Shloka 296
अमोघशक्तिव्यंसनप्रश्नः — Why Karṇa’s Śakti Was Not Used on Arjuna
यतस्तामेव जग्राह प्रहसन् पाण्डुनन्दन: । तब कर्णने पाण्डुनन्द्न भीमपर सोनेकी बनी हुई शक्तिका प्रहार किया; परंतु पाण्डुनन्दन भीमने हँसते हुए ही उसे हाथसे पकड़ लिया
yatas tām eva jagrāha prahasan pāṇḍunandanaḥ |
Sañjaya said: As Karṇa hurled a spear of śakti, fashioned of gold, at Bhīma the son of Pāṇḍu, Bhīma—undaunted and even smiling—caught that very weapon with his hand. The moment revealed fearless resolve and mastery amid the chaos of war, where composure and strength become decisive virtues.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadiness and fearlessness in the face of danger: true strength is not only physical power but also unshaken composure, enabling decisive action even when confronted by a deadly assault.
During the battle, Karṇa hurls a golden spear (śakti) at Bhīma. Bhīma, smiling, catches the weapon with his hand, demonstrating extraordinary prowess and confidence as Sañjaya reports the event.