Shloka 24
Draupadī’s Identification of the Pāṇḍavas and the Onset of the Chariot Engagement (द्रौपदी-पाण्डव-परिचयः)
तच्छुत्वा तु वचो राजन् कर्णस्य भरतर्षभ । प्रीत्या परमया युक्त: कर्णमाह नराधिप:,भरतश्रेष्ठ राजन! कर्णकी यह बात सुनकर राजा दुर्योधनने बड़ी प्रसन्नताके साथ उससे कहा--
tac chrutvā tu vaco rājan karṇasya bharatarṣabha | prītyā paramayā yuktaḥ karṇam āha narādhipaḥ ||
Wahai raja, wahai yang terbaik di antara keturunan Bharata—mendengar kata-kata Karna, Raja Duryodhana, dipenuhi sukacita dan kasih yang tertinggi, lalu menjawab Karna demikian.
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how powerful bonds of friendship and gratitude can shape royal decision-making. Duryodhana’s intense pleasure at Karṇa’s words underscores the ethical weight of loyalty—often a virtue, yet potentially perilous when it binds one to unrighteous aims.
After Karṇa speaks, Duryodhana hears him and, delighted, responds directly to Karṇa. The line functions as a narrative bridge, signaling Duryodhana’s approval and setting up his ensuing reply.