Shloka 71
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
हर्षेण महता युक्ते परिगृह्म परस्परम् । उस महासमरमें एक-दूसरीसे उलझी हुई दोनों सेनाएँ परस्पर दृष्टिपात करके बड़े हर्ष और उत्साहके साथ युद्ध करने लगीं || ७० $ ।। ततः प्रववृते युद्ध मध्यं प्राप्ते दिवाकरे
harṣeṇa mahatā yukte parigṛhya parasparam | tataḥ pravavṛte yuddhaṃ madhyaṃ prāpte divākare ||
Sañjaya said: Filled with great exhilaration, the two armies closed upon one another, grappling in close combat. Then, as the sun reached midday, the battle surged forward in full force—each side looking upon the other with heightened ardor and pressing on with renewed intensity.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya-war ethos: once conflict is joined, collective emotion (harṣa/utsāha) can intensify violence. Ethically, it underscores how time and circumstance (midday, the battle’s momentum) can sweep individuals into escalating action, reminding readers to notice how enthusiasm and group dynamics can override restraint.
Sañjaya describes the armies closing in and grappling at close quarters. As the sun reaches midday, the fighting intensifies and the battle proceeds with renewed force, signaling a turning point in tempo rather than a pause.