Shloka 43
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
ततो हृष्टमना जिष्णु्नाराचान् मर्मभेदिन: । व्यसृजच्छतथा राजन् मयूखानिव भास्कर:,राजन! यह सोचकर प्रसन्नचित्त अर्जुनने सहस्रों किरणोंको फैलानेवाले भगवान् भास्करकी भाँति सैकड़ों मर्मभेदी नाराचोंका प्रहार किया
tato hṛṣṭamanā jiṣṇur nārācān marmabhedinaḥ | vyasṛjac chatathā rājan mayūkhān iva bhāskaraḥ ||
Then Arjuna, his mind uplifted with joy and resolve—O King—released piercing nārāca arrows that struck vital points, just as the Sun spreads forth its rays in countless beams.
किरयात उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma in action: disciplined skill, when guided by clear purpose and courage, becomes effective and decisive. The sun-ray simile suggests natural, unhindered power—strength expressed without hesitation when duty calls.
Arjuna, encouraged and confident, begins a forceful counterattack by releasing many nārāca arrows aimed at vital points, compared to the Sun spreading its rays. It marks a surge of momentum in the combat episode being narrated.