Shloka 53
रथचक्रं च कर्णस्य बभञठ्ज स महाबल: । भग्नचक्रे रथेडतिष्ठदकम्प: शैलराडिव,इतना ही नहीं, महाबली भीमने कर्णके रथका एक पहिया भी तोड़ डाला तो भी कर्ण टूटे पहियेवाले उस रथपर गिरिराजके समान अविचलभावसे खड़ा रहा
rathacakraṃ ca karṇasya babhañja sa mahābalaḥ | bhagnacakre rathe tiṣṭhad akampaḥ śailarāḍ iva ||
Sañjaya berkata—Bhīma yang perkasa menghancurkan salah satu roda kereta Karṇa. Namun meski roda keretanya patah, Karṇa tetap berdiri teguh di atas kereta itu—tak terguncang, laksana raja gunung.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the midst of violence and uncertainty, the verse foregrounds inner steadiness (akampa) as a defining mark of heroic discipline: even when circumstances collapse (a broken wheel), one’s resolve and composure can remain firm.
During the battle, Bhīma strikes Karṇa’s chariot and breaks a wheel. Despite this sudden disadvantage, Karṇa does not panic or falter; he remains standing on the chariot, compared to an immovable mountain.