Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.1.38
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesArjuna’s Strength Satisfied Lord Śiva
“[Please tell me] whether Arjuna, whose bow bears the name Gāṇḍīva and who is always famous amongst the chariot warriors for vanquishing his enemies, is doing well. He once satisfied Lord Śiva by covering him with arrows when Śiva came as an unidentified false hunter.”
What the purport teaches
- Arjuna, whose bow is named Gāṇḍīva, was famous among chariot warriors for defeating his enemies. Vidura asks about his well-being.
- Lord Śiva tested Arjuna by confronting him over a hunted boar. He appeared disguised as a hunter.
- Arjuna covered Lord Śiva with arrows until Śiva was satisfied with his fighting. Śiva then blessed him and gave him the Pāśupati weapon.
Try this today
Ask someone you admire for their abilities how they are actually doing.
Ask yourself
How does Vidura’s inquiry show concern for Arjuna beyond his achievements as a warrior?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.