Shloka 1
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
अप्-४-कात एकपज्चाशत्तमो< ध्याय: भीमसेनके द्वारा धृतराष्ट्रके छ: पुत्रोंका वध
dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca | suduṣkaram idaṁ karma kṛtaṁ bhīmena sañjaya | yena karṇo mahābāhu rathopasthe nipātitaḥ ||
ধৃতরাষ্ট্র বললেন—হে সঞ্জয়, ভীমসেন এক অতি দুষ্কর কর্ম সাধন করেছে; মহাবাহু কর্ণকে সে রথের আসনে লুটিয়ে দিয়েছে।
भीम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the instability of martial power: even renowned heroes can be brought low. Ethically, it hints at the tragic momentum of war—astonishment at prowess is inseparable from dread at the consequences of escalating violence.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra asks Sañjaya about a striking battlefield event: Bhīma has managed to fell Karṇa onto the chariot-seat, an achievement portrayed as exceptionally difficult given Karṇa’s reputation and strength.