Shloka 24
धर्मद्वारबहुत्वविमर्शः — Reflection on the Many ‘Doors’ of Dharma (Śānti-parva 342)
यद्य॒हं नार्चयेयं वै ईशानं वरदं शिवम्
yady ahaṃ nārcayeyam vai īśānaṃ varadaṃ śivam
Sinabi ni Arjuna: “Kung hindi ko sasambahin si Īśāna—si Śiva, ang mapalad na Panginoon na nagbibigay ng mga biyaya—magkukulang ako sa paggalang na nararapat sa banal na pinagmumulan ng pag-iingat at biyaya.”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic importance of honoring the divine—especially Śiva as Īśāna and boon-giver—implying that devotion and reverence are integral to receiving protection, guidance, and grace.
Arjuna speaks in a reflective, conditional manner, emphasizing that neglecting worship of Śiva (Īśāna, the giver of boons) would be improper—framing devotion as a necessary response to divine sovereignty and beneficence.