Shloka 22
कर्णनिधनश्रवणम् — Hearing of Karṇa’s Fall and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament
बहुशो योधयित्वा तु भीमसेनं महारथम् । मद्रराजात्मज: शूर: परेषां भयवर्धन: । असिचर्मधर: श्रीमान् सौभद्रेण निपातितः,जो महारथी भीमसेनके साथ भी कई बार युद्ध कर चुका था, ढाल और तलवार लेकर शत्रुओंका भय बढ़ानेवाला वह मद्रराजका शूरवीर तेजस्वी पुत्र सुभद्राकुमार अभिमन्युके द्वारा मार डाला गया
bahuśo yodhayitvā tu bhīmasenaṃ mahāratham | madrarājātmajaḥ śūraḥ pareṣāṃ bhayavardhanaḥ | asicarmadharaḥ śrīmān saubhadreṇa nipātitaḥ |
Sañjaya said: Having fought many times with Bhīmasena, that great chariot-warrior—the valiant, illustrious son of the king of Madra, who increased the fear of his foes—bearing sword and shield, was struck down by Saubhadra (Abhimanyu). The verse underscores how even seasoned prowess in war does not guarantee survival when fate, skill, and the relentless momentum of dharma-driven conflict converge on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the impermanence of martial power and reputation: even a repeatedly battle-tested hero can fall when confronted by a worthy opponent. Ethically, it reflects the harsh logic of kṣatriya-dharma in war—valor and duty are praised, yet they unfold within a field where outcomes are uncertain and life is fragile.
Sañjaya reports that a renowned warrior—the brave son of the king of Madra, known for terrifying enemies and equipped with sword and shield—who had fought Bhīma many times, is slain by Saubhadra, i.e., Abhimanyu.