Arjuna’s Approach, Drona’s Recognition, and the Turning of the Cattle (अर्जुनागमनम्, द्रोणवाक्यम्, गोगमनिवृत्तिः)
एष चैव महेष्वासस्त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्ुत: । अहं चापि नरश्रेष्ठादर्जुनान्नावर: क्वचित्,यह तीनों लोकोंमें महान् धनुर्थरके रूपमें विख्यात है और मैं भी नरश्रेष्ठ अर्जुनसे किसी बातमें कम नहीं हूँ
eṣa caiva maheṣvāsaḥ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ | ahaṃ cāpi naraśreṣṭhād arjunān nāvaraḥ kvacit ||
کرن نے کہا—یہی تو وہ مہادھنوردھر ہے جو تینوں لوکوں میں مشہور ہے؛ اور میں بھی نرشرِیشٹھ ارجن سے کسی بات میں کم نہیں۔
कर्ण उवाच
The verse highlights how self-assertion and the pursuit of fame can shape moral choices: Karna measures worth through reputation and martial comparison, revealing the pride and rivalry that intensify adharma-prone conflict.
Karna speaks in a competitive tone, praising a certain renowned archer and then declaring that he himself is never inferior to Arjuna, reinforcing the ongoing tension and rivalry between the two great warriors.