Mahabharata 3.42.13 — Vana Parva, Adhyaya 42, Shloka 13
Lokapāla-samāgamaḥ—Arjuna Receives Astras from the World-Guardians
Book 3, Chapter 42
एष शक्रः परिवृतो देवैरऋषिगणैस्तथा । गन्धर्वैरप्सरोभिश्र त्वां दिदृक्षु: प्रतीक्षते
eṣa śakraḥ parivṛto devair ṛṣigaṇais tathā | gandharvair apsarobhiś ca tvāṁ didṛkṣuḥ pratīkṣate ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Here is Śakra (Indra), surrounded by the gods and hosts of sages, as well as Gandharvas and Apsarases. Desiring to see you, he is waiting.” In narrative context, the scene underscores Arjuna’s rising spiritual and heroic stature: even the celestial assembly seeks his presence, signaling divine recognition and the ethical legitimacy of his forthcoming trials and responsibilities.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse conveys divine acknowledgment of a righteous seeker: when one’s discipline and purpose align with dharma, higher powers and wise beings support and validate the path, preparing the person for greater responsibility.
Vaiśampāyana reports that Indra, accompanied by gods, sages, Gandharvas, and Apsarases, is waiting eagerly to see the addressed hero (contextually Arjuna), marking a pivotal celestial meeting in the forest narrative.
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