Shloka 20
Saumadatti-vadha and Bhīma–Alambusa-saṃyoga (सौमदत्तिवधः तथा भीमालम्बुससंयोगः)
ततः प्रीतं भवं ज्ञात्वा स्मृतिमानर्जुनस्तदा । वरमारण्यके दत्तं दर्शन शड्करस्य च
tataḥ prītaṃ bhavaṃ jñātvā smṛtimān arjunas tadā | varam āraṇyake dattaṃ darśanaṃ śaṅkarasya ca ||
Sañjaya dit : Alors Arjuna, retrouvant pleinement sa présence d’esprit et sachant que Bhava (Śiva) était satisfait, se souvint de la grâce accordée jadis dans la forêt : la vision bénie de Śaṅkara.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violent conflict, the warrior’s strength is not only physical; it is grounded in steadiness of mind and remembrance of higher grace. Arjuna’s recollection of Śiva’s boon highlights that dharmic action is supported by inner discipline and devotion, not mere aggression.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna, becoming fully mindful, recognizes that Bhīma (Bhava) is pleased and then recalls a boon previously granted in the forest—specifically, the divine audience/vision of Śaṅkara (Śiva). The verse links the present battlefield moment to Arjuna’s earlier encounter with Śiva and its continuing significance.