Karna’s (adopted) father.

Antecedents: Vishnu – Brahma- Atri – Chandra – Budha – Pururavas – Ayus – Nahusha – Yayati -Anudruhyu – Sadanara – Kalanara – Srinjaya – Titiksha – Krishadratha – Homa – Sutapas – Bali – Anga – Dadhivahana – Draviratha – Dharmaratha – Chitraratha – Satyaratha – Romapada – Chaturanga – Pridhulaksha – Chamba – Haryanga – Bhadraratha – Brihadratha – Brihanmanas – Jayadratha – Vijaya – Dhritavrata – Satyakarma – Adhiratha – Karna.

Kunti, while she was still unmarried, wanted to test the mantras given to her by Durvasa and did so on Surya. Surya appeared before her and from his energy was born Karna. Kunti, fearing ignominy, put the child in a casket and threw it into the Ganga river. Adhiratha, a friend of Dhritarashtra, came by that way and saw the casket. His wife Radha had been sad for a while because they were childless. Adhiratha found the baby in the casket and the couple raised him as their own. He was named Vasushena. According to Mahabharata Adiparva Chapters 67, 130 Vanaparva Chapter 309 and Devibhagavata Dwitiyaskanda , this child grew up to be Karna, trusted friend of Duryodhana.

According to Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 309 verses 15,16, Adhiratha was the king of Anga, and a suta (charioteer). Karna grew up as the son of a suta and Adhiratha sent him to Hastinapura to learn the use of weapons. According to Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 147 verse 3, that is where he became friends with Duryodhana.

According to Devibhagavata Dwitiyaskanda, Kunti gave the basket containing the child, to maid and retired to her room. Adhiratha, king of Anga, friend of Dhritarashtra and an excellent charioteer, saw the basket while bathing.

Adhiratha was present when Karna was questioned by the Pandavas on his lineage, during the exhibition of weapon skills. Duryodhana immediately made Karna the king of Anga, and Adhiratha was gladdened.