One of the most outstanding figures in Mahabharata, Arjuna represents a model of heroism and human fallibility. His life epitomizes all human weaknesses and virtues in such a manner that one easily finds an identification of him throughout the generations. Starting from birth to the position of unparalleled archer and to moral crises to the ultimate death, the saga of Arjuna provides deeper learning to readers.
Who is Arjuna in Mahabharata?
Arjuna, a central figure in the Mahabharata, is one of the greatest warriors and archers in Hindu mythology. Born to King Pandu and Queen Kunti through the blessings of Lord Indra, Arjuna’s story is not only defined by his unparalleled martial skills but also by his moral dilemmas that led to spiritual awakening.
As a warrior, Arjuna’s archery skills with the Gandiva, a divine bow gifted by Agni, made him an epic hero. His decisive role in the Kurukshetra War showcased his bravery, wisdom, and devotion. However, the most defining moment of his life came at the war’s onset. Overcome with doubt and confusion about fighting his own family, Arjuna dropped his bow. It was then that Lord Krishna, his charioteer, taught him about duty, life, and righteousness through the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47:
“Your right is only to perform your duty, but never the fruits of it. Nor let your attachment be to the fruits of action, nor to inactivity.”
This teaching lifted Arjuna’s spirits, helping him rise above his doubts and fulfill his dharma. Through the Gita, Arjuna transformed from confusion to determination, learning the importance of selfless action.
Arjuna’s loyalty to his brothers, devotion to Lord Krishna, and commitment to justice defined his path. His wisdom extended beyond the battlefield, embodying the ideal hero who balanced skill, humility, and righteousness. His story continues to serve as a timeless reminder of the power of duty and virtue in Hindu mythology.
Arjuna’s Road of Exile and Growth
The Mahabharata has described Arjuna’s battles and triumphs in the period of Pandavas’ exile. This was the time that tested his endurance and spiritual development to prepare him for the Kurukshetra war.
Penance to Lord Shiva:
Arjuna once undertook severe austerities in the forest to seek a divine weapon from Lord Shiva that would aid his brothers, the Pandavas, in their battle against the Kauravas. His deep meditation and dedication moved Lord Shiva, who decided to test Arjuna’s devotion. Disguised as a hunter, Shiva approached Arjuna as a wild boar charged towards them. Both shot arrows at the boar simultaneously, bringing it down.
A dispute soon erupted between the two men over who had killed the boar. Unaware of the hunter’s true identity, Arjuna challenged him to a duel. The fight was intense, and Arjuna found himself outmatched, unable to match the hunter’s skill.
Realizing that the hunter was no ordinary man, Arjuna made a garland of flowers and offered it to a Shivalinga, praying for forgiveness. To his astonishment, the garland appeared around the hunter’s neck, revealing his divine identity as Lord Shiva.
Impressed by Arjuna’s dedication and humility, Shiva granted him the Pashupatastra, a powerful celestial weapon. This incident not only highlighted Arjuna’s faith and perseverance but also emphasized the importance of humility and acceptance of divine grace in life.
Visit to Indraloka:
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna is invited to Indraloka, the heavenly abode of his father, Lord Indra, the king of the gods. This invitation was granted because of Arjuna’s immense valor and proficiency in weapons, which earned him the right to seek celestial knowledge and divine weapons to aid the Pandavas.
Upon reaching Indraloka, Arjuna was awestruck by its grandeur. The realm was filled with golden palaces, beautiful gardens, and celestial beings. The music of the gandharvas filled the air as apsaras danced in divine joy. Arjuna received royal treatment, befitting the son of Indra, with the gods honoring him with grandeur and respect.
During his stay, Arjuna received training from the gods themselves. Lord Indra, the celestial guru, imparted knowledge of divine weapons like the Vajra, along with advanced combat techniques. Sage Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, shared wisdom on strategy and righteousness.
However, Arjuna faced a test when the apsara Urvashi made advances toward him. As she was an ancestor, Arjuna refused her, which led to both her admiration and a curse. Despite this, Arjuna’s journey to Indraloka emphasized his divine heritage and unwavering commitment to dharma, preparing him for the trials of the Kurukshetra war. His time in Indraloka reinforced his humility and dedication to a higher cause.
Arjuna’s Role in the Kurukshetra War
Among the Pandava brothers, Arjuna played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Kurukshetra War. Renowned for his unmatched archery skills and unwavering commitment to dharma, Arjuna became the central figure in this decisive battle between righteousness and unrighteousness.
When the war began, Arjuna was torn by the moral dilemma of fighting against his own kinsmen, teachers, and friends who stood on the opposing side. Overcome with despair, he laid down his bow, Gandiva, unwilling to engage in the conflict. It was then that Lord Krishna, his charioteer and guide, enlightened him with teachings from the Bhagavad Gita on duty, righteousness, and the impermanence of life. Inspired by this wisdom, Arjuna took up his bow with renewed determination.
Throughout the war, Arjuna played a decisive role in key battles. He defeated the mighty Bhishma with the help of Shikhandi and faced the nearly invincible Karna in a fierce duel. His divine weapons, the Pashupatastra and Brahmastra, provided significant advantages to the Pandavas.
With his focus and guidance from Krishna, Arjuna emerged victorious, helping the Pandavas secure their triumph. The Kurukshetra War stands as a testament to how skill, wisdom, and adherence to dharma can overcome even the most formidable challenges.
How did Arjuna die?
Arjuna’s death is intertwined with the Mahaprasthana Parva of the Mahabharata, which details the Pandavas’ farewell journey. After years of living in Hastinapura, Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadi renounced worldly pleasures and embarked on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas to seek liberation, or ‘moksha.’
As they journeyed, they walked barefoot, symbolizing their renunciation of material wealth and power. One by one, they fell, each succumbing to their human flaws and past misdeeds.
Arjuna’s fall was deeply symbolic. The invincible warrior, once proud of his unmatched archery skills, found himself unable to prevent the downfall of the Yadava clan. His pride and self-assurance, which had defined him throughout his life, became a burden that led to his demise.
When Arjuna fell, Yudhishthira explained that it was due to his pride and excessive attachment to his past accomplishments, creating an imbalance in his karmas. Unable to detach from his identity as a warrior, he faced the consequences of his attachments.
Arjuna’s death, like that of his brothers and Draupadi, was not just a physical fall but a spiritual release. His soul began its journey toward liberation, merging with the divine in the eternal cosmic order. His death served as a reminder that even the greatest heroes are subject to the universal truths of humility and detachment.
Conclusion
Arjuna’s journey in the Mahabharata is a story of transformation—from a hero with unmatched skills and pride to one who embodies humility, duty, and wisdom. His life is marked by complexities, strengths, weaknesses, victories, and failures, creating a legacy that continues to resonate through time.
Arjuna’s moral dilemmas on the battlefield, where he initially seeks to abandon the fight in search of penance to acquire divine weapons, offer valuable lessons on perseverance, selfless action, and aligning one’s life with a higher purpose. Throughout his journey, Arjuna also develops a divine bond with Lord Krishna, a relationship that brings him divine wisdom to navigate life’s most challenging moments.
Arjuna’s story revolves around his internal conflict between his relationships with loved ones and his duty. This timeless struggle reflects the essence of human life—where even the mightiest heroes must confront and overcome the trials and tribulations that come their way.
Feeling so grateful! 💛