Different Names Of Karna In Mahabharata

Karna is the spiritual son of Surya and the princess Kunti. But he was raised by foster suta parents named Radha and Adhiratha Nandana who were working as charioteers for King Dhritarashtra. 

Karna grows up to be an accomplished warrior of extraordinary abilities, a gifted speaker, and later on a loyal friend of Duryodhana. He was known by several names and he did justify every one of them. Some people called him with love and others called him with hate, whatever his name is...he is Karna a mighty warrior, a true hero. 

1. VASUSENA

Karna's original name was given to him by his foster parents Adhiratha and his wife Radha. As Karna was born with natural armor (Kavach) and hear rings (Kundal), he was named Vasusena. 

2. RADHEYA

Karna was popularly known as Radheya because he is the son of Radha.

3. ANGARAJ 

Karna was the most skilled archer in Mahabharata. Dronacharaya arranged an archery tournament in Hasthinapuram. Karna went to participate in that tournament against Arjun. But he was not allowed into the tournament because the tournament was only for kings. Duryodhana as he wants to see Arjun's defeat. So he gave the part of his kingdom, Anga to Karna and made him King for Anga. Since then Karna named Angaraj. 

4. KARNA

Karna means the peeler and cutter of one's cover. He named Karna only after he carved out his shield from his chest.

5. VAIKARTANA

He got this name, as he carved his own "Kavach" from his chest along with his Kundal to offer to a Brahmin in disguise. 

6. VRISHA

Karna was also named Vrisha because of his righteous nature. He was always kind even to his enemies. 

7. KAUNTEYA- Son of Kunti.

8. RAHMIRATHI- One who rides the chariot of light.

9. SURYAPUTRA- Son of Surya.

10. VIJAYADHARI- One who wields Vijaya (Karan's bow gifted by Parashurama)

11. ADHIRATHI- Son of Adhiratha.

12. DAANVEER- The hero possesses undying charitable nature. 

13. DAANSHOOR- One who fought like a true warrior.

14. SUTAPUTRA- Son of Suta (low caste)