Shloka 66
शरधारा विमुञ्चन्तं धारासारमिवाम्बुदम् । वह ध्वज इन्द्रधनुषके समान प्रकाशित होता हुआ आकाशमें रेखा-सा खींच रहा है। देखो, दुर्योधनका प्रिय चाहनेवाला कर्ण इधर ही आ रहा है। वह जलकी धारा गिरानेवाले बादलके समान बाणधाराकी वर्षा कर रहा है
śaradhārā vimuñcantaṃ dhārāsāram ivāmbudam |
Sañjaya said: “He is releasing a torrent of arrows, like a rain-cloud pouring down dense streams. His banner, shining like a rainbow, seems to draw a line across the sky. Look—Karna, intent on what pleases Duryodhana, is coming this way, showering arrow-showers like a cloud that lets fall sheets of water.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension between personal loyalty and righteous conduct: Karna’s formidable prowess is framed alongside his determination to act for Duryodhana’s pleasure, reminding readers that great power in war is morally colored by the intention and allegiance guiding it.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karna is advancing on the battlefield. Karna is depicted as unleashing continuous volleys of arrows like a rain-cloud’s downpour, while his banner gleams like a rainbow, streaking the sky—an omen-like, awe-inspiring image of his approach.