Shloka 2736
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
आसीदाधिरथेर्घोरं वपु: शरशताचितम् | राजन्! अधिरथपुत्र कर्णका भयंकर शरीर सैकड़ों बाणोंसे व्याप्त था। वह किरणोंसे प्रकाशित होनेवाले सूर्यके समान जान पड़ता था
sañjaya uvāca | āsīd adhirather ghoraṃ vapuḥ śaraśatācitam |
Sañjaya said: O King, the terrible body of Adhiratha’s son (Karna) was covered all over with hundreds of arrows. Yet even in that grievous state he appeared radiant—like the sun shining forth with its rays—revealing the warrior’s steadfast endurance amid the brutal demands of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya endurance: even when the body is grievously wounded, a warrior’s resolve and radiance (tejas) can remain unbroken. Ethically, it underscores both the ideal of steadfastness in one’s duty and the stark human cost of war.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karna’s body has become densely pierced and covered with many arrows in the fighting. Despite the wounds, Karna still appears formidable and radiant, compared to the sun.