Shloka 143
Chapter 136: Pandava Counter-Encirclement and the Vāyavya-Astra Disruption
विरथो रथिनां श्रेष्ठो वारयामास यद् रिपुम् | वहाँ हमलोगोंने राधानन्दन कर्णका अद्भुत पराक्रम देखा। रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ उस वीरने रथहीन होनेपर भी अपने शत्रुको आगे नहीं बढ़ने दिया
viratho rathināṁ śreṣṭho vārayāmāsa yad ripum |
サञ्जャヤは言った。戦車を失ってなお、車戦の勇士の第一人者たるその者は敵を押しとどめ、前進を許さなかった。そこで我らは、ラーダーの子カルナの驚くべき武勇を見た—真の武威は装備ではなく、喪失のただ中でも揺るがぬ胆力と決意によって量られるのだ。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast courage and competence: even when deprived of external supports (like a chariot), a true warrior maintains resolve and fulfills his role by protecting his side and restraining the enemy.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa, though made chariotless, still prevented an opposing warrior from advancing, and the observers witnessed his extraordinary prowess in that moment.