Shloka 55
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
रश्मिग्राहश्व दाशार्ह: सर्वलोकनमस्कृत: । अन्निदत्तश्न वै दिव्यो रथ: काज्चनभूषण:
Karna uvāca: raśmigrāhaś ca dāśārhaḥ sarvalokanamaskṛtaḥ | agnidattaś ca vai divyo rathaḥ kāñcanabhūṣaṇaḥ ||
The reins are held by Dāśārha (Śrī Kṛṣṇa), revered by all the worlds. And Arjuna’s chariot is a divine one, bestowed by Agni and adorned with gold—an extraordinary vehicle, hard to destroy. His horses are swift as thought, and his radiant banner is celestial too, with a monkey enthroned upon it, to the wonder of all.
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Karna highlights that victory in war is not only a matter of personal strength but also of rightful support and divine alignment: Kṛṣṇa’s guidance and a celestial chariot signify extraordinary protection and strategic mastery.
In the Karna Parva battle context, Karna describes the exceptional advantages on Arjuna’s side—Kṛṣṇa as the reins-holder (charioteer) revered by all, and a divine, Agni-bestowed, gold-adorned chariot—underscoring the formidable nature of his opponent’s resources.