Shloka 51
कर्णनिधनश्रवणम् — Hearing of Karṇa’s Fall and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament
ते हता: समरे राजन् पार्थनाक्लिष्टकर्मणा । राजन! पालननिपुण पुरुषोंने जिनका दीर्घकालसे पालन-पोषण किया था, जो युद्धमें सदा सावधान रहनेवाले शूरवीर थे, वे सभी अनायास ही महान् कर्म करनेवाले अर्जुनके हाथसे ध्वज, आयुध, कवच, वस्त्र और आभूषणोंसहित समरांगणमें मारे गये || ५० है ।। अन्ये तथामितबला: परस्परवधैषिण:,महाराज! एक-दूसरेके वधकी इच्छा रखनेवाले असीम बलशाली अन्यान्य योद्धा भी मौतके घाट उतर चुके हैं। राजन! ये तथा और भी बहुत-से नरेश रणभूमिमें अपने दलबलके साथ सहस्रोंकी संख्यामें मारे गये हैं। आप मुझसे जो कुछ पूछ रहे थे, वह सब मैंने बता दिया
te hatāḥ samare rājan pārthānākliṣṭa-karmaṇā |
Sanjaya said: O King, in the press of battle they were slain—cut down by Arjuna, whose mighty deeds never falter. Those men whom you had long maintained and nurtured, skilled in protection and ever vigilant as warriors, fell on the field together with their standards, weapons, armor, garments, and ornaments. Thus the war’s moral weight is sharpened: royal patronage and long service do not shield one from the impartial consequences of combat when dharma and prowess collide.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh ethical reality of war: even those long protected and supported by a king can be swiftly destroyed when confronted by superior dharmic force and unwavering prowess. Royal patronage and past service do not guarantee safety; actions and circumstances in battle bring inevitable consequences.
Sanjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that many of the king’s well-maintained, vigilant warriors have been slain in the battle by Arjuna (Pārtha), described as tireless in action.