Shloka 25
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 54 — Missile-Exchange and Tactical Redirection
Arjuna, Aśvatthāman, Karṇa
स चापि तानर्जुनबाहुमुक्ता- ज्छराज्छरौचै: प्रतिहत्य वीर: । तस्थौ महात्मा सधनु: सबाण: सविस्फुलिज्रोडग्निरिवाशु कर्ण:,तब महामना वीर कर्ण भी बाणसमूहोंद्वारा अर्जुनकी भुजाओंसे छोड़े गये सम्पूर्ण बाणोंको शीघ्र ही काटकर अपने धनुष और बाणोंके साथ चिनगारियोंसे युक्त अग्निकी भाँति सुशोभित होने लगा
sa cāpi tān arjunabāhumuktāc charāc charauccaiḥ pratihatya vīraḥ | tasthau mahātmā sadhanuḥ sabāṇaḥ savisphulijroḍagnir ivāśu karṇaḥ ||
And that hero Karṇa, swiftly striking down those arrows released from Arjuna’s arms—arrow after arrow—stood firm, great-souled, bow in hand and quiver supplied, blazing like a fire that throws off sparks.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya discipline: true prowess is shown not only by attacking but by controlled defense, composure, and steadiness under pressure. Karṇa’s ‘fire with sparks’ imagery conveys focused energy governed by skill rather than panic.
In the heat of combat, Arjuna releases volleys of arrows. Karṇa rapidly counters them—cutting or repelling each incoming shaft—and then stands poised with bow and arrows, appearing radiant and formidable like a spark-filled blaze.