Shloka 21
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
दुर्योधनं ततो दृष्टवा पाण्डवेन भुशार्दितम् । पराक्रान्तान् पाण्डुसुतान् दृष्टयवा चापि महारथ:
duryodhanaṃ tato dṛṣṭvā pāṇḍavena bhṛśārditam | parākrāntān pāṇḍusutān dṛṣṭvā cāpi mahārathaḥ |
Disse Sañjaya: Então, ao ver Duryodhana gravemente afligido por um Pāṇḍava e, além disso, ao contemplar os filhos de Pāṇḍu exibindo sua proeza no campo de batalha, o grande guerreiro de carro (Karṇa) reagiu à situação — e seu próximo ato nasceu da lealdade ao seu lado, sob a pressão do dharma e da guerra.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of warfare: when one witnesses suffering on one’s own side and the strength of the opponent, one’s response tests loyalty, courage, and discernment within kṣatriya-dharma. It frames Karna’s impending choice as an ethically charged reaction to visible consequences of conflict.
Sañjaya reports that Duryodhana is seen as badly hurt by a Pāṇḍava (contextually Yudhiṣṭhira), while the Pāṇḍavas are pressing forward with valor. This observation sets up Karna’s next move in the battle narrative.