The one who stood by his Dharma at all times, the undefeated warrior who stood by his humility all the time, the best among men who stood by his modesty at all times.
There are many figures in Mahabharat, many great kings and archers, but still it is Arjun who stands out the most.
Ved Vyas has not written a story in Mahabharat, he has just recorded the history of Kurus. So despite it being a chronicle, Arjun becomes the main protagonist.
Why ? Was it because he was Bhagwaan Nar ? Was it because of Shri Krishna's friendship ? Or something else ?
Arjun was the best warrior in Mahabharat without any doubts. This has been said by Mahadev, Shri Krishna, Indra and many others.
Like he and Krishna alone defeated devtas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Danavas and Daityas during Khandav dahan.
Mahadev, impressing whom with penance takes entire lifetimes, performing whose austerities shakes the entire existence of one, was impressed by Arjun in just a few years.
But not because of just anything, Arjun had performed extremely severe austerities standing on one leg, the entire earth was heating from his extreme Tapobal that devtas went to Mahadev requesting him to give darshan.
And who can forget the fight between Arjun and Kairat Mahadev. The lord of lords was so impressed that he had said that Arjun's valor wad equal to him in the fight and blessed him with Pashupata (or Pashupatastra).
But this wasn't the only deadly weapon in Arjun's inexhaustible quiver. During his time in Swarglok he had obtained many such deadly weapons, using which can destroy civilizations if not the entire earth.
Even Narad Muni warned Arjun not to use his divine weapons during wars. And Gandivdhari understood the vulnerability he would put earth in if he used such weapons. That's why Arjun never used 90% of his arsenal in war.
During his time at Swarg, Indradev had asked him to destroy Nivat-kavachas and Kalkeya demons, whom even gods couldn't defeat.
Even Ravan, Meghnath and Atikaya had a war with Nivat-kavachas and Kalkeyas for a hundred years in which the three lost.
Arjun single handedly defeated and killed all 16 crore Nivat-kavachas and Kalkeyas. Witnessing his valor, the charioteer of Indra, Maatali said that Arjun's valor was superior than the gods.
Arjun's valor attracted Urvashi but his modesty earned him a curse. As Brihannalla he taught Uttara dance, that he had learnt during his time at Swarg.
Uttara wasn't the only student of Arjun. He had taught warfare to Pradyumna, Samba and Satyaki. And we all know the valor exhibited by Satyaki in Kurukshetra. And the valor of Samba and Pradyumna needs another chapter.
As Brihannalla, Arjun had defeated all 6 kuru Maharathis single handedly. And the 6 Maharathis (excluding Bhism, including Kritvarma) were again defeated by this Atirathi on the 14th day of Kurukshetra.
Warriors like Bhisma, Drona, Kripa, Ashwathama and even Karn have accepted the superiority of Arjun's valor over theirs. They all used to make plans to attack Arjun in a group in hopes of subduing him.
Susharma and his army of Trigart did their own funeral rites before 13th day because they knew they will be facing the Gandivdhari.
Dhanurveda says that before going to war one must remember the name of Mahadev, Shri Ram and Arjun.
So is this the reason why Arjun stands out the most ? Is it because of his unparalleled valor that he outshines the rest of the figures in this piece of history ?
Partially yes. But it is also due to his humility, determination to learn and always standing by Dharma. That is also why Shri Krishna chose him to be the Yug-nayak.
Arjun was among the closest friends, if not the closest friend of Krishna. Whenever they both used to meet, the lord of all used to embrace the archer again and again.
Krishna once said to Ashwathama that he will give his Sudarshan Chakra and even his wives and children to Arjun, if he asks. Such close was there relationship and Arjun had earned it.
In Kairat Parva Krishna said that he and Arjun are one, no one can know any difference that exists between them, a follower of Arjun is also follower of Krishna, and an opposer of Arjun is also opposer of Krishna.
The lord of all once said that is incapable of seeing a world without Arjun, maybe this is one of the reasons why he left earth before the Gandivdhari.
Not only of Krishna, Arjun was favourite of all those who were in right mind. Because of his determination to learn and obtain knowledge through Dharma, he became favourite of Drona.
His humility and humbleness won the hearts of Bhism, Kripa and Dusshala. It is said that Arjun was always full of love and of very forgiving nature like that of earth.
It was because of Arjun that humanity was blessed with the knowledge of Bhagwad Gita.
Arjun was the most supreme warrior, and normal people like us cannot relate to that. But his situations is what connects us to him. Everyone in their life has faced and is bound to face material challenges that Arjun faced.
And we can only over come those material miseries by doing what Arjun did, surrendering to the supreme lord and performing one's duties without the desire for fruits.
Today is Phalgun purnima, the day when Holi is celebrated, the day that represents victory of devotion, the day when the ultimate devotee Narottam Arjun was born.
Let us appreciate his deeds today and strive to be as righteous as him.
PREM SE BOLO VISHNU-JISHNU !
BHAGWAAN NAR BHALA KARE !
Ashwatthamahridaya
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vedvaani
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