अध्याय ६० — कर्णस्य पाञ्चाल-सोमक-निग्रहः
Karna’s Suppression of the Panchala–Somaka Forces
प्रत्युद्ययुस्तु राधेयं पाण्डवानां महारथा: । धुन्वाना: कार्मुकाण्याजौ विक्षिपन्तश्नव सायकान्
pratyudyayus tu rādheyaṃ pāṇḍavānāṃ mahārathāḥ | dhunvānāḥ kārmukāṇy ājau vikṣipantaś ca sāyakān ||
Disse Sañjaya: Então os grandes guerreiros de carros dos Pāṇḍavas avançaram para enfrentar Rādheya (Karṇa). Sacudindo os arcos no campo de batalha, seguiam adiante enquanto espalhavam saraivadas de flechas.
संजय उवाच
The verse underscores the kshatriya ideal of meeting a challenge directly: when confronted by a formidable opponent, the Pandava warriors respond with disciplined readiness and courage. Ethically, it reflects the grim framework of dharma-yuddha where warriors, bound by role-duty, engage without retreat when battle is joined.
As Karna (Radheya) stands as the opposing champion, the Pandavas’ great chariot-fighters advance to face him. They brandish their bows and unleash arrows while moving forward, signaling the opening of a direct engagement against Karna.