Shloka 1
(दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठका $ “लोक मिलाकर कुल २५३ “लोक हैं) #+/ (9) #::..# #25--7 दशाधिकत्रिशततमोब& ध्याय: इन्द्रका कर्णको अमोघ शक्ति देकर बदलेमें उसके कवच- कुण्डल लेना वैशम्पायन उवाच देवराजमनुप्राप्तं ब्राह्मणच्छ्मना वृतम् । दृष्टवा स्वागतमित्याह न बुबोधास्य मानसम्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! देवराजको ब्राह्मणके छटद्मावेषमें छिपकर आये देख कर्णने कहा--'ब्रह्मनम!] आपका स्वागत है।” परंतु कर्णको उस समय इन्द्रके मनोभावका कुछ भी पता न चला
vaiśampāyana uvāca | devarājam anuprāptaṃ brāhmaṇacchmanā vṛtam | dṛṣṭvā svāgatam ity āha na bubodhāsya mānasam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When Karṇa saw the king of the gods, Indra, who had come disguised under the pretext of a brāhmaṇa, he greeted him, saying, “Welcome.” Yet at that moment Karṇa did not discern Indra’s inner intention. The scene underscores how outward piety and hospitality can be tested by hidden motives, and how discernment (knowing the other’s purpose) becomes ethically crucial in a world moving toward war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension between outward dharma (respectful hospitality to a brāhmaṇa) and the need for discernment about hidden intentions. Right conduct is not only about correct ritual behavior but also about understanding motives and consequences.
Indra approaches Karṇa in the guise of a brāhmaṇa. Karṇa courteously welcomes him, but he does not realize Indra’s inner purpose—namely, to obtain Karṇa’s protective armor and earrings, which will affect the balance of power in the coming war.