Shloka 34
ऋषिसमागमः — युधिष्ठिरस्य शोकवर्णनम्
Sage Assembly and Yudhiṣṭhira’s Articulation of Grief
सार्जुना वा हते कर्णे सकर्णा वा हतेड<र्जुने । इतना कहकर माता कुन्ती थर्थर काँपने लगीं। तब बुद्धिमान् कर्णने हाथ जोड़कर मातासे कहा--*देवि! तुम्हारे चार पुत्र मेरे वशमें आ जायँगे तो भी मैं उनका वध नहीं करूँगा। तुम्हारे पाँच पुत्र निश्चित रूपसे बने रहेंगे। यदि कर्ण मारा गया तो अर्जुनसहित तुम्हारे पाँच पुत्र होंगे और यदि अर्जुन मारे गये तो वे कर्णसहित पाँच होंगे” || ३२-३३ $ ।। त॑ पुत्रगृद्धिनी भूयो माता पुत्रमथाब्रवीत्
sārjunaṃ vā hate karṇe sa-karṇā vā hate 'rjune |
When Kuntī had spoken, she began to tremble. But Karṇa, wise and composed, folded his hands and said to his mother: “O Devi, even if your four sons should fall into my power, I will not slay them. Your line of five sons shall remain unbroken. If Karṇa is killed, you will have five sons with Arjuna among them; and if Arjuna is killed, they will be five with Karṇa among them.” Hearing this, the mother—ever intent on her sons’ welfare—again urged her eldest: “My son, the four brothers whose good you seek—do them good in truth.” Having said so, she left Karṇa and returned home.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even within an unavoidable war, ethical restraint and fidelity to one’s word can preserve dharma: Karna binds himself by a vow to limit harm, prioritizing a mother’s welfare and the protection of brothers despite enmity.
After Kunti’s emotional appeal, Karna reassures her that her ‘five sons’ will remain five—either Arjuna survives if Karna dies, or Karna remains if Arjuna dies—because he will not kill the other four. Kunti then urges him again to do good to the brothers he intends to spare and returns home.