Shloka 16
Ādi-parva, Adhyāya 187: Drupada’s Inquiry and the Dharma Debate on Draupadī’s Marriage
एवं तेषां विलपतां विप्राणां विविधा गिर:,इस प्रकार जब ब्राह्मणलोग भाँति-भाँतिकी बातें कर रहे थे, उसी समय अर्जुन धनुषके पास जाकर पर्वतके समान अविचलभावसे खड़े हो गये। फिर उन्होंने धनुषके चारों ओर घूमकर उसकी परिक्रमा की
evaṁ teṣāṁ vilapatāṁ viprāṇāṁ vividhā giraḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: While those brāhmaṇas were lamenting and speaking in many different ways, Arjuna went up to the bow and stood firm and unmoving like a mountain. Then, showing reverence and resolve, he circumambulated the bow, walking around it in a ritual gesture of respect before taking up the challenge.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined resolve joined with reverence: even in a tense public moment, Arjuna proceeds with steadiness and performs a respectful circumambulation, suggesting that strength and success should be grounded in dharma and proper conduct.
As the brāhmaṇas lament and speak anxiously, Arjuna steps forward to the bow, stands unwavering like a mountain, and then circles it in a gesture of respect, signaling his readiness to undertake the feat associated with the bow.