Shloka 25
कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ५९
Arjuna Breaks the Encirclement; Bhīma Reinforces
न केतुर्दश्यते राज्ञ: कर्णेन निहत:ः शरै: । पश्यतोर्यमयो: पार्थ सात्यकेश्न शिखण्डिन:
na ketur dṛśyate rājñaḥ karṇena nihataḥ śaraiḥ | paśyator yamayoḥ pārtha sātyakeś ca śikhaṇḍinaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “O Pārtha, the king’s banner is no longer to be seen; Karṇa has struck it down with his arrows. He accomplished this in full view of the twin sons of Mādrī, of Sātyaki, and of Śikhaṇḍin.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the symbolic and psychological dimension of warfare: the fall of a banner (ketu) signifies a blow to morale and public prestige. It also underscores accountability in action—deeds in battle are performed before witnesses, becoming part of one’s fame (yaśas) or blame, and thus tied to kṣatriya ideals of courage and reputation.
Sañjaya reports to Arjuna (addressed as Pārtha) that Karṇa has shot down the king’s battle-standard with arrows. This feat occurs openly, with prominent Pāṇḍava-side warriors—Nakula and Sahadeva, Sātyaki, and Śikhaṇḍin—watching, emphasizing Karṇa’s prowess and the public nature of the act.