Shloka 356
कृष्णोपदेशः, अर्जुनस्य क्षमा-याचनम्, कर्णवध-अनुज्ञा
Krishna’s Counsel, Arjuna’s Apology, and Authorization for Karṇa’s Slaying
आकर्णमूलं विव्याध दृढमायम्य कार्मुकम् । महाराज! उस समय कर्णने अपने सुदृढ़ धनुषको कानके पासतक खींचकर तीन बाणोंसे भीमसेनको क्षत-विक्षत कर दिया
ākarṇamūlaṃ vivyādha dṛḍham āyamya kārmukam |
三阇耶说道：大王啊，当时迦尔那将坚弓拉至耳根，满弦而发、法度森严；随即以三箭劲贯其身，使毗摩塞那皮开肉绽、伤痕累累。此景凸显战场冷峻之“法”：武器的精熟与意志的坚定，被导向致命的终局，在战争严酷的职责之中运转。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the severe moral landscape of Kurukṣetra: within kṣatriya-dharma, excellence in discipline and technique (a full ear-draw and firm bow) becomes ethically charged when used to injure. It invites reflection on how skill and resolve, though admirable, can serve destructive ends in war.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa drawing his strong bow to a full ear-draw and piercing Bhīmasena with powerful shots, leaving him wounded and torn in the ongoing combat.