Shloka 18
Arjuna–Gaṇa Saṃvāda: Bāṇādhikāra, Tāpasa-veṣa, and the Ethics of Tapas (अर्जुन-गणसंवादः)
ईदृशांश्च बहून्बाणांस्तदा दातुं क्षमः स्वयम् । राजा च वर्तते मेऽद्य किं त्वेवं याच्यते त्वया
īdṛśāṃśca bahūnbāṇāṃstadā dātuṃ kṣamaḥ svayam | rājā ca vartate me'dya kiṃ tvevaṃ yācyate tvayā
अहमेव तादृशानां बहूनां बाणानां दाने समर्थः। अद्य च मया सह राजा वर्तते; तत्किमर्थं त्वमेवं मां याचसे?
A royal/warrior figure addressing a petitioner (narrative voice relayed by Sūta Gosvāmin in Śiva Purāṇa)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
The verse highlights discernment and proper intention in seeking help: a seeker should approach the rightful source with humility and clarity, rather than asking inappropriately when authority and means are already present.
Indirectly, it echoes a core devotional principle: in Saguna worship one approaches Śiva (the competent giver of grace) in the proper manner—requesting boons through dharmic conduct and reverent petition rather than entitlement.
A practical takeaway is disciplined speech and intention (saṃyama) before prayer—begin requests after centering the mind with japa of the Pañcākṣarī mantra “Om Namaḥ Śivāya,” then ask only what supports dharma.