किं च तेन कृतं तत्र वसता ब्रह्मृवित्तम । कथं च भगवान् स्थाणुर्देवराजश्व॒ तोषित:,ब्रह्मवेत्ताओंमें श्रेष्ठ महर्ष] उस वनमें रहकर पार्थने क्या किया? भगवान् शंकर तथा देवराज इन्द्रको कैसे संतुष्ट किया?
kiṃ ca tena kṛtaṃ tatra vasatā brahmaviduttama | kathaṃ ca bhagavān sthāṇur devarājaś ca toṣitaḥ ||
Janamejaya bertanya: “Wahai yang terbaik di antara para pengenal Brahman, ketika tinggal di hutan itu apa yang dicapai Pārtha? Dan dengan perilaku apakah ia memperoleh keridaan Sang Sthāṇu yang mulia (Śiva) serta raja para dewa, Indra?”
जनमेजय उवाच
The verse frames a dharmic ideal: spiritual discipline and right conduct can draw divine favor. It highlights that power or success is sought not merely through force, but through tapas (austerity), devotion, and ethical self-mastery that make one worthy of grace.
Janamejaya asks the sage to explain Arjuna’s actions during his forest stay and the specific means by which he pleased Śiva (Sthāṇu) and Indra. The question sets up the account of Arjuna’s ascetic efforts and divine encounters that lead to receiving celestial support.