Shloka 21
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
कुन्तीनन्दन अर्जुनको वहाँ धनुष लिये जाते देख सिद्धों, ब्राह्मणों तथा अदृश्य भूतोंने कहा--
Vaiśampāyana uvāca—Kuntīnandanaḥ Arjunaḥ tatra dhanuḥ gṛhītvā gacchantaṃ dṛṣṭvā siddhaiḥ brāhmaṇaiś ca tathā adṛśyaiḥ bhūtaiḥ uktam—
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Nang makita si Arjuna, anak ni Kuntī, na naglalakad doon na tangan ang busog, nagsalita sa kanya ang mga Siddha, ang mga Brāhmaṇa, at ang mga nilalang na di-nakikita—inihahanda ang tagpo para sa payong naglalagay sa kanyang gagawin sa loob ng dharma at sa ilalim ng paghatol ng mga pantas at ng di-nakikitang daigdig.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames Arjuna’s impending action under the gaze of both learned human authorities (Brāhmaṇas) and higher, unseen witnesses (Siddhas and invisible beings), implying that righteous conduct is accountable to dharma beyond mere human approval.
Arjuna is seen moving forward with his bow; in response, Siddhas, Brāhmaṇas, and unseen beings speak to him, introducing a forthcoming message or guidance that contextualizes his next steps.