Shloka 37
Śalya-hatānantarāṇi: Madrarāja-padānugānāṃ praskandana and the Pandava counter-encirclement (शल्यहतानन्तराणि—मद्रराजपदानुगानां प्रस्कन्दनम्)
गोविन्दवाक्यं त्वरितं विचिन्त्य दश्ने मतिं शल्यविनाशनाय । स धर्मराजो निहताश्वसूतो रथे तिष्ठन् शक्तिमेवा भ्यकाड्क्षत्
govindavākyaṁ tvaritaṁ vicintya daśne matiṁ śalyavināśanāya | sa dharmarājo nihatāśvasūto rathe tiṣṭhan śaktim evābhyakāṅkṣat ||
Recordando las palabras de Govinda y meditándolas con presteza, Dharmarāja templó su determinación de causar la ruina de Śalya. Sus caballos y su auriga ya habían sido abatidos, y sólo quedaba el carro; de pie sobre él, fijó su intención en emplear contra Śalya el arma de lanza (śakti).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a ruler devoted to dharma must sometimes act decisively in war when guided by right counsel and compelled by circumstance; ethical action here is framed as resolute fulfillment of duty rather than hesitation born of fear or confusion.
Sañjaya reports that Yudhiṣṭhira, remembering Kṛṣṇa’s advice, quickly resolves to kill Śalya. With his horses and charioteer already dead, he stands on the remaining chariot and prepares to employ the śakti (spear/javelin) against Śalya.