Shloka 22
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
इत्युक्त: पाण्डवेयेन किरात: प्रहसन्निव । उवाच श्लक्ष्णया वाचा पाण्डवं सव्यसाचिनम्,पाण्डुनन्दन अर्जुनके इस प्रकार कहनेपर किरात-वेषधारी भगवान् शंकर जोर-जोरसे हँस पड़े और सव्यसाची पाण्डवसे मधुर वाणीमें बोले--
ity uktaḥ pāṇḍaveyena kirātaḥ prahasann iva | uvāca ślakṣṇayā vācā pāṇḍavaṃ savyasācinam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed by the son of Pāṇḍu, the Kirāta—smiling as though in amusement—spoke to the Pāṇḍava Arjuna, famed as Savyasācin, in gentle and polished words.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when challenged or mocked, one should maintain discernment and humility; divine encounters may come in ordinary or deceptive forms, and refined speech and self-control are signs of higher dharma and readiness for divine grace.
After Arjuna speaks, the Kirāta (actually Śiva in disguise) laughs and then addresses Arjuna gently, indicating the beginning of a deliberate test and dialogue that will reveal Arjuna’s worthiness and lead toward divine favor.