Mahabharata 7.191.53 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 191, Shloka 53
रथचक्रं च कर्णस्य बभञठ्ज स महाबल: । भग्नचक्रे रथेडतिष्ठदकम्प: शैलराडिव,इतना ही नहीं, महाबली भीमने कर्णके रथका एक पहिया भी तोड़ डाला तो भी कर्ण टूटे पहियेवाले उस रथपर गिरिराजके समान अविचलभावसे खड़ा रहा
rathacakraṃ ca karṇasya babhañja sa mahābalaḥ | bhagnacakre rathe tiṣṭhad akampaḥ śailarāḍ iva ||
సంజయుడు పలికెను—మహాబలుడు భీముడు కర్ణుని రథచక్రాలలో ఒకదానిని విరిచివేశాడు. అయినా చక్రం విరిగిన ఆ రథంపై కర్ణుడు పర్వతరాజువలె అచలంగా, కంపించక నిలిచెను॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the midst of violence and uncertainty, the verse foregrounds inner steadiness (akampa) as a defining mark of heroic discipline: even when circumstances collapse (a broken wheel), one’s resolve and composure can remain firm.
During the battle, Bhīma strikes Karṇa’s chariot and breaks a wheel. Despite this sudden disadvantage, Karṇa does not panic or falter; he remains standing on the chariot, compared to an immovable mountain.
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