Shloka 3
Aśvatthāman’s Arrow-Screen and the Confrontation with Yudhiṣṭhira (द्रौणि–युधिष्ठिर-संग्रामः)
अर्जुनस्य महास्त्राणि क्रोध॑ं वीर्य धनु: शरान् । अहं शल्याभिजानामि विक्रमं च महात्मन:,शल्य! मैं महात्मा अर्जुनके महान् अस्त्र, क्रोध, बल, धनुष, बाण और पराक्रमको अच्छी तरह जानता हूँ
arjunasya mahāstrāṇi krodhaṁ vīryaṁ dhanuḥ śarān | ahaṁ śalyābhijānāmi vikramaṁ ca mahātmanaḥ ||
Karna sprach: „O Śalya, ich kenne die großen himmlischen Waffen Arjunas wohl—seinen Zorn, seine Tapferkeit, seinen Bogen, seine Pfeile und die heldische Kraft jenes hochgesinnten Kriegers.“
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights sober recognition of an opponent’s true capacities—arms, skill, and inner force (including anger). Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya ideal of facing conflict with clear-eyed assessment rather than denial or empty boasting.
Karna addresses Śalya, his charioteer, asserting that he fully understands Arjuna’s formidable weaponry and prowess. The statement frames the gravity of the coming confrontation and responds to the tense exchange between Karna and Śalya during the battle.