Shloka 25
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
ऋषभ दुन्दुभिग्रीवं तीक्षणश्द्ढं प्रहारिणम् । वत्स आह्वयसे युद्धे कर्ण पार्थ धनंजयम्,“बेटा कर्ण! दुन्दुभिकी ध्वनिके समान जिसका कंठस्वर गम्भीर है, जिसके सींग तीखे हैं तथा जो प्रहार करनेमें कुशल है, उस साँड़के समान पराक्रमी पृथापुत्र अर्जुनको तुम युद्धके लिये ललकार रहे हो
ṛṣabha-dundubhi-grīvaṃ tīkṣṇa-śṛṅgaṃ prahāriṇam | vatsa āhvayase yuddhe karṇa pārtha-dhanañjayam ||
Sanjaya said: “O son Karna, you are challenging to battle Arjuna—Pārtha, Dhanañjaya—who is like a mighty bull: deep-throated like a kettledrum’s resonance, sharp-horned, and skilled in striking.” In ethical undertone, the verse underscores the peril of provoking a proven warrior whose strength and discipline in combat are already established, warning against prideful overreach amid the ruinous momentum of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a caution: do not underestimate a tested opponent. Ethical restraint and clear-eyed judgment are implied—prideful provocation in war can hasten one’s downfall when directed at a warrior of established prowess.
Sanjaya addresses Karna, remarking that Karna is calling Arjuna to fight. He heightens Arjuna’s stature through a bull-simile—deep-resonant, sharp-horned, and effective in striking—thereby emphasizing the seriousness and danger of the challenge.