Shloka 53
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
तस्य मूर्धानमासाद्य पफालासिवरो हि सः । ततो वृक्ष: शिलाभिश्न योधयामास फाल्गुन:,परंतु उसके मस्तकसे टकराते ही वह उत्तम तलवार टूक-टूक हो गयी। तब अर्जुनने वृक्षों और शिलाओंसे युद्ध करना आरम्भ किया
tasya mūrdhānam āsādya phaḷāsivarō hi saḥ | tato vṛkṣaiḥ śilābhiś ca yodhayāmāsa phālgunaḥ ||
Pero al chocar la hoja contra su cabeza, aquella excelente espada se hizo añicos. Entonces Arjuna (Phālguna), sin amilanarse, prosiguió la lucha arrojando árboles y rocas.
किरयात उवाच
Educational Q&A
When a preferred means fails, one should not abandon resolve; dharmic courage includes resourcefulness—continuing the rightful struggle with whatever means remain, without losing composure.
In the heat of combat, the attacker’s fine sword shatters upon striking the opponent’s head; Arjuna (Phālguna) then continues the fight by using trees and stones as weapons.