Shloka 4
देवसत्रे मृत्युनिरोधः, पूर्वेन्द्राणां मानुषावतरणम्, द्रौपदी-वरकथनम्
Suspension of Death at the Devasatra; Former Indras’ Human Descent; Draupadī’s Boon Etiology
इति तद् धनुरानम्य शुल्कावाप्त॑ं महाबल: । भ्रात्रा भीमेन सहितस्तस्थौ गिरिरिवाचल:,यों कहकर महाबली अर्जुनने उसी स्वयंवरमें लक्ष्यवेधके लिये प्राप्त हुए धनुषको झुकाकर (उसपर प्रत्यंचा चढ़ा दी और उसे हाथमें लेकर) भाई भीमसेनके साथ वे पर्वतके समान अविचलभावसे खड़े हो गये
iti tad dhanur ānamya śulkāvāptaṁ mahābalaḥ | bhrātrā bhīmena sahitas tasthau girir ivācalaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having thus spoken, the mighty Arjuna bent the bow that had been obtained as the bridal fee, strung it, and, holding it ready for the target, stood beside his brother Bhīma—steady and unmoving like a mountain. The scene underscores disciplined strength: power is shown not in haste, but in controlled readiness and resolve within the rules of the contest.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Strength is portrayed as disciplined control: Arjuna’s might is expressed through calm readiness and steadiness, suggesting that rightful action (dharma) in a public contest requires composure, skill, and restraint rather than impulsive force.
After speaking, Arjuna bends and strings the bow obtained as the stipulated prize/fee for the contest and stands with Bhīma, poised to attempt the target, described as immovable like a mountain.