Shloka 376
Śalya Appointed as Karṇa’s Sārathi; Discourse on Praise, Blame, and Beneficial Counsel (कर्णस्य शल्यसारथ्यं तथा स्तवनिन्दाविचारः)
हार्दिक्यशरसंतप्तं नि:श्वसन्तं पुन: पुनः । कृतवर्माके बाणोंसे संतप्त हो बारंबार लंबी साँस खींचते हुए रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ शिखण्डीको उसका सारथि तुरंत रणभूमिसे बाहर हटा ले गया
hārdikya-śara-santaptaṃ niḥśvasantaṃ punaḥ punaḥ | kṛtavarmake bāṇoṃse santapta ho bārambār lambī sāṃs khīṃcte hue rathiyoṃ meṃ śreṣṭha śikhaṇḍīko usakā sārathi turanta raṇabhūmise bāhar haṭā le gayā |
Sañjaya said: Scorched by the arrows of Hārdikya (Kṛtavarman), and again and again drawing deep breaths in pain, Śikhaṇḍin—foremost among chariot-warriors—was at once withdrawn from the battlefield by his charioteer. The scene shows that amid war’s relentless code, a warrior’s survival and continued duty rest not only on valor, but also on timely protection and disciplined retreat when grievously wounded.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in righteous warfare, discernment and support roles matter: a charioteer’s timely withdrawal of a grievously wounded warrior preserves life and enables the warrior to return to duty later. Valor is not only striking blows but also knowing when to regroup under responsible guidance.
Sañjaya reports that Śikhaṇḍin has been badly hurt by Kṛtavarman’s arrows and is repeatedly gasping; seeing his condition, Śikhaṇḍin’s charioteer immediately takes him out of the battle zone.