Shloka 226
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
तांस्तु कर्ण: शरैस्ती3्ैर्नाशयिष्यति संयुगे । “अपनी भुजाओंसे सुशोभित होनेवाले भीष्मने तो युद्धमें कुन्तीकुमारोंकी रक्षा की है; परंतु कर्ण अपने तीखे बाणोंद्वारा उनका विनाश कर डालेगा”
tāṁs tu karṇaḥ śarais tīkṣṇair nāśayiṣyati saṁyuge |
तान् तु कर्णः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैर्नाशयिष्यति संयुगे । भीष्मो हि भुजशोभितः कुन्तीकुमारान् समरे रक्षितवान्; कर्णस्तु निशितैर्बाणैस्तान् विनाशयिष्यति ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how intention and restraint shape the moral texture of warfare: Bhīṣma’s conduct is remembered as comparatively protective toward the sons of Kuntī, whereas Karṇa is depicted as pursuing their total destruction. It invites reflection on dharma in war—whether one fights with limits and regard for kinship, or with uncompromising vengeance.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karṇa, entering the fray, will use sharp arrows to destroy the sons of Kuntī in battle. The statement contrasts Karṇa’s expected ferocity with Bhīṣma’s earlier role, signaling an escalation after changes in leadership and momentum on the battlefield.