Shloka 48
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
ततोअभिषिक्ते राजेन्द्र निष्कैगोभिर्धनेन च । वाचयामास वितप्राग्रयान् राधेय: परवीरहा
tato 'bhiṣikte rājendra niṣkaigobhir dhanena ca | vācayāmāsa vitaprāgrayān rādheyaḥ paravīrahā ||
Sañjaya said: Then, O king, after the consecration had been performed—with gold ornaments, cows, and wealth bestowed—Rādheya (Karna), slayer of enemy-heroes, had the foremost bards and heralds proclaim (his glory). The scene underscores how royal legitimacy in war is publicly affirmed through ritual, gifts, and reputation, even as the conflict’s moral weight continues to press upon all sides.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how kingship and martial authority are socially validated through abhiṣeka (consecration), public proclamation, and dāna (gifts like gold and cows). It implicitly contrasts outward legitimacy and fame with the ongoing ethical gravity of war.
After a consecration/installation ceremony, Karṇa (Rādheya) distributes gifts—gold ornaments, cows, and wealth—and has leading bards and heralds publicly proclaim his renown, as Sañjaya reports this to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.