Shloka 19
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
मा सूतपुत्राह्दय राजपुत्र महावीर्य॑ केसरिणं यथैव । वने शृगाल: पिशितेन तृप्तो मा पार्थमासाद्य विनड्क्ष्यसि त्वम्
mā sūtaputrāhṛdaya rājaputra mahāvīrya keśariṇaṃ yathaiva | vane śṛgālaḥ piśitena tṛpto mā pārtham āsādya vinaṅkṣyasi tvam ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Wahai putera raja yang perkasa, janganlah engkau menjadi ‘berhati singa’ semata-mata kerana engkau anak seorang sais kereta perang. Seperti serigala hutan yang kenyang memakan daging lalu menyangka dirinya singa, janganlah engkau menyerbu Pārtha (Arjuna) dan menemui kebinasaanmu.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse cautions against overconfidence born of temporary success: inflated self-image and contempt for a superior opponent lead to self-destruction. True valor is measured by discernment and restraint, not by bravado.
Sañjaya, narrating the battle events, delivers a sharp warning to Karṇa: do not mistake momentary advantage for genuine superiority. He uses the image of a jackal, emboldened after eating flesh, imagining itself a lion—urging Karṇa not to attack Arjuna and perish.