PASUPATA

The hunter caught him in an iron clasp so close that Arjuna was quite helpless.  Worsted and overmastered, Arjunahumbly sought divine aid and meditated on Siva, and as he did so, a light broke on his troubled mind, and at once he knew who the hunter really was.

He fell at the feet of the Lord and, in a broken voice of repentance and adoration" he prayed for forgiveness. "I forgive you," said Siva smilingly and gave him back Gandiva, as well as the other weapons, of which he had been deprived. He also bestowed on Arjuna the marvellous Pasupata weapon.

Arjuna's body, battered in the unequal combat, was made whole and perfect by the divine touch of the three-eyed god and became a hundred fold stronger and more brilliant than before. "Go to heaven and render dutiful respect to your father Indra," said Siva and vanished from view like the setting son.

Arjuna was overcome with joy and exclaimed:   "Have I really seen the Lord face to face and have I been blessed with his divine touch? What more do I need?"

At thatmoment, Matali, the charioteer of Indra, came there with his chariot and took Arjuna to the kingdom of the gods.

[ Back ] [ Up ]