Shloka 133
Śalya Appointed as Karṇa’s Sārathi; Discourse on Praise, Blame, and Beneficial Counsel (कर्णस्य शल्यसारथ्यं तथा स्तवनिन्दाविचारः)
प्रेषिता द्विजमुख्येन मर्माण्युद्दिश्य सर्वतः । द्विजश्रेष्ठ कृपाचार्यने सब ओरसे आपके मर्मस्थानोंको लक्ष्य करके बाण चलाये थे; परंतु दैवयोगसे ही वे मर्मभेदी बाण आपके मर्मस्थानोंपर नहीं पड़े हैं
preṣitā dvijamukhyena marmāṇy uddiśya sarvataḥ |
Dijo Sañjaya: Disparadas por el más eminente de los “dos veces nacidos”, aquellas flechas fueron dirigidas desde todos los flancos a tus puntos vitales. Sin embargo, por el giro del destino, esos dardos que atraviesan la vida no alcanzaron tus lugares vulnerables, mostrando que en la guerra la destreza humana puede verse frustrada cuando la suerte no consiente.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Mahābhārata’s recurring insight that prowess and correct targeting in war do not guarantee results; outcomes depend on daiva (fate/providence). Ethical reflection follows: one should act with skill and resolve, yet recognize limits of control and avoid arrogance over success.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Kṛpācārya, a Brahmin warrior, shot arrows from all sides aiming at the opponent’s vital points, but those marman-piercing shots failed to land on the vulnerable spots due to daiva.