एवं भीम॑ समादिश्य स्वरथे समुपाविशत्,इस प्रकार भीमको आदेश देकर राजा युधिष्ठिर बारंबार सिसकते हुए अपने रथपर जा बैठे। उस समय उनके मुखपर आँसुओंकी धारा बह रही थी। वे कर्णका पराक्रम देखकर घोर चिन्तामें डूब गये थे
evaṁ bhīmaṁ samādiśya sva-rathe samupāviśat |
Sañjaya said: Having thus instructed Bhīma, King Yudhiṣṭhira mounted his own chariot. Again and again he sobbed; streams of tears ran down his face. Seeing Karṇa’s prowess, he sank into a grim and anxious contemplation.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical burden of righteous leadership in war: even when duty (kṣatriya-dharma) demands action, a dharmic king like Yudhiṣṭhira remains sensitive to suffering and is shaken by the opponent’s formidable valor, reflecting compassion alongside responsibility.
After giving instructions to Bhīma, Yudhiṣṭhira returns to his chariot. Overwhelmed, he repeatedly sobs and weeps, and upon witnessing Karṇa’s extraordinary prowess he becomes deeply anxious and absorbed in grim thought about the unfolding battle.