Shloka 57
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
ततश्नट्चटाशब्द: सुघोर: समपद्यत । पाण्डवस्य च मुष्टीनां किरातस्य च युध्यत:,फिर तो घमासान युद्धमें लगे हुए पाण्डुनन्दन अर्जुन तथा किरातरूपी शिवके मुक्कोंका एक-दूसरेके शरीरपर प्रहार होनेसे बड़ा भयंकर “चट-चट” शब्द होने लगा
tataś caṭ-caṭā-śabdaḥ sughoraḥ samapadyata | pāṇḍavasya ca muṣṭīnāṃ kirātasya ca yudhyataḥ ||
Entonces, cuando el Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) y el Kirāta (Śiva en forma de cazador) lucharon cuerpo a cuerpo, se alzó un terrible “chat-chat” por el choque de sus puños cerrados al golpear los cuerpos del otro—señal de la ferocidad del combate y de la prueba de la entereza del héroe.
किरयात उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the motif of divine testing: Arjuna’s strength and steadfastness are proven through direct confrontation with Śiva in disguise. Ethical emphasis lies in disciplined courage—meeting a formidable challenge without arrogance, sustaining effort until worthiness is demonstrated.
Arjuna and the Kirāta (Śiva disguised as a hunter) have entered a fierce hand-to-hand exchange. Their fists strike bodies with such force that a terrifying 'chat-chat' sound is heard, underscoring the ferocity of the duel.