Shloka 1
Arjuna’s Northern Conquests: Kimpuruṣa-lands, Hāṭaka, Mānasasaras, and the Harivarṣa Boundary
(दाक्षिणात्य अधिक पाठके २६ श्लोक मिलाकर कुल ८६ श्लोक हैं) है ० बकछ। ] अि्ऑशा:<ह - नरकट बेंतकी तरह पोले डंठलका एक पौधा होता है
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
pārthaḥ prāpya dhanuḥ śreṣṭham akṣayyau ca maheṣudhī |
rathaṃ dhvajaṃ sabhāṃ caiva yudhiṣṭhiram abhāṣata ||
Vaiśampāyana said: After Pārtha (Arjuna) had obtained the finest bow, two great and inexhaustible quivers, as well as a chariot, a banner, and the wondrous assembly-hall, he then addressed Yudhiṣṭhira. The tale turns from the gaining of divine resources to their dharmic use: Arjuna, now fully equipped, speaks to his elder brother in the setting of the brothers’ coming campaign of conquest, undertaken to uphold Yudhiṣṭhira’s royal rite and sovereignty.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power and divine resources are not ends in themselves; they are to be placed under dharma and rightful kingship. Arjuna’s acquisition of superior weapons and royal insignia is immediately followed by consultation with Yudhiṣṭhira, signaling that strength should be guided by legitimate authority and ethical purpose.
Arjuna, already furnished with exceptional martial equipment and the famed assembly-hall, turns to speak with Yudhiṣṭhira. This sets the stage for the brothers’ digvijaya (campaign in the directions) undertaken to secure political submission and resources in support of Yudhiṣṭhira’s imperial aspirations and ritual sovereignty.