Shloka 25
Chapter 40: Śiva in Kirāta Disguise Tests Arjuna
Mūka-vadha and the Contest
स्पृष्टस्य >यम्बकेणाथ फाल्गुनस्यामितौजस: । यत् किंचिदशुभं देहे तत् सर्व नाशमीयिवत्,भगवान् शंकरके स्पर्श करनेसे अमित तेजस्वी अर्जुनके शरीरमें जो कुछ भी अशुभ था, वह नष्ट हो गया
spṛṣṭasya tryambakeṇātha phālgunasya amitaujasaḥ | yat kiñcid aśubhaṃ dehe tat sarvaṃ nāśam īyivat ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When the mighty-armed Phālguna (Arjuna) was touched by Tryambaka (Śiva), whatever impurity or inauspiciousness remained in his body was completely destroyed. The episode underscores the purifying power of divine contact and the ethical idea that inner and outer fitness for a sacred undertaking is gained through devotion and grace, not merely through personal prowess.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights purification through divine grace: contact with Śiva removes aśubha (inauspicious impurity), suggesting that spiritual readiness for dharmic action is perfected by devotion and the Lord’s favor, not by strength alone.
In the Vana Parva context of Arjuna’s austerities and encounter with Śiva (Tryambaka), Śiva touches Arjuna; as a result, any remaining bodily inauspiciousness is destroyed, marking Arjuna as purified and fit for the next divine bestowals and responsibilities.