Shloka 54
Babhruvāhana’s Lament and Appeal for Expiation (प्रायश्चित्त-याचना)
उत्यथिते पुरुषव्याप्रे पुनर्लक्ष्मीवति प्रभो । दिव्या: सुमनस: पुण्या ववृषे पाकशासन:,प्रभो! पुरुषसिंह श्रीमान् अर्जुनके पुनः उठ जानेपर पाकशासन इन्द्रने उनके ऊपर दिव्य एवं पवित्र फूलोंकी वर्षा की
utthite puruṣavyāghre punar lakṣmīvati prabho | divyāḥ sumanasaḥ puṇyā vavṛṣe pākaśāsanaḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O lord, when Arjuna—the tiger among men, radiant with fortune—rose again, Pākaśāsana (Indra) showered him with divine and holy flowers. The scene affirms that steadfast valor and righteous resolve, when aligned with dharma, are honored even by the gods.”
वैशमग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Righteous courage and steadfastness, when grounded in dharma, receive affirmation from higher powers; divine honors symbolize moral legitimacy rather than mere worldly success.
As Arjuna rises again—presented as a foremost hero—Indra, called Pākaśāsana, showers him with celestial, sanctifying flowers, marking approval and auspiciousness in the unfolding events of the Aśvamedhika Parva.