Shloka 40
Karṇa’s advance against the Pāṇḍava host; Arjuna’s clash with the Saṃśaptakas (कर्णस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रवेशः—अर्जुनस्य संशप्तकसंप्रहारः)
ते तत्त्वं सर्वमाख्याय शिरोभि: सम्प्रणम्य च । वधोपायमपृच्छन्त भगवन्तं पितामहम्
te tattvaṃ sarvam ākhyāya śirobhiḥ sampraṇamya ca | vadhopāyam apṛcchanta bhagavantaṃ pitāmaham, tapa ugraṃ samāsthāya niyame parame sthitāḥ |
彼らは事の次第を余すところなく正確に語り、頭を垂れて礼拝し、福徳なる祖父梵天ブラフマーに、かの敵を討つ手立てを問うた。敵が苛烈なる苦行に依り、最高の戒律に堅く住しているがゆえに、神々は神意にかなう方策を求めたのである。
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring epic pattern: even those seeking violent outcomes attempt to ground their actions in higher authority through reverence, austerity, and disciplined observance. It implicitly raises an ethical tension—tapas and ritual correctness can be pursued for ends that are not necessarily dharmic, showing that spiritual power is morally neutral unless guided by right intention.
After presenting the full situation to Brahmā and bowing respectfully, the petitioners ask him for a method to accomplish the slaying of their opponents. They undertake intense austerities and maintain strict observances, aiming to obtain a decisive, divinely endorsed means (often a boon or special condition) to overcome those who have defeated them.