Shloka 43
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
विरथो भरतश्रेष्ठ प्रहसन्ननिलोपम: । गदां गृह महाबाहुरपतत् स्यन्दनोत्तमात्,भरतश्रेष्ठ) रथहीन होनेपर वायुके समान बलशाली महाबाहु भीमसेन गदा हाथमें लेकर हँसते हुए उस उत्तम रथसे कूद पड़े
viratho bharataśreṣṭha prahasann anilopamaḥ | gadāṃ gṛhya mahābāhur apatat syandanottamāt ||
Sañjaya said: O best of the Bharatas, when he was left without his chariot, the mighty-armed Bhīmasena—laughing, and swift and forceful like the wind—grasped his mace and leapt down from that excellent chariot. The scene underscores fearless resolve in battle: even deprived of his vehicle, he does not abandon the fight, but meets danger directly with steadfast courage.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast courage and kṣatriya resolve: even when deprived of external supports (like a chariot), a warrior committed to his duty does not falter, but confronts the challenge directly with composure and confidence.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma becoming chariotless, then laughing in defiance, taking up his mace, and leaping down from an excellent chariot—signaling readiness to continue the combat on foot with his signature weapon.