03.040
Pancharatra: Arjuna’s encounter with Shiva in the guise of a hunter.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
गतेषु तेषु सर्वेषु तपस्विषु महात्मसु। पिनाकपाणिर्भगवान्सर्वपापहरो हरः ॥३-४०-१॥
After all those great ascetics had departed, the blessed Lord Hara, the remover of all sins and wielder of the Pinaka bow, remained. (3-40-1)
कैरातं वेषमास्थाय काञ्चनद्रुमसंनिभम्। विभ्राजमानो वपुषा गिरिर्मेरुरिवापरः ॥३-४०-२॥
Assuming the guise of a Kirāta, with a form shining like a golden tree, he appeared like another Mount Meru. (3-40-2)
श्रीमद्धनुरुपादाय शरांश्चाशीविषोपमान्। निष्पपात महार्चिष्मान्दहन्कक्षमिवानलः ॥३-४०-३॥
Having taken up his glorious bow and arrows that resembled venomous snakes, he sprang forth, blazing with great radiance, burning the forest like fire. (3-40-3)
देव्या सहोमया श्रीमान्समानव्रतवेषया। नानावेषधरैर्हृष्टैर्भूतैरनुगतस्तदा ॥३-४०-४॥
Then, the prosperous one, together with the goddess Umā, dressed in similar vow and attire, was followed by delighted beings wearing various costumes. (3-40-4)
किरातवेषप्रच्छन्नः स्त्रीभिश्चानु सहस्रशः। अशोभत तदा राजन्स देवोऽतीव भारत ॥३-४०-५॥
O Bhārata, the god, exceedingly resplendent, then shone forth, disguised in the form of a Kirāta, together with thousands of women, O king. (3-40-5)
क्षणेन तद्वनं सर्वं निःशब्दमभवत्तदा। नादः प्रस्रवणानां च पक्षिणां चाप्युपारमत् ॥३-४०-६॥
In an instant, that whole forest became silent. The sounds of the streams and the birds also stopped. (3-40-6)
स संनिकर्षमागम्य पार्थस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः। मूकं नाम दितेः पुत्रं ददर्शाद्भुतदर्शनम् ॥३-४०-७॥
He came near Pārtha, who was tireless in action, and saw Mūka, the son of Diti, who had a wondrous appearance. (3-40-7)
वाराहं रूपमास्थाय तर्कयन्तमिवार्जुनम्। हन्तुं परमदुष्टात्मा तमुवाचाथ फल्गुनः ॥३-४०-८॥
Having assumed the form of a boar and debating like Arjuna in order to kill him, the extremely wicked-souled one was then addressed by Phalguna. (3-40-8)
गाण्डीवं धनुरादाय शरांश्चाशीविषोपमान्। सज्यं धनुर्वरं कृत्वा ज्याघोषेण निनादयन् ॥३-४०-९॥
Taking up the Gāṇḍīva bow and arrows resembling poisonous serpents, stringing the excellent bow and making it resound with the twang of the bowstring. (3-40-9)
यन्मां प्रार्थयसे हन्तुमनागसमिहागतम्। तस्मात्त्वां पूर्वमेवाहं नेष्यामि यमसादनम् ॥३-४०-१०॥
Since you request to kill me, who am innocent and have come here, therefore I will send you to the abode of Yama before myself. (3-40-10)
तं दृष्ट्वा प्रहरिष्यन्तं फल्गुनं दृढधन्विनम्। किरातरूपी सहसा वारयामास शङ्करः ॥३-४०-११॥
Seeing Phalguna (Arjuna), the firm-bowed, about to strike, Shankara, in the form of a Kirata, suddenly restrained him. (3-40-11)
मयैष प्रार्थितः पूर्वं नीलमेघसमप्रभः। अनादृत्यैव तद्वाक्यं प्रजहाराथ फल्गुनः ॥३-४०-१२॥
I had previously requested this one, who shines like a dark cloud; but disregarding those words, Phalguna (Arjuna) then struck. (3-40-12)
किरातश्च समं तस्मिन्नेकलक्ष्ये महाद्युतिः। प्रमुमोचाशनिप्रख्यं शरमग्निशिखोपमम् ॥३-४०-१३॥
The Kirāta, together with him, at that single target, the greatly radiant one released an arrow that was like a thunderbolt and resembled a tongue of fire. (3-40-13)
तौ मुक्तौ सायकौ ताभ्यां समं तत्र निपेततुः। मूकस्य गात्रे विस्तीर्णे शैलसंहनने तदा ॥३-४०-१४॥
Then, those two released arrows together fell there on the broad, rock-solid body of Muka. (3-40-14)
यथाशनिविनिष्पेषो वज्रस्येव च पर्वते। तथा तयोः संनिपातः शरयोरभवत्तदा ॥३-४०-१५॥
Just as the crushing impact of a thunderbolt, like the vajra on a mountain, so then occurred the collision of those two arrows. (3-40-15)
स विद्धो बहुभिर्बाणैर्दीप्तास्यैः पन्नगैरिव। ममार राक्षसं रूपं भूयः कृत्वा विभीषणम् ॥३-४०-१६॥
Pierced by many arrows like serpents with blazing mouths, he died, having once again assumed the rākṣasa form of Vibhīṣaṇa. (3-40-16)
ददर्शाथ ततो जिष्णुः पुरुषं काञ्चनप्रभम्। किरातवेषप्रच्छन्नं स्त्रीसहायममित्रहा ॥ तमब्रवीत्प्रीतमनाः कौन्तेयः प्रहसन्निव ॥३-४०-१७॥
Then, the victorious Arjuna saw a golden-radiant man, disguised as a hunter, accompanied by a woman and destroyer of enemies. The son of Kunti, with a pleased mind, spoke to him as if smiling. (3-40-17)
को भवानटते शून्ये वने स्त्रीगणसंवृतः। न त्वमस्मिन्वने घोरे बिभेषि कनकप्रभ ॥३-४०-१८॥
Who are you, sir, wandering in this empty forest surrounded by women? Do you not feel fear in this dreadful forest, O golden-hued one? (3-40-18)
किमर्थं च त्वया विद्धो मृगोऽयं मत्परिग्रहः। मयाभिपन्नः पूर्वं हि राक्षसोऽयमिहागतः ॥३-४०-१९॥
For what reason did you pierce this deer, my possession? This demon, indeed, previously attacked by me, has come here. (3-40-19)
कामात्परिभवाद्वापि न मे जीवन्विमोक्ष्यसे। न ह्येष मृगयाधर्मो यस्त्वयाद्य कृतो मयि ॥ तेन त्वां भ्रंशयिष्यामि जीवितात्पर्वताश्रय ॥३-४०-२०॥
Whether from desire or from insult, you will not be released alive by me. This is not the righteousness of hunting that you have done to me today. Therefore, O mountain-dweller, I will cause you to fall from life. (3-40-20)
इत्युक्तः पाण्डवेयेन किरातः प्रहसन्निव। उवाच श्लक्ष्णया वाचा पाण्डवं सव्यसाचिनम् ॥३-४०-२१॥
Thus, when addressed by the son of Pāṇḍu, the Kirāta, as if smiling, spoke gently to the ambidextrous Pāṇḍava. (3-40-21)
ममैवायं लक्ष्यभूतः पूर्वमेव परिग्रहः। ममैव च प्रहारेण जीविताद्व्यवरोपितः ॥३-४०-२२॥
This one was indeed my possession, having previously become my target; and by my blow, he was separated from life. (3-40-22)
दोषान्स्वान्नार्हसेऽन्यस्मै वक्तुं स्वबलदर्पितः। अभिषक्तोऽस्मि मन्दात्मन्न मे जीवन्विमोक्ष्यसे ॥३-४०-२३॥
You should not speak of your own faults to another, being proud of your own strength. I am afflicted, slow-minded one; you will not be released alive by me. (3-40-23)
स्थिरो भवस्व मोक्ष्यामि सायकानशनीनिव। घटस्व परया शक्त्या मुञ्च त्वमपि सायकान् ॥३-४०-२४॥
Be steady; I will release arrows like a thunderbolt. Exert yourself with supreme power, you too release your arrows. (3-40-24)
ततस्तौ तत्र संरब्धौ गर्जमानौ मुहुर्मुहुः। शरैराशीविषाकारैस्ततक्षाते परस्परम् ॥३-४०-२५॥
Then, those two, enraged and roaring repeatedly, struck each other there with arrows shaped like venomous serpents. (3-40-25)
ततोऽर्जुनः शरवर्षं किराते समवासृजत्। तत्प्रसन्नेन मनसा प्रतिजग्राह शङ्करः ॥३-४०-२६॥
Then Arjuna released a shower of arrows at the Kirāta, and Śaṅkara, with a pleased mind, accepted it. (3-40-26)
मुहूर्तं शरवर्षं तत्प्रतिगृह्य पिनाकधृक्। अक्षतेन शरीरेण तस्थौ गिरिरिवाचलः ॥३-४०-२७॥
For a moment, having received that rain of arrows, the wielder of Pināka stood with an uninjured body, like an immovable mountain. (3-40-27)
स दृष्ट्वा बाणवर्षं तन्मोघीभूतं धनञ्जयः। परमं विस्मयं चक्रे साधु साध्विति चाब्रवीत् ॥३-४०-२८॥
Seeing that shower of arrows rendered ineffective, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) was greatly astonished and exclaimed, "Well done, well done." (3-40-28)
अहोऽयं सुकुमाराङ्गो हिमवच्छिखरालयः। गाण्डीवमुक्तान्नाराचान्प्रतिगृह्णात्यविह्वलः ॥३-४०-२९॥
Indeed, this tender-limbed one, dwelling on the peak of the Himalayas, receives the iron arrows shot from the Gandiva without being shaken. (3-40-29)
कोऽयं देवो भवेत्साक्षाद्रुद्रो यक्षः सुरेश्वरः। विद्यते हि गिरिश्रेष्ठे त्रिदशानां समागमः ॥३-४०-३०॥
Who is this god? Could he be Rudra himself, a Yakṣa, or the lord of the gods? Indeed, on the best of mountains, there is a gathering of the gods. (3-40-30)
न हि मद्बाणजालानामुत्सृष्टानां सहस्रशः। शक्तोऽन्यः सहितुं वेगमृते देवं पिनाकिनम् ॥३-४०-३१॥
Indeed, no one except the god Pinākin (Śiva) is able to withstand the force of my thousands of released arrows. (3-40-31)
देवो वा यदि वा यक्षो रुद्रादन्यो व्यवस्थितः। अहमेनं शरैस्तीक्ष्णैर्नयामि यमसादनम् ॥३-४०-३२॥
Whether he is a god or a yakṣa, or someone else apart from Rudra who is present here, I will lead him with sharp arrows to the abode of Yama. (3-40-32)
ततो हृष्टमना जिष्णुर्नाराचान्मर्मभेदिनः। व्यसृजच्छतधा राजन्मयूखानिव भास्करः ॥३-४०-३३॥
Then, O king, the victorious hero, his mind elated, released hundreds of iron arrows that pierced the vital parts, just as the sun emits its rays. (3-40-33)
तान्प्रसन्नेन मनसा भगवाँल्लोकभावनः। शूलपाणिः प्रत्यगृह्णाच्छिलावर्षमिवाचलः ॥३-४०-३४॥
The blessed Lord, creator of the worlds, holding the trident, accepted them with a pleased mind, like a mountain accepts a shower of stones. (3-40-34)
क्षणेन क्षीणबाणोऽथ संवृत्तः फल्गुनस्तदा। वित्रासं च जगामाथ तं दृष्ट्वा शरसङ्क्षयम् ॥३-४०-३५॥
In a moment, Phalguna (Arjuna), whose arrows were exhausted, then became so; at that time, seeing the exhaustion of arrows, he then became fearful. (3-40-35)
चिन्तयामास जिष्णुस्तु भगवन्तं हुताशनम्। पुरस्तादक्षयौ दत्तौ तूणौ येनास्य खाण्डवे ॥३-४०-३६॥
But the victorious one (Arjuna) reflected upon the divine Fire. Previously, in Khāṇḍava, two inexhaustible quivers had been given to him by whom.
किं नु मोक्ष्यामि धनुषा यन्मे बाणाः क्षयं गताः। अयं च पुरुषः कोऽपि बाणान्ग्रसति सर्वशः ॥३-४०-३७॥
What can I shoot with my bow now, since all my arrows are spent? And who is this man who devours all the arrows? (3-40-37)
अहमेनं धनुष्कोट्या शूलाग्रेणेव कुञ्जरम्। नयामि दण्डधारस्य यमस्य सदनं प्रति ॥३-४०-३८॥
I will lead this one, like an elephant with the tip of a spear or the end of a bow, to the abode of Yama, the staff-holder. (3-40-38)
सम्प्रायुध्यद्धनुष्कोट्या कौन्तेयः परवीरहा। तदप्यस्य धनुर्दिव्यं जग्रास गिरिगोचरः ॥३-४०-३९॥
While the son of Kunti, the destroyer of enemy heroes, was engaged in battle with the tip of his bow, even his divine bow was devoured by the mountain-dweller. (3-40-39)
ततोऽर्जुनो ग्रस्तधनुः खड्गपाणिरतिष्ठत। युद्धस्यान्तमभीप्सन्वै वेगेनाभिजगाम तम् ॥३-४०-४०॥
Then Arjuna, grasping his bow and holding a sword in his hand, stood firm. Wishing for the end of the battle, he swiftly approached him. (3-40-40)
तस्य मूर्ध्नि शितं खड्गमसक्तं पर्वतेष्वपि। मुमोच भुजवीर्येण विक्रम्य कुरुनन्दनः ॥ तस्य मूर्धानमासाद्य पफालासिवरो हि सः ॥३-४०-४१॥
O delight of the Kurus, having exerted himself, he released from the head of that man the sharp sword, which was stuck even in mountains, by the strength of his arm. Having reached his head, the excellent sword indeed split it. (3-40-41)
ततो वृक्षैः शिलाभिश्च योधयामास फल्गुनः। यथा वृक्षान्महाकायः प्रत्यगृह्णादथो शिलाः ॥३-४०-४२॥
Then Phalguna began to fight using trees and stones; just as the great-bodied one seized trees, he also seized stones. (3-40-42)
किरातरूपी भगवांस्ततः पार्थो महाबलः। मुष्टिभिर्वज्रसंस्पर्शैर्धूममुत्पादयन्मुखे ॥ प्रजहार दुराधर्षे किरातसमरूपिणि ॥३-४०-४३॥
Then Pārtha (Arjuna), of great strength, struck the Lord who had assumed the form of a Kirāta, with fists as hard as thunderbolts, causing smoke to arise on his face, in the battle with the Kirāta, who was difficult to overcome. (3-40-43)
ततः शक्राशनिसमैर्मुष्टिभिर्भृशदारुणैः। किरातरूपी भगवानर्दयामास फल्गुनम् ॥३-४०-४४॥
Then the Lord, taking the form of a Kirāta, struck Phalguna (Arjuna) with very fierce fists, as powerful as Indra's thunderbolt, and tormented him. (3-40-44)
ततश्चटचटाशब्दः सुघोरः समजायत। पाण्डवस्य च मुष्टीनां किरातस्य च युध्यतः ॥३-४०-४५॥
Then a very terrible crackling sound arose from the fists of the Pāṇḍava and the Kirāta as they fought. (3-40-45)
सुमुहूर्तं महद्युद्धमासीत्तल्लोमहर्षणम्। भुजप्रहारसंयुक्तं वृत्रवासवयोरिव ॥३-४०-४६॥
For a considerable time, there was a great and hair-raising battle, filled with blows of arms, like the fight between Vṛtra and Indra. (3-40-46)
जहाराथ ततो जिष्णुः किरातमुरसा बली। पाण्डवं च विचेष्टन्तं किरातोऽप्यहनद्बलात् ॥३-४०-४७॥
Then, the victorious strong one seized the Kirāta with his chest; and as the Pāṇḍava was struggling, the Kirāta also struck him forcefully. (3-40-47)
तयोर्भुजविनिष्पेषात्सङ्घर्षेणोरसोस्तथा। समजायत गात्रेषु पावकोऽङ्गारधूमवान् ॥३-४०-४८॥
From the intense crushing of their arms and the friction of their chests, fire with embers and smoke arose on their limbs. (3-40-48)
तत एनं महादेवः पीड्य गात्रैः सुपीडितम्। तेजसा व्याक्रमद्रोषाच्चेतस्तस्य विमोहयन् ॥३-४०-४९॥
Then Mahadeva, having afflicted him so that his limbs were thoroughly tormented, overcame him with his brilliance and anger, bewildering his mind. (3-40-49)
ततो निपीडितैर्गात्रैः पिण्डीकृत इवाबभौ। फल्गुनो गात्रसंरुद्धो देवदेवेन भारत ॥३-४०-५०॥
Then, O Bhārata, Phalguna, his limbs pressed and appearing as if made into a mass, was restrained by the god of gods. (3-40-50)
निरुच्छ्वासोऽभवच्चैव संनिरुद्धो महात्मना। ततः पपात संमूढस्ततः प्रीतोऽभवद्भवः ॥३-४०-५१॥
He became deprived of breath and completely restrained by the great-souled one. Then, utterly bewildered, he fell down; then Bhava (Śiva) became pleased. (3-40-51)
भगवानुवाच॥
The Lord said.
भो भो फल्गुन तुष्टोऽस्मि कर्मणाप्रतिमेन ते। शौर्येणानेन धृत्या च क्षत्रियो नास्ति ते समः ॥३-४०-५२॥
O Phalguna, I am truly pleased with your unparalleled deeds, your valour and fortitude; there is no warrior equal to you. (3-40-52)
समं तेजश्च वीर्यं च ममाद्य तव चानघ। प्रीतस्तेऽहं महाबाहो पश्य मां पुरुषर्षभ ॥३-४०-५३॥
Today, my splendor and strength are equal to yours, O sinless one. I am pleased with you, O mighty-armed; see me, O bull among men. (3-40-53)
ददानि ते विशालाक्ष चक्षुः पूर्वऋषिर्भवान्। विजेष्यसि रणे शत्रूनपि सर्वान्दिवौकसः ॥३-४०-५४॥
I grant you, O wide-eyed one, the power of sight; you were a sage in a previous life. You will defeat in battle even all the enemies among the dwellers of heaven. (3-40-54)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
ततो देवं महादेवं गिरिशं शूलपाणिनम्। ददर्श फल्गुनस्तत्र सह देव्या महाद्युतिम् ॥३-४०-५५॥
Then Phalguna saw there the god, the great god, lord of the mountain and holder of the trident, of great splendor, together with the goddess. (3-40-55)
स जानुभ्यां महीं गत्वा शिरसा प्रणिपत्य च। प्रसादयामास हरं पार्थः परपुरञ्जयः ॥३-४०-५६॥
Pārtha (Arjuna), the conqueror of enemy cities, went down to the earth on his knees, bowed his head, and sought to please Hara (Śiva). (3-40-56)
अर्जुन उवाच॥
Arjuna said.
कपर्दिन्सर्वभूतेश भगनेत्रनिपातन। व्यतिक्रमं मे भगवन्क्षन्तुमर्हसि शङ्कर ॥३-४०-५७॥
O Kapardin, lord of all beings, destroyer of Bhaga's eye, O Lord Śaṅkara, you are worthy to forgive my transgression. (3-40-57)
भवगद्दर्शनाकाङ्क्षी प्राप्तोऽस्मीमं महागिरिम्। दयितं तव देवेश तापसालयमुत्तमम् ॥३-४०-५८॥
Desiring to see you, I have come to this great mountain, your beloved and excellent hermitage, O lord of the gods. (3-40-58)
प्रसादये त्वां भगवन्सर्वभूतनमस्कृत। न मे स्यादपराधोऽयं महादेवातिसाहसात् ॥३-४०-५९॥
I seek your favor, O Lord, revered by all beings. May this offense of mine not be due to excessive boldness, O Mahadeva. (3-40-59)
कृतो मया यदज्ञानाद्विमर्दोऽयं त्वया सह। शरणं सम्प्रपन्नाय तत्क्षमस्वाद्य शङ्कर ॥३-४०-६०॥
O Śaṅkara, please forgive that conflict which I, out of ignorance, had with you; now, as I have sought your refuge. (3-40-60)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
तमुवाच महातेजाः प्रहस्य वृषभध्वजः। प्रगृह्य रुचिरं बाहुं क्षान्तमित्येव फल्गुनम् ॥३-४०-६१॥
The greatly radiant bull-bannered one (Śiva), having smiled, said to him; taking Phalguna's beautiful arm, he declared, 'You are forgiven.' (3-40-61)
