Shloka 22
धर्मद्वारबहुत्वविमर्शः — Reflection on the Many ‘Doors’ of Dharma (Śānti-parva 342)
नारायणात्मको ज्ञेय: पाण्डवेय युगे युगे । तस्मिन् हि पूज्यमाने वै देवदेवे महेश्वरे
nārāyaṇātmako jñeyaḥ pāṇḍaveya yuge yuge | tasmin hi pūjyamāne vai devadeve maheśvare
Arjuna said: “O descendant of the Pāṇḍus, know him to be of the very nature of Nārāyaṇa, in every age. For when that Lord of lords, Maheśvara, is duly worshipped, (the highest divine principle is honored through him).”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches a theological unity: Maheśvara, when rightly understood, is to be known as sharing the very essence of Nārāyaṇa across all ages. Thus worship offered to the supreme Lord (here named Maheśvara/Devadeva) is not sectarian rivalry but recognition of the one highest divinity manifest in different names and forms.
Arjuna is speaking to a Pāṇḍava addressee, affirming the status of Maheśvara (Śiva) as ‘Nārāyaṇa-natured’ and emphasizing the significance of worship directed to Devadeva Maheśvara. The statement functions as doctrinal clarification within the Śānti Parva’s broader ethical-religious instruction.