Shloka 57
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
कर्णोडपि भीमसेनस्य निवार्येषून् महाबल: । प्राहिणोन्नच नाराचानाशीविषसमान् रणे,महाबली कर्णने भी रणक्षेत्रमें भीमसेनके बाणोंका निवारण करके उनके ऊपर विषैले सर्पोके समान नौ नाराच चलाये
sañjaya uvāca |
karṇo 'pi bhīmasenasya nivāryeṣūn mahābalaḥ |
prāhiṇon nava nārācān āśīviṣa-samān raṇe ||
Sañjaya said: Mighty Karṇa too, having checked Bhīmasena’s arrows, hurled nine nārāca shafts in the battle—deadly like venomous serpents.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield ethic of kṣatriya combat: skillful defense (warding off incoming arrows) followed by a measured yet formidable counterstrike. It also reflects how anger and rivalry can intensify violence, testing self-control amid duty.
During the fighting, Karṇa blocks Bhīmasena’s arrows and then retaliates by shooting nine nārāca missiles, described as serpent-like in their deadly potency.