कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
संनिवृत्तस्ततस्तूर्ण राधेय: शत्रुकर्शन: । भीम॑ प्रच्छादयामास समन्तान्निशितै: शरै:
sannivṛttas tatas tūrṇaṁ rādheyaḥ śatrukarśanaḥ | bhīmaṁ pracchādayāmāsa samantān niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Da wandte sich Rādheya (Karna), der Zermalmer der Feinde, blitzschnell zurück und bedeckte Bhīma von allen Seiten mit scharfen Pfeilen—ein Tun, das den unerbittlichen Schwung der Schlacht zeigt, in der Können und Entschlossenheit ohne Rast geprüft werden.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of steadfast engagement: in the crucible of war, a warrior must act decisively and persistently. Ethically, it underscores how duty-driven combat can become an arena where resolve and skill are measured, even as it reminds the listener of the harsh, escalating nature of violence.
Sañjaya reports that Karna quickly turns back and launches a concentrated, all-around arrow-shower at Bhīma, effectively ‘covering’ him with sharp arrows—an image of tactical pressure and dominance in the duel.