Shloka 46
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
धनुर्घोरें रामदत्तं गाण्डीवात् तद् विशिष्यते । त्रिस्सप्तकृत्व: पृथिवी धनुषा येन निर्जिता
dhanur ghoraṁ rāmadattaṁ gāṇḍīvāt tad viśiṣyate | tris-saptakṛtvaḥ pṛthivī dhanuṣā yena nirjitā ||
Wika ni Karna: “Ang kakila-kilabot na busog na ito, na ipinagkaloob ni Rama (Paraśurāma), ay higit pa kaysa sa Gāṇḍīva. Ito rin ang busog na ginamit ni Paraśurāma upang lupigin ang daigdig nang dalawampu’t isang ulit.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how authority and prestige in dharmic warfare are often argued through lineage, teacher-bestowed weapons, and past exemplars. It also cautions that pride in inherited power can become a driving force in conflict, shifting focus from righteousness to rivalry.
Karna is boasting of a formidable bow given to him by Paraśurāma, claiming it surpasses Arjuna’s famed Gāṇḍīva. He strengthens his claim by citing Paraśurāma’s legendary conquest of the earth twenty-one times using that very bow.