Shloka 10
Chapter 40: Śiva in Kirāta Disguise Tests Arjuna
Mūka-vadha and the Contest
कर्णभीष्मकृपद्रोणैर्भविता तु महाहव: । त्वत्प्रसादान्न्महादेव जयेयं तान् यथा युधि,महादेव! कर्ण, भीष्म, कृप, द्रोणाचार्य आदिके साथ मेरा महान् युद्ध होनेवाला है, उस युद्धमें मैं आपकी कृपासे उन सबपर विजय पा सकूँ, इसीके लिये दिव्यास्त्र चाहता हूँ
arjuna uvāca | karṇa-bhīṣma-kṛpa-droṇair bhavitā tu mahāhavaḥ | tvat-prasādān mahādeva jayeyam tān yathā yudhi ||
Arjuna dijo: «Un gran combate habrá de librarse contra Karṇa, Bhīṣma, Kṛpa y Droṇa. Oh Mahādeva, por tu gracia, que yo los venza conforme al recto modo de la guerra. Para ello busco armas divinas.»
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a righteous war, victory is sought not merely through personal prowess but through humility, devotion, and alignment with dharma—asking for divine aid to meet formidable elders and teachers while remaining within the ethical bounds of battle.
Arjuna addresses Mahādeva (Śiva), foreseeing a future great war against renowned warriors—Karna, Bhīṣma, Kṛpa, and Droṇa—and prays for Śiva’s grace and for divine weapons so that he may overcome them in battle.