Shloka 45
Adhyāya 168: Arjuna’s counters to māyā-rains and the onset of darkness
Nivātakavaca engagement
स मामभ्येत्य समरे तथैवाभिमुखं स्थितम् । शूलपाणिरथोवाच तुष्टोउस्मीति परंतप
sa mām abhyetya samare tathaivābhimukhaṁ sthitam | śūlapāṇir athovāca tuṣṭo ’smi iti parantapa ||
Alors, au cœur de la bataille, Śūlapāṇi s’approcha de moi tandis que je me tenais face à lui, comme auparavant. S’avançant et se plaçant droit devant moi, il dit : «Ô brûleur d’ennemis, je suis satisfait de toi.» Ce moment souligne que la faveur divine n’est pas accordée par la seule force, mais par la constance, le courage et l’intention disciplinée dans une épreuve juste.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Divine approval follows steadfastness under trial: when one meets a righteous challenge with courage, self-control, and unwavering resolve, grace is bestowed—not as a reward for aggression, but for disciplined virtue proven in adversity.
Arjuna recounts that Śiva, identified as the trident-bearer (Śūlapāṇi), comes close on the battlefield and stands before him, declaring, “I am pleased with you,” marking the turning point where Arjuna’s ordeal culminates in divine recognition.