When King Yudhishthira ruled in Indraprastha, he used to perform many acts of charity. Gradually, his fame spread as a generous benefactor, and the Pandavas started to take pride in it. Once, Krishna arrived in Indraprastha. Bhima and Arjuna began praising Yudhishthira, stating how great a benefactor he was.
At that moment, Krishna intervened and said, “We have not heard of anyone as generous as Karna. The Pandavas didn’t like this statement. Bhima asked, “How is that possible?”
Krishna replied, “I will explain at the right time.”
A few days later, the month of Sawan began, and the rains started pouring. At that time, a Brahmin approached Yudhishthira and said, “O king! I am a Brahmin residing in your kingdom, and my vow is to consume nothing without performing a sacrifice. For many days, I have not had sandalwood for the ritual. If you have it, please show me mercy; otherwise, the ritual will remain incomplete, and I will die of hunger and thirst.”
Yudhishthira immediately summoned a treasury official and ordered him to provide sandalwood from the treasury. By coincidence, there was no dry sandalwood in the treasury. Then, Yudhishthira ordered Bhima and Arjuna to arrange for sandalwood.
Despite much effort and searching, they couldn’t find dry sandalwood. Seeing the disappointment of the Brahmin, Krishna said, “I think I know a place where you can find sandalwood. Come with me.”
The sparkle returned to the Brahmin’s eyes. Lord Krishna signaled to Arjuna and Bhima, and they disguised themselves as Brahmins and accompanied the Brahmin. Krishna took everyone to Karna’s palace, where all were dressed as Brahmins. Therefore, Karna did not recognize them. The Brahmin went to Karna and repeated his request for sandalwood. Karna sent for the chief of his treasury to arrange for dry sandalwood, but even there, they couldn’t find any. Then, Karna ordered Bhima and Arjuna to arrange for sandalwood.
Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find any dry sandalwood. Seeing the Brahmin’s disappointment, Krishna said, “Don’t be disheartened, Brahmin. I have a solution. Karna cut and piled up sandalwood from the windows and doors of his palace and said to the Brahmin, ‘Please take as much sandalwood as you need.’ Karna sent his servant along with the Brahmin to deliver the sandalwood.
Taking the sandalwood, the Brahmin blessed Karna and left. The Pandavas and Sri Krishna also returned. Back at their place, Krishna said, “To give charity in ordinary circumstances is nothing special. Charity is truly noble when one gives away everything in exceptional circumstances. Otherwise, you also had sandalwood in your palace windows and doors.
We should involve ourselves in such actions that God Himself sees us. If we devote ourselves completely to one quality or one task, then there is no reason why God would not be pleased with us. Karna did not perform any extraordinary act, but he did not let his principle break that no one would return disappointed from his door.”