disguise for his Kavach and Kundal and alerted him not to part with them. But Karna said that he could not refuse anyone anything after offering his morning prayers even if someone asks for his life or his kingdom. 

Thus Karna gave away his enchanted armor to Indra fully knowing that it was a dirty trick played by him. He ripped off his armor and bled profusely and cut off his ear rings and gave these to Lord Indra in disguise.

Lord Indra seeing the mega show of charity of Karna, gave him Vasavi Shakti which was in the form of a dart and could only be used once. 

There are many such tales that prove that Karna was a hero, but ended up on the losing side due to ill luck. 

However Karna is always attributed as a great friend, a great warrior, a great donor and a great reformer. He was the first to give appointments based on talent rather than occupation, in his kingdom of Ang.