Shloka 6
विरथ: सहदेवस्तु खड््गं चर्म समाददे । तदप्यस्य शरै: कर्णो व्यधमत् प्रहसन्निव,रथहीन हो जानेपर सहदेवने ढाल और तलवार हाथमें ले ली; परंतु कर्णने हँसते हुए-से बाण मारकर उनकी उस तलवारके भी टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर डाले
virathaḥ sahadevas tu khaḍgaṃ carma samādade | tad apy asya śaraiḥ karṇo vyadhamat prahasann iva ||
Sañjaya said: When Sahadeva was left without his chariot, he seized a sword and shield. Yet Karṇa, as though laughing, struck with his arrows and shattered even that weaponry—showing how, in the brutal logic of battle, courage and resolve can be overwhelmed by superior force and skill.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh asymmetry of war: personal bravery (Sahadeva taking up sword and shield after losing his chariot) may still be crushed by an opponent’s superior prowess and tactical advantage (Karṇa’s arrows). It also reflects the ethical tension in kṣatriya warfare—valor persists even when circumstances turn dire, yet battle often rewards power over intention.
Sahadeva has become chariotless and switches to close-combat weapons, taking up a sword and shield. Karṇa responds from range, shooting arrows that break Sahadeva’s weaponry, and he does so with an air of derision ('as if laughing'), underscoring Karṇa’s dominance in that moment.