Shloka 23
कर्णनिधनश्रवणम् — Hearing of Karṇa’s Fall and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament
सम: कर्णस्य समरे य: स कर्णस्य पश्यत: । वृषसेनो महातेजा: शीघ्रास्त्रो दृढविक्रम:
samaḥ karṇasya samare yaḥ sa karṇasya paśyataḥ | vṛṣaseno mahātejāḥ śīghrāstro dṛḍhavikramaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Si Vṛṣasena—anak ni Karṇa—ay kapantay ni Karṇa sa digmaan: dakila ang ningning, mabilis sa paggamit ng sandata, at matatag sa tapang. Ngunit habang nakatanaw si Karṇa, hinarap ni Vṛṣasena si Arjuna na di lumilimot sa panatang binitiwan matapos mapatay si Abhimanyu; at ipinadala siya ni Arjuna sa kaharian ni Yama.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the binding force of a warrior’s vow (pratijñā) and how dharma-shaped resolve can lead to uncompromising action in war, even against a formidable opponent, despite the sorrow and ethical tension surrounding vengeance.
Sañjaya describes Vṛṣasena, Karna’s powerful son, as Karna’s equal in battle. Vṛṣasena engages Arjuna, but Arjuna—remembering his vow made in response to Abhimanyu’s killing—slays him in Karna’s very presence, sending him to Yama’s realm.