Shloka 143
Chapter 136: Pandava Counter-Encirclement and the Vāyavya-Astra Disruption
विरथो रथिनां श्रेष्ठो वारयामास यद् रिपुम् | वहाँ हमलोगोंने राधानन्दन कर्णका अद्भुत पराक्रम देखा। रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ उस वीरने रथहीन होनेपर भी अपने शत्रुको आगे नहीं बढ़ने दिया
viratho rathināṁ śreṣṭho vārayāmāsa yad ripum |
सञ्जय उवाच—विरथोऽपि रथिनां श्रेष्ठः स रिपुं वारयामास; न च तं अग्रतोऽतिवर्तितुं ददौ। तत्र वयं राधानन्दनस्य कर्णस्य अद्भुतं पराक्रमं ददृशिम।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast courage and competence: even when deprived of external supports (like a chariot), a true warrior maintains resolve and fulfills his role by protecting his side and restraining the enemy.
Sañjaya reports that Karṇa, though made chariotless, still prevented an opposing warrior from advancing, and the observers witnessed his extraordinary prowess in that moment.