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 |
Disse Sañjaya: Com uma chuva de flechas ele cobriu Karṇa, o esmagador das forças adversárias. Depois Bhīmasena, tomando em sua mão um arco de firmeza extrema, envolveu Karṇa—que afligia o exército inimigo—com seus próprios dardos, intensificando o duelo feroz sob o peso moral de uma guerra fratricida.
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.