Shloka 40
धर्मरहस्योपदेशः
Dharma-rahasya Instruction: Vows, Truth, and Non-injury
सोअन्यत् कार्मुकमादाय सूतपुत्रं वृकोदर:,राजन! मर्मज्ञ भीमसेनने दूसरा धनुष लेकर सूतपुत्रके मर्मस्थानोंमें पैने बाणोंद्वारा प्रहार किया और पृथ्वी तथा आकाशको कंँपाते हुए-से उन्होंने बड़े जोरसे गर्जना की
sa anyat kārmukam ādāya sūtaputraṁ vṛkodaraḥ, rājan! marmajñaḥ bhīmasenaḥ sūtaputrasya marmasthāneṣu tīkṣṇaiḥ bāṇaiḥ prahāraṁ cakāra, pṛthivīm ākāśaṁ ca kampayann iva sa mahābalena nanāda.
Lalu Vrikodara (Bhimasena) mengambil busur lain dan memanahi putra sais itu pada titik-titik vitalnya dengan anak panah tajam. Sesudah itu ia mengaum dahsyat, seakan mengguncang bumi dan langit.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of kṣatriya warfare: skill and resolve are used decisively, even by targeting vital points. Ethically, it reflects the tension between martial duty (winning the battle) and the moral weight of violence, showing how dharma in war can become severe and uncompromising.
Bhīma takes up another bow and strikes Karṇa with sharp arrows aimed at vulnerable spots. He then roars powerfully, described as if his shout makes earth and sky tremble, emphasizing the ferocity and momentum of the duel.