Shloka 16
Adhyāya 168: Arjuna’s counters to māyā-rains and the onset of darkness
Nivātakavaca engagement
द्वितीयश्षापि मे मासो जल॑ भक्षयतो गत: । निराहारस्तृतीये5थ मासे पाण्डवनन्दन
dvitīyaś cāpi me māso jala-bhakṣayato gataḥ | nirāhāras tṛtīye 'tha māse pāṇḍava-nandana |
阿周那说道：“我的第二个月也这样过去了——只以清水维生。随后，噢，般度族的欢欣者，在第三个月里我全然绝食。然而即便在如此苦行之下，我的气力也未曾衰减——实在令人惊异。”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights tapas (austerity) and steadfast self-control: disciplined restraint can sustain resolve and inner strength, and extraordinary endurance is portrayed as a fruit of determined practice.
Arjuna describes the progression of his austerities over months—first living on minimal sustenance (water), then complete fasting—emphasizing that despite the severity of the vow his strength did not diminish, underscoring the intensity and efficacy of his penance.