Shloka 133
Chapter 136: Pandava Counter-Encirclement and the Vāyavya-Astra Disruption
विस्फारयन् धनु: कर्णस्तस्थौ भारत दुर्मना: । भारत! घोड़े और सारथिके मारे जाने तथा ध्वजाके गिर जानेपर कर्ण उस रथको छोड़कर धनुषकी टंकार करता हुआ दुःखी मनसे वहाँ खड़ा हो गया
visphārayan dhanuḥ karṇas tasthau bhārata durmanāḥ |
Sañjaya said: Karṇa, grief-stricken at heart, stood there twanging his bow. With his horses and charioteer slain and his banner brought down, he abandoned that chariot—an image of a warrior’s pride shaken by the sudden collapse of the supports of battle, yet still clinging to resolve through the sound of his weapon.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of martial power—when the supports of action (chariot, horses, charioteer, banner) collapse, a warrior confronts grief and loss; yet duty-driven resolve persists. It underscores how pride and momentum in war can be overturned instantly, testing steadiness of mind and adherence to kṣatriya-dharma.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa, after losing his horses and charioteer and seeing his banner fall, leaves that chariot and stands on the battlefield, sorrowful, while making his bowstring resound—signaling continued readiness to fight despite the setback.