Shloka 34
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
कर्णो5प्याविष्ट चित्तात्मा नरकस्यान्तरात्मना
karṇo 'py āviṣṭa-cittātmā narakasyāntarātmanā
Vaiśampāyana dit : Même Karṇa, l’esprit et le for intérieur saisis et submergés par une impulsion infernale venue du dedans, devint comme possédé en lui-même ; il était poussé par une résolution sombre et destructrice plutôt que par un discernement limpide. Le vers souligne combien la corruption intérieure peut emporter le jugement et incliner l’homme vers des choix funestes.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical failure often begins internally: when the mind is overtaken by a 'hellish' inner drive—anger, envy, resentment, or delusion—one’s discernment collapses and harmful action becomes easier. It warns that guarding the inner life is essential to sustaining dharma.
Vaiśampāyana describes Karṇa’s psychological state: he is portrayed as mentally overwhelmed, as if possessed from within by a hellish force. The narration frames Karṇa’s ensuing stance or actions as arising from inner turmoil and moral darkness rather than calm, righteous judgment.