कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ५७
Arjuna’s targeted advance; Śalya–Karṇa dialogue; interception attempts
चन्द्रनक्षत्रभासैश्न वदनैश्वारुकुण्डलै: । क्लृप्तश्मश्रुभिरत्यर्थ वीराणां समलंकृतैः
candranakṣatrabhāsaiś ca vadanaiś cārukuṇḍalaiḥ | kḷptasmaśrubhir atyarthaṁ vīrāṇāṁ samalaṅkṛtaiḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Para pahlawan tampak gemilang berhias—wajah bersinar laksana bulan dan bintang, telinga dihiasi subang yang elok, dan misai dirapikan dengan cermat—setiap wira tampil lengkap berperhiasan untuk pertempuran.”
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the Kṣatriya ideal of disciplined readiness and dignified bearing in war, while implicitly reminding that external splendor is transient amid the destructive reality of battle.
Sañjaya describes the warriors’ appearance as they stand prepared for combat—radiant faces, fine ornaments, and carefully groomed moustaches—emphasizing their martial confidence and ceremonial readiness.