Shloka 20
अर्जुनस्य निवातकवचवधाय नियोगः
Arjuna’s commissioning for the Nivātakavacas
अनुज्ञातस्तदा तेन कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम् । आगच्छदर्जुन: प्रीतः प्रह्ृष्टो गन्धमादनम्
anujñātas tadā tena kṛtvā cāpi pradakṣiṇam | āgacchad arjunaḥ prītaḥ prahṛṣṭo gandhamādanam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having then received his leave from him, and having also performed a respectful circumambulation, Arjuna—gladdened and filled with joy—set out and came to Gandhamādana. The passage underscores the ethic of humility and reverence toward one’s benefactor or elder: even after obtaining permission, Arjuna seals the encounter with a gesture of honor before proceeding on his righteous course.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one has achieved one’s immediate aim (permission to depart), dharmic conduct requires gratitude and reverence—shown here through pradakṣiṇā—before continuing one’s mission.
After being granted leave by a respected figure (implied by 'tena'), Arjuna performs a respectful circumambulation and then proceeds, joyful and encouraged, toward the Gandhamādana region.