Shloka 33
काकोपमोपदेशः
The Crow-and-Swan Exemplum as Counsel to Karṇa
रथपर बैठे हुए ही दुर्योधनका कवच फाड़कर वह शक्ति उसकी छातीमें चुभ गयी। इससे अत्यन्त उद्विग्नचित्त होकर दुर्योधन गिरा और मूर्च्छित हो गया ।।
rathopaviṣṭasyaiva duryodhanasya kavacaṃ vidārya sā śaktir asya vakṣasi prāviśat | tena atyantaṃ udvignacitto duryodhano nipapāta mūrcchito 'bhavat || bhīmas tam āha ca tataḥ pratijñām anucintayan | nāyaṃ vadhyas tava nṛpa ity uktaḥ sa nyavartata ||
Sañjaya said: Though Duryodhana still sat upon his chariot, the weapon tore his armor and pierced his chest. His mind thrown into violent turmoil, Duryodhana fell and lost consciousness. Then Bhīma, recalling his own vow, said to Yudhiṣṭhira, “O King, this Duryodhana is not to be slain by you.” Hearing this, King Yudhiṣṭhira desisted from killing him.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, dharma operates through self-restraint and fidelity to one’s pledged word. Bhīma’s reminder shows that victory is not pursued by abandoning ethical boundaries; a king’s action must remain aligned with rightful conduct and agreed limits of combat.
Duryodhana is struck on the chest by a śakti that tears through his armor, causing him to fall unconscious. Immediately afterward, Bhīma—mindful of his vow—tells Yudhiṣṭhira that Duryodhana is not for Yudhiṣṭhira to kill, and Yudhiṣṭhira refrains from slaying him.