Adhyāya 35 — Bhīmasena’s Counter-Encirclement and the Karṇa Engagement Escalation
आरुरोह महातेजा: शल्य: सिंह इवाचलम् । तदनन्तर जैसे सिंह पर्वतपर चढ़ता है, उसी प्रकार महातेजस्वी शल्य कर्णके दुर्जय, विशाल एवं श्रेष्ठ रथपर आरूढ़ हुए
sañjaya uvāca | āruroha mahātejāḥ śalyaḥ siṃha ivācalam |
Sañjaya berkata: Lalu Śalya yang berteja besar menaiki kereta Karṇa—luas, unggul, dan sukar ditaklukkan—laksana singa mendaki gunung.
संजय उवाच
The verse underscores heroic resolve within the framework of kṣatriya-dharma: even amid morally tragic warfare, warriors and allies commit themselves firmly to their chosen side and role, embodying steadiness and courage.
Sañjaya narrates that Śalya, described as radiant and powerful, climbs onto (mounts) Karṇa’s formidable chariot, compared to a lion ascending a mountain—marking his taking position for the coming combat.