Shloka 22
कर्णनिधनश्रवणम् — Hearing of Karṇa’s Fall and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament
बहुशो योधयित्वा तु भीमसेनं महारथम् । मद्रराजात्मज: शूर: परेषां भयवर्धन: । असिचर्मधर: श्रीमान् सौभद्रेण निपातितः
bahuśo yodhayitvā tu bhīmasenaṃ mahāratham | madrarājātmajaḥ śūraḥ pareṣāṃ bhayavardhanaḥ | asicarmadharaḥ śrīmān saubhadreṇa nipātitaḥ |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Matapos makipaglaban nang maraming ulit kay Bhīmasena, ang dakilang mandirigmang-karwahe—ang matapang at maringal na anak ng hari ng Madra na nagpapalago ng takot ng mga kaaway—na may hawak na tabak at kalasag, ay nabuwal sa kamay ni Saubhadra (Abhimanyu).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the impermanence of martial power and reputation: even a repeatedly battle-tested hero can fall when confronted by a worthy opponent. Ethically, it reflects the harsh logic of kṣatriya-dharma in war—valor and duty are praised, yet they unfold within a field where outcomes are uncertain and life is fragile.
Sañjaya reports that a renowned warrior—the brave son of the king of Madra, known for terrifying enemies and equipped with sword and shield—who had fought Bhīma many times, is slain by Saubhadra, i.e., Abhimanyu.