Shloka 19
उत्कृत्य कवचं यस्मात् कुण्डले विमले च ते । प्रादाच्छक्राय कर्णो वै तेन वैकर्तन: स्मृत:,कर्णने कवच तथा उन निर्मल कुण्डलोंको स्वयं ही अपने शरीरसे कुतरकर इन्द्रको दे दिया था; इसीलिये उसका नाम वैकर्तन हुआ
utkṛtya kavacaṁ yasmāt kuṇḍale vimale ca te | prādāc chakrāya karṇo vai tena vaikartanaḥ smṛtaḥ ||
Karena Karṇa memotong dari tubuhnya sendiri zirah alami dan dua anting yang bening itu lalu memberikannya kepada Śakra, ia dikenang dengan gelar Vaikartana—“dia yang memotongnya.”
श्रीवायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how a single ethical act—extraordinary giving even at personal cost—can define one’s lasting identity (here, Karṇa as ‘Vaikartana’). It also invites reflection on dharma in complex situations: generosity is praised, yet the narrative context warns that virtue can be exploited and may carry grave consequences.
Vāyudeva explains why Karṇa is called Vaikartana: Karṇa cut off his innate armor and his pure earrings from his own body and donated them to Śakra (Indra), who had approached him seeking them. This act removes Karṇa’s natural protection and becomes a pivotal turning point in his fate.