Shloka 31
कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ५९
Arjuna Breaks the Encirclement; Bhīma Reinforces
“कुन्तीकुमार! रणभूमिमें शत्रुसूदन कर्णके द्वारा खदेड़ा हुआ यह रथियोंका समूह सब ओर पलायन कर रहा है ।।
sañjaya uvāca | kuntīkumāra! raṇabhūmau śatrusūdana karṇena khāditaḥ (khādita iva) ayaṃ rathināṃ samūhaḥ sarvataḥ palāyate || hastikakṣyāṃ raṇe paśya carantīṃ tatra tatra ha | rathasthaṃ sūtaputrasya ketuṃ ketumatāṃ vara ||
Sañjaya said: “O son of Kuntī! On the battlefield this host of chariot-warriors, driven back by Karṇa—the slayer of foes—now flees in every direction. Look there in the fight: that banner marked with the emblem of an elephant’s girth-rope is moving here and there. O best among standard-bearers, behold the lofty standard upon the chariot of the sūta’s son (Karṇa).”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how visible symbols of prowess—like a warrior’s banner—affect morale and perception in war. Ethically, it underscores the kṣatriya world where reputation, signs, and demonstrated strength can turn the tide, causing fear or confidence across armies.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa has driven a group of chariot-fighters into flight. He draws attention to Karṇa’s chariot-standard, marked with an elephant-girth-rope emblem, seen moving across the battlefield as Karṇa advances.