Mahabharata (Gita Press) 3.39.63 - Vana Parva, Adhyaya 39, Shloka 63
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
निरुच्छवासो5 भवच्चैव संनिरुद्धों महात्मना । पपात भूम्यां निश्चेष्टो गतसत्त्व इवाभवत्
nirucchvāso 'bhavac caiva saṁniruddho mahātmanā | papāta bhūmyāṁ niśceṣṭo gatasattva ivābhavat ||
Dikekang sepenuhnya oleh insan agung itu, nafasnya pun terhenti. Arjuna rebah ke bumi, tidak bergerak, seakan-akan daya hayatnya telah pergi.
किरयात उवाच
Educational Q&A
Human prowess is limited; when confronted by a higher divine agency, ethical strength lies in restraint, humility, and recognizing the proper hierarchy of power (dharma) rather than persisting in ego-driven struggle.
In the Kirāta episode, the speaker describes the hero being completely checked by a great being; his breathing stops, he collapses to the earth, and lies motionless as if lifeless—signaling the overwhelming superiority of the divine opponent and setting the stage for recognition and transformation.
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