Shloka 203
अजिशीर्षे प्रातःसंध्यायां संग्रामवर्णनम् / Dawn-Transition Battle at Ajiśīrṣa
Chapter 161
पर्यतिष्ठत तेजस्वी स्वबाहुबलमाश्रित: । रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ, पराक्रमी एवं तेजस्वी वीर कर्ण भी देवताओंसे घिरे हुए इन्द्रके समान प्रधान कौरववीरोंसे घिरकर अपने बाहुबलका भरोसा करके धनुष उठाकर युद्धके लिये खड़ा हो गया
sañjaya uvāca | paryatiṣṭhata tejasvī svabāhubalam āśritaḥ | rathīnāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ parākramī ca tejasvī vīraḥ karṇo 'pi devatābhiḥ parivṛta ivendraḥ pradhāna-kaurava-vīraiḥ parivṛtaḥ svabāhubalaṃ niścitya dhanuḥ samutkṣipya yuddhāya samupasthitaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Trusting in the strength of his own arms, the radiant hero stood firm. Karṇa too—foremost among chariot-warriors, mighty and resplendent—surrounded by the leading Kaurava champions, rose for battle with bow in hand, like Indra encircled by the gods.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior ethic of steadfastness and self-reliance (svabāhubala), while also showing how collective support (being surrounded by allies) amplifies confidence and momentum in war—an ethically charged resolve that advances the tragic course of the conflict.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa taking his position for combat: he stands firm, lifts his bow, and appears like Indra among the gods, as the leading Kaurava heroes surround him in readiness for battle.