Shloka 8
Arjuna’s Approach, Drona’s Recognition, and the Turning of the Cattle (अर्जुनागमनम्, द्रोणवाक्यम्, गोगमनिवृत्तिः)
एष चैव महेष्वासस्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्ुत: । अहं चापि नरश्रेष्ठादर्जुनान्नावर: क्वचित्,यह तीनों लोकोंमें महान् धनुर्थरके रूपमें विख्यात है और मैं भी नरश्रेष्ठ अर्जुनसे किसी बातमें कम नहीं हूँ
eṣa caiva maheṣvāsaḥ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ | ahaṃ cāpi naraśreṣṭhād arjunān nāvaraḥ kvacit ||
Karna said: “This warrior is indeed a great archer, renowned throughout the three worlds. And I too am in no way inferior to Arjuna, the best of men.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how self-assertion and the pursuit of fame can shape moral choices: Karna measures worth through reputation and martial comparison, revealing the pride and rivalry that intensify adharma-prone conflict.
Karna speaks in a competitive tone, praising a certain renowned archer and then declaring that he himself is never inferior to Arjuna, reinforcing the ongoing tension and rivalry between the two great warriors.