Shloka 28
अर्जुनस्य इन्द्रकीलगमनम् तथा शक्रसाक्षात्कारः
Arjuna’s journey to Indrakīla and encounter with Indra
ततो महर्षय: सर्वे जम्मुर्देवं पिनाकिनम् | निवेदयिषव: पार्थ तपस्युग्रे समास्थितम्,तदनन्तर भयंकर तपस्यामें लगे हुए अर्जुनके विषयमें कुछ निवेदन करनेकी इच्छासे वहाँ रहनेवाले सभी महर्षि पिनाकधारी महादेवजीकी सेवामें गये
tato maharṣayaḥ sarve jagmur devaṁ pinākinam | nivedayiṣavaḥ pārtha tapasy ugre samāsthitam ||
Then all the great sages went to the divine Pinākin (Śiva), wishing to report to him about Pārtha (Arjuna), who had taken his stand in fierce austerity. In the narrative frame, the sages act as conscientious witnesses: they approach the Lord not to disturb the ascetic, but to place before the divine authority the truth of Arjuna’s disciplined resolve and the purpose behind it.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Intense effort (tapas) is portrayed as meaningful when guided by dharma and presented with humility before the divine; the sages’ mediation highlights ethical restraint—seeking divine judgment rather than acting impulsively.
Arjuna is engaged in severe austerities. The resident great sages, intending to convey this matter, go to Śiva (the Pināka-bearing Lord) to make a report about Arjuna’s steadfast penance.