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{{Other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{redirect|Partha|the film|Partha (film)}}
{{redirect2|Parth|Partha|the racehorse|Parth (horse)|the film|Partha (film)}}
{{Redirect|Savyasachi|the 1995 film|Savyasachi (1995 film)|the 2018 film|Savyasachi (2018 film)}}
{{Merge from|Brihannala|date=November 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
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{{Infobox epic character
{{Infobox character/Wikidata|fetchwikidata=ALL}}
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'''Arjuna''' (in [[Devanagari]]: अर्जुन ''{{IAST|arjuna}}'') is the main central character of the ancient Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and plays a key role in the [[Bhagavad Gita]] alongside Krishna. Arjuna was the son of ''[[Indra]]'', the king of the celestials, born of ''[[Kunti]]'', the first wife of King ''[[Pandu]]'' in the ''[[Kuru Kingdom]]''. In a previous birth he was a saint named ''Nara'' who was the lifelong companion of another saint ''Narayana'' an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took rebirth as Lord Krishna. He was the third of the [[Pandava]] brothers and was married to [[Draupadi]], [[Ulupi]], [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangada]] and [[Subhadra]] (Krishna's and Balarama's sister) at different times. His children included [[Upapandavas#Srutakarma|Srutakarma]], [[Iravan]], [[Babruvahana]], and [[Abhimanyu]]. Arjuna was considered to be the best archer of the Indian epic [[Mahabharata|Mahabharat]] accepted by Mahedeva himself.<ref>{{Cite web|url=www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm|title=Mahadeva praising Arjuna|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
| epic = [[Mahabharata]]
| image = Arjuna statue.JPG
| caption = Arjuna statue in [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]]
| alt = Arjuna
| Devanagari = अर्जुनp
| teachers = [[Drona]]
| spouse = [[Draupadi]], [[Ulupi]], [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangada]], [[Subhadra]] .
| father = [[Indra]], [[Pandu]]
| mother = [[Kunti]]
| children = [[Srutakarma]], [[Abhimanyu]], [[Babruvahana]], [[Iravan]]
}}
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'''Arjuna''' (in [[Devanagari]]: अर्जुन ''{{IAST|arjuna}}'') along with [[Krishna]] is the protagonist of the ancient Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' and plays a key role in the [[Bhagavad Gita]] alongside Krishna. Arjuna was the son of ''[[Indra]]'', the king of the celestials, born of ''[[Kunti]]'', the first wife of King ''[[Pandu]]'' in the ''[[Kuru Kingdom]]''. In a previous birth he was a saint named ''Nara'' who was the lifelong companion of another saint ''Narayana'' an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took rebirth as Lord Krishna . He was the third of the [[Pandava]] brothers and was married to [[Draupadi]], [[Ulupi]], [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangada]] and [[Subhadra]] (Krishna's sister) at different times. His children included [[Upapandavas#Srutakarma|Srutakarma]], [[Iravan]], [[Babruvahana]], and [[Abhimanyu]]. [[Karna]] was an archer equivalent to Arjuna in the Mahabharata, who was his lifetime opponent.


== Etymology and other names ==
== Etymology and other names ==
The name Arjuna has among its meanings "white"/"clear" and "silver".<ref>{{MWSD}}</ref> Cognates of "Arjuna" are Latin ''"regens"'' meaning "ruler", Hindi ''"raj"'' meaning "king", and English ''"regal"''.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
The name Arjuna has among its meanings "white"/"clear" and "silver".<ref>{{MWSD}}</ref> Cognates of "Arjuna" are Latin ''"regens"'' meaning "ruler", Hindi ''"raj"'' meaning "king", and English ''"regal"''.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
.<ref>{{Cite web|url=www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04044.htm|title=All names of Arjuna|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>

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* Phalguna (फाल्गुन) - one born under the star named 'Uttara Phalguni'.
The [[Mahabharata]] refers to Arjuna by twelve different names. In the story, these names are given when [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Prince Uttara]] of [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]] asks Arjuna to prove his identity. The first ten names are spoken by Arjuna himself, while the name "Kapi Dhwaja" is also used to refer to his chariot, the "Nandi Ghosha". The names and their meanings are as follows:<ref>{{cite book |last=Fowler |first=Jeaneane Fowler, Merv |title=Bhagavad Gita : a text & commentary for students |publisher=Sussex Academic |location=Brighton |isbn=9781845193461 |page=10}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Kapoor |editor-first=Subodh |title=The Indian encyclopaedia : biographical, historical, religious, administrative, ethnological, commercial and scientific |year=2002 |publisher=Cosmo Publications |location=New Delhi |isbn=9788177552577 |page=1927 |edition=1st}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Sarma |first=Bharadvaja |title=Vyasa's Mahabharatam in eighteen parvas : the great epic of India in summary translation |year=2008 |publisher=Academic Publishers |location=[[Kolkata]], India |isbn=9788189781682 |page=372}}</ref>
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* Jishnu (जिष्णु) - triumphant.

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* Kiritin (किरीटिन्) - one who wears the celestial [[diadem]], Kiriti, presented by [[Indra]].
* Arjuna (अर्जुन) - shining or famous like silver
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* Shwetavahana (श्वेतवाहन) - one with white horses mounted to his chariot.
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* Phalguna (फाल्गुन) - one born under the star named 'Uttara Phalguni'
* Bibhatsu (बीभत्सु) - one who always fights wars in a fair manner.
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* Jishnu (जिष्णु) - triumphant
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* Vijaya (विजय) - always wins on war.
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* Kiritin (किरीटिन्) - one who wears the celestial [[diadem]], Kiriti, presented by [[Indra]]
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* Partha (पार्थ) - son of Pritha, another name for [[Kunti]].
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* Shwetavahana (श्वेतवाहन) - one with white horses drawing his chariot
* Bibhatsu (बीभत्सु) - one who created terror(bibhatsa) in war to his enemies<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/different-names-of-arjuna-in-mahabharata|title=Different names of Arjuna in Mahabharata|website=www.speakingtree.in|access-date=2017-01-06}}</ref>
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* Vijaya (विजय) - always victorious in war
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* Partha (पार्थ) - son of Pritha, another name for [[Kunti]]
* Savyasachin (सव्यसाचिन्) - ambidextrous
* Savyasachin (सव्यसाचिन्) - ambidextrous
* Dhananjaya (धनञ्जय) - one who brings prosperity and wealth in the land he goes to
* Dhananjaya (धनञ्जय) - one who brings prosperity and wealth in the land where he goes to.
* Gudakesha (गुडाकेश) - someone who has thick hair<ref name=":0" />
* Gudakesha (गुडाकेश) - someone who have control over sleeps
* Kapidhwaja (कपिध्वज) - having the flag of Kapi (monkey) in his chariot (Arjuna's flag displayed an image of [[Hanuman]] from a previous encounter.)
* Kapidhwaja (कपिध्वज) - having flag of Kapi (monkey) in his chariot (Arjuna's flag displayed an image of [[Hanuman]] from a previous encounter).
* Parantapa (परन्तप) - one who concentrates the most, destroyer of enemies by his concentration
* Parantapa (परन्तप) - one who concentrates the most, destroyer of enemies from his concentration.
* Gandivadhanvan (गाण्डीवधन्वन्) - one who possessed the mighty bow named 'Gandiva' which was created by Lord Brahma
* Gandivadhanvan (गाण्डीवधन्वन्) - one who possessed the mighty bow named 'Gandiva' which was created by Lord Brahma.
* Gandivadhara (गाण्डीवधर) - Gandiva holder
* Gandivadhara (गाण्डीवधर) - Gandiva holder
* Madhyapandava (मध्यपाण्डव) - the third of Pandavas, younger than [[Yudhishthira]] and [[Bhima]] and older than [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]]
* Madhyapandava (मध्यपाण्डव) - the third of Pandavas, younger to [[Yudhisthira]] and [[Bhima]] and elder to [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]].


== Birth and youth ==
== Birth and youth ==
[[File:Boon of Indra to Kunti.jpg|thumb|Indra bestows a favor on Kunti]]
[[File:Boon of Indra to Kunti.jpg|thumb|Indra bestows a favor on Kunti]]


After the death of Pandu (and Madri's subsequent [[Sati (practice)|sati]]), the Pandavas and their mother lived in Hastinapura, where they were brought up together with their cousins, the [[Kaurava]] brothers. Along with his brothers, Arjuna was trained in religion, science, administration and military arts by [[Bhishma]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Johnson|first=W. J|title=A Dictionary of Hinduism|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2009|doi=10.1093/acref/9780198610250.001.0001|subscription=yes}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>
Arjuna's birth is most celebrated one and he was born 9 months after the birth of [[krishna]]. A prophesy is said about his birth and so many gods attended to see him. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01124.htm|title=Describes Arjuna birth|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
After the death of Pandu (and Madri's subsequent [[Sati (practice)|sati]]), the Pandavas and their mother lived in Hastinapura, where they were brought up together with their cousins, the [[Kaurava]] brothers. Along with his brothers, Arjuna was trained in religion, science, administration and military arts by Bhishma, their granduncle.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Johnson|first=W. J|title=A Dictionary of Hinduism|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2009|doi=10.1093/acref/9780198610250.001.0001|subscription=yes}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>


One day, when the princes were playing a game, they lost their ball in a [[Water well|well]]. When the rest of the children gave up the ball as being lost, Arjuna stayed behind trying to get it. A stranger came by and extracted the ball for him by making a chain of "sarkanda" (a wild grass). When an astonished Arjuna related the story to Bhishma, Bhishma realised that the stranger was none other than [[Drona]]. Bhishma asked Drona to become the Kuru princes' teacher. Seeking refuge from [[Panchala]], Drona agreed.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Leeming|first=W. J|title=The Oxford Companion to World Mythology|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2009|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195156690.001.0001|subscription=yes}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>
One day, when the princes were playing a game, they lost their ball in a [[Water well|well]]. When the rest of the children gave up the ball as being lost, Arjuna stayed behind trying to get it. A stranger came by and extracted the ball for him by making a chain of "sarkanda" (a wild grass). When an astonished Arjuna related the story to Bhishma, Bhishma realised that the stranger was none other than Drona. Bhishma asked Drona to become the Kuru princes' teacher. Seeking refuge from [[Panchala]], Drona agreed.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Leeming|first=W. J|title=The Oxford Companion to World Mythology|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2009|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195156690.001.0001|subscription=yes}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref> Many asuras were killed by him.


== Tutelage under Drona ==
== Tutelage under Drona ==
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[[File:The Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, Draupadi.jpg|thumb|the Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, [[Draupadi]]]]
[[File:The Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, Draupadi.jpg|thumb|the Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, [[Draupadi]]]]


Still in hiding, the [[Pandavas]] disguise themselves as [[brahmin]]s and attend the [[Swayamvara]] of [[Panchala]] princess [[Draupadi]]. Out of all of the great kings and other [[Kaurava]] princes, only [[Karna]] and Arjuna are able to do the established challenge. The test is to lift, string, and fire [[Shiva Dhanush|Pinakin]] to pierce the eye of a golden fish whilst only looking at its reflection; [[Drupada]] had designed this test with Arjuna in mind. At first [[Karna]] is able to lift and string the bow, but when he is aiming to fire the shot, Draupadi rejects [[Karna]] (in some depictions with Krishna's prodding) for his low-birth. Afterwards, the disguised Arjuna accomplished the stringing and shooting of the bow.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
Pandavas secretly went from Varnavrat after saving themselves from evil plan of Duryodhana, Shakuni and Karna.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01153.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Jatugriha Parva: Section CLII|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> Still in hiding, the [[Pandavas]] disguise themselves as [[brahmin]]s and attend the [[Swayamvara]] of [[Panchala]] princess [[Draupadi]]. Out of all of the great kings and other [[Kaurava]] princes, only Arjuna are able to do the established challenge. The test is to lift, string, and fire [[Shiva Dhanush|Pinakin]] to pierce the eye of a golden fish whilst only looking at its reflection; [[Drupada]] had designed this test with Arjuna in mind. All Kings including [[Karna]] and Shalya failed to string the bow and got defeated in task.<ref>{{Cite web|url=www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs01179.htm|title=Failure of Karna in Draupadi syamwara|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>At last Arjuna came forward and lifted bow with just one hand and hit the target hence he won Draupadi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs01179.htm|title=The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 1: Chapter 179|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref>


Later Karna attacked Arjuna on jealousy but Arjuna easily defeated him then Karna asked about his real identity, Arjuna smiled and said that he is brahmin then Karna praised him by comparing him with Lord Vishnu. Arjuna threatened to kill Karna which made Karna flee from battlefield.
In some versions of the story, Arjuna is the only prince (of the Kaurava/Pandava party) to have interacted with Draupadi before. When attacking Drupada, Draupadi, trained in martial arts due to Panchal's attitudes towards [[gender neutrality]], fights with Arjuna, but Arjuna after some while stops and evades Draupadi, saying that he cannot fight a woman.


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When the brothers returned with Draupadi, Pandavas joked to his mother that they had brought [[alms]]. Dismissively, and without looking because she was preoccupied, Kunti asks him to share it with his brothers. Holding his mother's orders as a divine command, he requested his elder brother to accept Draupadi. [[Polyandry|Draupadi had to marry all five of the Pandavas]]. Her five sons, one from each of the Pandava brothers, are known as the [[Upapandavas]].{{citation needed|date=April 2017}} [[Srutakarma]] is the son of Arjuna.
In some versions of the Swayamvara, Arjuna is forbidden by [[Kunti]] to attend the Swayamvara. Kunti's reasoning is that only [[Yudhishthira]] and [[Duryodhana]] would be acceptable candidates for Draupadi's hand; anyone else, not set to [[crown prince|inherit the throne]], would be an insult to Panchal. She allows [[Bhima]] to attend because he is Yudhishthira's [[heir]] and could win Draupadi for his brother without controversy. When Arjuna disobeys her anyway, as he is firing the arrow, he swears to [[God]] that if he wins Draupadi's hand, he would never disobey his mother's commands.


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At this point in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas revealed that they were alive. With both Duryodhana and Yudhishthira being [[crown prince]]s, tensions are high. Under Bhishma's advice, the kingdom is split, with the Kauravas getting [[Hastinapur]] and the Pandavas getting [[Khandavaprastha]]. Khandavaprastha, however, was an extremely underdeveloped land and had [[Fertility (soil)|infertile soil]], requiring extensive [[tillage|tilling]], so the Pandavas set to work rebuilding the land by burning thousand acre of forest. Their cousins [[Krishna]] and [[Balarama]] gave them aid.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}
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When the brothers returned with Draupadi, Arjuna joked to his mother that they had brought [[alms]]. Dismissively, and without looking because she was preoccupied, Kunti asks him to share it with his brothers. Holding his mother's orders as a divine command, he requested his elder brother to accept Draupadi. [[Polyandry|Draupadi had to marry all five of the Pandavas]]. Her five sons, one from each of the Pandava brothers, are known as the [[Upapandavas]].{{cn|date=April 2017}} [[Srutakarma]] is the son of Arjuna.


== Love of Lord Krishna for Arjuna ==
The brothers follow Vyasa's advice on a sharing arrangement with regard to Draupadi: each brother would have exclusive rights over her for a year, after which the mantle would shift to the next brother. Moreover, any brother intruding on the privacy of the couple would have to go on a twelve-year [[pilgrimage|Tirtha-yatra]].
The friendship bond of [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] and Arjuna is the most celebrated bond in Hindu mythology followed by the bond of [[Rama|Lord Rama]] and [[Hanuman|Lord Hanumana]]. According to Mahabharata, Arjuna was the incarnation of Lord Nara who was the best friend of [[Vishnu|Lord Vishnu]] and along with Nara, Lord Vishnu defeated all the demons after the churning of Ocean ( [[Samudra manthan|Samudra Manthan]] ). According to Lord Shiva, Nara and Lord Vishnu holds the whole universe and incarnates in every Yuga to end the evil and establish righteousness. The love of Lord Krishna for Arjuna is evident from Adi Parva where after the fight in Khandava forest instead of asking any weapon or power Lord Krishna asked Indra that his friendship with Arjuna will remain forever when the latter asked Lord Krishna to ask for a boon. Lord Krishna also described his love for Arjuna in Vana Parva by saying that whoever will hate Arjuna will hate Lord Krishna and whoever will follow Arjuna will follow Lord Krishna. He even said that nobody in the whole world is dearer to him than Arjuna and he can sacrifice anything including his sons, wives and citizens just for the sake of Arjuna. During his final conversation with his father Vasudeva he told him that he wants Arjuna to perform his last rights and also said that Lord Krishna is Arjuna and Arjuna is Lord Krishna. Such was the greatness of Arjuna that the supreme god [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] was ready to sacrifice anything for him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03012.htm|title=Love of Lord Krishna for Arjuna|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>

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At this point in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas revealed that they were alive. With both Duryodhana and Yudhishthira being [[crown prince]]s, tensions are high. Under Bhishma's advice, the kingdom is split, with the Kauravas getting [[Hastinapur]] and the Pandavas getting [[Khandavaprastha]]. Khandavaprastha, however, was an extremely underdeveloped land and had [[Fertility (soil)|infertile soil]], requiring extensive [[tillage|tilling]], so the Pandavas set to work rebuilding the land. Their cousins [[Krishna]] and [[Balarama]] gave them aid.{{cn|date=April 2017}}


== Burning of Khandava Vana ==
== Burning of Khandava Vana ==
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The story, this was the first time Arjuna meets [[Krishna]]. In any case, [[Khandavaprastha]] was where Arjuna and Krishna's friendship is truly forged. Once when roaming in the Khandava Vana, Arjuna and Krishna met the god of fire, [[Agni]]. Agni was in great hunger and needed to burn down the entire Khandava Vana to quench his hunger. But [[Takshaka]], the serpent-king lived in the same forest and was a friend of [[Indra]]'s. So the latter brought down heavy [[rains]] to thwart Agni's plans to burn the woods. Agni requested Krishna and Arjuna to help him realise his goal.<ref name="autogenerated518">{{cite book|title=Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa.|year=2008|publisher=The Echo Library|location=Teddington, Middlesex|isbn=9781406870459|pages=518–520}}</ref>


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Arjuna asked Agni for Gandiva as normal bows were not capable to bear the strength of his arms. The three of them then invoked [[Varuna]], the [[God]] of the [[oceans]], who blessed Arjuna with the [[Gandiva]] – the agni-moon bow created by [[Brahma]]. In this way, Arjuna came into possession of his famous bow. Agni also gave Arjuna an incandescent chariot with four horses yoked, and bearing a flag that would one-day be occupied by celestial apes of Vishwkarma.Arjuna also obtained his famous [[Devadatta|conch]].{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}
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In some versions of the story, this was the first time Arjuna meets [[Krishna]]. In any case, [[Khandavaprastha]] was where Arjuna and Krishna's friendship is truly forged. Once when roaming in the Khandava Vana, Arjuna and Krishna met the god of fire, [[Agni]]. Agni was in great hunger and needed to burn down the entire Khandava Vana to quench his hunger. But [[Takshaka]], the serpent-king lived in the same forest and was a friend of [[Indra]]'s. So the latter brought down heavy [[rains]] to thwart Agni's plans to burn the woods. Agni requested Krishna and Arjuna to help him realise his goal.<ref name="autogenerated518">{{cite book|title=Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa.|year=2008|publisher=The Echo Library|location=Teddington, Middlesex|isbn=9781406870459|pages=518–520}}</ref>


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With Krishna using the [[Sudarshana Chakra]]<ref name="menon302">{{cite book|last=Menon|first=[translated by] Ramesh|title=The Mahabharata : a modern rendering|year=2006|publisher=iUniverse, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=9780595401871|pages=302–304}}</ref> Arjuna and Krishna waged a successful battle against Indra and helped Agni burn down the entire Khandava Vana.Indra's pride in Arjuna's success overcame his anger, and he bestowed greater powers on him. At last all gods, demons and snakes got defeated by Arjuna at this Khandava war.
⚫
The three of them then invoked [[Varuna]], the [[God]] of the [[oceans]], who blessed Arjuna with the [[Gandiva]] – the agni-moon bow created by [[Brahma]]. In this way, Arjuna came into possession of his famous bow. Agni also gave Arjuna an incandescent chariot with four horses yoked, and bearing a flag that would one-day be occupied by [[Hanuman]]. Arjuna also obtained his famous [[Devadatta|conch]].{{cn|date=April 2017}}

⚫
With Krishna using the [[Sudarshana Chakra]]<ref name="menon302">{{cite book|last=Menon|first=[translated by] Ramesh|title=The Mahabharata : a modern rendering|year=2006|publisher=iUniverse, Inc.|location=New York|isbn=9780595401871|pages=302–304}}</ref> Arjuna and Krishna waged a successful battle against Indra and helped Agni burn down the entire Khandava Vana including all its demons and evil spirits. Indra's pride in Arjuna's success overcame his anger, and he bestowed greater powers on him.


=== Saving Mayasura ===
=== Saving Mayasura ===


[[File:Krishna orders Mayasura to build a palace for the Pandavas.jpg|thumb|left|Sri Krishna tells Mayasura to build a palace.]]In their demolition of Khandava, Krishna and Arjuna had saved one demon, [[Mayasura]].<ref name="autogenerated518"/> Thus owing Arjuna a favor, and after being so directed by Krishna, Mayasura said that he would build a palace for [[Yudhishtra]]. As Mayasura was a great architect of the [[Asuras]], he soon constructed the Maya assembly hall – a gigantic palace for the Pandavas, filled with ancient books, artifacts, and jewels. This hall was famous for visual illusions. Thus, [[Khandavaprastha]] was renamed [[Indraprastha]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Verma|first=retold by Virendra|title=The Mahābhārata : (the great epic of ancient India)|year=1989|publisher=Pitambar Pub. Co.|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788120907324|page=28|author2=Verma, Shanti}}</ref>
[[File:Krishna orders Mayasura to build a palace for the Pandavas.jpg|thumb|left|Sri Krishna tells Mayasura to build a palace.]]In their demolition of Khandava, Krishna and Arjuna had saved one demon, [[Mayasura]] to build their palace.<ref name="autogenerated518"/> Thus owing Arjuna a favor, and after being so directed by Krishna, Mayasura said that he would build a palace for [[Yudhishtra]]. As Mayasura was a great architect of the [[Asuras]], he soon constructed the Maya assembly hall – a gigantic palace for the Pandavas, filled with ancient books, artifacts, and jewels. This hall was famous for visual illusions. Thus, [[Khandavaprastha]] was renamed [[Indraprastha]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Verma|first=retold by Virendra|title=The Mahābhārata : (the great epic of ancient India)|year=1989|publisher=Pitambar Pub. Co.|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788120907324|page=28|author2=Verma, Shanti}}</ref>


== Arjuna's Tirtha-yatra and Indraprastha ==
== Arjuna's Tirtha-yatra and Indraprastha ==
[[File:Arjuna enters Dharma,s Budoir.jpg|thumb|Arjuna enters Dharma's Boudoir]]
[[File:Arjuna enters Dharma's Budoir.jpg|thumb|Arjuna enters Dharma's Boudoir]]
During an incident when [[Takshaka]] stole Brahmins cows, Arjuna was forced to violate [[Yudhishthira]] and [[Draupadi]]'s privacy while they were playing the game of dice, as he had left the [[Gandiva]] in their room. Despite the understanding of all and being forgiven by both Yudhishthira and Draupadi, Arjuna accepted the punishment agreed with Narada and set off on a twelve-year [[pilgrimage|tirtha-yatra]].
Arjuna violated [[Yudhishthira]] and [[Draupadi]]'s privacy while they were playing the game of dice, as he had left the [[Gandiva]] in their room. Despite the understanding of all and being forgiven by both Yudhishthira and Draupadi, Arjuna accepted the punishment agreed with Narada and set off on a twelve-year [[pilgrimage|tirtha-yatra]]. According to Narada, Arjuna must retire to forest and pass his days as Brahmacharin so Arjuna retired to forest for 12 years.

=== Meeting Ulupi ===

[[File:Uluchi Arujann.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ulupi]] meets Arjuna]]

Arjuna started his [[pilgrimage]] by visiting the source of the [[Ganges|river Ganga]]. It was here that he met the [[Nāga|Naga]] princess, [[Uloopi]]. She was mesmerised by Arjuna and forcefully took him to Naga Lok (the land of the snake-people) and gave him a choice: if he married her, she would let him go; otherwise, she would not. He married her, and they had a son called Iravan.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Mahabharata, Book 1 of 18: Adi Uloopi gave her husband a boon which allowed him to be invincible in water. She was on extremely good terms with her co-wife, Chitrangada, and very fond of her stepson Bhabruvahan, son of Chitrangada and Arjun. She later restored Arjun to life when he was defeated and killed by the Manipur prince.Parva|publisher=Forgotten Books|isbn=9781605066110|pages=513–515}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01217.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>


=== Chitrangadaa at Manipura ===
=== Chitrangadaa at Manipura ===


Arjuna visited other Tirthas in [[India]], including [[Kalinga (Mahabharata)|Kalinga]] and the ashrams of the [[Saptarishi]]s, [[Agastya]], [[Vasishta]] and [[Bhrigu]]. Finally he reached the palace of [[Manipur]]. Here he met King [[Chitravahana]]'s daughter, [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangadaa]]. Arjuna fell in love with her and requested that the king let them marry. Upon discovering Arjuna's true identity, the king readily agreed. Since Chitrangadaa was his oldest child and Manipur practiced [[equal primogeniture]], which [[Hastinapur]] did not practice, the king sought a promise from Arjuna that Chitrangadaa and any of her and Arjuna's children would remain in Manipur as Chitravahana's heirs. Arjuna thought for some while and agreed. They had a son, who survived the Mahabharata war and ruled the small kingdom peacefully.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01218.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>
Arjuna visited other Tirthas in [[India]], including [[Kalinga (Mahabharata)|Kalinga]] and the ashrams of the [[Saptarishi]]s, [[Agastya]], [[Vasishta]] and [[Bhrigu]]. Finally he reached the palace of [[Manipur]]. Here he met King [[Chitravahana]]'s daughter, [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangadaa]]. After seeing the beauty of Chitrangadaa, Arjuna fall in love with her hence he asked that the king let them marry. The king accepted Arjuna's proposal because Arjuna was extermely handsome, intelligent and attractive.


=== Reaching Dwarka and Subhadra ===
=== Reaching Dwarka and Subhadra ===
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[[File:Ravi Varma-Arjuna and Subhadra.jpg|thumb|Arjuna and Subhadra, <br/>Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]].]]
[[File:Ravi Varma-Arjuna and Subhadra.jpg|thumb|Arjuna and Subhadra, <br/>Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]].]]


Arjuna moved to other Tirthas, including the southern regions in [[Kerala]]. Finally he reached [[Dwarka]], the place where his cousin [[Krishna]] resided. Arjuna had, in his childhood, heard about Krishna's sister, [[Subhadra]]. Krishna, wishing to further tie their families, knew of Arjuna's visit and devised a plan to arrange their meeting. Accordingly, Arjuna disguised himself as a [[Yati]] and stayed at Krishna's palace. Arjuna fell in love with Subhadra and desired to marry her. Because [[Balarama]] had already promised Subhadra to his favorite disciple, [[Duryodhana]], Krishna advised Arjuna to kidnap Subhadra. Balarama became furious upon learning of the abduction but was pacified by Krishna, after he showed that the [[Mangala sutra]] was in Subhadra's hand, which showed her consent. The couple stayed in Dwaraka for a year, and then another year in Pushkar. However, Draupadi had made it clear that no other Pandava wife would be allowed to stay in her city, so Arjuna, as Krishna had advised, tricked Draupadi into meeting Subhadra as a milkmaid. Draupadi realized she had been tricked, but she forgave Subhadra and let her stay in [[Indraprastha]], allowing her to keep company with Arjuna in the four years when he was not with Draupadi. In due course, the union of Arjuna and Subhadra produced a son, Abhimanyu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01223.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01224.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>
Arjuna moved to other Tirthas, including the southern regions in [[Kerala]]. Finally he reached [[Dwarka]], the place where his cousin [[Krishna]] resided. Arjuna had, in his childhood, heard about Krishna's sister, [[Subhadra]]. Krishna, wishing to further tie their families, knew of Arjuna's visit and devised a plan to arrange their meeting. Accordingly, Arjuna disguised himself as a [[Yati]] and stayed at Krishna's palace. Arjuna was attracted to Subhadra and desired to marry her, Krishna understood Arjuna's intension and advised him to kidnap Subhadra then Arjuna kidnapped Subhadra and married with her. After this Balarama became furious upon learning of the abduction but was pacified by Vasudeva, his father, because Lord Krishna knew that whole Dwarka warriors can not defeat Arjuna alone as Arjun was invicible and undefeatable in battle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01223.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Subhadra-harana Parva: Section CCXXII|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> The couple stayed in Dwaraka for a year, and then another year in Pushkar. However, Draupadi had made it clear that no other Pandava wife would be allowed to stay in her city, so Arjuna, as Krishna had advised, tricked Draupadi into meeting Subhadra as a milkmaid. Draupadi realized she had been tricked, but she forgave Subhadra and let her stay in [[Indraprastha]], allowing her to keep company with Arjuna in the four years when he was not with Draupadi. In due course, the union of Arjuna and Subhadra produced a son, Abhimanyu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01223.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01224.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>


== Conquest for Rajasuya ==
== Conquest for Rajasuya ==
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[[File:PathRajasuyaArjunaDigvijaya.jpg|thumb|Possible route taken by Arjuna for the Rajasuya sacrifice.]]
[[File:PathRajasuyaArjunaDigvijaya.jpg|thumb|Possible route taken by Arjuna for the Rajasuya sacrifice.]]


Arjuna was sent north by [[Yudhishthira]] to subjugate kingdoms for the [[Rajasuya|Rajasuya Yagya]], so that he could be crowned [[Emperor]] of [[Indraprastha]]. The Mahabharata mentions several kingdoms to the east of Indraprastha which were conquered (or otherwise peacefully [[genuflection|bent-the-knee]]) by Arjuna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02027.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref> Most notably, he defeats [[Bhagadatta]] of [[Pragjyotisha]] who repelled Arjuna for eight days straight but impressed with Arjuna's skill agreed to pay tribute. Bhagadatta was also a great friend of Pandu.
Arjuna was sent south by [[Yudhishthira]] to subjugate kingdoms for the [[Rajasuya|Rajasuya Yagya]], so that he could be crowned [[Emperor]] of [[Indraprastha]]. The Mahabharata mentions several kingdoms to the north of Indraprastha which were conquered (or otherwise peacefully [[genuflection|bent-the-knee]]) by Arjuna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02027.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref> In this conquest Arjuna had conquered Northern kurus which was the territory of Lord Indra,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02027.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Jarasandhta-badha Parva: Section XXVII|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> It was really the difficult feats for any warrior but Arjuna easily achieved many feats in Rajasuya conquest.


== Exile ==
== Exile ==
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[[File:Kiratarjuniya.jpg|thumb|left|From the epic poem [[Kiratarjuniya]]: Arjuna recognizes Shiva and surrenders to him. Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]], 19th century.]]
[[File:Kiratarjuniya.jpg|thumb|left|From the epic poem [[Kiratarjuniya]]: Arjuna recognizes Shiva and surrenders to him. Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]], 19th century.]]


After the battle at Khandava [[Indra]] had promised Arjuna to give him all his weapons as a boon for matching him in battle with the requirement that Shiva is pleased with him. Sensing an impending war with the [[Kauravas]], [[Vyasa|Sage Vyasa]] advised Arjuna that he obtain the [[Pashupatastra]] from [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]]. Following the advice of [[Vyasa|Sage Vyasa]] to go on a meditation or "tapasya" to attain this [[Astra (weapon)|divine weapon]], Arjuna left his brothers for a penance.
After the battle at Khandava [[Indra]] had promised Arjuna to give him all his weapons as a boon for matching him in battle with the requirement that Shiva is pleased with him. . Following the advice of [[Yudhistira]] to go on a meditation or "tapasya" to attain this [[Astra (weapon)|divine weapon]], Arjuna left his brothers for a penance.


Arjuna traveled for a while before reaching the mountain [[Kanaka Durga Temple#Description|Indra keeladri, Vijayawada]]. Here he sat in meditation in the name of Lord Shiva. Shiva appeared soon enough in the guise of a [[hunter]], who challenged Arjuna to a fight. While being thoroughly dominated by Shiva, Arjuna became confused as to how an ordinary hunter could beat a warrior like himself. He prays to Shiva for strength, and then sees the offerings he made to Shiva around the hunter's neck. Shiva was very pleased with the bravery and prowess of the prince. Consequently, Shiva transformed himself to show his real avatar and blessed Arjuna with the [[Pashupatastra]]. Shiva lectures Arjuna on the abilities of the weapon, as well as the judgement he must use while wielding it.
Arjuna traveled for a while before reaching the mountain [[Kanaka Durga Temple#Description|Indra keeladri, Vijayawada]]. Here he sat in meditation in the name of Lord Shiva. Arjuna managed to please Lord Shiva by his severe penance in just months because his penance generated so much intense heat that was unbearable to all living creatures of earth which ultimately forced Lord Shiva to come to earth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03038.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XXXVIII|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> Shiva appeared soon enough in the guise of a [[hunter]], who challenged Arjuna to a fight. In that fierce battle even 8 forms of Lord Shiva failed to defeat Arjuna,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03049.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLIX|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> At last Arjuna gratified Mahadeva in battle by showing his prowess then Hunter(Shiva) transformed himself to show his real avatar and blessed Arjuna with the [[Pashupatastra]]. Shiva lectures Arjuna on the abilities of the weapon, as well as the judgement he must use while wielding it. It is said that, apart from Lord Shiva and Arjuna no one possessed Pasupata weapon which was capable to destroy whole world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref>


After Shiva left, the [[Lokapalas]] appeared before Arjuna and then [[Kubera]], [[Yama]], and [[Varuna]] also blessed each of their potent weapons to Arjuna. Indra then invited his son to his palace in [[Svarga|heaven]].
After Shiva left, the [[Lokapalas]] appeared before Arjuna and then [[Kubera]], [[Yama]], and [[Varuna]] also blessed each of their potent weapons to Arjuna. Indra then invited his son to his palace in [[Svarga|heaven]].


Arjuna was amazed at the splendor of his father's palace at [[Amaravati (mythology)|Amaravati]]. Dancers like [[Urvashi]], [[Tilottama]], [[Rambha (apsara)|Rambha]] and [[Menaka]] entertained him. There was a huge banquet serving different varieties of heavenly dishes. Arjuna learnt song and [[bharatnatyam|dance]] from the Gandharva, [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]] and Indra himself taught him all the [[Astra (weapon)|divine weapons]] and also gave him his [[Vajra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03044.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLIV|publisher=|accessdate=3 August 2016}}</ref>
Arjuna was amazed at the splendor of his father's palace at [[Amaravati (mythology)|Amaravati]]. Dancers like [[Urvashi]], [[Tilottama]], [[Rambha (apsara)|Rambha]] and [[Menaka]] entertained him. There was a huge banquet serving different varieties of heavenly dishes. Arjuna learnt song and [[bharatnatyam|dance]] from the Gandharva, [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]] and Indra himself taught him all the [[Astra (weapon)|divine weapons]] and also gave him his [[Vajra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03044.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLIV|publisher=|accessdate=3 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Urvashi's curse ===
[[File:Urvashi curses Arjuna.jpg|thumb|Urvashi's [[curse]]]]

[[Indra]] noted the passionate glances exchanged between Arjuna and [[Urvashi]] during his stay. However, Arjuna refused her advances, alleging that he had heard of her relationship with his ancestor Pururava, and hence she had the status of a mother, equal in respect to [[Kunti]].{{cn|date=April 2017}} Urvashi, annoyed at this, cursed him so that he would become a [[eunuch]] who would have to live among women, singing and dancing. On Indra's request, and regretting her anger, Urvashi reduced her curse to a period of one year of Arjuna's choice. In some versions of the story, Urvashi curses Arjuna with womanhood, but always reduces the curse to a year's length.


=== Nivata-kavachas and Hiranyapura ===
=== Nivata-kavachas and Hiranyapura ===


Arjuna gets the opportunity to test his skill when Indra asked him to defeat his enemy as the price of his training. Arjuna was taken to the palace of the Nivata-kavachas, a tribe of [[Rakshasas]] who had a magnificent palace under the oceans. Arjuna used the Mohini-astra and the Madhava-astra to demolish these asuras.
Arjuna got the opportunity to test his skill when Indra asked him to defeat his enemy as the price of his training. Arjuna was taken to the palace of the Nivata-kavachas, a tribe of [[Asuras]] who had a magnificent palace under the oceans. Arjuna used the Mohini-astra and the Madhava-astra to demolish these asuras.


He was also taken to [[Hiranyapura]], a palace in the sky created by a witch Puloma and his asura tribe of the Kalakanjas. Here Arjuna uses the Raudra-astra and annihilates the demons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03172.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXII|publisher=|accessdate=3 August 2016}}</ref>
He was also taken to [[Hiranyapura]], a palace in the sky created by a witch Puloma and his asura tribe of the Kalakanjas. Here Arjuna uses the Raudra-astra and annihilates the demons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03172.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXII|publisher=|accessdate=3 August 2016}}</ref>


=== Meeting Hanuman ===
=== At Virata's Kingdom ===
⚫
[[File:Brihannala.jpg|thumb|left|Brihannala – [[Eunuch]] at Virata's Kingdom]]

Continuing his quest, Arjuna visits the site of [[Adam's Bridge|Rama Setu]] in [[Dhanushkodi]]. There, he openly questions why, if [[Rama]] had been such a great [[archery|archer]], he hadn't simply built the bridge out of arrows. Angered at Arjuna's tone and his apparent questioning of Rama's prowess, [[Hanuman]] confronts Arjuna in the form of an ordinary monkey and challenges him to prove his superiority by building a bridge of arrows that could bear his (Hanuman's) weight. Tensions escalate until Arjuna pledges to defeat Hanuman or [[suicide|kill himself]], going so far as to frivolously use [[Astra (weapon)|divine weapons]] to build bridge after bridge, while Hanuman uses his [[Superhuman strength|god-given strength]] to destroy them all. Eventually, [[Krishna]] intervenes, chiding Arjuna for his excessive [[pride]] and Hanuman for allowing his [[love]] of Rama to overcome his [[pacifism]]. Regaining his composure, Hanuman pledges to reside in Arjuna's battle standard (flag) during the [[Kurukshetra war]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ashram.org/bsk/Home/DetailedPage/tabid/1509/ArticleId/2043/Hanuman-ji-and-Arjuna.aspx|title=Hanuman and Arjuna}}</ref>

=== Eunuch at Virata's Kingdom ===
⚫
[[File:Brihannala.jpg|thumb|left|Brihannala - [[Eunuch]] at Virata's Kingdom]]


{{main article|Brihannala}}
{{main article|Brihannala}}
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Along with his brothers, Arjuna spent his last year of exile in the [[Matsya Kingdom|kingdom of Matsya]]. This is the place where Urvashi's curse is implemented and Arjuna becomes a [[eunuch]] called [[Brihannala]] (within themselves Pandavas called him Vijaya).<ref>{{cite book|last=Kapoor|first=edited by Subodh|title=The Indian encyclopaedia : biographical, historical, religious, administrative, ethnological, commercial and scientific|year=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788177552577|page=4462|edition=1st}}</ref> At the palace, he teaches song and [[bharatnatyam|dance]], qualities he had learnt from [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]] [King of the Gandharvas in Devalok], to the [[Virata|King Virata's]] daughter, [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttarā]]. Later, Arjuna arranges for Uttara to become his daughter-in-law by marrying his son [[Abhimanyu]] to her. At the same time, he prevents [[Subhadra]] from marrying Abhimanyu to [[Balarama]]'s daughter [[Vatsala]], as the [[Kuru Kingdom|Kurus]] find marriages between cousins [[taboo]]. But Arjuna and Subhadra are cousins too since Kunti (Arjun's Mother) and Vasudeva (Subhadra's father) are brother and sister.
Along with his brothers, Arjuna spent his last year of exile in the [[Matsya Kingdom|kingdom of Matsya]]. This is the place where Urvashi's curse is implemented and Arjuna becomes a [[eunuch]] called [[Brihannala]] (within themselves Pandavas called him Vijaya).<ref>{{cite book|last=Kapoor|first=edited by Subodh|title=The Indian encyclopaedia : biographical, historical, religious, administrative, ethnological, commercial and scientific|year=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788177552577|page=4462|edition=1st}}</ref> At the palace, he teaches song and [[bharatnatyam|dance]], qualities he had learnt from [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]] [King of the Gandharvas in Devalok], to the [[Virata|King Virata's]] daughter, [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttarā]]. Later, Arjuna arranges for Uttara to become his daughter-in-law by marrying his son [[Abhimanyu]] to her. At the same time, he prevents [[Subhadra]] from marrying Abhimanyu to [[Balarama]]'s daughter [[Vatsala]], as the [[Kuru Kingdom|Kurus]] find marriages between cousins [[taboo]]. But Arjuna and Subhadra are cousins too since Kunti (Arjun's Mother) and Vasudeva (Subhadra's father) are brother and sister.


Hearing about the death of [[Kichaka]], [[Duryodhana]] surmises that the [[Pandavas]] were hiding in [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsya]]. A host of Kaurava warriors attack Virata, presumably to steal their [[cattle]], but in reality, desiring to pierce the Pandavas' veil of anonymity. Full of bravado, Virata's son [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttar]] attempts to take on the army by himself while the rest of the Matsya army has been lured away to fight [[Susharma]] and the [[Trigarta Kingdom|Trigartas]]. As suggested by [[Draupadi]], Uttar takes Brihannala with him, as his [[ratha|charioteer]]. When he sees the [[Kaurava]] army, Uttar loses his nerve and attempts to flee. There, Arjuna reveals his identity and those of his brothers'. Switching places with Uttar, Arjuna takes up the [[Gandiva]] and [[Devadatta]]. Eager to defend the land that had given him refuge, Arjuna (dressed up as Brihannala) engaged the legion of Kaurava warriors, leading Matsya to victory and giving all credit for the victory to Uttar in his place.<ref>{{cite book | title=Essays on the Mahābhārata | publisher=Brill | author=Arvind Sharma | year=1991}}</ref><ref name="Karma and Rebirth in the Dharmaśāstras">{{cite book | title=Karma and Rebirth in Classical Indian Traditions | publisher=Berkeley University of California Press. | author=Wendy Doniger O’Flaherty}}</ref><ref>K M Ganguly(1883-1896)[http://www.aryabharati.org/mahabharat/mahabharen.asp?ln=en&bk=04&pt=a&pg=065 The Mahabharat Book 3: Virata Parva Section LXV] aryabharati.org, October 2004, Retrieved 2015-12-23</ref>
Hearing about the death of Kichaka, Duryodhana surmises that the Pandavas were hiding in Matsya. A host of Kaurava warriors attack Virata, presumably to steal their cattle, but in reality, desiring to pierce the Pandavas' veil of anonymity. Full of bravado, Virata's son Uttar attempts to take on the army by himself while the rest of the Matsya army has been lured away to fight Susharma and the Trigartas. As suggested by Draupadi, Uttar takes Brihannala with him, as his charioteer. When he sees the Kaurava army, Uttar loses his nerve and attempts to flee. There, Arjuna reveals his identity and those of his brothers'. Switching places with Uttar, Arjuna takes up the Gandiva and Devadatta. Eager to defend the land that had given him refuge, Arjuna engaged the legion of Kaurava warriors. All the warriors including Bhisma, Drona, Karna, Kripa and Ashwthama together attacked Arjuna to kill him but Arjuna defeated all of them multiple times.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04061.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 4: Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva: Section LXI|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> During the battle Arjuna also killed Sangramjit the foster brother of Karna and instead of taking the revenge of his brother, Karna took heroice flight in order to save his life from Arjuna.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04054.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 4: Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva: Section LIV|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref>


== Kurukshetra War ==
== Kurukshetra War ==
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As the battle draws close, Arjuna is overcome with self-doubt about the righteousness of the war against his own kith and kin. He is distraught at the thought of having to fight with his friends and family such as his dear teacher, [[Drona]] and grandsire Bhishma. It was then that Krishna took charge and explained the necessity and inevitability of the war to Arjuna. This conversation is a key part of the Mahabharata known as Bhagavad gita, and is considered as a holy scripture of [[Hinduism]].
As the battle draws close, Arjuna is overcome with self-doubt about the righteousness of the war against his own kith and kin. He is distraught at the thought of having to fight with his friends and family such as his dear teacher, [[Drona]] and grandsire Bhishma. It was then that Krishna took charge and explained the necessity and inevitability of the war to Arjuna. This conversation is a key part of the Mahabharata known as Bhagavad gita, and is considered as a holy scripture of [[Hinduism]].


Arjuna plays the role of the reader in the Bhagavad Gita. As Krishna dispenses the advice, Arjuna asks the questions.
Arjuna plays the role of the reader in the Bhagavad Gita. As Krishna dispenses the advice, Arjuna asks the questions.The [[Bhagavad Gita]] primarily takes the form of philosophical dialogue between Prince Arjuna and [[Krishna]].

The [[Bhagavad Gita]] primarily takes the form of a philosophical dialogue between Arjuna and [[Krishna]].


=== Battles fought at Kurukshetra ===
=== Battles fought at Kurukshetra ===
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[[File:Death of Jayadratha.jpg|thumb|Defeat of Jayadratha]]
[[File:Death of Jayadratha.jpg|thumb|Defeat of Jayadratha]]


Arjuna was a key Pandava warrior and played a huge role in the Pandava victory in the Kurukshetra war. His flag bore the symbol of [[Hanuman]].{{cn|date=April 2017}}
Arjuna was a key Pandava warrior and played a huge role in the Pandava victory in the Kurukshetra war. His flag bore the symbol of [[Hanuman]].{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}


Some of the crucial battles fought by Arjuna are as follows:
Some of the crucial battles fought by Arjuna are as follows:


* '''Fall of [[Bhishma]]''': According to original Mahabharat Arjuna fairly killed Bhisma on 10th day of kuru war, Shikhandi does not have any role in the matter, though as per one narrative it is Shikhandi who killed Bhisma.
* '''Fall of [[Bhishma]]''': Throughout the first nine days of battle, Arjuna was unable to defeat [[Bhishma]]. Arjuna was able to compel Bhishma to retreat on the 3rd day of the war, however, this was not a decisive victory for him. This was partially due to his own reluctance to fight his grandsire, as well as Bhishma's terrific skill. As [[Krishna]] became frustrated with Arjuna, he took up arms against Bhishma himself, at least twice. Not wanting history to blame Arjuna for forcing Krishna to break his vow of [[Non-aggression principle|non-aggression]], Arjuna managed to talk Krishna down and fought with renewed vigor. On the tenth day of the war, after asking Bhishma himself how to decisively defeat him, Arjuna took [[Shikhandi]] in his chariot. As Bhishma would not raise weapons against a [[woman]], Arjuna was able to attack Bhishma unimpeded. Tears flowing from his eyes, Arjuna pierced Bhishma's entire body with arrows, eventually forcing Bhishma to fall down with Arjuna's arrows acting as a bed, thus breaking the rule of battle. As per Bhishma's request, he provided a pillow of arrows for his head, as well as water by piercing the earth and allowing [[Ganges|Ganga]] to nourish her son. Bhishma praised Arjuna for this and asked [[Duryodhana]] to make peace with the Pandavas.<ref>{{cite web |last = Ganguly|first =Kisari|title=The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/index.htm}}</ref>
* '''Death of [[Bhagadatta]]''': On the 12th day of the war, Arjuna killed Bhagadatta.
* '''Death of [[Bhagadatta]]''': On the 12th day of the war, Arjuna was busy fighting [[Bhagadatta]], the king of Pragjyotisha, who had earlier defeated [[Bhima]] and [[Satyaki]]. During the battle, [[Bhagadatta]] shot an irresistible weapon called Vaishnavastra, which could have killed Arjuna, but he was saved by Krishna's timely intervention; Krishna stood up covering Arjuna, and the weapon fell on Krishna and formed a garland. [[Bhagadatta]] was later decapitated by Arjuna's arrow.
* '''Killing of the Trigartas''': On 17th day of war, Arjuna killed all the Trigartas.
* '''Killing of the Trigartas''': Attempting to distract him so that [[Drona]] could capture [[Yudhishthira]], [[Susharma]] and the [[Trigarta Kingdom|Trigartas]] challenged Arjuna to a fight to the death. On the 12th and 13th days of battle, Arjuna succeeded in killing most of them, however, he fought against remaining units of the Trigarta army on the 16th and 17th days as well, and finally on the 18th day of the war, Susharma was defeated and killed by Arjuna.{{cn|date=April 2017}} And on the eighteenth day, Arjuna killed [[Susharma]] with an arrow which ended the Trigarta saga.
* '''Death of Jayadratha''': Arjuna held [[Jayadratha]] responsible for [[Abhimanyu]]'s death on the 13th day of the war. He vowed to kill him the very next day before sunset, failing which he would kill himself by jumping in a pyre. The [[Kauravas]] hid Jayadratha from Arjuna in a formation, knowing that Arjuna's death would result in a Kaurava victory. However, Krishna created an artificial eclipse by using his [[Sudarshana Chakra]] to hide the sun, forcing Kauravas to believe the day was over and Arjuna's death was imminent. (In some versions, it is said that Lord Krishna used his ''yogic power'' to hide the sun). Overjoyed, they started celebrating, and using that opportunity, Arjuna caught them unprepared, reached near Jayadratha, and made his arrows to carry away Jayadratha's head. This was because Jayadratha had a boon from his father that whoever would be responsible for his head falling to the ground would have his own head blown up. That is why Arjuna carried the severed head of Jayadratha to his father, who was awoken from his meditation by the sudden landing of a severed head on his body and since he ended up dropping it to the ground, he had his head blown up.{{Clear}}<ref name="test169">[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07142.htm Kisori Mohan Ganguly translation of Mahabharat P-321] Drona Parv, Chapter 146</ref>
* '''Death of Jayadratha''': Arjuna held [[Jayadratha]] responsible for [[Abhimanyu]]'s death on the 13th day of the war. He vowed to kill him the very next day before sunset, failing which he would kill himself by jumping in a pyre.The [[Kauravas]] hid Jayadratha from Arjuna in a formation, knowing that Arjuna's death would result in a Kaurava victory. Finally Arjuna defeated all protector of Jaydratha including Karna and Ashwthama and beheaded Jayadratha and made his arrows to carry away Jayadratha's head.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07141.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Jayadratha-Vadha Parva: Section CXLIV|website=www.sacred-texts.com|access-date=2018-01-19}}</ref> This was because Jayadratha had a boon from his father that whoever would be responsible for his head falling to the ground would have his own head blown up. That is why Arjuna carried the severed head of Jayadratha to his father, who was awoken from his meditation by the sudden landing of a severed head on his body and since he ended up dropping it to the ground, he had his head blown up.{{Clear}}<ref name="test169">[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07142.htm Kisori Mohan Ganguly translation of Mahabharat P-321] Drona Parv, Chapter 146</ref>


[[File:Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, Mughal period.jpg|thumb|Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, [[Mughal period]]]]
[[File:Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, Mughal period.jpg|thumb|Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, [[Mughal period]]]]


* '''Death of [[Karna]]''': The battle between the two continued fiercely. Finally Arjuna killed Karna in fair fight.
* '''Death of [[Karna]]''':Karna was an equivalent archer to Arjuna in Mahabharata. On the 17th day of the war, the final combat between Arjuna and Karna took place, with Karna slowly gaining the upper hand. The warriors on the battlefield and the gods in heaven watched the battle in speechless amazement and terrified admiration of the strength and skill of these two greatest of warriors. At one point, Karna used Nagastra in an attempt to kill Arjuna, but Krishna saved Arjuna from certain death by lowering the chariot wheel into the earth. Karna and Arjuna then again waged a rough war against each other. The battle was continuing equally, but then Karna's chariot wheel got stuck in the mud resulting from a prior curse on Karna. Further, owing to a curse Karna received from his Guru [[Parashurama]], Karna forgot the mantra to invoke the [[Brahmastra]]. Karna got down from his chariot to free the wheel and asked Arjuna to pause, reminding him of the etiquette of war. But Krishna reminded Arjuna of all the incidents suffered by the Pandavas, Draupadi’s insult and Abhimanyu’s death; and the enraged Arjuna attacked Karna while he was trying to lift his sunken chariot wheel.
Karna retaliated even though he was on the ground, and even succeeded in knocking Arjuna unconscious for a few moments. He tried to use the opportunity to free the chariot-wheel, however, Arjuna regained consciousness, and prompted by Krishna, beheaded the unarmed, afoot Karna with the [[Anjalika|Anjalika weapon]].

Some interpretations claim that it is actually Krishna who killed Karna, using Arjuna as his vessel, thereby freeing Arjuna of the shame of blatantly violating the rules of war.

=== Arjuna's Chariot burns after war ===
After the eighteenth day of war at Kurukshetra, King Duryodhana was slain in a mace fight with Bhima by unfair means. Soon after Duryodhana's fall, the Pandavas went to celebrate their victory by entering the palaces of the Kauravas. When they reached the pavilion of the Kauravas, Lord Krishna advised Arjuna to take his divine bow ''Gandiva'' and get down from his chariot immediately. After Arjuna did so, Lord Hanuman disappeared from his flag and Lord Krishna also got down from the chariot. Soon after Lord Krishna had got down from chariot, the horses were burnt alive and the chariot exploded into pieces. That was due to the devastating effect of the ''Brahmastras'' which had already been shot by ''Karna'' and ''Drona'' in the battle. Arjuna wondered at seeing such a horrible scene and asked Krishna about the reason. Lord Krishna said that the divine chariot of Arjuna had already been burnt by consuming diverse kinds of weapons, including the Brahmastras of Drona and Karna, that they had shot against Arjuna during the fighting. It was because of his power that the divine chariot of Arjuna remained un-burnt throughout the battle. Thus Lord Krishna saved the life of Arjuna from Drona and Karna in the war.
<ref name="test86">[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09062.htm] Shalya Parva chapter 62 Arjuna's chariot burns</ref>
<ref name="test87">[http://sanskritdocuments.org/mirrors/mahabharata/unic/mbh09_sa.html] Shalya Parva chapter 61 Arjuna's chariot burns,BORI sanskrit version mahabharat</ref>


== Conquest for Ashvamedha ==
== Conquest for Ashvamedha ==
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After the conclusion of the war, the Pandavas take charge of Hastinapura, the undivided realm of their ancestors. Yudhishira appointed Arjuna as the Yuvaraj of [[Hastinapura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12a041.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>
After the conclusion of the war, the Pandavas take charge of Hastinapura, the undivided realm of their ancestors. Yudhishira appointed Arjuna as the Yuvaraj of [[Hastinapura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12a041.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>


Yudhishthira decided to hold the [[Ashvamedha]] Yagna, or "horse sacrifice", to grant them the title of ''Chakravarti'' ("Emperor"). Arjuna led the armed forces which followed the horse around its random wanderings. He received the submission of many kings, either without or following an armed confrontation. He was thus instrumental in the expansion of the Pandava domains.
Yudhishthira decided to hold the [[Ashvamedha]] Yagna, or "horse sacrifice", to grant them the title of ''Chakravarti'' ("Emperor"). Arjuna led the armed forces which followed the horse around its random wanderings. He received the submission of many kings, either without or following an armed confrontation. He was thus instrumental in the expansion of the Pandava domains. Arjuna was the only warrior who alone conquered whole word in Mahabharat, Apart from Arjuna no one warrior ever achieved this feats.

Arjuna built the [[Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple]] during his conquest in South India. [[Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple]] is one of the "[[Divya Desams]]", the 108 temples of [[Vishnu]] revered by the 12 poet saints, or [[Alwars]]<ref>''108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams: Divya desams in Malai Nadu and Vada Nadu''. M. S. Ramesh, Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam.</ref> located near [[Aranmula]], a village in [[Pathanamthitta District]], [[Kerala]], [[South India]]. The temple is dedicated to Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna's role as Arjuna's Charioteer in the Mahabharata war.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Rough Guide to South India|year=2004|author1=David Abram|author2=Nick Edwards|publisher=Rough Guides|isbn=1843531038|page=348|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sEhJBfbhTAAC&pg=PA348&lpg=PA348&dq=Aranmula+Parthasarathy+Temple&source=bl&ots=Q5Ye257-US&sig=c296Vs48Beg6cxiK572798RgYWk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=S6YZUOTZHqe1iQe9ooGQBA&ved=0CFEQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=Aranmula%20Parthasarathy%20Temple&f=false}}</ref> Legend has it that Arjuna built this temple, to expiate for the sin of having killed [[Karna]] on the battlefield, against the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy.


Arjuna built the [[Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple]] during his conquest in South India. [[Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple]] is one of the "[[Divya Desams]]", the 108 temples of [[Vishnu]] revered by the 12 poet saints, or [[Alwars]]<ref>''108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams: Divya desams in Malai Nadu and Vada Nadu''. M. S. Ramesh, Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam.</ref> located near [[Aranmula]], a village in [[Pathanamthitta District]], [[Kerala]], [[South India]].
=== Manipur and death by Babruvahana ===


== ''Chaubis Avtar'' ==
[[File:Arjuna is killed by his son Babhnu Vahana in battle.jpg|thumb|Arjuna is killed by his son Babhruvahana in battle - a composite Razmnama illustration circa 1616]]
Arjuna is considered as 22th avtar of Lord Vishnu in [[Chaubis Avtar|chaubis avtar]],a composition in Dasam Granth traditionally and historically attributed to [[Guru Gobind Singh]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2018-01-15|title=Chaubis Avtar|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chaubis_Avtar&oldid=820551281|journal=Wikipedia|language=en}}</ref>
Arjuna went to [[Manipur]], where the king was [[Babruvahana]], his own son with [[Chitrāngadā|Chitrangadaa]]. Seeing his father Babruvahana came all the way to receive Arjuna. Arjuna was very upset that Babruvahana did not respect the duties worthy of a King and did not ask for war. He cursed his son as a coward and asked him to prepare for war. In the fight between father and son Babruvahana killed Arjuna, but [[Ulupi]], the snake-princess, used the Mritasanjivani, a boon from [[Ganga Devi]] to bring Arjuna back to life. It is later stated that the defeat was because of Arjuna's using of [[Shikhandi]] to plot [[Bhishma]]'s death and the unethical killing of [[Karna]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m14/m14081.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>


== Death ==
== Death ==
[[File:Arjuna throws his weapons in water as advised by Agni.jpg|thumb|Arjuna throws his weapons in water as advised by Agni]]
[[File:Arjuna throws his weapons in water as advised by Agni.jpg|thumb|Arjuna throws his weapons in water as advised by Agni]]


After Shri Krishna left his mortal body, Arjuna took the citizens of Dwaraka, including 16,000 women that had formed Krishna's harem, to Indraprastha. On the way, they were attacked by a group of bandits. Arjuna fought with them but he had already lost his divine energy and even lost the power to wield the celestial bow Gandiva. Arjuna forgot all his celestial weapons and soon his inexhaustible quiver became empty due to the disappearance of divine energy owing to the death of Krishna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m16/m16007.htm|title=Death of Krishna and Aftermaths }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m16/m16008.htm|title=Defeat of Arjuna}}</ref>
After Sri Krishna left his mortal body, Arjuna took the citizens of Dwaraka, including 16,100 wives of Krishna, to Indraprastha. On the way, they were attacked by a group of bandits. Arjuna desisted fighting seeing the law of time.


Upon the onset of the [[Kali yuga]] and acting on the advice of [[Vyasa]], Arjuna and other [[Pandavas]] retired, leaving the throne to their only descendant to survive the war of [[Kurukshetra]], Arjuna's grandson [[Parikshit]]. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas, accompanied by a [[dog]], made their final journey of pilgrimage to the [[Himalayas]]. It is also to be noted that the listener of the Mahabharata is [[Janamejaya]], Parikshit's son.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Bowker|first=John|title=The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2000|doi=10.1093/acref/9780192800947.001.0001|subscription=yes}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>
Upon the onset of the [[Kali yuga]] and acting on the advice of [[Vyasa]], Arjuna and other [[Pandavas]] retired, leaving the throne to their only descendant to survive the war of [[Kurukshetra]], Arjuna's grandson [[Parikshit]]. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas, accompanied by a [[dog]], made their final journey of pilgrimage to the [[Himalayas]]. It is also to be noted that the listener of the Mahabharata is [[Janamejaya II|Janamejaya]], Parikshit's son.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|last=Bowker|first=John|title=The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions|encyclopedia=[[Oxford Reference]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|year=2000|doi=10.1093/acref/9780192800947.001.0001|subscription=yes}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>


Except for [[Yudhishthira]], all of the Pandavas grew weak and died before reaching [[Swarga|heaven]] (only Yudhishthira is allowed to keep his mortal body). Arjuna was the fourth one to fall after Draupadi, Sahadeva and Nakula. When [[Bhima]] asks Yudhishthira why Arjuna isn't permitted the same, the reason given is Arjuna's extreme [[pride]] in his skills as an [[archery|archer]]. [[Draupadi]] also falls because while she claimed to love all the Pandavas equally, she had a soft spot for Arjuna .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m17/m17002.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 17: Mahaprasthanika Parva: Section 2|work=sacred-texts.com|accessdate=23 March 2015}}</ref>
Except for [[Yudhishthira]], all of the Pandavas grew weak and died before reaching [[Swarga|heaven]] (only Yudhishthira is allowed to keep his mortal body). Arjuna was the fourth one to fall after Draupadi, Sahadeva and Nakula. When [[Bhima]] asks Yudhishthira why Arjuna isn't permitted the same, the reason given is Arjuna's over confidence in his skills. [[Draupadi]] also falls because while she claimed to love all the Pandavas equally, she had a soft spot for Arjuna .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m17/m17002.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 17: Mahaprasthanika Parva: Section 2|work=sacred-texts.com|accessdate=23 March 2015}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
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* ''[[Arjun: The Warrior Prince]]'' is a 2012 mythological action film narrating the events in Arjuna's life.
* ''[[Arjun: The Warrior Prince]]'' is a 2012 mythological action film narrating the events in Arjuna's life.
* "Arjuna" is a character in [[Orson Scott Card]]'s "[[Earth Afire]]" and "[[Earth Awakens]]" made in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
* "Arjuna" is a character in [[Orson Scott Card]]'s "[[Earth Afire]]" and "[[Earth Awakens]]" made in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Additionally, the protagonist in [[Steven Pressfield]]'s book ''[[The Legend of Bagger Vance]]'', Rannulph Junuh, is based in part on Arjuna (R. Junuh).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ONDYJTXf8loC |title=Gita on the Green: The Mystical Tradition Behind Bagger Vance - Steven Rosen - Google Boeken |publisher=Books.google.com |date= 2002-05-30|accessdate=2013-08-09|isbn=9780826413659}}</ref>
Additionally, the protagonist in [[Steven Pressfield]]'s book ''[[The Legend of Bagger Vance]]'', Rannulph Junuh, is based in part on Arjuna (R. Junuh).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ONDYJTXf8loC |title=Gita on the Green: The Mystical Tradition Behind Bagger Vance – Steven Rosen – Google Boeken |publisher=Books.google.com |date= 2002-05-30|accessdate=2013-08-09|isbn=9780826413659}}</ref>


Arjuna is also an Archer class Servant in the [[mobile game]] ''[[Fate/Grand Order]]''. He is a minor antagonist in the E Pluribus Unum story chapter, where he wishes to fight Karna again.
Arjuna is also an Archer class Servant in the [[mobile game]] ''[[Fate/Grand Order]]''. He is a minor antagonist in the E Pluribus Unum story chapter, where he wishes to fight Karna again.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


== In Modern Television ==
== In modern television ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2017}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2017}}
In B.R.Chopra's [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]], Arjuna's role is played by [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)]].
In B.R.Chopra's [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]], Arjuna's role is played by [[Arjun (Firoz Khan)]].


In [[Mahabharat (2013 TV series)|2013 Mahabharat Television series]], Arjuna is portrayed by [[Shaheer Sheikh]].
In [[Mahabharat (2013 TV series)|2013 Mahabharat television series]], Arjuna is portrayed by [[Shaheer Sheikh]].


[[Mani Ratnam]]'s 1991 blockbuster [[Thalapathi]] was loosely based on the Mahabharata. In the film, [[Arvind Swamy]]'s character was loosely based on Arjuna
[[Mani Ratnam]]'s 1991 blockbuster [[Thalapathi]] was loosely based on the Mahabharata. In the film, [[Arvind Swamy]]'s character was loosely based on Arjuna.


In [[Dharmakshetra]] 2014, Actor [[Ankit Arora]] Portrayed Arjuna
In [[Dharmakshetra]] 2014, actor [[Ankit Arora]] portrayed Arjuna.


In 2015 Sony TV serial [[Suryaputra Karn]],Actor [[Navi bhangu]] played the role of Arjuna
In 2015 Sony TV serial [[Suryaputra Karn]], actor [[Navi bhangu]] played the role of Arjuna.


In [[Nagarjuna]] 2015 serial, [[Rahul Sharma (actor)]] played Arjuna
In [[Nagarjuna]] 2015 serial, [[Rahul Sharma (actor)]] played Arjuna.


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
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[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:People related to Krishna]]
[[Category:People related to Krishna]]
→

Revision as of 11:41, 2 February 2018

For other uses, see Arjuna (disambiguation).
"Parth" and "Partha" redirect here. For the racehorse, see Parth (horse). For the film, see Partha (film).
"Savyasachi" redirects here. For the 1995 film, see Savyasachi (1995 film). For the 2018 film, see Savyasachi (2018 film).

Template:Infobox character/Wikidata Arjuna (in Devanagari: अर्जुन arjuna) is the main central character of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata and plays a key role in the Bhagavad Gita alongside Krishna. Arjuna was the son of Indra, the king of the celestials, born of Kunti, the first wife of King Pandu in the Kuru Kingdom. In a previous birth he was a saint named Nara who was the lifelong companion of another saint Narayana an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took rebirth as Lord Krishna. He was the third of the Pandava brothers and was married to Draupadi, Ulupi, Chitrangada and Subhadra (Krishna's and Balarama's sister) at different times. His children included Srutakarma, Iravan, Babruvahana, and Abhimanyu. Arjuna was considered to be the best archer of the Indian epic Mahabharat accepted by Mahedeva himself.[1]

Etymology and other names

The name Arjuna has among its meanings "white"/"clear" and "silver".[2] Cognates of "Arjuna" are Latin "regens" meaning "ruler", Hindi "raj" meaning "king", and English "regal".[citation needed] .[3]

  • Phalguna (फाल्गुन) - one born under the star named 'Uttara Phalguni'.
  • Jishnu (जिष्णु) - triumphant.
  • Kiritin (किरीटिन्) - one who wears the celestial diadem, Kiriti, presented by Indra.
  • Shwetavahana (श्वेतवाहन) - one with white horses mounted to his chariot.
  • Bibhatsu (बीभत्सु) - one who always fights wars in a fair manner.
  • Vijaya (विजय) - always wins on war.
  • Partha (पार्थ) - son of Pritha, another name for Kunti.
  • Savyasachin (सव्यसाचिन्) - ambidextrous
  • Dhananjaya (धनञ्जय) - one who brings prosperity and wealth in the land where he goes to.
  • Gudakesha (गुडाकेश) - someone who have control over sleeps
  • Kapidhwaja (कपिध्वज) - having flag of Kapi (monkey) in his chariot (Arjuna's flag displayed an image of Hanuman from a previous encounter).
  • Parantapa (परन्तप) - one who concentrates the most, destroyer of enemies from his concentration.
  • Gandivadhanvan (गाण्डीवधन्वन्) - one who possessed the mighty bow named 'Gandiva' which was created by Lord Brahma.
  • Gandivadhara (गाण्डीवधर) - Gandiva holder
  • Madhyapandava (मध्यपाण्डव) - the third of Pandavas, younger to Yudhisthira and Bhima and elder to Nakula and Sahadeva.

Birth and youth

File:Boon of Indra to Kunti.jpg
Indra bestows a favor on Kunti

Arjuna's birth is most celebrated one and he was born 9 months after the birth of krishna. A prophesy is said about his birth and so many gods attended to see him. [4]

After the death of Pandu (and Madri's subsequent sati), the Pandavas and their mother lived in Hastinapura, where they were brought up together with their cousins, the Kaurava brothers. Along with his brothers, Arjuna was trained in religion, science, administration and military arts by Bhishma, their granduncle.[5]

One day, when the princes were playing a game, they lost their ball in a well. When the rest of the children gave up the ball as being lost, Arjuna stayed behind trying to get it. A stranger came by and extracted the ball for him by making a chain of "sarkanda" (a wild grass). When an astonished Arjuna related the story to Bhishma, Bhishma realised that the stranger was none other than Drona. Bhishma asked Drona to become the Kuru princes' teacher. Seeking refuge from Panchala, Drona agreed.[6] Many asuras were killed by him.

Tutelage under Drona

Under Drona's tutelage, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, along with the princes of Hastinapura's allies and vassals, learned weaponry. Arjuna became Drona's favorite and most accomplished pupil; specifically, he became a master in using the bow and the arrow. In a famous incident, Drona deemed that out of all his students, even his own son Ashwatthama, none but Arjuna had the steadfast focus to shoot the eye of a bird on a tree; he was proven right.[7]

Marriage to Draupadi

File:The Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, Draupadi.jpg
the Swayamvara of Panchala's princess, Draupadi

Pandavas secretly went from Varnavrat after saving themselves from evil plan of Duryodhana, Shakuni and Karna.[8] Still in hiding, the Pandavas disguise themselves as brahmins and attend the Swayamvara of Panchala princess Draupadi. Out of all of the great kings and other Kaurava princes, only Arjuna are able to do the established challenge. The test is to lift, string, and fire Pinakin to pierce the eye of a golden fish whilst only looking at its reflection; Drupada had designed this test with Arjuna in mind. All Kings including Karna and Shalya failed to string the bow and got defeated in task.[9]At last Arjuna came forward and lifted bow with just one hand and hit the target hence he won Draupadi.[10]

Later Karna attacked Arjuna on jealousy but Arjuna easily defeated him then Karna asked about his real identity, Arjuna smiled and said that he is brahmin then Karna praised him by comparing him with Lord Vishnu. Arjuna threatened to kill Karna which made Karna flee from battlefield.

When the brothers returned with Draupadi, Pandavas joked to his mother that they had brought alms. Dismissively, and without looking because she was preoccupied, Kunti asks him to share it with his brothers. Holding his mother's orders as a divine command, he requested his elder brother to accept Draupadi. Draupadi had to marry all five of the Pandavas. Her five sons, one from each of the Pandava brothers, are known as the Upapandavas.[citation needed] Srutakarma is the son of Arjuna.

At this point in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas revealed that they were alive. With both Duryodhana and Yudhishthira being crown princes, tensions are high. Under Bhishma's advice, the kingdom is split, with the Kauravas getting Hastinapur and the Pandavas getting Khandavaprastha. Khandavaprastha, however, was an extremely underdeveloped land and had infertile soil, requiring extensive tilling, so the Pandavas set to work rebuilding the land by burning thousand acre of forest. Their cousins Krishna and Balarama gave them aid.[citation needed]

Love of Lord Krishna for Arjuna

The friendship bond of Lord Krishna and Arjuna is the most celebrated bond in Hindu mythology followed by the bond of Lord Rama and Lord Hanumana. According to Mahabharata, Arjuna was the incarnation of Lord Nara who was the best friend of Lord Vishnu and along with Nara, Lord Vishnu defeated all the demons after the churning of Ocean ( Samudra Manthan ). According to Lord Shiva, Nara and Lord Vishnu holds the whole universe and incarnates in every Yuga to end the evil and establish righteousness. The love of Lord Krishna for Arjuna is evident from Adi Parva where after the fight in Khandava forest instead of asking any weapon or power Lord Krishna asked Indra that his friendship with Arjuna will remain forever when the latter asked Lord Krishna to ask for a boon. Lord Krishna also described his love for Arjuna in Vana Parva by saying that whoever will hate Arjuna will hate Lord Krishna and whoever will follow Arjuna will follow Lord Krishna. He even said that nobody in the whole world is dearer to him than Arjuna and he can sacrifice anything including his sons, wives and citizens just for the sake of Arjuna. During his final conversation with his father Vasudeva he told him that he wants Arjuna to perform his last rights and also said that Lord Krishna is Arjuna and Arjuna is Lord Krishna. Such was the greatness of Arjuna that the supreme god Lord Krishna was ready to sacrifice anything for him.[11]

Burning of Khandava Vana

The story, this was the first time Arjuna meets Krishna. In any case, Khandavaprastha was where Arjuna and Krishna's friendship is truly forged. Once when roaming in the Khandava Vana, Arjuna and Krishna met the god of fire, Agni. Agni was in great hunger and needed to burn down the entire Khandava Vana to quench his hunger. But Takshaka, the serpent-king lived in the same forest and was a friend of Indra's. So the latter brought down heavy rains to thwart Agni's plans to burn the woods. Agni requested Krishna and Arjuna to help him realise his goal.[12]

Arjuna asked Agni for Gandiva as normal bows were not capable to bear the strength of his arms. The three of them then invoked Varuna, the God of the oceans, who blessed Arjuna with the Gandiva – the agni-moon bow created by Brahma. In this way, Arjuna came into possession of his famous bow. Agni also gave Arjuna an incandescent chariot with four horses yoked, and bearing a flag that would one-day be occupied by celestial apes of Vishwkarma.Arjuna also obtained his famous conch.[citation needed]

With Krishna using the Sudarshana Chakra[13] Arjuna and Krishna waged a successful battle against Indra and helped Agni burn down the entire Khandava Vana.Indra's pride in Arjuna's success overcame his anger, and he bestowed greater powers on him. At last all gods, demons and snakes got defeated by Arjuna at this Khandava war.

Saving Mayasura

File:Krishna orders Mayasura to build a palace for the Pandavas.jpg
Sri Krishna tells Mayasura to build a palace.

In their demolition of Khandava, Krishna and Arjuna had saved one demon, Mayasura to build their palace.[12] Thus owing Arjuna a favor, and after being so directed by Krishna, Mayasura said that he would build a palace for Yudhishtra. As Mayasura was a great architect of the Asuras, he soon constructed the Maya assembly hall – a gigantic palace for the Pandavas, filled with ancient books, artifacts, and jewels. This hall was famous for visual illusions. Thus, Khandavaprastha was renamed Indraprastha.[14]

Arjuna's Tirtha-yatra and Indraprastha

File:Arjuna enters Dharma's Budoir.jpg
Arjuna enters Dharma's Boudoir

Arjuna violated Yudhishthira and Draupadi's privacy while they were playing the game of dice, as he had left the Gandiva in their room. Despite the understanding of all and being forgiven by both Yudhishthira and Draupadi, Arjuna accepted the punishment agreed with Narada and set off on a twelve-year tirtha-yatra. According to Narada, Arjuna must retire to forest and pass his days as Brahmacharin so Arjuna retired to forest for 12 years.

Chitrangadaa at Manipura

Arjuna visited other Tirthas in India, including Kalinga and the ashrams of the Saptarishis, Agastya, Vasishta and Bhrigu. Finally he reached the palace of Manipur. Here he met King Chitravahana's daughter, Chitrangadaa. After seeing the beauty of Chitrangadaa, Arjuna fall in love with her hence he asked that the king let them marry. The king accepted Arjuna's proposal because Arjuna was extermely handsome, intelligent and attractive.

Reaching Dwarka and Subhadra

Arjuna and Subhadra,
Painting by Raja Ravi Varma.

Arjuna moved to other Tirthas, including the southern regions in Kerala. Finally he reached Dwarka, the place where his cousin Krishna resided. Arjuna had, in his childhood, heard about Krishna's sister, Subhadra. Krishna, wishing to further tie their families, knew of Arjuna's visit and devised a plan to arrange their meeting. Accordingly, Arjuna disguised himself as a Yati and stayed at Krishna's palace. Arjuna was attracted to Subhadra and desired to marry her, Krishna understood Arjuna's intension and advised him to kidnap Subhadra then Arjuna kidnapped Subhadra and married with her. After this Balarama became furious upon learning of the abduction but was pacified by Vasudeva, his father, because Lord Krishna knew that whole Dwarka warriors can not defeat Arjuna alone as Arjun was invicible and undefeatable in battle.[15] The couple stayed in Dwaraka for a year, and then another year in Pushkar. However, Draupadi had made it clear that no other Pandava wife would be allowed to stay in her city, so Arjuna, as Krishna had advised, tricked Draupadi into meeting Subhadra as a milkmaid. Draupadi realized she had been tricked, but she forgave Subhadra and let her stay in Indraprastha, allowing her to keep company with Arjuna in the four years when he was not with Draupadi. In due course, the union of Arjuna and Subhadra produced a son, Abhimanyu.[16][17]

Conquest for Rajasuya

File:Arjuna for Rajasuya Yaga.jpg
Arjuna on his way to the Rajasuya Yaga
Possible route taken by Arjuna for the Rajasuya sacrifice.

Arjuna was sent south by Yudhishthira to subjugate kingdoms for the Rajasuya Yagya, so that he could be crowned Emperor of Indraprastha. The Mahabharata mentions several kingdoms to the north of Indraprastha which were conquered (or otherwise peacefully bent-the-knee) by Arjuna.[18] In this conquest Arjuna had conquered Northern kurus which was the territory of Lord Indra,[19] It was really the difficult feats for any warrior but Arjuna easily achieved many feats in Rajasuya conquest.

Exile

After Yudhishthira succumbed to Shakuni's challenge in the game of dice, the Pandavas were forced to be in exile for 13 years, which included one year in anonymity.

Penance for Pashupatastra

From the epic poem Kiratarjuniya: Arjuna recognizes Shiva and surrenders to him. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma, 19th century.

After the battle at Khandava Indra had promised Arjuna to give him all his weapons as a boon for matching him in battle with the requirement that Shiva is pleased with him. . Following the advice of Yudhistira to go on a meditation or "tapasya" to attain this divine weapon, Arjuna left his brothers for a penance.

Arjuna traveled for a while before reaching the mountain Indra keeladri, Vijayawada. Here he sat in meditation in the name of Lord Shiva. Arjuna managed to please Lord Shiva by his severe penance in just months because his penance generated so much intense heat that was unbearable to all living creatures of earth which ultimately forced Lord Shiva to come to earth.[20] Shiva appeared soon enough in the guise of a hunter, who challenged Arjuna to a fight. In that fierce battle even 8 forms of Lord Shiva failed to defeat Arjuna,[21] At last Arjuna gratified Mahadeva in battle by showing his prowess then Hunter(Shiva) transformed himself to show his real avatar and blessed Arjuna with the Pashupatastra. Shiva lectures Arjuna on the abilities of the weapon, as well as the judgement he must use while wielding it. It is said that, apart from Lord Shiva and Arjuna no one possessed Pasupata weapon which was capable to destroy whole world.[22]

After Shiva left, the Lokapalas appeared before Arjuna and then Kubera, Yama, and Varuna also blessed each of their potent weapons to Arjuna. Indra then invited his son to his palace in heaven.

Arjuna was amazed at the splendor of his father's palace at Amaravati. Dancers like Urvashi, Tilottama, Rambha and Menaka entertained him. There was a huge banquet serving different varieties of heavenly dishes. Arjuna learnt song and dance from the Gandharva, Chitrasena and Indra himself taught him all the divine weapons and also gave him his Vajra.[23]

Nivata-kavachas and Hiranyapura

Arjuna got the opportunity to test his skill when Indra asked him to defeat his enemy as the price of his training. Arjuna was taken to the palace of the Nivata-kavachas, a tribe of Asuras who had a magnificent palace under the oceans. Arjuna used the Mohini-astra and the Madhava-astra to demolish these asuras.

He was also taken to Hiranyapura, a palace in the sky created by a witch Puloma and his asura tribe of the Kalakanjas. Here Arjuna uses the Raudra-astra and annihilates the demons.[24]

At Virata's Kingdom

File:Brihannala.jpg
Brihannala – Eunuch at Virata's Kingdom
Main article: Brihannala

Along with his brothers, Arjuna spent his last year of exile in the kingdom of Matsya. This is the place where Urvashi's curse is implemented and Arjuna becomes a eunuch called Brihannala (within themselves Pandavas called him Vijaya).[25] At the palace, he teaches song and dance, qualities he had learnt from Chitrasena [King of the Gandharvas in Devalok], to the King Virata's daughter, Uttarā. Later, Arjuna arranges for Uttara to become his daughter-in-law by marrying his son Abhimanyu to her. At the same time, he prevents Subhadra from marrying Abhimanyu to Balarama's daughter Vatsala, as the Kurus find marriages between cousins taboo. But Arjuna and Subhadra are cousins too since Kunti (Arjun's Mother) and Vasudeva (Subhadra's father) are brother and sister.

Hearing about the death of Kichaka, Duryodhana surmises that the Pandavas were hiding in Matsya. A host of Kaurava warriors attack Virata, presumably to steal their cattle, but in reality, desiring to pierce the Pandavas' veil of anonymity. Full of bravado, Virata's son Uttar attempts to take on the army by himself while the rest of the Matsya army has been lured away to fight Susharma and the Trigartas. As suggested by Draupadi, Uttar takes Brihannala with him, as his charioteer. When he sees the Kaurava army, Uttar loses his nerve and attempts to flee. There, Arjuna reveals his identity and those of his brothers'. Switching places with Uttar, Arjuna takes up the Gandiva and Devadatta. Eager to defend the land that had given him refuge, Arjuna engaged the legion of Kaurava warriors. All the warriors including Bhisma, Drona, Karna, Kripa and Ashwthama together attacked Arjuna to kill him but Arjuna defeated all of them multiple times.[26] During the battle Arjuna also killed Sangramjit the foster brother of Karna and instead of taking the revenge of his brother, Karna took heroice flight in order to save his life from Arjuna.[27]

Kurukshetra War

Bhagavad Gita

Arjuna and Lord Krishna, with Krishna as the sarathi or charioteer
Main article: Bhagavad Gita

As the battle draws close, Arjuna is overcome with self-doubt about the righteousness of the war against his own kith and kin. He is distraught at the thought of having to fight with his friends and family such as his dear teacher, Drona and grandsire Bhishma. It was then that Krishna took charge and explained the necessity and inevitability of the war to Arjuna. This conversation is a key part of the Mahabharata known as Bhagavad gita, and is considered as a holy scripture of Hinduism.

Arjuna plays the role of the reader in the Bhagavad Gita. As Krishna dispenses the advice, Arjuna asks the questions.The Bhagavad Gita primarily takes the form of philosophical dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna.

Battles fought at Kurukshetra

File:Death of Jayadratha.jpg
Defeat of Jayadratha

Arjuna was a key Pandava warrior and played a huge role in the Pandava victory in the Kurukshetra war. His flag bore the symbol of Hanuman.[citation needed]

Some of the crucial battles fought by Arjuna are as follows:

  • Fall of Bhishma: According to original Mahabharat Arjuna fairly killed Bhisma on 10th day of kuru war, Shikhandi does not have any role in the matter, though as per one narrative it is Shikhandi who killed Bhisma.
  • Death of Bhagadatta: On the 12th day of the war, Arjuna killed Bhagadatta.
  • Killing of the Trigartas: On 17th day of war, Arjuna killed all the Trigartas.
  • Death of Jayadratha: Arjuna held Jayadratha responsible for Abhimanyu's death on the 13th day of the war. He vowed to kill him the very next day before sunset, failing which he would kill himself by jumping in a pyre.The Kauravas hid Jayadratha from Arjuna in a formation, knowing that Arjuna's death would result in a Kaurava victory. Finally Arjuna defeated all protector of Jaydratha including Karna and Ashwthama and beheaded Jayadratha and made his arrows to carry away Jayadratha's head.[28] This was because Jayadratha had a boon from his father that whoever would be responsible for his head falling to the ground would have his own head blown up. That is why Arjuna carried the severed head of Jayadratha to his father, who was awoken from his meditation by the sudden landing of a severed head on his body and since he ended up dropping it to the ground, he had his head blown up.
    [29]
Arjuna Slays Karna, page from a copy of the Razmnama, Mughal period
  • Death of Karna: The battle between the two continued fiercely. Finally Arjuna killed Karna in fair fight.

Conquest for Ashvamedha

After the conclusion of the war, the Pandavas take charge of Hastinapura, the undivided realm of their ancestors. Yudhishira appointed Arjuna as the Yuvaraj of Hastinapura.[30]

Yudhishthira decided to hold the Ashvamedha Yagna, or "horse sacrifice", to grant them the title of Chakravarti ("Emperor"). Arjuna led the armed forces which followed the horse around its random wanderings. He received the submission of many kings, either without or following an armed confrontation. He was thus instrumental in the expansion of the Pandava domains. Arjuna was the only warrior who alone conquered whole word in Mahabharat, Apart from Arjuna no one warrior ever achieved this feats.

Arjuna built the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple during his conquest in South India. Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars[31] located near Aranmula, a village in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India.

Chaubis Avtar

Arjuna is considered as 22th avtar of Lord Vishnu in chaubis avtar,a composition in Dasam Granth traditionally and historically attributed to Guru Gobind Singh.[32]

Death

File:Arjuna throws his weapons in water as advised by Agni.jpg
Arjuna throws his weapons in water as advised by Agni

After Sri Krishna left his mortal body, Arjuna took the citizens of Dwaraka, including 16,100 wives of Krishna, to Indraprastha. On the way, they were attacked by a group of bandits. Arjuna desisted fighting seeing the law of time.

Upon the onset of the Kali yuga and acting on the advice of Vyasa, Arjuna and other Pandavas retired, leaving the throne to their only descendant to survive the war of Kurukshetra, Arjuna's grandson Parikshit. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas, accompanied by a dog, made their final journey of pilgrimage to the Himalayas. It is also to be noted that the listener of the Mahabharata is Janamejaya, Parikshit's son.[33]

Except for Yudhishthira, all of the Pandavas grew weak and died before reaching heaven (only Yudhishthira is allowed to keep his mortal body). Arjuna was the fourth one to fall after Draupadi, Sahadeva and Nakula. When Bhima asks Yudhishthira why Arjuna isn't permitted the same, the reason given is Arjuna's over confidence in his skills. Draupadi also falls because while she claimed to love all the Pandavas equally, she had a soft spot for Arjuna .[34]

Arjuna is a popular choice of name for a Hindu male child in the Indian subcontinent. As told in the verses in Harivamsha or Harivamsha Purana, the name Arjuna is cursed by the sage Parashurama. After the defeat of the mighty and evil king Kartavirya Arjuna or otherwise called Sahasra Arjuna, Sage Parashurama pronounced the curse that whoever holds the name Arjuna will never become a king and always be a servant of others.[35]

Modern references

File:Jakarta Indonesia Arjuna-Wijaya-monument-01.jpg
Arjuna Wijaya monument in Jakarta, Indonesia

Arjuna's extraordinary talents and skills have made him a common name in popular culture.

  • The American astronomer Tom Gehrels named a class of asteroids with low inclination, low eccentricity and earth-like orbital period as Arjuna asteroids.[36][37][38]
  • The Arjuna Award is presented every year in India to one talented sportsman in every national sport.
  • Arjun is a third generation main battle tank developed for the Indian Army.
  • Mayilpeeli Thookkam is a ritual art of dance performed in the temples of Kerala. It is also known as Arjuna Nrithyam (lit. Arjuna's dance) as a tribute to his dancing abilities.

There have been a serial and a film based on Arjuna's life and exploits.

Additionally, the protagonist in Steven Pressfield's book The Legend of Bagger Vance, Rannulph Junuh, is based in part on Arjuna (R. Junuh).[39]

Arjuna is also an Archer class Servant in the mobile game Fate/Grand Order. He is a minor antagonist in the E Pluribus Unum story chapter, where he wishes to fight Karna again.

In modern television

In B.R.Chopra's Mahabharat, Arjuna's role is played by Arjun (Firoz Khan).

In 2013 Mahabharat television series, Arjuna is portrayed by Shaheer Sheikh.

Mani Ratnam's 1991 blockbuster Thalapathi was loosely based on the Mahabharata. In the film, Arvind Swamy's character was loosely based on Arjuna.

In Dharmakshetra 2014, actor Ankit Arora portrayed Arjuna.

In 2015 Sony TV serial Suryaputra Karn, actor Navi bhangu played the role of Arjuna.

In Nagarjuna 2015 serial, Rahul Sharma (actor) played Arjuna.

Notes

  1. ^ [www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03040.htm "Mahadeva praising Arjuna"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  2. ^ Monier-Williams, Monier (1899). A Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages. Oxford: Clarendon Press. OCLC 685239912.
  3. ^ [www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04044.htm "All names of Arjuna"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  4. ^ "Describes Arjuna birth".
  5. ^ Johnson, W. J (2009). "A Dictionary of Hinduism". Oxford Reference. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780198610250.001.0001. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help) (subscription or UK public library membership required)
  6. ^ Leeming, W. J (2009). "The Oxford Companion to World Mythology". Oxford Reference. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780195156690.001.0001. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help) (subscription or UK public library membership required)
  7. ^ Parmeshwaranand, Swami (2001). Encyclopaedic dictionary of Purāṇas (1st ed.). New Delhi: Sarup & Sons. pp. 512–513. ISBN 9788176252263.
  8. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Jatugriha Parva: Section CLII". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  9. ^ [www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs01179.htm "Failure of Karna in Draupadi syamwara"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  10. ^ "The Mahabharata in Sanskrit: Book 1: Chapter 179". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  11. ^ [www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03012.htm "Love of Lord Krishna for Arjuna"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  12. ^ a b Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Teddington, Middlesex: The Echo Library. 2008. pp. 518–520. ISBN 9781406870459.
  13. ^ Menon, [translated by] Ramesh (2006). The Mahabharata : a modern rendering. New York: iUniverse, Inc. pp. 302–304. ISBN 9780595401871.
  14. ^ Verma, retold by Virendra; Verma, Shanti (1989). The Mahābhārata : (the great epic of ancient India). New Delhi: Pitambar Pub. Co. p. 28. ISBN 9788120907324.
  15. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Subhadra-harana Parva: Section CCXXII". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  16. ^ "Mahabharata Text".
  17. ^ "Mahabharata Text".
  18. ^ "Mahabharata Text".
  19. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Jarasandhta-badha Parva: Section XXVII". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  20. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XXXVIII". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  21. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLIX". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  22. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Kairata Parva: Section XL". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  23. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLIV". Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  24. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CLXXII". Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  25. ^ Kapoor, edited by Subodh (2002). The Indian encyclopaedia : biographical, historical, religious, administrative, ethnological, commercial and scientific (1st ed.). New Delhi: Cosmo Publications. p. 4462. ISBN 9788177552577. {{cite book}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  26. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 4: Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva: Section LXI". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  27. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 4: Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva: Section LIV". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  28. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Jayadratha-Vadha Parva: Section CXLIV". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  29. ^ Kisori Mohan Ganguly translation of Mahabharat P-321 Drona Parv, Chapter 146
  30. ^ "Mahabharata Text".
  31. ^ 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams: Divya desams in Malai Nadu and Vada Nadu. M. S. Ramesh, Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam.
  32. ^ "Chaubis Avtar". Wikipedia. 15 January 2018.
  33. ^ Bowker, John (2000). "The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions". Oxford Reference. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780192800947.001.0001. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help) (subscription or UK public library membership required)
  34. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 17: Mahaprasthanika Parva: Section 2". sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  35. ^ Ramachandrashastri, K.S (1936). Harivamsha. Pune: Chitrashala Press.
  36. ^ S. Lewis, John (1996). Rain of iron and ice: the very real threat of comet and asteroid bombardment. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co. pp. 82–83.
  37. ^ Lee, Ricky J. Law and regulation of commercial mining of minerals in outer space. Dordrecht: Springer. ISBN 9789400720398.
  38. ^ de la Fuente Marcos, C.; de la Fuente Marcos, R. (12 February 2015). "Geometric characterization of the Arjuna orbital domain". Astronomische Nachrichten. 336 (1): 5–22. arXiv:1410.4104. Bibcode:2015AN....336....5D. doi:10.1002/asna.201412133.
  39. ^ Gita on the Green: The Mystical Tradition Behind Bagger Vance – Steven Rosen – Google Boeken. Books.google.com. 30 May 2002. ISBN 9780826413659. Retrieved 9 August 2013.

Bibliography

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