Shloka 12
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
न मामस्मादभिप्रायात् कश्चिदद्य निवर्तयेत् । अपीन्द्रो वज्मुद्यम्य किमु मर्त्य: कथंचन,परंतु मुझे इस अभिप्रायसे आज कोई भी पीछे नहीं लौटा सकता। वज्र उठाये हुए इन्द्र भी मुझे किसी तरह इस निश्चयसे डिगा नहीं सकते, फिर मनुष्यकी तो बात ही क्या है?
na mām asmād abhiprāyāt kaścid adya nivartayet | apīndro vajram udyamya kimu martyaḥ kathaṃcana ||
Karna said: “No one today can turn me back from this resolve. Even Indra, raising his thunderbolt, could not shake me from this determination—how much less could any mortal do so.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights unwavering determination: once a person has fixed a resolve, they should not be easily swayed by fear, threats, or even seemingly overwhelming opposition. It also reflects the warrior ideal of steadfastness, though it can border on pride when detached from ethical self-examination.
In the midst of the Kurukshetra conflict, Karna declares that he will not retreat from his chosen course of action. He emphasizes his firmness by saying that even Indra with the thunderbolt could not deter him, implying that no human opponent can change his decision.