Shloka 72
तदेकवीरं तव चाहितं सदा त्वरस्व कर्ण सहसाभिमर्दितुम् | पुरा समर्थ: समुपैति सूतजो भिन्धि त्वमेनं नमुचिं यथा हरि:
tad ekavīraṃ tava cāhitaṃ sadā tvarasva karṇa sahasābhimarditum | purā samarthaḥ samupaiti sūtajo bhindhi tvam enaṃ namuciṃ yathā hariḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Therefore, make haste to crush at once that solitary, matchless warrior—Karṇa—who has ever been your enemy. Before the charioteer’s son regains full strength and advances to attack, strike him down, just as Hari (Indra) once slew Namuci.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the pressure of war, a commander should not grant a dangerous opponent time to gather momentum; timely, decisive action is urged to avert greater harm. The verse frames this as practical counsel within kshatriya-duty, using a mythic precedent (Indra–Namuci) to justify swift preemption.
Sanjaya urges Karna to act immediately against a formidable adversary described as a unique, solitary hero and a constant enemy. He warns Karna to strike before the opponent becomes fully empowered and advances, comparing the desired outcome to Indra’s legendary slaying of the Asura Namuci.