Shloka 10
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 2: Karṇa’s lament, vow, and battle preparation after Bhīṣma’s fall
प्रवर्तमाने तु पुनर्महाहवे विगाह्यमानासु चमूषु पार्थिव: । अथाब्रवीद्धर्षकरं तदा वचो रथर्षभान् सर्वमहारथर्षभ:
pravartamāne tu punar mahāhave vigāhyamānāsu camūṣu pārthivaḥ | athābravīd dharṣakaraṃ tadā vaco ratharṣabhān sarva-mahāratharṣabhaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: As the great battle began anew and the armies pressed into one another, the king then spoke words that stirred courage—addressing the foremost of chariot-warriors, he who was himself the best among all great champions. The moment marks a deliberate attempt to steady morale and direct action amid the ethical strain of fratricidal war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the midst of chaos, a ruler’s speech functions as ethical and practical leadership: it aims to restore courage and cohesion, reminding warriors of their role and resolve even when the conflict is morally painful.
Sañjaya describes the battle resuming with armies closing in. At that critical juncture, the king addresses the leading chariot-warriors with an inspiring exhortation, setting up the next actions and commands in the unfolding combat.