Shloka 17
काकोपमोपदेशः
The Crow-and-Swan Exemplum as Counsel to Karṇa
अन्तरं मार्गमाणौ च चेरतुस्तो महारथौ । ततः पूर्णायतोत्सूष्टे: शरैस्तौ तु कृतव्रणी
antaraṃ mārgamāṇau ca ceratusto mahārathau | tataḥ pūrṇāyatotsūṣṭeḥ śaraistau tu kṛtavraṇī
Dijo Sañjaya: Mientras buscaban una abertura, aquellos dos grandes guerreros de carro se movían por el campo. Luego, con el arco tensado por completo y una suelta poderosa, se hirieron mutuamente con flechas, y ambos quedaron marcados por las heridas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined vigilance and resilience: in high-stakes conflict, opponents seek small openings (antara) and act decisively, yet true prowess also includes the capacity to endure injury without collapse—an ethical reminder of steadiness and courage under pressure.
Sañjaya describes two elite chariot-warriors circling and maneuvering to find a tactical gap in each other’s defense. Once an opening is perceived, both release arrows from fully drawn bows, and the exchange leaves both fighters wounded.