The strongest warrior can no longer hold his own bow.

Arjuna's agitation deepened, and the Gandiva bow slipped from his hand. His skin felt as if it were burning, his head was spinning, and he could not even stand. The mental suffering manifested as physical limitations.

Gandiva is the celestial bow that Arjuna used to conquer gods and humans, a weapon symbolizing him as the strongest warrior. The fact that he could not even hold onto that bow indicates that he has already surpassed the stage where he can recover through skill or willpower. His heart's concern about the outcome of the war has undermined his stance as a warrior.

Japanese Translation from the Geeta Press Edition - Chapter 1, Section 30: "Gaan-dheeva slips from his hand."

The bow is broken, and my fingers are burned. I cannot remain still, and my mind wanders. || 30 ||

Vocabulary

"Gandivama" refers to Arjuna's bow, Gandiva.

sraṁsate means "to slip".

hastāt means "from the hand."

tvak means "skin."

paridahyate means "to feel like your whole body is burning."

na ca śaknomi avasthātum means, "I am unable to stand."

"bhramati iva me manaḥ" means, "My mind, or my head, seems to be spinning."

Translation

"Gandiva's bow slips from my hand."

It seems that my skin and my whole body are getting burned.

My head is spinning, and I can't even stand up straight anymore."

Annotative Translation

Due to compassion and the softness of his heart, Arjuna became extremely distressed and fell into a painful state.

He himself described that state in this way.

My hands and feet are numb, and I have completely lost my strength.

It is impossible to even string and handle the bow of Gandiva, let alone use it. In fact, I cannot even hold it in my hands.

It actually feels like it's falling from your hand.

Thinking about the terrible consequences of war, his heart almost felt like a boiling pot.

Therefore, It felt like the skin itself was burning.

Due to mental anguish, his mind was extremely agitated, and he could not concentrate on anything for even a moment.

The head felt dizzy, and it felt like I was going to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.

About Gandiva

The Gandiva bow possessed by Arjuna was a celestial weapon.

It is said to be about the size of a coconut tree.

Arjuna, when disguised as the eunuch Brihannala, explained this bow to Prince Uttara in the following way:

This is Arjuna's bow, which is famous throughout the world.

Overall, it is lavishly decorated, and among all weapons, it is the finest, possessing power comparable to that of ten thousand weapons.

Arjuna conquered gods and humans with this bow.

This amazing, versatile, unique, delicate, and gigantic bow has been revered for a long time by gods, demons, and Gandarvas.

This celestial bow was held by: Brahma for a thousand years, Prajapati for five hundred and three years, Indra for eighty-five years, The Moon God for five hundred years, And the water god Vayu for one hundred years.

Arjuna, by burning the Khandava forest completely with fire, pleased Agni (the god of fire), and at Agni's request, obtained this bow from Varuna.