Shloka 45
Śalya’s Objection to Sārathya and Duryodhana’s Conciliation (शल्यमन्यु-प्रशमनम् / Sārathyāṅgīkāra)
प्राद्रवत् सहसा राजन् नकुलो व्याकुलेन्द्रिय: । अत्यन्त बलवान तथा अस्त्रविद्याके विद्वान् कर्णके द्वारा समरांगणमें आहत हो सहसा नकुल भाग चले। उस समय उनकी सारी इन्द्रियाँ व्याकुल हो रही थीं ।।
prādravat sahasā rājan nakulo vyākulendriyaḥ | atyanta-balavān tathā astravidyāyāṃ vidvān karṇena samara-aṅgaṇe āhataḥ sahasā nakulaḥ bhāga-cale | tasmin kāle tasya sarvendriyāṇi vyākulāni babhūvuḥ || tam abhidrutya rādhēyaḥ prahasan vai punaḥ punaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, Nakula suddenly fled, his senses thrown into confusion. Though exceedingly strong and skilled in the science of weapons, when he was struck by Karṇa on the battlefield, Nakula at once turned and ran. At that moment all his faculties were in turmoil. Seeing him rush away, Rādheya (Karṇa) ran after him, laughing again and again.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how even a strong and well-trained warrior can be overwhelmed by the shock of battle; ethical reflection arises around kṣatriya-dharma (steadfastness under threat) and the moral danger of pride and ridicule, shown by the pursuer’s repeated laughter.
During the fighting, Nakula is struck by Karṇa and suddenly retreats in confusion; Karṇa (Rādheya) then rushes after him, laughing repeatedly as he pursues.