Shloka 23
दुर्योधन–द्रोणसंवादः
Arjuna-vīrya-prasaṃśā and renewed battle formation
बाहुभि: क्षत्रिया: शूरा वाम्भि: शूरा द्विजातय: । धनुषा फाल्गुन: शूर: कर्ण: शूरो मनोरथै:
bāhubhiḥ kṣatriyāḥ śūrā vāgbhiḥ śūrā dvijātayaḥ | dhanuṣā phālgunaḥ śūraḥ karṇaḥ śūro manorathaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Kṣatriyas show their heroism through the strength of their arms; the twice-born display their prowess through speech. Phālguna (Arjuna) is heroic with the bow, while Karṇa is heroic through the force of his ambitions and designs.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts forms of excellence according to role and disposition: warriors prove valor through disciplined action and strength, the twice-born through responsible speech and learning, Arjuna through skilled martial practice, and Karṇa through powerful ambition—implicitly warning that ambition without right orientation can rival or distort true heroism.
Sañjaya characterizes the leading groups and champions in the war: he notes how different classes manifest ‘śaurya’ (heroism), then singles out Arjuna as bow-hero and Karṇa as driven by intense resolve and aspirations, framing their contrasting strengths within the unfolding battle of the Droṇa Parva.