Shloka 20
अग्निभय-प्रसङ्गे मन्दपालस्य शोकः
Mandapāla’s Lament amid the Threat of Fire
गाण्डीवमुपसंगृहा बभूव मुदितो<र्जुन: । हुताशनं पुरस्कृत्य ततस्तदपि वीर्यवान्
gāṇḍīvam upasaṅgṛhya babhūva mudito 'rjunaḥ | hutāśanaṃ puraskṛtya tatas tad api vīryavān ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having taken up the bow Gāṇḍīva, Arjuna became filled with joy. Then that mighty hero, placing Agni (the Fire-god) in the forefront, proceeded onward—acting in accord with the divine purpose and with disciplined resolve.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined heroism aligned with a higher purpose: Arjuna’s joy is not mere excitement but confidence grounded in rightful capability (Gāṇḍīva) and reverence for the divine guide (Agni placed foremost), suggesting that power is ethically directed when subordinated to dharma and sacred intent.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Arjuna takes up the bow Gāṇḍīva and becomes joyful; then the valorous Arjuna proceeds with Agni (Hutāśana) set in front, indicating that Arjuna advances in concert with the Fire-god as part of the unfolding episode.