Shloka 14
Sundopasundayoḥ Tapas–Varadāna–Prasaṅgaḥ
Sunda and Upasunda: Austerities and the Boon
यावच्च राजा पाज्चाल्यो नोद्यमे कुरुते मन: । सह पुन्रैर्महावीर्यैस्तावद् विक्रम पार्थिव,पृथ्वीपते! जबतक पांचालनरेश अपने महा-पराक्रमी पुत्रोंके साथ हमारे ऊपर चढ़ाई करनेका विचार नहीं कर रहे हैं, तभीतक तुम अपना बल-विक्रम प्रकट कर लो
yāvac ca rājā pāñcālyo nodyame kurute manaḥ | saha putrair mahāvīryais tāvad vikrama pārthiva, pṛthvīpate ||
Karna said: “So long as the king of the Panchalas has not yet set his mind on marching against us with his mighty sons, you, O king—lord of the earth—should display your strength and valor now.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights pragmatic royal counsel: act decisively while the opponent has not yet formed the intention to attack. It frames valor (vikrama) as timely initiative in statecraft, where delay can invite greater danger.
Karna urges a king to demonstrate strength immediately, before the Panchala ruler (Drupada) and his powerful sons decide to launch an अभियान (military expedition) against them.