Shloka 34
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
कर्णो5प्याविष्ट चित्तात्मा नरकस्यान्तरात्मना
karṇo 'py āviṣṭa-cittātmā narakasyāntarātmanā
قال فَيْشَمْبَايَنَا: حتى كَرْنَةُ نفسه، وقد استولى على عقله ولبِّه دافعٌ جحيميٌّ من داخله فأغرقهما، صار كأنما مُسَّ من باطنه؛ إذ كانت تسوقه عزيمةٌ مظلمةٌ مدمِّرة لا بصيرةٌ صافية. ويُبرز هذا الشطر كيف يمكن لفساد الداخل أن يطغى على الحكم ويُميل الإنسان إلى اختياراتٍ مؤذية.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical failure often begins internally: when the mind is overtaken by a 'hellish' inner drive—anger, envy, resentment, or delusion—one’s discernment collapses and harmful action becomes easier. It warns that guarding the inner life is essential to sustaining dharma.
Vaiśampāyana describes Karṇa’s psychological state: he is portrayed as mentally overwhelmed, as if possessed from within by a hellish force. The narration frames Karṇa’s ensuing stance or actions as arising from inner turmoil and moral darkness rather than calm, righteous judgment.