Shloka 11
Lokapāla-samāgamaḥ—Arjuna Receives Astras from the World-Guardians
Book 3, Chapter 42
मातलिस्वाच भो भो: शक्रात्मज श्रीमाउछक्रस्त्वां द्रष्टमिच्छति । आरोहतु भवाज्छीघ्रं रथमिन्द्रस्य सम्मतम्,मातलि बोला--इन्द्रकुमार! श्रीमान् देवराज इन्द्र आपको देखना चाहते हैं। यह उनका प्रिय रथ है। आप इसपर शीघ्र आरूढ़ होइये
mātaliḥ uvāca bho bhoḥ śakrātmaja śrīmān śakras tvāṁ draṣṭum icchati | ārohatu bhavān śīghraṁ ratham indrasya sammatam ||
Mātali disse: “Ei, ei! Ilustre filho de Śakra (Indra)! Śakra deseja ver-te. Sobe depressa a este carro, aprovado e amado por Indra.” A convocação traz urgência e honra: o mensageiro do rei dos deuses convida o herói a responder prontamente e com respeito, sinalizando a passagem da luta humana para um encontro guiado pelo divino.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prompt, respectful responsiveness to a legitimate higher call. Mātali’s formal address and the urgency to mount Indra’s approved chariot underscore discipline, readiness, and honoring divine or rightful authority—qualities aligned with dharma.
Mātali, Indra’s charioteer, arrives as a messenger and calls the ‘son of Śakra’ (Arjuna), informing him that Indra wishes to see him. He urges Arjuna to quickly board Indra’s favored chariot, marking the start of a divinely directed meeting or journey.