Shloka 286
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
पश्यतां कौरवेयाणां विननर्द महाबल: । महाबली भीमसेनने भी कौरववीरोंके देखते-देखते महारथी कर्णको बाणसमूहोंसे आच्छादित करके विकट गर्जना की
paśyatāṁ kauraveyāṇāṁ vinanarda mahābalaḥ | mahābalī bhīmasenena (bhīmaḥ) kauravavīrānāṁ paśyatāṁ-dṛśyamāneṣu karṇaṁ bāṇasamūhaiḥ ācchādya vikaṭaṁ garjanaṁ cakāra |
Sañjaya said: While the Kauravas looked on, the mighty Bhīmasena—himself of tremendous strength—covered Karṇa with volleys of arrows and let out a fearsome roar. The scene underscores the relentless momentum of battle, where prowess and resolve are displayed openly before both armies, and where reputation and morale are tested as much as bodies.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya arena where courage, endurance, and public accountability matter: valor is demonstrated before witnesses, affecting collective morale and reputation. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring theme that action in war is not private—its consequences are social and psychological as well as physical.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma, in full view of the Kaurava warriors, showering Karṇa with a dense volley of arrows and then roaring fiercely—an intimidation and morale-shifting act amid the ongoing battle.