Shloka 40
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
न कालोउद्य विषादस्य भयस्य मरणस्य वा | परिष्वज्याब्रवीच्चैनं भुजाभ्यां स महाभुज:,“यह समय शोक मनाने, भयभीत होने अथवा मरनेका नहीं है", यह कहकर महाबाहु कर्णने दोनों भुजाओंसे खींचकर दुर्योधनको हृदयसे लगा लिया और कहा--
na kālodya viṣādasya bhayasya maraṇasya vā | pariṣvajyābravīc cainaṃ bhujābhyāṃ sa mahābhujaḥ |
Vaiśampāyana said: “This is not the time for grief, for fear, or for death.” Saying so, the mighty-armed Karṇa drew Duryodhana close with both arms, embraced him to his heart, and spoke—thus steadying his resolve and urging courage in the face of crisis.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes timely conduct: in moments demanding action and steadiness, one should not surrender to grief or fear. It models leadership through reassurance—strengthening another’s mind so duty and resolve can prevail over despair.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Karṇa physically embraces Duryodhana and verbally consoles him, declaring that the present moment is not meant for lamentation, fear, or thoughts of death—an attempt to restore Duryodhana’s courage and determination.