Shloka 85
अथान्यद् धनुरादाय दृढं भारसहं महत् | विचकर्ष बलात् कर्ण इन्द्रायुधमिवोच्छितम्,तब कर्णने भार सहन करनेमें समर्थ दूसरा विशाल, सुदृढ़ एवं इन्द्रधनुषके समान ऊँचा धनुष हाथमें लेकर उसे बलपूर्वक खींचा
athānyad dhanur ādāya dṛḍhaṃ bhārasahaṃ mahat | vicakarṣa balāt karṇa indrāyudham ivocchritam ||
サンジャヤは言った。「するとカルナは、堅牢で重い張力にも耐える別の大弓を取り、インドラの武器のごとく高く掲げ、ただ力のみで引き絞った。この光景は、武人の決意と戦いの激化を示す。技と不屈の意志が、己の選んだ陣営への忠誠を貫くための道具として現れるのである。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethic of steadfast resolve in one’s chosen role (kṣatriya action in war): strength and composure are marshaled to meet a grave situation. It also hints at the moral tension of the epic—power and skill are ethically neutral tools, whose value depends on the cause and conduct they serve.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa switching to another massive, sturdy bow and drawing it with force, lifting it high and comparing its raised, formidable appearance to Indra’s weapon—signaling Karṇa’s readiness to intensify combat.