Shloka 64
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
भारत! तत्पश्चात् अमेय आत्मबलसे सम्पन्न सात्यकिने भीमसेनके रथसे उलझे हुए कर्णको पीड़ा देना आरम्भ किया, क्योंकि वे भीमसेनके पृष्ठभागकी रक्षा कर रहे थे ।। अभ्यवर्तत कर्णस्तमर्दितो5पि शरैर्भुशम् । तावन्योन्यं समासाद्य वृषभौ सर्वधन्विनाम्
bhārata! tatpaścāt ameya-ātmabalase sampanna-sātyakine bhīmasenaka-rathase ulajhe hue karṇako pīḍā denā ārambha kiyā, kyoṅki ve bhīmasenake pṛṣṭhabhāgakī rakṣā kara rahe the. || abhyavartata karṇas tam ardito 'pi śarair bhuśam | tāv anyonyaṃ samāsādya vṛṣabhau sarva-dhanvinām ||
サञ्जयは言った。「おおバーラタよ！ そののち、量り知れぬ心力を備えたサーティヤキは、ビーマセーナの戦車と絡み合っていたカルナを圧し迫り、苦しめ始めた。サーティヤキがビーマの背後を守っていたからである。無数の矢に激しく射抜かれてなお、カルナは進み出た。かくて両雄は正面から相まみえ、あらゆる弓手の中の先頭に立つ牡牛のごとく対峙し、戦場における義務と怨讐の苛烈な争いの中で、いずれも一歩も退かなかった。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights battlefield dharma as protective responsibility: Sātyaki’s ethical focus is not mere aggression but guarding Bhīma’s vulnerable rear, while Karṇa’s steadfast advance despite heavy wounds exemplifies unwavering resolve. The image of ‘two bulls among archers’ underscores disciplined courage and the moral weight of loyalty in war.
Bhīma and Karṇa are locked in close chariot-combat. Sātyaki, possessing great inner strength, attacks Karṇa to relieve pressure and to protect Bhīma from attacks from behind. Even though Karṇa is badly pierced by arrows, he advances to meet Sātyaki directly, and the two engage as premier champions.