Shloka 19
Mātali’s Arrival and Arjuna’s Ascent toward Amarāvatī (मातलिसंयुक्तरथागमनम् तथा इन्द्रलोकगमनारम्भः)
ततो5भिगम्य कौन्तेय: शिरसाभ्यगमद् बली । स चैन वृत्तपीनाभ्यां बाहुशभ्यां प्रत्यगृह्नत,तदनन्तर बलवान कुन्तीकुमारने निकट जाकर देवेन्द्रके चरणोंमें मस्तक रख दिया और उन्होंने अपनी गोल-गोल मोटी भुजाओंसे उठाकर अर्जुनको हृदयसे लगा लिया
tato ’bhigamya kaunteyaḥ śirasābhyagamad balī | sa cainaṃ vṛttapīnākhyāṃ bāhuśābhyāṃ pratyagṛhṇat ||
Kemudian putra Kuntī yang perkasa mendekat dan menundukkan kepala dengan hormat di kaki Indra. Indra pun, dengan lengan yang bulat dan kuat, mengangkat Arjuna dan mendekapnya ke dada.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Respectful humility (bowing with one’s head) is shown as a dharmic posture, and it is met by compassionate acceptance from the worthy recipient; the verse models how reverence and grace complete each other in ethical relationships, especially between child and parent or disciple and benefactor.
Arjuna (Kaunteya) approaches Indra and bows at his feet; Indra responds by lifting him up and embracing him, signaling recognition, protection, and affectionate approval.