Adhyāya 168: Arjuna’s counters to māyā-rains and the onset of darkness
Nivātakavaca engagement
दुरासदं दुष्प्रसहं सुरदानवराक्षसै: । अनुज्ञातस्त्वहं तेन तत्रैव समुपाविशम्
durāsadaṁ duṣprasahaṁ suradānavarākṣasaiḥ | anujñātas tv ahaṁ tena tatraiva samupāviśam |
दुरासदं दुष्प्रसहं सुरदानवराक्षसैः । अनुज्ञातस्त्वहं तेन तत्रैव समुपाविशम् । पश्यतो मे महादेवोऽन्तर्हितोऽभवत् ततः ॥
अजुन उवाच
Even supreme power is not merely seized by strength; it is approached through discipline and humility, and is received only with divine sanction. The verse underscores restraint: what is irresistible to all beings must be handled under dharmic permission, not ego.
Arjuna describes the overwhelming, unendurable nature of the divine boon/weapon associated with Śiva. After Śiva grants him leave, Arjuna sits as instructed, and Śiva disappears from view.