Shloka 20
अजिशीर्षे प्रातःसंध्यायां संग्रामवर्णनम् / Dawn-Transition Battle at Ajiśīrṣa
Chapter 161
कर्णोडपि रथियनां श्रेष्ठ श्नापमुद्यम्य वीर्यवान् । कौरवाग्रयै: परिवृत: शक्रो देवगणैरिव
karṇo 'pi rathināṁ śreṣṭhaḥ śnāpam udyamya vīryavān | kauravāgryaiḥ parivṛtaḥ śakro devagaṇair iva ||
قال سنجيا: وكَرْنا أيضًا—وهو شديد البأس، وأفضلُ فرسانِ العجلات—رفع سلاحه، وقد أحاط به سادةُ الكورو، كإندرا تحفّ به جموعُ الآلهة.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how martial power is amplified by collective support—leaders appear ‘Indra-like’ when backed by their host—yet it also invites reflection on the ethical ambiguity of glory gained through factional warfare.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa taking up his weapon and standing prominently in battle, surrounded by the chief Kaurava warriors, compared to Indra surrounded by the gods—signaling readiness for a major clash.