Chapter 136: Pandava Counter-Encirclement and the Vāyavya-Astra Disruption
कर्ण तु नवभिर्भीमो भित्त्वा राजन् स्तनान्तरे । ध्वजमेकेन विव्याध सायकेन शितेन ह,राजन्! भीमसेनने कर्णकी छातीमें नौ बाणोंद्वारा गहरी चोट पहुँचाकर एक तीखे बाणसे उसकी ध्वजाको भी छेद दिया
karṇaṁ tu navabhir bhīmo bhittvā rājan stanāntare | dhvajam ekena vivyādha sāyakena śitena ha ||
ರಾಜನೇ! ಭೀಮನು ಕರ್ಣನ ಎದೆಯ ಮಧ್ಯಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಒಂಬತ್ತು ಬಾಣಗಳಿಂದ ಚುಚ್ಚಿ, ನಂತರ ಒಂದು ತೀಕ್ಷ್ಣ ಬಾಣದಿಂದ ಅವನ ಧ್ವಜವನ್ನೂ ವಿದ್ಧಮಾಡಿದನು.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya battlefield ethic where skill and resolve are demonstrated through precise action; striking the opponent and his banner signifies both tactical effectiveness and an assault on martial prestige, reminding readers how honor-symbols function within war narratives.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīma shoots Karṇa with nine arrows in the chest area and then, with a single sharp arrow, pierces Karṇa’s banner (dhvaja), a visible sign of his identity and status in battle.