Shloka 21
Mātali’s Arrival and Arjuna’s Ascent toward Amarāvatī (मातलिसंयुक्तरथागमनम् तथा इन्द्रलोकगमनारम्भः)
मूर्थ्नि चैनमुपाप्राय देवेन्द्र: परवीरहा । अड्कमारोपयामास प्रश्रयावनतं तदा,तब शत्रुवीरोंका संहार करनेवाले देवराजने विनीतभावसे आये हुए अर्जुनका मस्तक सूँघा और उन्हें अपनी गोदमें बिठा लिया
mūrdhni cainam upāghrāya devendraḥ paravīrahā | aṅkam āropayāmāsa praśrayāvanataṃ tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Devendra, the slayer of hostile heroes, smelled Arjuna’s head in affectionate approval and, seeing him bowed in humility, lifted him onto his lap.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True worth is recognized not only by strength but by disciplined humility: Arjuna approaches with praśraya (reverent modesty), and Indra responds with affectionate blessing, showing that power guided by respect and self-control is dharmically affirmed.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Indra, pleased with Arjuna’s respectful approach, expresses paternal affection by smelling his head (a traditional gesture of approval/blessing) and seating him on his lap, signaling acceptance and favor.