Shloka 32
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
कर्ण संशप्तकांश्षैव पार्थस्यामित्रघातिन:
karṇa saṁśaptakāṁś caiva pārthasyāmitraghātinaḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: Karṇa, along with the Saṁśaptakas, set themselves against Pārtha—Arjuna, the slayer of foes—seeking to confront and restrain him in battle.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of binding vows and confronting a worthy opponent: warriors like the Saṁśaptakas accept extreme commitments, showing how resolve and loyalty can drive action—yet also how such vows intensify violence and rivalry.
Vaiśampāyana reports that Karṇa, together with the vowed Saṁśaptaka warriors, positions himself against Arjuna (Pārtha), renowned as a destroyer of enemies—indicating an organized attempt to challenge or contain Arjuna in combat.