Shloka 36
कर्णवधार्थं धनञ्जयस्य प्रतिज्ञा — Arjuna’s resolve for Karṇa’s defeat
स गाढविद्धो व्यथितो रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्
sa gāḍha-viddho vyathito rathopasthe upāviśat | nānā-vāditra-ninadāḥ siṃha-nādāś ca jajñire ||
Tertikam dalam oleh anak panah itu dan diguncang rasa sakit, Arjuna duduk di bagian belakang keretanya. Maka timbullah kegemparan besar; orang-orang berteriak keras, “Arjuna telah gugur!” Saat itu sangkakala ditiup, dentum berat genderang perang menyebar, dan di tengah hiruk-pikuk berbagai alat bunyi, raungan para kesatria laksana singa pun menggema.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how quickly collective judgment forms in war: a momentary setback is mistaken for final defeat. Ethically, it cautions against triumph or despair based on appearances and urges steadiness and discernment (viveka) amid the noise of conflict.
Arjuna is struck hard by arrows and, in pain, sits down on the rear part of his chariot. Observers assume he has been killed, and the battlefield erupts with loud cries, conch-blasts, drumbeats, and roaring shouts.