Shloka 54
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः: कर्ण–घटोत्कचयोर्निशायुद्धवर्णनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Description of the Night Engagement of Karṇa and Ghaṭotkaca
पत्ती क्षनिहतान वीर शतशो5थ सहस्रश: । धनुर्भुतश्चर्मभृतः शयानान् रुधिरोक्षितान्,वीर! अपने मारे हुए इन सैकड़ों और हजारों पैदल सैनिकोंको देखो, जो धनुष और ढाल लिये खूनसे लथपथ हो धरतीपर सो रहे हैं
pattī kṣaṇihatān vīra śataśo 'tha sahasraśaḥ | dhanurbhṛtaś carmabhṛtaḥ śayānān rudhirokṣitān ||
पत्तीन् क्षणनिहतान् वीर शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः । धनुर्भृतश्चर्मभृतः शयानान् रुधिरोक्षितान् ॥
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse forces a moral reckoning: martial success is measured not only by tactical gain but by the immediate human cost—hundreds and thousands of lives. Kṛṣṇa’s words highlight responsibility and sobriety in war, reminding the warrior that dharma in battle does not erase the tragedy of death.
Kṛṣṇa addresses a warrior (“O hero”) and points out the battlefield scene: numerous infantrymen have been cut down swiftly; they lie on the earth, still holding bows and shields, their bodies soaked in blood. The line functions as a vivid battlefield tableau and a pointed reminder of the aftermath of combat.