Shloka 20
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Sañjaya on Arjuna’s Indraloka report and the political consequences
अर्जुन उवाच अभिवादनये त्वां शिरसा प्रवराप्सरसां वरे । किमाज्ञापयसे देवि प्रेष्यस्तेडहमुपस्थित:,अर्जुन बोले--देवि! श्रेष्ठ अप्सराओंमें भी तुम्हारा सबसे ऊँचा स्थान है। मैं तुम्हारे चरणोंमें मस्तक रखकर प्रणाम करता हूँ। बताओ, मेरे लिये क्या आज्ञा है? मैं तुम्हारा सेवक हूँ और तुम्हारी आज्ञाका पालन करनेके लिये उपस्थित हूँ
arjuna uvāca | abhivādanaye tvāṃ śirasā pravarāpsarasāṃ vare | kim ājñāpayase devi preṣyas te ’ham upasthitaḥ |
Arjuna said: “I bow to you with my head, O noble lady, foremost among the excellent Apsarases. What do you command, goddess? I stand here as your attendant, ready to carry out your order.”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct through humility and respectful speech: Arjuna honors a superior being with a formal salutation and places himself in readiness for service, showing self-restraint and proper etiquette even in extraordinary encounters.
Arjuna addresses a divine lady described as the foremost among Apsarases. He bows, acknowledges her exalted status, and asks what she wishes him to do, presenting himself as her attendant prepared to follow her command.