Shloka 22
कर्णनिधनश्रवणम् — Hearing of Karṇa’s Fall and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament
बहुशो योधयित्वा तु भीमसेनं महारथम् । मद्रराजात्मज: शूर: परेषां भयवर्धन: । असिचर्मधर: श्रीमान् सौभद्रेण निपातितः,जो महारथी भीमसेनके साथ भी कई बार युद्ध कर चुका था, ढाल और तलवार लेकर शत्रुओंका भय बढ़ानेवाला वह मद्रराजका शूरवीर तेजस्वी पुत्र सुभद्राकुमार अभिमन्युके द्वारा मार डाला गया
bahuśo yodhayitvā tu bhīmasenaṃ mahāratham | madrarājātmajaḥ śūraḥ pareṣāṃ bhayavardhanaḥ | asicarmadharaḥ śrīmān saubhadreṇa nipātitaḥ |
Sañjaya dijo: Tras combatir muchas veces con Bhīmasena, aquel gran guerrero de carro—el valiente e ilustre hijo del rey de Madra, que acrecentaba el temor de sus enemigos—con espada y escudo en mano, fue abatido por Saubhadra (Abhimanyu).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the impermanence of martial power and reputation: even a repeatedly battle-tested hero can fall when confronted by a worthy opponent. Ethically, it reflects the harsh logic of kṣatriya-dharma in war—valor and duty are praised, yet they unfold within a field where outcomes are uncertain and life is fragile.
Sañjaya reports that a renowned warrior—the brave son of the king of Madra, known for terrifying enemies and equipped with sword and shield—who had fought Bhīma many times, is slain by Saubhadra, i.e., Abhimanyu.