This conversation takes place just before the Kurukshetra war, on the banks of the Ganges. Kunti secretly meets her abandoned firstborn son, Karna, and reveals that he is not a charioteer’s son but a prince born to her by the Sun God. Context: Kunti approaches Karna, who is standing on the riverbank performing his morning prayers to the Sun.
Go now, Mother. Tell your sons nothing. Fight me. I will kill Arjuna or Arjuna will kill me. That is my gift to you: your five sons will live. I will aim only for the one who is not your son by Kunti's womb—no, wait. Arjuna is my brother too. So I will fight him as a Kshatriya fights a Kshatriya. Let fate decide." karna kunti sambad english translation
(His voice filled with pain and anger) "Mother, you speak of 'rights' now? Where were these rights when I was thrown into the river? Where was your motherhood when I was raised by a charioteer? Now you want me to abandon Duryodhana—the only man who accepted me, who gave me a kingdom, who called me a friend when the world called me lowborn? This conversation takes place just before the Kurukshetra
If I join the Pandavas now, the world will say: 'Karna is a traitor who changes sides for his mother's tears.' I cannot betray Duryodhana's salt. But... I will give you this promise: I will not kill any of your other sons. I will only fight Arjuna. Either he or I will die. You will still have five sons left, Mother. You will not be childless." Go now, Mother
Now go. If the Kauravas see you here, they will call you a spy. And I... I have prayers to finish. May you live long, Mother. You will never see me alive again after this war."
(Weeping) "My child, I am not asking for your love. I am asking for your brothers—the Pandavas. They are your brothers. Arjuna is your brother. Do not kill them in this war. Join them, Karna. Let the truth be known. The throne of Hastinapura is yours by right as the eldest."