युधिष्ठिरस्य धनंजय-प्रति गर्हा
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Reproach to Dhanaṃjaya
स राजगृद्धिभी रुद्ध: पाण्डुपाज्चालकेकयै: । नाशकत् तानकिक्रान्तुं मृत्युर्रह्म विदो यथा
sa rājagṛddhibhī ruddhaḥ pāṇḍupāñcālakekayaiḥ | nāśakat tān atikrāntuṁ mṛtyur brahmavido yathā ||
राजा की रक्षा चाहने वाले पाण्डवों, पांचालों और केकयों ने कर्ण को चारों ओर से घेरकर रोक लिया। जैसे मृत्यु ब्रह्मवेत्ताओं को लाँघ नहीं सकती, वैसे ही महावीर कर्ण भी उस रक्षाचक्र को भेदकर आगे न बढ़ सका।
संजय उवाच
The verse uses a spiritual analogy to frame a battlefield reality: just as Death is powerless to ‘overstep’ a Brahman-knower, so even a formidable warrior can be checked when confronted by a disciplined, dharma-driven protective formation. It highlights the ethical force of collective duty and steadfastness.
Karna attempts to press forward, but the Pāṇḍavas with their allies—the Pāñcālas and Kekayas—form a restraining cordon and stop his advance. Sañjaya reports that Karna cannot break through their defense.