Shloka 4
Arjuna’s Approach, Drona’s Recognition, and the Turning of the Cattle (अर्जुनागमनम्, द्रोणवाक्यम्, गोगमनिवृत्तिः)
रुक्मपुड्खा सुतीक्षणाग्रा मुक्ता हस्तवता मया | छादयन्तु शरा: पार्थ शलभा इव पादपम्,सुनहरी पाँख और तीखी नोकवाले बाण मेरे हाथोंसे छूटकर अर्जुनको ठीक उसी तरह, ढक लेंगे; जैसे टिड्डियाँ पेड़को आच्छादित कर देती हैं
rukmapuṅkhā sutīkṣṇāgrā muktā hastavatā mayā | chādayantu śarāḥ pārtha śalabhā iva pādapam ||
Karna said: “Golden-fletched and razor-pointed arrows, released by my own hand, will cover you, O Partha, just as swarming locusts blanket a tree.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior code’s emphasis on valor and confidence, while also warning how pride and escalation can drive conflict—martial excellence is asserted, but ethical restraint is not foregrounded in this moment of rivalry.
Karna addresses Arjuna directly, declaring that he will unleash a dense volley of sharp, golden-fletched arrows that will overwhelm Arjuna, using the simile of locusts covering a tree to convey sheer quantity and pressure in battle.