Shloka 336
Chapter 136: Pandava Counter-Encirclement and the Vāyavya-Astra Disruption
प्राद्रवज्जवनैरश्वे रणं हित्वा महाभयात् । महाराज! भीमके बाणोंसे आहत होकर कर्ण विह्नल हो उठा और महान् भयके कारण युद्ध छोड़कर शीघ्रगामी घोड़ोंकी सहायतासे भाग निकला
prādravat javanaiḥ aśvaiḥ raṇaṁ hitvā mahābhayāt | mahārāja! bhīmaka-bāṇair āhataḥ karṇaḥ vihvalaḥ samabhavat, mahābhayāt yuddhaṁ parityajya śīghragāmibhir aśvaiḥ apākrāmat ||
ସଞ୍ଜୟ କହିଲେ—ମହାରାଜ! ଭୀମଙ୍କ ବାଣରେ ଆହତ ହୋଇ କର୍ଣ୍ଣ ବିହ୍ବଳ ହେଲେ; ମହାଭୟରେ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ଛାଡ଼ି, ଦ୍ରୁତଗାମୀ ଘୋଡ଼ାମାନଙ୍କ ସହାୟତାରେ ରଣଭୂମିରୁ ପଳାଇଗଲେ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of human composure in war: physical injury and psychological shock can overpower even celebrated warriors. Ethically, it underscores that valor is not merely reputation but sustained steadiness under duress, and that fear can drive actions contrary to a warrior’s expected resolve.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karṇa, wounded by Bhīma’s arrows, becomes disoriented and, overwhelmed by fear, abandons the fight and flees using his swift horses.