Shloka 18
तमायान्तं समीक्ष्यैव श्वेताश्वंं कृष्णसारथिम् । मद्रराजोब्रवीत् कर्ण केतुं दृष्टवा महात्मन:,श्रीकृष्ण जिनके सारथि हैं, उन श्वेतवाहन अर्जुनको आते देख और उन महात्माकी ध्वजापर दृष्टिपात करके मद्रराज शल्यने कर्णसे कहा--
tam āyāntaṁ samīkṣyaiva śvetāśvaṁ kṛṣṇasārathim | madrarājo 'bravīt karṇa ketuṁ dṛṣṭvā mahātmanaḥ ||
Nang makita si Arjuna na papalapit—sakay ng karwaheng hinihila ng mapuputing kabayo at si Krishna ang kanyang tagapagmaneho—at nang masulyapan ang watawat ng dakilang mandirigma, nagsalita si Shalya, hari ng Madra, kay Karna. Ipinahihiwatig ng tagpong ito na ang mga tanda gaya ng bandila ng bayani at ang presensya ng matuwid na gabay (Krishna) ay humuhubog sa loob at paghatol sa digmaan.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how discernment in war includes reading visible signs—such as a warrior’s banner and the stature of his allies—and recognizing the ethical weight of guidance: Arjuna’s strength is amplified by Krishna’s charioteership, suggesting that right counsel and alignment with dharma affect both confidence and outcome.
As Arjuna advances in battle with Krishna driving his chariot of white horses, Shalya notices Arjuna and his banner and then addresses Karna, setting up Shalya’s ensuing remarks meant to influence Karna’s perception and resolve.