Shloka 51
तान् शोणितपरिक्लिन्नान् विषमस्थान् शरातुरान् । मा भैष्टेत्यब्रवीत् कर्णो हर भीतो मामितेति च,कर्णने उन्हें खूनसे लथपथ, संकटमें मगन और बाणोंकी चोटसे व्याकुल देखकर कहा --4वीरो! डरो मत। तुम सब लोग निर्भय होकर मेरे पास आ जाओ”
tān śoṇita-pariklinnān viṣama-sthān śarāturān | mā bhaiṣṭety abravīt karṇo har bhīto mām iteti ca ||
Seeing them drenched in blood, caught in a perilous position, and distressed by the pain of arrows, Karṇa spoke words meant to steady their hearts: “Do not be afraid. Come to me without fear.” In the midst of battle’s chaos, he assumes the role of a rallying leader, urging courage and cohesion rather than panic.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a moment of extreme danger, a leader’s dharma is to restore courage and order. Karṇa’s command “mā bhaiṣṭa” emphasizes steadiness, solidarity, and the ethical duty to protect and rally one’s side rather than succumb to panic.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa sees his warriors wounded—blood-soaked and tormented by arrows—struggling in a difficult situation. He addresses them directly, telling them not to fear and to come to him, effectively calling them to regroup under his protection and command.