Shloka 14
कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ५९
Arjuna Breaks the Encirclement; Bhīma Reinforces
कर्णेन च कृतो राजा विमुख: शत्रुतापन: । बलवॉल्लघुहस्तश्व कृती युद्धविशारद:,“कर्णने शत्रुओंको संताप देनेवाले, शीघ्रतापूर्वक हाथ चलानेवाले, बलवान, विद्वान् और युद्धकुशल राजा युधिष्लिरको युद्धसे विमुख कर दिया है
karṇena ca kṛto rājā vimukhaḥ śatrutāpanaḥ | balavāllaghuhastaśva kṛtī yuddhaviśāradaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: By Karṇa’s prowess the king—Yudhiṣṭhira, a scorcher of foes—was turned away from the battle. Though strong, swift in action, capable, and skilled in warfare, he was made to recoil, showing that even a righteous ruler can be shaken when confronted by overwhelming martial force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a dharmic and capable leader can momentarily falter when confronted by extraordinary force; the episode highlights the tension between inner resolve (dharma) and the psychological shock of battlefield realities.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa’s attack and battlefield dominance caused King Yudhiṣṭhira to turn away from the fight—effectively being driven back—despite Yudhiṣṭhira’s own strength and warriorly qualifications.