Shloka 336
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
छादयामास विशिखेी: कर्ण परबलार्दनम् | तत्पश्चात् भीमसेनने अत्यन्त सुदृढ़ धनुष हाथमें लेकर अपने बाणोंद्वारा शत्रुसैन्यसंतापी कर्णको आच्छादित कर दिया
Sañjaya uvāca: chādayāmāsa viśikhaiḥ Karṇaṃ parabalārdanam | tataḥ paścāt Bhīmasenena atyanta-sudṛḍha-dhanuḥ hastam ānīya svabāṇair śatru-sainyasantāpinaṃ Karṇam ācchāditavān |
قال سانجيا: بوابلٍ من السهام غطّاه—كارنا، قاصمَ قوى الأعداء. ثم إنّ بهيمسينا، وقد قبض بيده قوساً شديد الصلابة، أحاط كارنا—الذي كان يذيق جيش الخصم العذاب—بسهامه هو، فزاد المبارزة ضراوةً، تحت الثقل الأخلاقي لحربٍ يقتل فيها الإخوةُ الإخوة.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the kṣatriya ethos in battle: steadfastness, skill, and resolve are displayed even against formidable opponents. Ethically, it underscores the Mahābhārata’s tension—valor and duty unfold within a tragic war where each act of prowess also deepens collective suffering.
Sanjaya describes a moment in the Kurukṣetra battle where Karna is overwhelmed by a dense volley of arrows. Immediately afterward, Bhima takes up a very strong bow and further showers Karna with arrows, attempting to check Karna’s assault on the opposing army.