Shloka 4
Chapter 40: Śiva in Kirāta Disguise Tests Arjuna
Mūka-vadha and the Contest
तदेतदेव गाण्डीवं तव पार्थ करोचितम् । मायामास्थाय यद् ग्रस्तं मया पुरुषसत्तम,पुरुषप्रवर पार्थ! तुम्हारे हाथमें रहनेयोग्य यही वह गाण्डीव धनुष है, जिसे मैंने मायाका आश्रय लेकर अपनेमें विलीन कर लिया था
tad etad eva gāṇḍīvaṃ tava pārtha karocitam | māyām āsthāya yad grastaṃ mayā puruṣasattama ||
The Lord said: “O Pārtha, this very Gāṇḍīva is indeed the bow fit to remain in your hands. It was I—taking refuge in divine māyā—who had drawn it into Myself and kept it withdrawn. Now it is returned to you, O best among men.”
देवदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power and weapons are ethically meaningful only when rightly placed: the Gāṇḍīva belongs with Arjuna because he is the proper agent to wield it in accordance with dharma. The Lord’s māyā can withdraw or restore such power, emphasizing divine oversight and responsibility in its use.
Devadeva addresses Arjuna and identifies the bow as the very Gāṇḍīva meant for him. He explains that he had previously absorbed/hidden it within himself through māyā, and now returns it—affirming Arjuna’s role and readiness for the duties ahead.