Shloka 8
Bhīmasena–Drauṇi Mahāyuddha
Chariot Duel and Astra-Exchange
तूणीरशतपूर्णेन सगदेन वरूथिना । शतघ्नीकिंकिणीशक्तिशूलतोमरधारिणा,तदनन्तर सूतपुत्र कर्ण निर्मल सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी और सब ओरसे पताकाओंद्वारा सुशोभित रथके द्वारा रणयात्राके लिये उद्यत दिखायी दिया। उस रथमें श्वेत पताका फहरा रही थी। बगुलोंके समान सफेद रंगके घोड़े जुते हुए थे। उसपर एक ऐसा धनुष रखा हुआ था, जिसके पृष्ठभागपर सोना मढ़ा गया था। उस रथकी पताकापर हाथीके रस्सेका चिह्न बना हुआ था। उसमें गदाके साथ ही सैकड़ों तरकस रखे गये थे। रथकी रक्षाके लिये ऊपरसे आवरण लगाया गया था। उसमें शतघ्नी, किंकिणी, शक्ति, शूल और तोमर संचित करके रखे गये थे तथा वह रथ अनेक धनुषोंसे सम्पन्न था
tūṇīraśatapūrṇena sagadena varūthinā | śataghnīkinkiṇīśaktiśūlatomaradhāriṇā ||
Sañjaya said: Thereafter Karṇa, the charioteer’s son, appeared ready to set out for battle in a spotless, sun-like chariot, radiant and adorned on all sides with banners. A white standard fluttered upon it; horses white as herons were yoked to it. A bow lay there whose back was overlaid with gold, and on the banner was the emblem of an elephant’s tether-rope. The chariot was packed with hundreds of quivers along with a mace; it was covered above with protective armoring, and it carried stores of heavy missiles—śataghnīs, tinkling weapons, spears, tridents, and tomaras—fully equipped with many bows. The verse underscores the martial splendor and preparedness that drive the war forward, while hinting at the moral weight of power amassed for destruction.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how immense martial capability and meticulous preparation amplify the stakes of dharma in war: power is impressive, but it also carries moral consequence when directed toward violence and destruction.
Sañjaya narrates Karṇa’s appearance as he sets out for battle, describing his radiant chariot, its banner and emblem, the white horses, and the extensive arsenal stored on the chariot.