Shloka 83
कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ४०
Karṇa’s Pressure on the Pāñcālas; Duryodhana Disabled; Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
यदा त्वं युधि विक्रान्तो वासुदेवधनंजयौ । द्रष्टास्येकरथे कर्ण तदा नैवं वदिष्यसि,कर्ण! जब तुम युद्धस्थलमें पराक्रमी श्रीकृष्ण और अर्जुनको एक रथपर बैठे देखोगे, तब ऐसी बातें नहीं बोल सकोगे
yadā tvaṃ yudhi vikrānto vāsudeva-dhanañjayau | draṣṭāsy ekarathe karṇa tadā naivaṃ vadiṣyasi ||
When, in the thick of battle, you behold the valiant Vāsudeva and Dhanañjaya seated together on a single chariot, O Karṇa, then you will no longer be able to speak in this manner.
काक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Boastful speech and overconfidence collapse when confronted with reality. The verse highlights that Arjuna’s martial power is inseparable from Kṛṣṇa’s presence and guidance; recognizing that combined force calls for humility and discernment rather than rash words.
A speaker (Kāka) addresses Karṇa, cautioning him that once he actually faces the sight of Kṛṣṇa (Vāsudeva) and Arjuna (Dhanañjaya) together on one chariot in battle, he will be unable to maintain his current tone of talk—implying impending fear, awe, or sobering realization.