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Vana Parva - Arjuna's Quest for Weapons - Part I When Yudhishthir expressed the fear of his formidable opponents, even Bheem and Arjun became pensive and self-doubting. How does one kill invincible warriors such as Bhishm, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Ashwatthama, etc.? Besides could they really bring themselves to kill their guru and brahmins? They all became dejected. Sage Vyas, via his divine vision and knowledge, understood the predicament and confusion amongst the Pandavas.
Sage Vyas took Yudhishthir aside and said to him, "O mighty armed hero, I have perceived your thoughts. You are mortally afraid of the great Kuru warriors. I shall cure this fever from your mind and tell you how to defeat the great Bhishm, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Duryodhan, etc. So listen carefully."
Sage Vyas then taught Yudhishthir a special mantra called Pratismriti. With this skill, one could travel great distances in a short time. He then instructed Yudhishthir that he should teach Arjun the same mantra. Using this mantra, Arjun would be able to quickly transcend to the far and hidden reaches of Himalayas, approach the Gods and receive from them the celestial weapons.
"Due to his asceticism and prowess, he is quite capable of approaching the celestials," Sage Vyas said. "Indeed, he is Narayana's eternal associate, Nara. Indra, Rudra and all the principal gods will surely bestow their weapons upon Arjun, and he will perform tremendous deeds by receiving them." After giving the secrets of Pratismriti, Sage Vyas left.
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Yudhishthir did not teach Arjun the secret of Pratismriti immediately for he knew that if he learnt the art, Arjun would leave immediately. It would be difficult to bear living without Arjun but Yudhishthir also knew that the event could not be avoided. So on one auspicious day, after completing austerities, Yudhishthir called Arjun aside and said to him,
"You already know that Bhishm, Drona, Kripa, Ashwatthama, Karna, Duryodhan, etc., are proficient in weapons. They are being very closely looked after by Duryodhan. Whether out of gratitude or dharma, they will side with the Kauravas against us when the time comes. They will use their entire strength against us and prevent our victory. We must have divine weapons to counter them and you alone are capable of procuring them."
"Take this secret knowledge from me taught to me by Sage Vyas. With this mantra you will be able to please Indra and Shiva and get the divine weapons from them."
Having received the mantra from Yudhishthir, Arjun immediately decided to set forth for his mission to acquire the celestial weapons.
He put on his full armour, strapped the two inexhaustible set of quivers and flung the Gandiva bow on his shoulder. He laced himself with leather finger guards, forearm pads and upper arm bands. He then offered his salutations and prayers to the brahmins who blessed him success in his mission. He then took leave of all his brothers. They were exceedingly sad to see him go and at the same time pleased that he is seeking the divine weapons that would help them overcome their foes. Draupadi said to him,
"O Dhananjay, may all that mother Kunti desired at your birth come true. May none of us ever take birth in the kshatriya order. I offer my respects to the ascetic Brahmins, who are detached from this miserable world. My heart still burns with Duryodhan's insult, but today I grieve even more because you are departing. In your absence we will spend our time thinking only of you. There will be no joy without you. All our hopes rest in you, O hero. May the Lord and all His energies protect you at all times, and may success be yours. Go now and attain your goal."
Arjun smiled at Draupadi, circumambulated his brothers and Dhaumya, and then began running swiftly along the path, frightening creatures along the way with his speed. By chanting the mantras Yudhishthir had given him, he felt himself travelling over mountains and forests at the speed of mind. By the end of the first day he arrived at the great Mandar mountain. Arjun stopped and looked around. The mountain was beautiful with its bluish stone rising up into the clouds. It was covered with blossoming trees, their many-colored flowers creating rich tableaus and their scent captivating his mind. The sound of peacocks, cranes and cuckoos filled the air. Arjun decided to climb the mountain and begin his austerities there.
Arjun started to climb the mountains and soon reached the top. Upon reaching the summit, he suddenly heard a resounding voice, "STOP". Arjun looked around and saw that a brahmin with brilliant aura surrounding him was seated below a large tree. The great ascetic asked Arjun, "Who are you? Why have you come here following the dharma of a kshatriya laced with armour, bows and arrows and a sword? This place is the hermitage of ascetics and brahmins who are devoid of all desires/passions and have attained moksha. This place has never been a place for battles and so shall it remain so. There is no need to carry your weapons here. You have attained your goal by reaching here. Now cast away your arms and enjoy the fruits of your labour here."
Arjun graciously declined to do so stating that he needed his weapons to help his brother Yudhishthir to regain his kingdom. Gauging the persistence of this steadfast resolution, the ascetic said, "O slayer of foes, I am pleased with you. Know me to be Indra, the king of Gods. Ask me for a boon." Arjun was overjoyed. He had met Indra and he was himself standing in front of him. He bowed to Indra and with folded hands said, "O exalted one, I desire to know from you the knowledge and application of all the celestial weapons that the Gods posses. This is the boon I seek."
Indra smiled and said, "O Dhananjay, I can grant you life amongst the celestials with eternal bliss. Ask for this. Why do you seek my weapons?"
Arjun bowed again and said, "O King of the Devas, I do not have greed or lust. Neither do I aspire for divinity. I have left my brothers and our wife in the forest. I have come here with the single purpose of learning the means to defeat and destroy our foes who have cheated us of our rightful kingdom and livelihood." Saying so, Arjun's anger rose remembering Duryodhan's treachery and the insult in the dice hall. He continued heatedly, "O Sire, my duty tells me to avenge ourselves. If I deviate from this duty, I shall be ridiculed and suffer perpetual infamy."
Indra smiled and said, "My child! I am very pleased with you. But you must first please Lord Shiva, the wielder of the shoola (trident). Please him and obtain from him the Pashupati astra. After you have achieved this, then you shall arrive in heaven. Then I shall bestow upon you all the celestial weapons with the complete knowledge of their application and withdrawal."
Saying this Indra disappeared. Arjun then decided to perform his penances there and please Lord Shiva.
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Click here... Edited by Sukanya_Datta - 10 years ago
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