Shloka 19
कर्णपाण्डवनिर्मुक्तिनिर्मुक्तिरिव पन्नगै: प्रासतोमरसंघातै: खड्गैश्न सपरश्वधै:
karṇapāṇḍavanirmuktinir-muktir iva pannagaiḥ prāsatomarasaṅghātaiḥ khaḍgaiś ca sa-paraśvadhaiḥ
संजय बोले—कर्ण और पाण्डवों के छोड़े हुए अस्त्रों से वह बार-बार छूट जाता था, मानो सर्प केंचुल छोड़कर निकल जाए; भालों और तोमर-समूहों के बीच, तथा तलवारों और फरसों के प्रहारों के बीच।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of war: survival and resolve depend on alertness and skill amid overwhelming danger. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya world where steadfastness under threat is praised, even as the imagery implicitly reminds the listener of war’s relentless violence.
Sañjaya describes a warrior (implied by context) repeatedly slipping free from the attacks of Karṇa and the Pāṇḍavas, compared to a snake escaping capture, while being assailed by dense volleys of spears and javelins and by sword and axe blows.