Shloka 38
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
बाहुभिश्षचापरे छिन्नैः पार्श्ेषु च विदारिता: । क्रन्दन्त: समदृश्यन्त तृषिता जीवितेप्सव:
bāhubhiś cāpare chinnaiḥ pārśveṣu ca vidāritāḥ | krandantaḥ samadṛśyanta tṛṣitā jīvitepsavaḥ, bhārata |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Ang iba ay nakita na putol ang mga bisig, punit ang tagiliran at mga tadyang; sumisigaw sa matinding hapdi, tuyong-tuyo sa uhaw, at gayon ma’y kumakapit pa rin sa buhay—O Bhārata—na naglalantad sa mabigat at madilim na kabayarang moral ng digmaan, kung saan nananatili ang pagnanasang mabuhay kahit sa ganap na pagkapariwara.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical gravity of war: even amid horrific mutilation, beings cling to life. It invites reflection on dharma and the human cost behind martial glory, stirring compassion and sobriety about violence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield scene: many warriors lie grievously wounded—arms cut off, sides torn—crying out, tormented by thirst, yet still yearning to survive.