Shloka 38
कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ५७
Arjuna’s targeted advance; Śalya–Karṇa dialogue; interception attempts
जलार्थ च गता: केचितन्निष्प्राणा बहवो<र्जुन । संनिवृत्ताश्न ते शूरास्तान् वै दृष्टवा विचेतस:
jalārthaṁ ca gatāḥ kecid aniṣprāṇā bahavo 'rjuna | saṁnivṛttāś ca te śūrās tān vai dṛṣṭvā vicetasaḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Einige gingen, um Wasser zu suchen, o Arjuna, und viele von ihnen kehrten leblos zurück. Als die überlebenden Helden jene Gefallenen sahen, wichen sie zurück, im Innersten erschüttert.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a righteous or duty-bound conflict, the body’s limits—thirst, fatigue, and fear—remain decisive; the sight of needless death can awaken shock and restraint, reminding warriors that valor does not erase human fragility or moral consequence.
During the fighting, some warriors go out to fetch water; many are killed and return lifeless. When the remaining fighters see them, they pull back in confusion and distress, momentarily halting their advance.