Shloka 5
पश्यामि द्रवतीं सेनां पठ्चालानां जनार्दन । पश्यामि कर्ण समरे विचरन्तमभीतवत्,“जनार्दन! मैं समरभूमिमें निर्भय-से विचरते हुए कर्णको और भागती हुई पांचालोंकी सेनाको भी देख रहा हूँ
sañjaya uvāca | paśyāmi dravatīṃ senāṃ pāñcālānāṃ janārdana | paśyāmi karṇaṃ samare vicarantam abhītavat ||
Sañjaya said: “O Janārdana, I see the army of the Pāñcālas fleeing. I also see Karṇa moving about on the battlefield without fear.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the stark contrast between panic and steadfast courage in war: armies may break and flee, yet an individual warrior can remain composed and fearless. It implicitly points to the kṣatriya ideal of firmness under danger, while also reminding the listener of war’s instability and moral gravity.
Sañjaya, narrating events to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, reports that the Pāñcāla forces are in flight, while Karṇa is confidently ranging across the battlefield, unafraid, suggesting a moment of advantage and momentum for Karṇa’s side.