Shloka 32
धृतराष्ट्रस्य क्रतु-प्रवर्तनम् तथा पाण्डवानां निमन्त्रण-प्रतिवचनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Sacrifice Commences and the Pandavas’ Reply to the Invitation
ततो रथादवप्लुत्य सूतपुत्रोडसिचर्म भृत् । विकर्णरथमास्थाय मोक्षायाश्वानचोदयत्
tato rathād avaplutya sūtaputro 'sicarma-bhṛt | vikarṇa-ratham āsthāya mokṣāyāśvān acodayat ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana dit : Alors Karṇa, le fils du cocher, sauta de son propre char, l’épée et le bouclier à la main ; il monta sur le char de Vikarna et, résolu à sauver sa vie, lança les chevaux à toute allure.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between heroic ideals and the instinct to preserve life in war. It suggests that in extreme danger, even renowned fighters may prioritize immediate survival, revealing how dharma in battle is tested by fear, circumstance, and the limits of endurance.
Karṇa, described as the sūta’s son, jumps down from his own chariot carrying sword and shield, climbs onto Vikarna’s chariot, and drives the horses hard in order to escape and save himself.