Shloka 20
Brahmaṇānāṃ Yācanā—Tīrtha-yātrā-prastāvaḥ
The Brahmanas’ Petition and the Proposal of Pilgrimage
अहं च कर्ण जानामि यथावद् भरतर्षभ | सत्यसंधं महोत्साहं महावीर्य महाबलम्,“भरतश्रेष्ठ! मैं कर्णको अच्छी तरह जानता हूँ। वह सत्यप्रतिज्ञ, अत्यन्त उत्साही, महापराक्रमी और महाबली है
ahaṃ ca karṇa jānāmi yathāvad bharatarṣabha | satyasaṃdhaṃ mahotsāhaṃ mahāvīrya mahābalam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O bull among the Bharatas, I too know Karṇa as he truly is—steadfast in truth, of towering resolve, possessed of great valor and great strength.” The line underscores Karṇa’s ethical self-binding to his word and the formidable power that makes his vows consequential in the unfolding conflict.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical ideal central to dharma: satyasaṃdha—being bound to truth and to one’s pledged word. It suggests that moral reliability (keeping vows) is a defining virtue, especially when paired with great power, because such a person’s commitments shape outcomes for many.
Vaiśaṃpāyana offers a character assessment of Karṇa to the listener addressed as bharatarṣabha, emphasizing that Karṇa is known for unwavering truthfulness and formidable martial qualities. The statement functions as a narrative framing that prepares the audience to understand Karṇa’s later choices and their weight.