Shloka 123
Adhyāya 35 — Bhīmasena’s Counter-Encirclement and the Karṇa Engagement Escalation
अभ्राजेतां यथा मेघं सूर्याग्नी सहितौ दिवि । जैसे आकाशमें किसी महान् मेघखण्डपर एक साथ बैठे हुए सूर्य और अग्नि प्रकाशित हो रहे हों, उसी प्रकार सूर्य और अग्निके समान तेजस्वी कर्ण और शल्य उस एक ही रथपर आरूढ़ हो बड़ी शोभा पाने लगे
abhrājetāṁ yathā meghaṁ sūryāgnī sahitau divi |
Sañjaya said: “They shone like the sun and fire together in the sky upon a mass of clouds. In the same way, Karṇa and Śalya—radiant as the sun and fire—mounted on that single chariot, appeared in splendid brilliance.” The image underscores the war’s grim grandeur: dazzling martial power and alliance on one side, yet set within a conflict where outward splendor does not guarantee righteousness or auspicious outcome.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward brilliance—power, charisma, and martial splendor—can be striking, yet it remains ethically neutral. In the Mahābhārata’s war context, such radiance can accompany adharma as easily as dharma, reminding readers to judge actions by righteousness and consequence rather than mere grandeur.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa and his charioteer Śalya seated together on a single chariot. Their combined presence is portrayed through a vivid simile: like the sun and fire shining together against a great cloud-mass in the sky, emphasizing their formidable, awe-inspiring appearance on the battlefield.