Shloka 85
अथान्यद् धनुरादाय दृढं भारसहं महत् | विचकर्ष बलात् कर्ण इन्द्रायुधमिवोच्छितम्,तब कर्णने भार सहन करनेमें समर्थ दूसरा विशाल, सुदृढ़ एवं इन्द्रधनुषके समान ऊँचा धनुष हाथमें लेकर उसे बलपूर्वक खींचा
athānyad dhanur ādāya dṛḍhaṃ bhārasahaṃ mahat | vicakarṣa balāt karṇa indrāyudham ivocchritam ||
Sañjaya said: Then Karṇa took up another great bow—firm and capable of bearing heavy strain—and, raising it high like Indra’s weapon, he drew it back with sheer force. The scene underscores the warrior’s resolve and the escalating intensity of battle, where prowess and determination are displayed as instruments of one’s chosen allegiance.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethic of steadfast resolve in one’s chosen role (kṣatriya action in war): strength and composure are marshaled to meet a grave situation. It also hints at the moral tension of the epic—power and skill are ethically neutral tools, whose value depends on the cause and conduct they serve.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa switching to another massive, sturdy bow and drawing it with force, lifting it high and comparing its raised, formidable appearance to Indra’s weapon—signaling Karṇa’s readiness to intensify combat.