Shloka 8
Adhyāya 16: Saṃśaptaka-vrata and the Diversion of Arjuna (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६)
तस्य कर्णात्मजश्चापं छित्त्वा केतुमपातयत् । त॑ भ्रातरं परीप्सन्तो द्रौपदेया: समभ्ययु:,तब कर्णके पुत्रने शतानीकके धनुषको काटकर उनके ध्वजको भी गिरा दिया। यह देख अपने भाईकी रक्षा करनेके लिये द्रौपदीके दूसरे पुत्र भी वहाँ आ पहुँचे
tasya karṇātmajaś cāpaṁ chittvā ketum apātayat | taṁ bhrātaraṁ parīpsanto draupadeyāḥ samabhyayuḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Karṇa’s son cut down his bow and also struck down his banner. Seeing this, the sons of Draupadī rushed forward, intent on protecting their brother—an immediate surge of kin-duty amid the ruthless momentum of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even within the violence of war, the verse highlights a dharmic impulse: immediate responsibility toward one’s own—here, the Draupadeyas’ protective solidarity toward their brother—showing how kin-duty and loyalty operate under extreme ethical pressure.
Karṇa’s son strikes decisively by cutting down an opponent’s bow and toppling his banner. In response, Draupadī’s sons quickly advance to defend their brother, escalating the encounter into a broader clash.