Shloka 34
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 2: Karṇa’s lament, vow, and battle preparation after Bhīṣma’s fall
संजय उवाच समृद्धिमन्तं रथमुत्तमं दृढं सकूबरं हेमपरिष्कृतं शुभम् । पताकिनं वातजवैहयोत्तमै- युक्त समास्थाय ययौ जयाय,संजय कहते हैं--राजन्! ऐसा कहकर कर्ण वायुके समान वेगशाली उत्तम घोड़ोंसे जुते हुए, कूबर और पताकासे युक्त, सुवर्णभूषित, सुन्दर, समृद्धिशाली, सुदृढ़ तथा श्रेष्ठ रथपर आखरूढ़ हो युद्धमें विजय पानेके लिये चल दिया
sañjaya uvāca: samṛddhimantaṁ ratham uttamaṁ dṛḍhaṁ sakūbaraṁ hemapariṣkṛtaṁ śubham | patākinaṁ vātajavair hayottamaiḥ yuktaṁ samāsthāya yayau jayāya ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, having spoken thus, Karṇa mounted a splendid, firm, and excellent chariot—complete with its pole and banner, auspicious and beautifully adorned with gold—yoked to the finest horses swift as the wind, and set out for victory in battle.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the outward signs of readiness and determination in a warrior: disciplined preparation, proper equipment, and focused intent toward a goal (here, victory). Ethically, it also frames how ambition and resolve can propel one into conflict, reminding readers that grandeur and momentum do not by themselves settle the question of dharma.
Sañjaya reports to the king that Karṇa, after speaking, mounts his richly decorated chariot harnessed to swift horses and proceeds toward the battlefield, intent on winning.