[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c8.1940 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1940 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c8.1940 - **Language:** English ### [c8.1940](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1940) Pretending to be a brahmin Karṇa commenced taking instructions in archery from Paraśurāma. When his education was complete Paraśurāma taught him Brahmāstra. One day tired after a long walk in the forests Paraśurāma took rest placing his head on the lap of Karṇa and soon fell asleep. At that time a beetle came and started sucking blood from the thigh of Karṇa. Karṇa remained still, bearing the pain, lest any movement of his body should disturb the sleep of his Guru. Blood was oozing from his thighs and it slowly made the body of the Guru also wet. Paraśurāma woke up and the sight of the bleeding thigh and the calm demeanour of Karṇa raised doubts in him. He questioned Karṇa saying that no brahmin could ever bear such a pain with such calmness and Karṇa had to tell the truth. Then Paraśurāma cursed him for deceit against his Guru saying that he would never be able to remember the Brahmāstra when the time to use it came. - [Previous: c8.1939](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1939) - [Next: c8.1941](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1941) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1940](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c8.1940) · Pramāṇa