Mahabharata Karna Parva – कचाकचि बभौ युद्धं दन्ता दन्ति नखा नखि

Shloka (श्लोक)

कचाकचि बभौ युद्धं दन्ता दन्ति नखा नखि
मुष्टियुद्धं नियुद्धं च देहपाप्म विनाशनम

⚡ Quick Meaning

This shloka illustrates the ferocity of hand-to-hand combat, where warriors struck with teeth and nails, emphasizing the brutal nature of war.

Translations

English Translation

In the midst of combat, claws and teeth became weapons as warriors fought ruthlessly, engaging in fistfights and resorting to every means to obliterate their foes, reflecting the primal nature of battle.

हिंदी अनुवाद

युद्ध के बीच में, पंजे और दांत हथियार बन गए, जब योद्धा निर्दयता से लड़े, मुट्ठियों के युद्ध में लग गए और अपने दुश्मनों को समाप्त करने के लिए हर संभव उपाय अपनाने लगे, जो युद्ध की प्राचीनता को दर्शाता है।

Commentary

Context

This verse appears in the Karna Parva, highlighting the raw, primal instincts that surface during intense conflict, indicating a loss of civility.

Meaning

It conveys the idea that war strips away human dignity and leads to a regression towards more primal behaviors in the face of survival.

Application

This shloka reminds us of the importance of maintaining our humanity, even in conflict, urging us to pursue non-violent means of resolution.