Shloka 17
स च्छाद्यमानो बाणौघैर्भीमसेन धनुश्च्युतैः । पुनरेवाभवत् कर्णो भीमसेनात् पराड्मुख:,भीमसेनके धनुषसे छूटे हुए बाणसमूहोंसे आच्छादित होकर कर्ण पुनः भीमसेनसे विमुख हो गया (उन्हें पीठ दिखाकर भाग चला)
sa cchādyamāno bāṇaughair bhīmasena-dhanuś-cyutaiḥ | punar evābhavat karṇo bhīmasenāt parāṅmukhaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Overwhelmed and covered by volleys of arrows released from Bhīmasena’s bow, Karṇa once again turned away from Bhīmasena—showing his back and withdrawing from the fight. In the moral atmosphere of the war, the verse underscores how even famed warriors can be forced into retreat when met by superior force and relentless resolve, and how battlefield conduct is shaped by immediate necessity rather than pride alone.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a realistic ethic of warfare: valor is tested not by claims of pride but by endurance under pressure. Even renowned fighters may be compelled to withdraw when faced with overwhelming force, showing how outcomes in battle depend on circumstance, skill, and momentum rather than reputation alone.
Bhīmasena releases dense volleys of arrows that cover Karṇa. Unable to withstand the barrage at that moment, Karṇa turns away from Bhīmasena and retreats, effectively showing his back while withdrawing.