Shloka 36
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
सो5तिविद्धो महेष्वास: कर्णेन बलिनां वर:
so 'tividdho maheṣvāsaḥ karṇena balināṃ varaḥ
قال سانجيا: ذلك الرامي العظيم—الأول بين الأقوياء—قد نُفِذ فيه كارنا نفاذًا شديدًا، فكان ذلك لحظةً حاسمة في القتال، حيث تضغط البراعة والقدر بقسوة على واجب المحارب.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the battlefield ethic of kṣatriya-dharma: excellence in arms and steadfastness in combat bring swift consequences, where valor meets inevitable suffering, and duty is enacted amid the harsh realities of war.
Sañjaya reports that a renowned archer—described as foremost among the strong—has been severely struck (pierced) by Karṇa, indicating Karṇa’s dominance in that exchange and a turning point for the wounded warrior.