Shloka 4
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
संजय उवाच विमुखं प्रेक्ष्य राधेयं सूतपुत्रं महाहवे । पुत्रस्तव महाराज सोदर्यान्ू समभाषत,संजयने कहा--महाराज! सूतपुत्र राधाकुमार कर्णको महासमरमें पराडमुख हुआ देख आपका पुत्र अपने भाइयोंसे बोला--
sañjaya uvāca
vimukhaṃ prekṣya rādheyaṃ sūtaputraṃ mahāhave |
putras tava mahārāja sodaryān samabhāṣata ||
Sañjaya dijo: “Oh gran rey, al ver a Rādheya—Karna, el hijo del auriga—volver el rostro y apartarse en la gran batalla, tu hijo se dirigió a sus propios hermanos.” Ese instante enmarca una crisis de ánimo y de mando: cuando un guerrero eminente parece retirarse, el peso de sostener la resolución y el propósito del dharma recae en quienes ordenan y en quienes permanecen a su lado.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in dharmic warfare, courage and steadiness are not merely personal virtues but communal responsibilities: when a key warrior falters or withdraws, leaders must respond wisely to preserve order, purpose, and the ethical frame of duty amid chaos.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Karna (Rādheya), described as the sūta’s son, appears to have turned away in the battle. Seeing this, Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son (Duryodhana) speaks to his brothers, likely to rally, instruct, or react to the perceived setback.