Shloka 5
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 20 — Yudhiṣṭhira–Duryodhana Encounter and Escalation of Arms
निवत्तैश्न पुनः पार्थर्भग्नं शत्रुबलं महत् । अश्वत्थाम्नश्न॒ सड़्कल्पाद्धता: कर्णेन सृज्जया:
nivṛttaiś ca punaḥ pārtha bhagnaṃ śatrubalaṃ mahat | aśvatthāmnaś ca saṅkalpād dhatāḥ karṇena sṛñjayāḥ ||
Sañjaya nói: Khi họ lại rút lui lần nữa, hỡi Pārtha, đại quân của địch đã bị đánh tan. Và theo saṅkalpa (ý chí quyết định) của Aśvatthāman, các Sṛñjaya đã bị Karṇa sát hại.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how determination (saṅkalpa) and tactical movement (withdrawal/return) can decisively alter outcomes in war. Ethically, it points to the heavy consequences of fixed intent when it is directed toward destruction—resolve becomes not merely personal will but a force that shapes collective fate.
Sañjaya reports that after a renewed withdrawal/turning back, the enemy host is routed. He further states that, aligned with Aśvatthāman’s intention, Karṇa kills the Sṛñjaya warriors—indicating a coordinated or purpose-driven assault within the larger Kurukṣetra battle.