Shloka 5
कर्ण तु नवभिर्भीमो भित्त्वा राजन् स्तनान्तरे । ध्वजमेकेन विव्याध सायकेन शितेन ह,राजन्! भीमसेनने कर्णकी छातीमें नौ बाणोंद्वारा गहरी चोट पहुँचाकर एक तीखे बाणसे उसकी ध्वजाको भी छेद दिया
karṇaṁ tu navabhir bhīmo bhittvā rājan stanāntare | dhvajam ekena vivyādha sāyakena śitena ha ||
Sañjaya said: O King, Bhīma, having pierced Karṇa in the region between the breasts with nine arrows, then struck and pierced his banner with a single sharp shaft. The narration underscores the relentless precision of battle, where prowess is displayed not only by wounding the warrior but also by targeting the emblem that proclaims his presence and honor on the field.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya battlefield ethic where skill and resolve are demonstrated through precise action; striking the opponent and his banner signifies both tactical effectiveness and an assault on martial prestige, reminding readers how honor-symbols function within war narratives.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīma shoots Karṇa with nine arrows in the chest area and then, with a single sharp arrow, pierces Karṇa’s banner (dhvaja), a visible sign of his identity and status in battle.