Shloka 12
जयद्रथविमोचन–पलायनवृत्तान्तः
Recovery of Draupadī and Jayadratha’s flight
रुक्मिणं दाक्षिणात्येषु योधयामास सूतज: । स युद्ध तुमुलं कृत्वा रुक्मी प्रोवाच सूतजम्,दक्षिण दिशामें पहुँचकर कर्णने बड़े-बड़े महारथियोंको जीता। दाक्षिणात्योंमें रुक्मीके साथ कर्णने युद्ध किया। रुक्मीने पहले तो बड़ा भयंकर युद्ध किया, फिर उसने सूतपुत्र कर्णसे कहा
rukmiṇaṃ dākṣiṇātyeṣu yodhayāmāsa sūtajaḥ | sa yuddhaṃ tumulaṃ kṛtvā rukmī provāca sūtajam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: In the southern regions, the charioteer’s son (Karna) engaged Rukmī in battle. After waging a tumultuous and fierce fight, Rukmī addressed Karna. The episode frames conquest and martial prowess within the larger Mahābhārata ethic: even in victory-seeking campaigns, speech and conduct after combat reveal a warrior’s intent—whether driven by dharma, rivalry, or pride.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that warfare is not only about force but also about intention and conduct: after intense combat, the way a warrior speaks and positions his claim (honor, rivalry, dharma, or pride) becomes ethically significant within the Mahābhārata’s moral universe.
During a campaign in the southern regions, Karna fights Rukmī. The battle becomes fierce and tumultuous; once that clash is enacted, Rukmī begins to address Karna, setting up the next exchange in the story.