Shloka 216
Saumadatti-vadha and Bhīma–Alambusa-saṃyoga (सौमदत्तिवधः तथा भीमालम्बुससंयोगः)
तच्च पाशुपतं घोरें प्रतिज्ञायाश्व॒ पारणम् । उनके इस अभिप्रायको जानकर भगवान् शंकरने प्रसन्न हो वरदानके रूपमें वह घोर पाशुपत अस्त्र, जो उनकी प्रतिज्ञाकी पूर्ति करानेवाला था, दे दिया
tac ca pāśupataṃ ghore pratijñāyāś ca pāraṇam |
Sañjaya dit : Et cette redoutable arme Pāśupata—capable de mener son vœu solennel à son accomplissement—lui fut accordée par Śaṅkara, qui, comprenant son intention, s’en réjouit et la lui conféra en guise de grâce.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that formidable power (like the Pāśupata astra) is ethically conditioned: it is granted through divine sanction in response to intention, discipline, and the seriousness of a vow, implying that such power should serve a vowed duty rather than personal rage or ambition.
Sañjaya narrates that Lord Śiva (Śaṅkara), pleased after understanding the seeker’s purpose, bestows the dreadful Pāśupata weapon as a boon—an instrument specifically described as enabling the fulfillment of a prior pledge.