Shloka 4
देवसत्रे मृत्युनिरोधः, पूर्वेन्द्राणां मानुषावतरणम्, द्रौपदी-वरकथनम्
Suspension of Death at the Devasatra; Former Indras’ Human Descent; Draupadī’s Boon Etiology
इति तद् धनुरानम्य शुल्कावाप्त॑ं महाबल: । भ्रात्रा भीमेन सहितस्तस्थौ गिरिरिवाचल:
iti tad dhanur ānamya śulkāvāptaṁ mahābalaḥ | bhrātrā bhīmena sahitas tasthau girir ivācalaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Nachdem er so gesprochen hatte, bog der mächtige Arjuna den als Brautpreis erlangten Bogen, spannte die Sehne auf und hielt ihn, zum Zielschuss bereit; neben seinem Bruder Bhīma stand er fest und unbeweglich wie ein Berg.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Strength is portrayed as disciplined control: Arjuna’s might is expressed through calm readiness and steadiness, suggesting that rightful action (dharma) in a public contest requires composure, skill, and restraint rather than impulsive force.
After speaking, Arjuna bends and strings the bow obtained as the stipulated prize/fee for the contest and stands with Bhīma, poised to attempt the target, described as immovable like a mountain.