Shloka 23
Arjuna’s Approach, Drona’s Recognition, and the Turning of the Cattle (अर्जुनागमनम्, द्रोणवाक्यम्, गोगमनिवृत्तिः)
काम॑ गच्छन्तु कुरवो धनमादाय केवलम् | रथेषु वापि तिष्ठन्तो युद्ध पश्यन्तु मामकम्,कौरवोंकी इच्छा हो, तो वे केवल गोधन लेकर यहाँसे चले जायँ अथवा अपने रथोंपर बैठे रहकर अर्जुनके साथ मेरा युद्ध देखें
kāmaṁ gacchantu kuravo dhanam ādāya kevalam | ratheṣu vāpi tiṣṭhanto yuddhaṁ paśyantu māmakam ||
Karna declares that if the Kauravas so desire, they may simply take the cattle-wealth and depart from here; or, remaining seated upon their chariots, they may stay and witness his battle with Arjuna. The statement frames the coming combat as a test of valor and resolve, offering the Kauravas a choice between withdrawal with spoils and standing as spectators to a decisive duel.
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic of facing conflict openly: Karna offers a stark choice—withdraw with material gain or remain to witness a contest of courage—underscoring that honor and resolve, not merely spoils, define martial duty.
In the Virāṭa episode surrounding the cattle-raid, Karna speaks to the Kaurava side, asserting confidence and inviting them either to leave with the seized wealth or to stay on their chariots and watch his impending fight with Arjuna.