Shloka 1
जतुगृहदाहः — The Burning of the Lac House and the Pāṇḍavas’ Concealed Escape
इस प्रकार श्रीमहाभारत आदिपव॑के अन्तर्गत सम्भवपर्वमें अस्त्रदर्शविषयक एक सौ चौंतीसवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ ॥/ १३४ ॥। (दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठके १६ श्लोक मिलाकर कुल ३३३ “लोक हैं) भस्न्ैमा+ () अिमनने पज्चत्रिशर्दाधिकशततमो< ध्याय: कर्णका रंगभूमिमें प्रवेश तथा राज्याभिषेक वैशम्पायन उवाच दत्तेडवकाशे पुरुषैर्विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनै: । विवेश रछ्ूं विस्तीर्ण कर्ण: परपुरंजय:,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! आश्चर्यसे आँखें फाड़-फाड़कर देखते हुए द्वारपालोंने जब भीतर जानेका मार्ग दे दिया, तब शत्रुओंकी राजधानीपर विजय पानेवाले कर्णने उस विशाल रंगमण्डपमें प्रवेश किया
vaiśampāyana uvāca | datte 'vakāśe puruṣair vismayotphulla-locanaiḥ | viveśa raṅgaṁ vistīrṇaṁ karṇaḥ para-puraṁ-jayaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When the attendants, their eyes widened in astonishment, granted him passage, Karṇa—renowned as a conqueror of enemy strongholds—entered the vast arena. The scene underscores how public spectacle and reputation can swiftly elevate a warrior’s standing, even as questions of rightful status and dharma linger beneath the applause.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how social perception and awe can open doors for a celebrated warrior; yet it implicitly invites reflection on dharma—whether acclaim and prowess alone should determine honor and status.
As the crowd and attendants stare in amazement, the gatekeepers allow entry, and Karna enters the large arena, setting the stage for his public appearance and the ensuing developments around recognition and royal honor.