कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
संनिवृत्तस्ततस्तूर्ण राधेय: शत्रुकर्शन: । भीम॑ प्रच्छादयामास समन्तान्निशितै: शरै:
sannivṛttas tatas tūrṇaṁ rādheyaḥ śatrukarśanaḥ | bhīmaṁ pracchādayāmāsa samantān niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ ||
Dijo Sañjaya: Entonces Rādheya (Karna), azote de enemigos, giró con presteza y, desde todos los flancos, cubrió a Bhīma con flechas afiladas; un gesto que revela el impulso implacable de la batalla, donde la destreza y la determinación se ponen a prueba sin tregua.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of steadfast engagement: in the crucible of war, a warrior must act decisively and persistently. Ethically, it underscores how duty-driven combat can become an arena where resolve and skill are measured, even as it reminds the listener of the harsh, escalating nature of violence.
Sañjaya reports that Karna quickly turns back and launches a concentrated, all-around arrow-shower at Bhīma, effectively ‘covering’ him with sharp arrows—an image of tactical pressure and dominance in the duel.