Shloka 27
अर्जुनस्य द्रोणिप्रतिघातः कर्णोपसर्पणं च
Arjuna Checks Droṇaputra; Karṇa Advances
भानुसेनं च दशभि: साश्वसूतायुधध्वजम् । पश्यतां सुहृदां मध्ये कर्णपुत्रमपातयत्
bhānusenaṃ ca daśabhiḥ sāśvasūtāyudhadhvajam | paśyatāṃ suhṛdāṃ madhye karṇaputram apātayat ||
Sañjaya said: Before the very eyes of his well-wishers, he struck down Bhānusena—Karna’s son—together with his horses, charioteer, weapons, and banner, felling him decisively in the midst of those who watched.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the grim ethical reality of war: once battle is joined, even the bonds of kinship and the presence of loved ones cannot shield a warrior. It points to the totalizing nature of violence, where victory is pursued by disabling the entire war-machine (chariot, horses, driver, arms, standard), not merely the individual.
Sañjaya reports that Bhānusena, Karṇa’s son, is struck down with ten arrows in full view of his supporters. The description emphasizes a comprehensive takedown—him along with his horses, charioteer, weapons, and banner—signaling a decisive defeat on the battlefield.