Shloka 19
Arjuna’s Approach, Drona’s Recognition, and the Turning of the Cattle (अर्जुनागमनम्, द्रोणवाक्यम्, गोगमनिवृत्तिः)
ध्वजाग्रे वानरस्तिष्ठन् भल्लेन निहतो मया । अद्यैव पततां भूमौ विनदन् भैरवान् रवान्,अर्जुनकी ध्वजाके अग्रभागपर स्थित होनेवाला वानर जो भयंकर गर्जना किया करता है, वह आज ही मेरे बाणोंसे मारा जाकर पृथ्वीपर गिर जाय
dhvajāgre vānaraḥ tiṣṭhan bhallena nihato mayā | adyaiva patatāṃ bhūmau vinadan bhairavān ravān |
Karna berkata: “Monyet yang berdiri di hujung panji Arjuna—yang mengaum dengan jeritan menggerunkan—biarlah ia dipanah oleh anak panahku yang tajam dan jatuh ke bumi pada hari ini juga!”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how martial pride and hostility can lead one to challenge even sacred symbols; ethically, it warns that arrogance in conflict often ignores deeper protections rooted in dharma and divine association.
Karna declares that he will shoot down the roaring monkey stationed atop Arjuna’s banner—an aggressive vow meant to intimidate and dishonor Arjuna by striking his emblem.