Chapter 137: Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) Slays Somadatta; Yudhiṣṭhira Redirected from Droṇa
कर्णस्त्वेको महाबाहु: स्वबाहुबलदर्पित:
karṇas tv eko mahābāhuḥ svabāhubaladarpitaḥ
Karna seorang diri—sang pahlawan berlengan perkasa—mabuk oleh kesombongan atas kekuatan lengannya sendiri.
धृतराष्ट उवाच
The verse highlights how reliance on sheer personal power can turn into darpa (pride), a moral fault that distorts judgment. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, valor is admirable, but pride that ignores counsel, limits, and dharma becomes a cause of downfall.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra comments on Karna’s stance in the ongoing war context, emphasizing that Karna stands as a singular, formidable fighter who is confident—perhaps excessively so—in his own martial strength.