Shloka 23
कर्ण-पाण्डव-संमर्दः — Karṇa and Arjuna’s Intensified Engagement
ततः प्रहस्याधिरथिस्तूर्णमस्य शिलाशितै: । व्यधमद् भीमसेनस्य शरजालानि पत्रिभि:,तब अधिरथपुत्र कर्णने हँसकर शिलापर तेज किये हुए पंखयुक्त बाणोंद्वारा भीमसेनके उन बाण-समूहोंको तुरंत ही छिन्न-भिन्न कर दिया
tataḥ prahasyādhirathis tūrṇam asya śilāśitaiḥ | vyadhamad bhīmasenasya śarajālāni patribhiḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Lalu Karṇa, putra Adhirathi, tertawa dan dengan cepat menghancurkan rapatnya rentetan panah Bhīmasena memakai anak panahnya sendiri yang tajam, berbulu, dan diasah di batu.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how composure, mastery, and timely counteraction can neutralize raw force in war; it also reflects the harsh kṣatriya arena where prowess and resolve decide outcomes amid escalating violence.
Sañjaya narrates that Karṇa, smiling/laughing in confidence, quickly counters and breaks apart Bhīma’s incoming arrow-volleys using sharp, stone-whetted, feathered arrows.