Shloka 20
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
तस्य शस्त्राणि घोराणि विक्रमश्न महात्मन: । कर्णमश्रित्य संग्रामे मत्तो दुर्योधनो नृप:
tasya śastrāṇi ghorāṇi vikramaś ca mahātmanaḥ | karṇam āśritya saṅgrāme matto duryodhano nṛpaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Reflecting on Karṇa’s dreadful weapons and the astonishing prowess of that great-souled warrior, King Duryodhana, leaning on Karṇa as his main support in the battle, became intoxicated with confidence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse cautions that fixation on power and a single strong ally can intoxicate the mind, breeding overconfidence. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such pride (mada) often accompanies adharma and leads to misjudgment in κρίσις (battle and decision-making).
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana’s mental state: considering Karṇa’s fearsome weapons and extraordinary valor, Duryodhana takes Karṇa as his chief support in the war and becomes elated—almost drunk—with confidence about victory.