Shloka 26
Śiva Grants the Pāśupata Astra (Pāśupata-Śastra Upadeśa) | शिवेन पाशुपतास्त्रदानम्
वैशम्पायन उवाच प्रतिजग्राह तत् पार्थो विधिवत् कुरुनन्दन: । समन्त्र॑ सोपचारं च समोक्षविनिवर्तनम्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! कुरुनन्दन कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुनने विधिपूर्वक मन्त्र, उपचार, प्रयोग और उपसंहारसहित उस अस्त्रको ग्रहण किया
vaiśampāyana uvāca | pratijagrāha tat pārtho vidhivat kurunandanaḥ | samantraṃ sopacāraṃ ca samokṣavinivartanam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Pārtha Arjuna, the delight of the Kurus, duly received that weapon—complete with its mantra, the prescribed ritual observances, its proper application, and the correct method of withdrawal. The episode underscores that power is to be accepted only through disciplined procedure and ethical restraint, not as mere force.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Extraordinary power (astra) must be acquired and used only through proper discipline—knowing not only how to deploy it but also how to restrain and withdraw it. The verse highlights ethical control and procedural correctness as integral to dharma.
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, Arjuna formally receives a weapon/weapon-lore in the prescribed way, including its mantra, ritual observances, the method of use, and the method of withdrawal—signaling complete and responsible mastery rather than mere possession.