Shloka 26
Sabhā Parva, Adhyāya 68 — Pāṇḍavānāṃ Vanavāsa-prasthānaḥ; Duḥśāsana-nindā; Pāṇḍava-pratijñāḥ
तस्मिन्नुपरते शब्दे राधेय: क्रोधमूर्च्छित: । प्रगृह्म रुचिरं बाहुमिदं वचनमत्रवीत्
tasminn uparate śabde rādheyaḥ krodha-mūrcchitaḥ | pragṛhya ruciraṃ bāhum idaṃ vacanam abravīt ||
When that outcry had subsided, Rādheya (Karna)—overwhelmed and blinded by anger—raised his handsome arm and spoke these words.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger can seize a person and shape public speech and action. In an assembly setting, words spoken under wrath often become catalysts for ethical decline and escalating conflict, reminding readers that self-mastery is crucial for dharmic conduct.
After a period of loud commotion or outcry ends, Karṇa (Rādheya) is described as overcome by anger. He raises his arm—an emphatic gesture signaling resolve or challenge—and begins to speak, setting up the next development in the assembly’s confrontation.