Shloka 3
Śiva–Arjuna Yuddha and the Subjugation of Pride (Śiva-parīkṣā)
अर्जुनश्च तदा तेषां बाणावलिमथाच्छिनत् । यदायुद्धं च तैः क्षिप्तं ततः शर्वं परामृशत्
arjunaśca tadā teṣāṃ bāṇāvalimathācchinat | yadāyuddhaṃ ca taiḥ kṣiptaṃ tataḥ śarvaṃ parāmṛśat
అప్పుడు అర్జునుడు వారి బాణవర్షాన్ని ఛేదించాడు; వారు విసిరిన ఆయుధాలు అడ్డుపడగానే, అతడు శర్వుడైన భగవాన్ శివుని వైపు దృష్టి మళ్లించాడు.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Rudra
FAQs
It shows the turning point from mere martial prowess to recognition of the supreme Lord (Śarva). In Shaiva thought, worldly power is limited, and true victory comes when attention turns to Pati (Shiva), the highest refuge.
Śarva here is Saguna Shiva—the Lord approachable in name and form within the narrative. The verse suggests moving from external conflict to direct orientation toward Shiva, which in practice is expressed through Linga-upasana and remembrance of Shiva’s names.
A practical takeaway is nāma-smaraṇa of Shiva (e.g., repeating the Panchakshara, “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) to redirect the mind from agitation to the Lord, supported by Tripundra (bhasma) and Rudraksha as aids to steady devotion.