Reading Notes: Mahabharata PDE, Part C

Stroy: Arjuna and Indra

Source: Public Domain Edition: Mahabharata

Arjuna and the celestial beings, Source: Wikimedia

After having lost their kingdom in a game of dice, the brothers were exiled for 12 years. One day, a holy man came to visit the retreat of the brothers and said, "There is none in the world who can defeat thy brother Arjuna if once he betakes himself to the mountains and obtains the vision of the Great God. By his hand are all thine enemies destined to be slain. Let Arjuna go to the mountains, and there alone let him fast and pray."

Arjuna followed the orders of the holy man, took vows of austerity, and set out to the Himalayas. He established himself in a forest, where he was visited by Mahadeva (the Great God Shiva). The Great God gave Arjuna the divine bow and blessed him.

Next appeared Indra, king of gods, Varuna, god of waters, Yama, king of the dead, and Kubera, lord of treasures, and they stood upon the mountain summit in all their glory; unto Arjuna they gave gifts of other celestial weapons.

Indra, then transported his son, Arjuna, to his own bright city, the celestial Swarga. Arjuna stayed in Indra's fair city for five years. He trained to wield the celestial weapons which the gods gave him.

Arjuna waged war with the demons and giants named daityas and danavas, ancient enemies of Indra. Arjuna conquered and wrecked the dwellings of the daityas and danavas. 

Indra praised his warrior son for his valor in overcoming the demons and giants of ocean, and he gave unto him a chain of gold, a bright diadem, and the war shell which gave forth a mighty blast like to thunder.