Shloka 34
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
कर्णो5प्याविष्ट चित्तात्मा नरकस्यान्तरात्मना
karṇo 'py āviṣṭa-cittātmā narakasyāntarātmanā
Vaiśampāyana said: Even Karṇa, his mind and inner self seized and overwhelmed by a hellish impulse from within, became inwardly possessed—driven by a dark, destructive resolve rather than clear discernment. The line underscores how inner corruption can overtake judgment and bend a person toward harmful choices.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical failure often begins internally: when the mind is overtaken by a 'hellish' inner drive—anger, envy, resentment, or delusion—one’s discernment collapses and harmful action becomes easier. It warns that guarding the inner life is essential to sustaining dharma.
Vaiśampāyana describes Karṇa’s psychological state: he is portrayed as mentally overwhelmed, as if possessed from within by a hellish force. The narration frames Karṇa’s ensuing stance or actions as arising from inner turmoil and moral darkness rather than calm, righteous judgment.