Shloka 26
अध्याय २६ — शल्यस्य सारथ्य-नियोजनं, कर्णस्य प्रस्थानं, उत्पातदर्शनं च
Chapter 26: Śalya appointed as charioteer; Karṇa’s departure; portents
सुशर्माणं सुसंक्रुद्धो जत्र॒ुदेशे समाहनत् | ततः संशप्तका: सर्वे परिवार्य धनंजयम्
Suśarmāṇaṃ susaṃkruddho jatrudeśe samāhanat | tataḥ saṃśaptakāḥ sarve parivārya dhanañjayam
सुशर्माणं सुसंक्रुद्धो जत्रुदेशे समाहनत् । ततः संशप्तकाः सर्वे परिवार्य धनंजयम् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger (krodha) can sharpen violence in battle, while also pointing to the ethical test for a warrior: to remain steady and effective even when surrounded by vowed enemies. It implicitly contrasts impulsive rage with disciplined courage under pressure.
In the thick of combat, Arjuna (Dhanañjaya), inflamed with anger, strikes Suśarmā at the collarbone/neck region. Immediately afterward, the Saṃśaptakas—Suśarmā’s allied vowed fighters—encircle Arjuna, attempting to overwhelm him by massed attack.