Shloka 64
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
भारत! तत्पश्चात् अमेय आत्मबलसे सम्पन्न सात्यकिने भीमसेनके रथसे उलझे हुए कर्णको पीड़ा देना आरम्भ किया, क्योंकि वे भीमसेनके पृष्ठभागकी रक्षा कर रहे थे ।। अभ्यवर्तत कर्णस्तमर्दितो5पि शरैर्भुशम् । तावन्योन्यं समासाद्य वृषभौ सर्वधन्विनाम्
bhārata! tatpaścāt ameya-ātmabalase sampanna-sātyakine bhīmasenaka-rathase ulajhe hue karṇako pīḍā denā ārambha kiyā, kyoṅki ve bhīmasenake pṛṣṭhabhāgakī rakṣā kara rahe the. || abhyavartata karṇas tam ardito 'pi śarair bhuśam | tāv anyonyaṃ samāsādya vṛṣabhau sarva-dhanvinām ||
Sañjaya dijo: “¡Oh Bhārata! Después de esto, Sātyaki—dotado de una fuerza de espíritu inconmensurable—comenzó a apremiar y atormentar a Karṇa, que había quedado enredado con el carro de Bhīmasena, pues Sātyaki guardaba la retaguardia de Bhīma. Aunque herido cruelmente por innumerables flechas, Karṇa avanzó todavía; y ambos, al encontrarse de frente, se mantuvieron como los toros más señeros entre todos los arqueros, sin ceder en la feroz contienda de deber y enemistad en el campo de batalla.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights battlefield dharma as protective responsibility: Sātyaki’s ethical focus is not mere aggression but guarding Bhīma’s vulnerable rear, while Karṇa’s steadfast advance despite heavy wounds exemplifies unwavering resolve. The image of ‘two bulls among archers’ underscores disciplined courage and the moral weight of loyalty in war.
Bhīma and Karṇa are locked in close chariot-combat. Sātyaki, possessing great inner strength, attacks Karṇa to relieve pressure and to protect Bhīma from attacks from behind. Even though Karṇa is badly pierced by arrows, he advances to meet Sātyaki directly, and the two engage as premier champions.