Mahabharata (Gita Press) 3.39.34 - Vana Parva, Adhyaya 39, Shloka 34
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
प्रहरस्व शरानेतान् नाराचान् मर्मभेदिन: । तब किरातने प्रसन्नचित्तसे अर्जुनके छोड़े हुए सभी बाणोंको पकड़ लिया और कहा --“ओ मूर्ख! और बाण मार और बाण मार
kirāta uvāca | praharasva śarān etān nārācān marmabhedinaḥ |
Kirāta berkata: “Hentamlah! Panahkanlah anak-anak panahz—nārāca yang menembusi titik-titik hayat.” Mendengar demikian, Arjuna segera melepaskan hujan anak panah.
किरयात उवाच
Educational Q&A
Martial power is tested not only by force but by composure and discipline: the challenger’s taunt probes Arjuna’s steadiness, showing that true kṣatriya conduct requires controlled intent, not impulsive rage.
The Kirāta challenges Arjuna to shoot deadly, vital-point-piercing arrows; it is a provocation within the forest encounter meant to test Arjuna’s prowess and resolve, leading to an intensified exchange of missiles.
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