Mahabharata 7.32.51 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 32, Shloka 51
Cakravyūha-saṃkalpaḥ, Saṃśaptaka-āhvānaṃ, Saubhadra-vikrīḍitam
Drona Parva, Adhyāya 32
कुरव: कर्ण कर्णेति हाहेति च विचुक्रुशु: । कौरव-सैनिकोंके रथ टूट-फ़ूटकर बिखर गये। उनकी विचित्र अवस्था हो गयी। वे प्रायः: युद्धसे विमुख हो गये और “हा कर्ण, हा कर्ण” कहकर पुकारने लगे ।।
kuravāḥ karṇa karṇeti hāheti ca vicukruśuḥ | tam ādhirathir ākrandaṃ vijñāya śaraṇaiṣiṇām |
Sañjaya dijo: Los kurus clamaban una y otra vez: «¡Karṇa! ¡Karṇa!», y también gemían: «¡Ay de mí! ¡Ay de mí!». Sus carros quedaron destrozados y esparcidos, y su estado se volvió extraño y desordenado. En su mayor parte se apartaron del combate, llamando a Karṇa con desesperación. Al oír aquel lamento de hombres que buscaban amparo, el hijo de Adhiratha (Karṇa) comprendió su apuro.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and psychological reality of war: when order collapses, warriors seek refuge in a perceived protector. It underscores how leadership and reputation become moral and strategic anchors for frightened troops, and how fear can turn fighters away from their duty (kṣātra-dharma) when confidence breaks.
On the battlefield, the Kaurava forces are thrown into disarray—chariots are broken, formations scatter, and many withdraw from fighting. In panic they cry out repeatedly for Karṇa. Karṇa, hearing the desperate lament of those seeking protection, realizes their distress and the need for his intervention.
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