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 |
सञ्जय उवाच—विशिखैः स कर्णं परबलार्दनं छादयामास। ततः परं भीमसेनः सुदृढं धनुः पाणिना गृहीत्वा शत्रुसैन्यसंतापिनं कर्णं स्वशरैः समाच्छादयत्।
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.