Shloka 4
अर्जुनस्य द्रोणिप्रतिघातः कर्णोपसर्पणं च
Arjuna Checks Droṇaputra; Karṇa Advances
त॑ तूर्णमभिधावन्तं पज्चाला जितकाशिन: । प्रत्युद्ययुर्महात्मानं हंसा इव महार्णवम्
taṁ tūṛṇam abhidhāvantaṁ pāñcālā jitakāśinaḥ | pratyudyayur mahātmānaṁ haṁsā iva mahārṇavam ||
Sañjaya said: As the high-souled Karṇa rushed forward in swift assault, the Pāñcāla heroes—exultant in their victories—advanced to meet him, just as swans move out toward the vast ocean.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of meeting force with readiness and courage: opponents do not shrink back but advance to face the oncoming threat. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s war-world where valor and resolve are praised even amid tragic conflict.
Karṇa charges forward rapidly, and the Pāñcāla warriors—buoyed by prior successes—move out to confront him. The poet compares their forward movement to swans gliding toward the vast ocean, emphasizing coordinated, confident advance.