Shloka 42
पुनर्द्रष्टासि कर्णस्य निष्ठामेतां तथा55त्मन: । स्वधर्ममर्थ काम॑ च त्रितयं योडभिवाउछति
punar draṣṭāsi karṇasya niṣṭhām etāṁ tathātmanaḥ | svadharmam artha-kāmaṁ ca tritayaṁ yo ’bhyavāñchati ||
Sañjaya said: You will again behold this steadfast resolve of Karṇa—and of his own self as well—of one who seeks the threefold aim: dharma (duty), artha (worldly gain), and kāma (desire).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames Karṇa’s steadfastness as driven by the triad of aims—svadharma (duty), artha (worldly advantage), and kāma (personal desire). It highlights how ethical action in the epic is often portrayed as a complex blend of duty, ambition, and longing rather than a single motive.
Sañjaya addresses Dhṛtarāṣṭra, indicating that he will again witness Karṇa’s firm determination. The line prepares the listener for Karṇa’s forthcoming actions in the battle narrative, emphasizing the motivations and unwavering commitment behind them.