Shloka 17
काकोपमोपदेशः
The Crow-and-Swan Exemplum as Counsel to Karṇa
अन्तरं मार्गमाणौ च चेरतुस्तो महारथौ । ततः पूर्णायतोत्सूष्टे: शरैस्तौ तु कृतव्रणी
antaraṃ mārgamāṇau ca ceratusto mahārathau | tataḥ pūrṇāyatotsūṣṭeḥ śaraistau tu kṛtavraṇī
Sañjaya said: As the two great chariot-warriors moved about seeking an opening, they ranged across the field. Then, from fully drawn bows and forceful releases, they struck each other with arrows, and both were left bearing wounds.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined vigilance and resilience: in high-stakes conflict, opponents seek small openings (antara) and act decisively, yet true prowess also includes the capacity to endure injury without collapse—an ethical reminder of steadiness and courage under pressure.
Sañjaya describes two elite chariot-warriors circling and maneuvering to find a tactical gap in each other’s defense. Once an opening is perceived, both release arrows from fully drawn bows, and the exchange leaves both fighters wounded.