Shloka 54
सैनापत्ये तु राधेयमभिषिच्य सुतस्तव । अमन्यत तदा>त्मानं कृतार्थ कालचोदितः,कालसे प्रेरित हुआ आपका पुत्र दुर्योधन राधाकुमार कर्णको सेनापतिके पदपर अभिषिक्त करके अपने-आपको कृतकृत्य मानने लगा
senāpatye tu rādheyam abhiṣicya sutas tava | amanyata tadātmānaṃ kṛtārthaṃ kālacoditaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Having installed Rādheya (Karna) in the office of commander-in-chief, your son (Duryodhana), driven on by Time, then considered himself to have accomplished his purpose.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power of kāla (Time/destiny) in pushing human decisions and the danger of self-satisfaction born from mere strategic success. Ethical resolution is not guaranteed by appointing a capable commander; the deeper trajectory of adharma and its consequences continues, regardless of momentary confidence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana formally installs Karna (Rādheya) as the commander-in-chief. After this appointment, Duryodhana feels his objective has been achieved, a confidence framed as being propelled by kāla.