Shloka 12
कर्णस्य मन्त्रः — Duryodhana-प्रति नीति-विचारः
Karna’s Counsel on Strategy toward the Pāṇḍavas
इति तथ्यं महाराज सर्वमेतद् ब्रवीमि ते | भवान् हि गुरुरस्माकं परमं च परायणम्,महाराज! यह सब मैं आपसे सच्ची बात कह रहा हूँ। आप हमारे बड़े तथा परम आश्रय हैं
iti tathyaṃ mahārāja sarvam etad bravīmi te | bhavān hi gurur asmākaṃ paramaṃ ca parāyaṇam ||
“Thus, O great king, I tell you all this as the plain truth. For you are indeed our elder and teacher, and you are our highest refuge and final support.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds satya (truthfulness) and respectful reliance on rightful authority: one should speak plainly and truthfully, and acknowledge the guru/elder-king as a moral and protective refuge.
Yudhiṣṭhira addresses a king with deference, affirming that he is speaking the complete truth and recognizing the addressee as the Pandavas’ revered elder/teacher and their highest support.