Mahabharata (Gita Press) 3.39.4 - Vana Parva, Adhyaya 39, Shloka 4
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
देव्या सहोमया श्रीमान् समानव्रतवेषया । नानावेषधरै्ष्टेर्भूतिरनुगतस्तदा
vaiśampāyana uvāca | devyā sahomayā śrīmān samanavrataveṣayā | nānāveṣadharair bhūtair anugatas tadā |
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Pada ketika itu, Tuhan yang mulia bergerak bersama dewi Umā—yang ikrar dan pakaiannya sepadan dengan baginda—dan rombongan bhūta yang mengenakan pelbagai penyamaran turut mengikut dengan gembira. Maka Śiva, tersembunyi dalam rupa Kirāta, tampak amat berseri, dikelilingi ramai wanita; dan wahai keturunan Bharata, wilayah itu menjadi sangat indah oleh gerak seluruh iring-iringan tersebut.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahābhārata motif: the divine may appear in humble or concealed forms, and true recognition depends on inner discernment rather than outward dress. It also underscores harmony in divine partnership—Umā’s matching vow and attire signify shared purpose and disciplined companionship.
Vaiśampāyana describes Śiva moving through the region in the disguise of a Kirāta (mountain hunter), accompanied by Umā and followed by bhūtas in varied disguises. Their lively procession beautifies the landscape and sets the scene for the ensuing encounter.
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