Shloka 45
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
तोयपूर्णविषाणैश्नव द्विपखड्गमहर्षभै: । मणिमुक्तायुतै श्चान्यै: पुण्यगन्धैस्तथौषधै:,अभिषेकके लिये सोने तथा मिट्टीके घड़ोंमें अभिमन्त्रित जल रखे गये थे। हाथीके दाँत तथा गैंडे और बैलके सींगोंके बने हुए पात्रोंमें भी पृथक्ू-पृथक् जल रखा गया था। उन पात्रोंमें मणि और मोती भी थे। अन्यान्य पवित्र गन्धशाली पदार्थ और औषध भी डाले गये थे। कर्ण गूलरकाठकी बनी हुई चौकीपर, जिसके ऊपर रेशमी कपड़ा बिछा हुआ था, सुखपूर्वक बैठा था। उस अवस्थामें शास्त्रीय विधिके अनुसार पूर्वोक्त सुसंचित सामग्रियोंद्वारा ब्राह्मणों, क्षत्रियों, वैश्यों तथा सम्मानित शूद्रोंने उसका अभिषेक किया और अभिषेक हो जानेपर श्रेष्ठ आसनपर बैठे हुए महामना कर्णकी उन सब लोगोंने स्तुति की
sañjaya uvāca | toyapūrṇaviṣāṇaiś ca nava-dvipakhaḍga-maharṣabhaiḥ | maṇimuktāyutaiś cānyaiḥ puṇyagandhais tathauṣadhaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: For the consecration, vessels were filled with sanctified water—some made of ivory and of the horns of rhinoceros and mighty bulls. Into these were also placed many gems and pearls, along with other auspicious, fragrant substances and medicinal herbs. Thus, in accordance with prescribed ritual, the assembled people performed Karṇa’s anointing, honoring him with praise after the rite—an act that outwardly affirms kingship and social order even as the war’s moral tensions continue to deepen.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how royal legitimacy is ritually constructed through prescribed consecration: purity (sanctified water), auspicious materials (fragrance, herbs, gems), and public honor. Ethically, it underscores the tension between outward dharmic form (proper rites and social recognition) and the inner moral crisis of a kingship asserted amid a destructive war.
Sañjaya describes preparations for Karṇa’s abhiṣeka: sanctified water is kept in special vessels made from ivory and horns, mixed with gems, pearls, fragrant substances, and herbs. This ritual setting frames Karṇa being formally honored and acclaimed, marking a public elevation of status within the Kaurava camp during the war.