Shloka 8
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 2: Karṇa’s lament, vow, and battle preparation after Bhīṣma’s fall
संजय उवाच महाप्रभावे वरदे निपातिते लोकेश्वरे शास्तरि चामितौजसि । पराजितेषु भरतेषु दुर्मना: कर्णो भृशं न्यश्वसदश्रु वर्तयन्,संजय कहते हैं--महान् प्रभावशाली वर देनेमें समर्थ लोकेश्वर शासक तथा अमित तेजस्वी भीष्मके मारे जानेपर भरतवंशियोंकी पराजय होनेसे कर्ण मन-ही-मन बहुत दुःखी हो नेत्रोंस आँसू बहाता हुआ लंबी साँस खींचने लगा
sañjaya uvāca mahāprabhāve varade nipātite lokeśvare śāstari cāmitaujasi | parājiteṣu bharateṣu durmanāḥ karṇo bhṛśaṃ nyaśvasad aśru vartayan ||
Sañjaya said: When Bhīṣma—of vast majesty, a bestower of boons, the lord and ruler among men, and of immeasurable prowess—had been struck down, and the Bharatas were being routed, Karṇa, his heart weighed down with grief, heaved deep sighs, letting tears flow.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the human cost of war: even mighty heroes are subject to downfall, and the collapse of a revered leader can shake morale and expose the fragility of power. It implicitly contrasts external valor with inner vulnerability, reminding that dharma in battle includes endurance amid loss.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that after Bhīṣma has been felled, the Bharata forces are in a losing state. Seeing this reversal, Karṇa becomes deeply distressed, sheds tears, and breathes heavy sighs.