Shloka 143
विरथो रथिनां श्रेष्ठो वारयामास यद् रिपुम् | वहाँ हमलोगोंने राधानन्दन कर्णका अद्भुत पराक्रम देखा। रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ उस वीरने रथहीन होनेपर भी अपने शत्रुको आगे नहीं बढ़ने दिया
viratho rathināṁ śreṣṭho vārayāmāsa yad ripum |
Sañjaya said: Though deprived of his chariot, that foremost of chariot-warriors still checked the enemy and did not allow him to advance. There we witnessed the astonishing valor of Karṇa, the son of Rādhā—showing that true prowess in war is measured not by equipment, but by steadfast courage and resolve in the face of loss.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast courage and competence: even when deprived of external supports (like a chariot), a true warrior maintains resolve and fulfills his role by protecting his side and restraining the enemy.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa, though made chariotless, still prevented an opposing warrior from advancing, and the observers witnessed his extraordinary prowess in that moment.