Shloka 34
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
कर्णो5प्याविष्ट चित्तात्मा नरकस्यान्तरात्मना
karṇo 'py āviṣṭa-cittātmā narakasyāntarātmanā
வைசம்பாயனர் கூறினார்—கர்ணனும், நரகத்தினின்று எழும் போல் உள்ளே இருந்து வந்த இருண்ட உந்துதலால் மனமும் உள்ளமும் ஆட்கொள்ளப்பட்டு, உள்ளார்ந்தே பிடிபட்டவனாய் ஆனான்.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical failure often begins internally: when the mind is overtaken by a 'hellish' inner drive—anger, envy, resentment, or delusion—one’s discernment collapses and harmful action becomes easier. It warns that guarding the inner life is essential to sustaining dharma.
Vaiśampāyana describes Karṇa’s psychological state: he is portrayed as mentally overwhelmed, as if possessed from within by a hellish force. The narration frames Karṇa’s ensuing stance or actions as arising from inner turmoil and moral darkness rather than calm, righteous judgment.