Shloka 33
बन्धुमापद्गतस्येव तमेवोपागमन्मन: । चुक्रुशु: कर्ण कर्णेति तत्र भारत पार्थिवा:,उस समय कौरवोंने कर्णका स्मरण किया। जैसे गृहस्थका मन अतिथिकी ओर तथा आपत्तिमें पड़े हुए मनुष्यका मन अपने मित्र या भाई-बन्धुकी ओर जाता है, उसी प्रकार कौरवोंका मन समस्त श्त्रधारियोंमें श्रेष्ठ एवं तेजस्वी वीर कर्णकी ओर गया; क्योंकि वही भीष्मके समान पराक्रमी समझा जाता था। भारत! वहाँ सब राजा “कर्ण! कर्ण!” की पुकार करने लगे
bandhum āpadgatasyeva tamevopāgaman manaḥ | cukruśuḥ karṇa karṇeti tatra bhārata pārthivāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Their minds turned toward him alone—just as the mind of one in distress turns to a kinsman. There, O Bhārata, the kings cried out, “Karṇa! Karṇa!”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In moments of calamity, people instinctively seek the strongest refuge available—often a trusted protector or champion. The verse highlights how fear and urgency concentrate the mind on a single perceived support, revealing the ethical and psychological dependence of rulers on martial power in war.
After a critical turn in the battle, the assembled kings (aligned with the Kauravas) call out repeatedly for Karṇa. Sañjaya reports that their minds move toward him alone, as one in distress turns to a kinsman, indicating their expectation that Karṇa will stabilize the situation.