Shloka 41
Lokapāla-samāgamaḥ—Arjuna Receives Astras from the World-Guardians
Book 3, Chapter 42
व्यरोचत यथापूर्व मान्धाता पार्थिवोत्तम: । अभिचक्राम लोकान् स राज्ञां राजीवलोचन:,तदनन्तर अर्जुनने स्वर्गद्वारपर खड़े हुए सुन्दर विजयी गजराज ऐरावतको देखा, जिसके चार दाँत बाहर निकले हुए थे। वह ऐसा जान पड़ता था, मानो अनेक शिखरोंसे सुशोभित कैलास पर्वत हो। कुरु-पाण्डव-शिरोमणि अर्जुन सिद्धोंके मार्गपर आकर वैसे ही शोभा पाने लगे, जैसे पूर्वकालमें भूपालशिरोमणि मान्धाता सुशोभित होते थे। कमलनयन अर्जुनने उन पुण्यात्मा राजाओंके लोकोंमें भ्रमण किया
vyarocata yathāpūrva māndhātā pārthivottamaḥ | abhicakrāma lokān sa rājñāṃ rājīvalocanaḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Just as in former times the best of kings, Māndhātā, shone in glory, so too did the lotus-eyed Arjuna shine. He then moved through the worlds of the righteous kings—an image of earned splendor—suggesting that true radiance follows merit and disciplined conduct rather than mere power.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse implies that true splendor and honor arise from accumulated merit and dharmic excellence: Arjuna’s radiance is likened to that of the ideal king Māndhātā, suggesting that ethical discipline and righteous deeds lead to elevated states and recognition.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes Arjuna appearing radiant and then traversing the realms associated with virtuous kings, with his glory compared to the famed ancient ruler Māndhātā.