Shloka 17
अर्जुनस्य इन्द्रकीलगमनम् तथा शक्रसाक्षात्कारः
Arjuna’s journey to Indrakīla and encounter with Indra
पुष्पवर्ष च सुमहन्निपपात महीतले । मेघजालं च विततं छादयामास सर्वतः,पृथ्वीपर फूलोंकी बड़ी भारी वर्षा होने लगी। मेघोंकी घटा घिरकर आकाशमें सब ओर छा गयी। उन दुर्गम वनस्थलियोंको लाँघकर अर्जुन हिमालयके पृष्ठभागमें एक महान् पर्वतके निकट निवास करते हुए शोभा पाने लगे
puṣpavarṣaṃ ca sumahann ipapāta mahītale | meghajālaṃ ca vitataṃ chādayāmāsa sarvataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: A very great shower of flowers fell upon the surface of the earth, and a vast net of clouds spread out, covering everything on all sides. In that awe-filled setting, Arjuna—having crossed those difficult forest tracts—came to dwell near a great mountain on the Himalayan heights, where his presence shone with renewed splendor, as if nature itself were acknowledging his resolve.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how steadfast striving (especially disciplined effort like tapas and purposeful retreat) is traditionally portrayed as harmonizing with the cosmos: auspicious signs such as a shower of flowers and enveloping clouds suggest moral-spiritual momentum and divine approval for a righteous undertaking.
Vaiśampāyana describes a striking natural-celestial scene: flowers rain down and clouds spread everywhere. Against this backdrop, Arjuna has crossed difficult forest regions and takes up residence near a great mountain on the Himalayan heights, where he appears radiant and distinguished.