Shloka 10
Lokapāla-samāgamaḥ—Arjuna Receives Astras from the World-Guardians
Book 3, Chapter 42
तथा तर्कयतस्तस्य फाल्गुनस्याथ मातलि: । संनतः प्रस्थितो भूत्वा वाक्यमर्जुनमब्रवीत्,इस प्रकार विचार करते हुए अर्जुनके सम्मुख उपस्थित हो मातलिने विनीतभावसे कहा
tathā tarkayatastasya phālgunasya atha mātaliḥ | saṃnataḥ prasthito bhūtvā vākyam arjunam abravīt ||
Enquanto Arjuna (Phālguna) assim refletia, Mātali aproximou-se dele com respeitosa humildade. Tendo-se inclinado e preparado para falar, dirigiu-se a Arjuna—sinal de que conselho e dever devem ser oferecidos com reverência, sobretudo quando um herói pondera o rumo correto.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethics of counsel: when someone is engaged in serious deliberation, guidance should be offered with humility and respect. Proper demeanor (vinaya) is presented as integral to dharmic communication.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Arjuna is thinking deeply; at that moment Mātali comes before him, bows respectfully, and begins to speak—introducing an important message or guidance for Arjuna’s next step.