Shloka 19
अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
सर्वातिक्रान्तमर्याद पृष्ठभज़ च चक्रतुः । सम्पूर्णमूर्च्छा बाहुभ्यां पूर्णकुम्भं प्रचक्रतु:
sarvātikrāntamaryāda pṛṣṭhabhaṅgaṃ ca cakratuḥ | sampūrṇamūrcchā bāhubhyāṃ pūrṇakumbhaṃ pracakratuḥ ||
Entonces traspasaron toda medida acostumbrada y recurrieron a la maniobra de lucha llamada “quiebra-espalda”, procurando forzar la espalda del otro contra el suelo. Con ambos brazos intentaron también la técnica del aturdimiento total—golpeando las zonas vitales para provocar el desmayo—y emplearon la presa conocida como “la vasija llena”, llevando el combate más allá de la contención ordinaria.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how competitive struggle can slide into adharma when participants ‘cross all limits’ (maryādā). It implicitly contrasts rightful contest with loss of restraint, reminding readers that technique and strength should remain governed by propriety and ethical boundaries.
Kṛṣṇa describes the fight escalating: the two combatants begin using advanced and harsher wrestling maneuvers—trying to slam the opponent’s back to the ground, attempting to stun by striking vital areas, and applying a hold called ‘pūrṇakumbha’—showing the bout has become intense and less restrained.