Shloka 62
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
संनिवृत्तस्ततस्तूर्ण राधेय: शत्रुकर्शन: । भीम॑ प्रच्छादयामास समन्तान्निशितै: शरै:
sannivṛttas tatas tūrṇaṁ rādheyaḥ śatrukarśanaḥ | bhīmaṁ pracchādayāmāsa samantān niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then Rādheya (Karna), the harrier of foes, swiftly wheeled back and, from every side, covered Bhīma with sharp arrows—an act that displays the relentless momentum of battle where prowess and resolve are tested without respite.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of steadfast engagement: in the crucible of war, a warrior must act decisively and persistently. Ethically, it underscores how duty-driven combat can become an arena where resolve and skill are measured, even as it reminds the listener of the harsh, escalating nature of violence.
Sañjaya reports that Karna quickly turns back and launches a concentrated, all-around arrow-shower at Bhīma, effectively ‘covering’ him with sharp arrows—an image of tactical pressure and dominance in the duel.