Shloka 133
Śalya Appointed as Karṇa’s Sārathi; Discourse on Praise, Blame, and Beneficial Counsel (कर्णस्य शल्यसारथ्यं तथा स्तवनिन्दाविचारः)
प्रेषिता द्विजमुख्येन मर्माण्युद्दिश्य सर्वतः । द्विजश्रेष्ठ कृपाचार्यने सब ओरसे आपके मर्मस्थानोंको लक्ष्य करके बाण चलाये थे; परंतु दैवयोगसे ही वे मर्मभेदी बाण आपके मर्मस्थानोंपर नहीं पड़े हैं
preṣitā dvijamukhyena marmāṇy uddiśya sarvataḥ |
Disse Sañjaya: Disparadas pelo mais eminente dos “duas-vezes-nascidos”, aquelas flechas foram apontadas de todos os lados para os teus pontos vitais. Contudo, pela volta do destino, esses dardos que atravessam a vida não atingiram as tuas partes vulneráveis—mostrando que, na guerra, a perícia humana pode ser frustrada quando a sorte não consente.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Mahābhārata’s recurring insight that prowess and correct targeting in war do not guarantee results; outcomes depend on daiva (fate/providence). Ethical reflection follows: one should act with skill and resolve, yet recognize limits of control and avoid arrogance over success.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Kṛpācārya, a Brahmin warrior, shot arrows from all sides aiming at the opponent’s vital points, but those marman-piercing shots failed to land on the vulnerable spots due to daiva.