Shloka 22
देवसत्रे मृत्युनिरोधः, पूर्वेन्द्राणां मानुषावतरणम्, द्रौपदी-वरकथनम्
Suspension of Death at the Devasatra; Former Indras’ Human Descent; Draupadī’s Boon Etiology
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तस्तु राधेयो युद्धात् कर्णो न्यवर्तत
vaiśampāyana uvāca: evam uktas tu rādheyo yuddhāt karṇo nyavartata
Vaiśampāyana said: Thus addressed, Rādheya—Karna—turned back from the battle. The line underscores a moment where a warrior’s course is checked by words and circumstance, hinting at the ethical tension between steadfastness in combat and the prudence (or constraint) that can compel withdrawal.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a warrior’s life, action is not merely force but also discernment: words, counsel, or constraints can rightly redirect one’s course. The verse highlights restraint as a meaningful ethical choice within the arena of conflict.
After being addressed (by someone in the preceding context), Karna—called Rādheya—withdraws/turns back from the battle, marking a shift in immediate action and momentum.