Shloka 58
कर्णार्जुनसमागमः — The Karṇa–Arjuna Confrontation
Cosmic Spectatorship and Vows
ते वध्यमाना: समरे सूतपुत्रेण सृज्जया: । अर्जुन वासुदेव॑ च क्रोशन्ति च मुहुर्मुहु:
te vadhyamānāḥ samare sūtaputreṇa sṛñjayāḥ | arjuna vāsudevaṃ ca krośanti ca muhurmuhuḥ ||
Sañjaya said: As the Sṛñjayas were being cut down in the battle by the charioteer’s son (Karna), they repeatedly cried out again and again for Arjuna and for Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa)—calling upon their protectors in the midst of slaughter, where courage and duty are tested under the crushing weight of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the extremity of violence, warriors instinctively seek refuge in capable leadership and righteous protection; the verse highlights how, amid the moral pressure of war, dependence on Arjuna’s prowess and Vāsudeva’s guidance becomes a last resort for those overwhelmed.
Karna is cutting down the Sṛñjaya forces on the battlefield. As they are being slain, they repeatedly cry out for Arjuna and for Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa), appealing for rescue and counteraction against Karna’s onslaught.