Shloka 336
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
छादयामास विशिखेी: कर्ण परबलार्दनम् | तत्पश्चात् भीमसेनने अत्यन्त सुदृढ़ धनुष हाथमें लेकर अपने बाणोंद्वारा शत्रुसैन्यसंतापी कर्णको आच्छादित कर दिया
Sañjaya uvāca: chādayāmāsa viśikhaiḥ Karṇaṃ parabalārdanam | tataḥ paścāt Bhīmasenena atyanta-sudṛḍha-dhanuḥ hastam ānīya svabāṇair śatru-sainyasantāpinaṃ Karṇam ācchāditavān |
Sanjaya said: With a shower of arrows he covered Karna, the crusher of hostile forces. Thereafter Bhimasena, taking up in his hand an exceedingly strong bow, enveloped Karna—who was tormenting the enemy’s army—with his own shafts, intensifying the fierce contest in which prowess and resolve are tested amid the moral weight of fratricidal war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the kṣatriya ethos in battle: steadfastness, skill, and resolve are displayed even against formidable opponents. Ethically, it underscores the Mahābhārata’s tension—valor and duty unfold within a tragic war where each act of prowess also deepens collective suffering.
Sanjaya describes a moment in the Kurukṣetra battle where Karna is overwhelmed by a dense volley of arrows. Immediately afterward, Bhima takes up a very strong bow and further showers Karna with arrows, attempting to check Karna’s assault on the opposing army.