Shloka 14
Nārada’s Account of the Kaliṅga Svayaṃvara: Duryodhana’s Seizure and Karṇa’s Escort
तमन्वगाद् रथी खड््गी बद्धगोधाडुलित्रवान् | कर्ण: शस्त्रभृतां श्रेष्ठ: पृष्ठत: पुरुषर्षभ
tam anvagād rathī khaḍgī baddha-godhāṅgulitravān | karṇaḥ śastrabhṛtāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ pṛṣṭhataḥ puruṣarṣabha puruṣottama ||
Nārada said: Then Karṇa—foremost among weapon-bearers—followed behind. Mounted on his chariot, with his sword in hand and his protective arm-guards and finger-guards fastened, he went after Duryodhana. The scene underscores steadfast loyalty and martial readiness, even as it foreshadows the ethical tension of serving a cause that may be adharma.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral complexity of loyalty: Karṇa’s exemplary martial discipline and steadfast following of his ally show commitment and readiness, yet invite reflection on whether devotion to a person should be subordinated to devotion to dharma.
Nārada narrates that Karṇa, fully armed and mounted on his chariot, proceeds behind Duryodhana, indicating that he is accompanying and supporting him in a tense, action-oriented moment.