Shloka 173
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
ययीौ वैकर्तन: कर्ण: प्रमुखे सर्वधन्विनाम् । समस्त योद्धाओंमें श्रेष्ठ विकर्तनपुत्र कर्ण सारी सेनाओंमें नूतन शक्ति और उत्साहका संचार करता हुआ सम्पूर्ण धनुर्धरोंके आगे-आगे चला
yayau vaikartanaḥ karṇaḥ pramukhe sarva-dhanvinām |
Sañjaya said: Vaikartana Karṇa advanced at the very front of all the bowmen, moving ahead as the foremost archer—his presence invigorating the host with renewed strength and ardor.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of leadership in war: a foremost warrior’s courage and forward movement can galvanize an entire force. It implicitly points to how personal prowess and resolve influence collective morale—an important theme in the Mahābhārata’s portrayal of kṣatriya duty and the consequences of martial ambition.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa, called Vaikartana, moves at the head of the bowmen. The scene emphasizes Karṇa’s prominence among archers and his role in energizing the army as the battle formations advance.