Shloka 39
अमोघशक्तिव्यंसनप्रश्नः — Why Karṇa’s Śakti Was Not Used on Arjuna
दुर्मदस्य च वीरस्य दुष्कर्णस्य च तं रथम् । पादप्रहारेण धरां प्रावेशयदरिंदम:,तदनन्तर कर्ण, अश्वत्थामा, दुर्योधन, कृपाचार्य, सोमदत्त और बाह्लीकके देखते-देखते शत्रुदमन पाण्डुपुत्र भीमने वीर दुर्मद और दुष्कर्णके उस रथको लात मारकर धरतीमें धँसा दिया
sañjaya uvāca | durmadasya ca vīrasya duṣkarṇasya ca taṃ ratham | pādaprahāreṇa dharāṃ prāveśayad arindamaḥ |
Sanjaya said: The Pandava Bhima, a subduer of foes, struck with his foot and drove into the earth the chariot of the valiant Durmada and Dushkarna—an overpowering feat performed in full view of Karna, Ashvatthama, Duryodhana, Kripacharya, Somadatta, and Bahlika. The scene underscores Bhima’s fierce resolve in battle and the ruthless momentum of war, where strength and intimidation become instruments for breaking the enemy’s morale.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in the Mahabharata’s war setting, extraordinary strength is used not only to defeat opponents physically but also to shatter their confidence. Ethically, it reflects the grim reality of dharma in wartime: valor and duty are pursued amid escalating violence, where intimidation and decisive action become strategic tools.
Bhima, the Pandava warrior, kicks the chariot belonging to Durmada and Dushkarna so forcefully that it sinks into the ground. This dramatic act occurs while major Kaurava figures—Karna, Ashvatthama, Duryodhana, Kripa, Somadatta, and Bahlika—look on.