Shloka 34
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
कर्णो5प्याविष्ट चित्तात्मा नरकस्यान्तरात्मना
karṇo 'py āviṣṭa-cittātmā narakasyāntarātmanā
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Bahkan Karṇa pun—fikiran dan batin dirinya dirampas serta ditenggelami oleh dorongan neraka dari dalam—seakan-akan dirasuk; digerakkan oleh tekad yang gelap dan memusnahkan, bukan oleh pertimbangan yang jernih. Baris ini menegaskan bahawa kebusukan batin mampu menewaskan pertimbangan dan membengkokkan seseorang ke arah pilihan yang memudaratkan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical failure often begins internally: when the mind is overtaken by a 'hellish' inner drive—anger, envy, resentment, or delusion—one’s discernment collapses and harmful action becomes easier. It warns that guarding the inner life is essential to sustaining dharma.
Vaiśampāyana describes Karṇa’s psychological state: he is portrayed as mentally overwhelmed, as if possessed from within by a hellish force. The narration frames Karṇa’s ensuing stance or actions as arising from inner turmoil and moral darkness rather than calm, righteous judgment.