Shloka 24
Mātali’s Arrival and Arjuna’s Ascent toward Amarāvatī (मातलिसंयुक्तरथागमनम् तथा इन्द्रलोकगमनारम्भः)
प्रमार्जमान: शनकैर्बाहू चास्यायतौ शुभौ । ज्याशरक्षेपकठिनौ स्तम्भाविव हिरणमयौ,अर्जुनकी सुन्दर विशाल भुजाएँ प्रत्यंचा खींचकर बाण चलानेकी रगड़से कठोर हो गयी थीं। वे देखनेमें सोनेके खंभे-जैसी जान पड़ती थीं। देवराज उन भुजाओंपर धीरे-धीरे हाथ फेरने लगे
pramārjamānaḥ śanakaiḥ bāhū cāsyāyatau śubhau | jyāśarakṣepakaṭhinau stambhāv iva hiraṇmayau ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana berkata: Sambil mengusap perlahan, baginda membelai dua lengan Arjuna yang panjang dan bertuah—yang mengeras kerana tarikan tali busur dan lontaran anak panah—hingga tampak seperti tiang emas. Demikianlah tuan para dewa menyentuh lengan itu dengan perhatian yang tenang dan beransur-ansur.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined practice and duty (especially a kṣatriya’s martial training) leave visible marks of effort, and how divine approval is shown not by mere praise but by intimate recognition of earned strength.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes Indra (the lord of the gods) gently stroking Arjuna’s arms, which have become tough from repeatedly drawing the bowstring and shooting arrows, making them appear like golden pillars.