Hara Reveals Himself and Blesses Arjuna
Unconscious and broken, Arjuna hears the voice of the god he fought. Hara grants him divine sight, reveals himself as Mahadeva Girisha, and tells him he is pleased. Arjuna kneels and begs pardon — and the god who crushed him reaches down and takes his hands.
The illustrious god spoke to the unconscious Arjuna.
"O Phalguna! I am pleased with you because of your matchless deeds. There is no kshatriya who is equal to you in valour and endurance. Your energy and valour has been equal to mine today. O mighty-armed one! O bull among men! I am pleased with you. Behold me. I will give you eyes. You have been a rishi earlier. You will triumph over all your enemies in battle, even if they happen to be dwellers of heaven."
Arjuna opened his eyes — and saw.
He saw the immensely radiant god, Mahadeva Girisha, who wields the trident. He saw the goddess beside him. He knelt down on the ground and bowed his head in homage. Partha, the conqueror of the cities of enemies, gratified Hara with his words.
"O Kapardin! O lord of all beings! O destroyer of Bhaga's eyes! O illustrious god! O Shankara! Pardon my transgression. It was in a desire to see you that I came to this great mountain, beloved by you, lord of the gods, and the supreme abode of the ascetics. O illustrious god, worshipped by all beings! Be pleased. O Mahadeva! Pardon my crime and my extreme bravery. Out of ignorance and insolence, I fought with you. O Shankara! I seek refuge with you. Pardon me."
The immensely energetic Vrishabhadhvaja — the one with the bull on his banner — smiled. He grasped Phalguna's beautiful hands and said, "I have pardoned you."
The fight was over. The blessing had begun. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 337