Shloka 29
अभिमन्युवधः
Abhimanyu’s Fall and the Battlefield Aftermath
अभीषुंश्व हयांश्वनैव तथोभौ पार्ष्णिसारथी । एतत् कुरु महेष्वास राधेय यदि शक््यते,'साथ ही इसके घोड़ोंकी वागडोरोंको, घोड़ोंको तथा दोनों पार्श्वरक्षकोंको भी नष्ट किया जा सकता है। महाधनुर्धर राधापुत्र! यदि कर सको तो यही करो
abhīṣuṃś ca hayāṃś caiva tathobhau pārṣṇisārathī | etat kuru maheṣvāsa rādhēya yadi śakyate ||
Sañjaya said: “If it is possible, then strike down his reins and his horses, and also the two guards stationed at the sides of the chariot. O great archer, son of Rādhā—if you can, do precisely this.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a strategic principle within battlefield conduct: neutralize an enemy’s capacity to fight (mobility and support) by targeting reins, horses, and attendants, aiming for a controlled, skill-based outcome rather than uncontrolled violence.
Sanjaya reports advice directed to Rādheya (Karna), urging him—if feasible—to disable the opponent’s chariot setup by cutting the reins, killing the horses, and eliminating the two flank-guards, thereby weakening the enemy’s position in the ongoing battle.