Arjuna, Wielder of Divine Weapons

The time for Arjuna’s return was drawing near.

Five years had passed since he had gone away to gather divine weapons. In his absence, all the Pandavas lived in deep sorrow. At last Yudhishthira decided, "We must go to Mount Kailash with our brothers and Draupadi. We shall welcome Arjuna with our own eyes when he returns."

First he bowed before the Brahmins and asked for their blessings.

"O noble Brahmins," he said, "the time for Arjuna’s return from heaven has come near. Arjuna is coming back to earth after learning divine powers and divine skills. Before leaving, Arjuna told us that we would meet him again at Kailash. We wish to go now toward the great mountain Kailash to welcome him. Please give me your permission."

The Brahmins replied, "Great hero Arjuna is returning. This is very good news indeed. You should certainly go to Kailash to welcome him. May good come to you, O King."

Then the Pandavas set out northward from Badrikashrama. With them went Draupadi, sage Lomasa, priest Dhaumya, and other Brahmins. On the way they came to the hermitage of Rajarshi Vrisha Parva. At the invitation of that royal sage, they stayed there for several days.

After that, Yudhishthira left the other Brahmins there and continued toward Kailash with Draupadi, his three brothers, sage Lomasa, and priest Dhaumya.

Sometimes the Pandavas walked on foot. Sometimes, when the road became very difficult, Rakshasas carried them upon their shoulders. They crossed the mountains beside Gandhamadana and Mount Mainaka. They passed over mountain plains and at last reached Kailash.

When they saw vast Mount Kailash, the Pandavas stood filled with wonder. In that great mountain were many mines of jewels, gold, and silver.

Yudhishthira moved ahead by a secret path that sage Parva had shown them. Because of that, on the difficult road to Kailash, the Pandavas found no obstacle anywhere.

There they rested at the hermitage of a great sage. Welcoming them kindly, the sage said, "Come, Yudhishthira. Blessings to you all. No one except those of great merit can travel through this Mount Kailash, child. You are on the path of truth and dharma, so I welcome you to this mountain. But remember one thing especially, child. Not every place on this mountain belongs to humans. Kailash is the playground of the gods. Yakshas and Rakshasas guard those places of their sport. So if you hear the sound of drums, conches, war-drums, or other sounds, do not run in that direction. The top of the mountain is not for you. Keep these warnings in mind."

Yudhishthira bowed and answered, "O honored sage, your command is on our heads. We will stay away from the path you have forbidden us to take."

After resting at the sage’s hermitage, they began to walk again.

Even Yudhishthira, who was calm, peaceful, and self-controlled, became spellbound by the beauty of Kailash. The trees, the animals, the birds, the living creatures, the fruits, and the flowers all seemed touched by something divine. During all their years of forest exile, they had never seen such beauty anywhere else. Even the water of the lakes there had a sweetness that could not be found in any other place.

Along those untasted mountain paths the Pandavas went from one hermitage to another. At last, on the advice of sage Lomasa, they ended their journey near the hut of a hermit in a most lovely and beautiful place.

While they rested there, something strange happened.

A few divine garlands floated through the air toward Draupadi, carried by the wind. The flowers in those garlands were unlike anything she had ever seen. Even among all the flowers and fruits of Kailash, there had been nothing like them.

Panchali became restless with wonder and excitement.

Where were such flowers found? Did this mean that on the highest part of Kailash there were still more marvelous things? But she remembered the sage’s warning. Rakshasas guarded that region. That place was not for human beings.

For some time she tried to control herself. But at last her self-control broke.

She went to Bhima and said with hurt pride, "O mighty-armed Bhima Sena, I have a special request for you. If Partha were here, he would have run at once with Gandiva to grant my wish."

Bhima looked at her with concern. "Tell me, Panchali, what do you want? What must I do to please you? Command me."

Draupadi, helpless and trusting that Bhima would fulfill all her wishes, said, "When the Khandava forest burned, great hero Partha stood with weapons in hand and held back all Rakshasas, beasts, creatures, birds, and even Indra, king of the gods. Seeing his amazing power, even the gods of heaven were stunned with wonder. Bhima, you are just as powerful. In your two hands too lives the greatest strength on earth. In the same way, drive away the Rakshasas and Yakshas from the summit of Kailash. Even work that the gods cannot do is a small thing before your strength and courage. Free Kailash from the power of these outsiders, O Vrikodara. We want to climb to the peak of this amazing mountain and see its wonderful beauty with our own eyes."

Bhima answered at once, "Have patience for a moment, Panchali. For your pleasure, I will free Mount Kailash from the power of the Rakshasas. After that, enjoy the beauty of this mountain as much as you like."

As soon as he heard Draupadi’s wish, Bhima rushed out like the wind. He took his bow, arrows, sword, and mace.

The sages, seers, Kinnaras, and great Nagas who lived on Kailash looked at Bhima’s unstoppable speed without blinking.

Bhima moved toward the upper part of Kailash with the force of a great storm. The path was full of danger, and the weather was harsh. Still he had no fear. He never knew how to become upset, hopeless, or tired. Wild as he was, so endless was his determination.

Holding his drawn sword, Bhima kept climbing higher and higher. He paid no attention to the roars of wild beasts, the cries of mad elephants, or the force of the wind. Tireless Bhima reached very near the summit region of Kailash with great ease.

Then he saw Kubera’s palace.

That mountain region belonged to Kubera’s kingdom. No one could enter his palace without Kubera’s command. Human beings had no right to go there. Kubera’s huge palace stood shining there, and around it rose an even greater wall of gold. The walls of the palace were set with crystal, gems, pearls, and many precious stones. Light streamed constantly from those priceless jewels. No people of earth had ever seen such splendor.

Bhima stared at it for some time without moving.

Then he made his huge bow ring loudly. At the same time, striking the mountainside with his mace, Bhima Sena made a terrible sound. Hearing the great roar of Bhima’s weapons, all the Rakshasas and Yakshas there came running toward him at great speed.

Then a fierce battle began.

Yet battle was hardly the right word. It was better called Bhima’s attack.

He began sending the Rakshasas to the house of death so quickly that the rest grew frightened and started to flee. Bhima tore the heads off many Rakshasas. He tore away the hands and feet of others and scattered them around. No proper guard escaped his terrible blows.

Hearing the cries of the Rakshasas and seeing this dreadful result, Maniman, the strongest among Kubera’s soldiers, cried out in a mocking voice, "Shame on you, Rakshasas. I despise you. Your birth as Rakshasas is useless. You are so many in number, and yet you could not kill a single man. I despise your bravery. What answer will you give Kubera?"

The terrified Rakshasas answered, "Commander Maniman, that man is no ordinary man. Never before have we seen such a strong human. He is Yama, the lord of death himself."

Maniman laughed harshly. "Yama himself! Fool, never again be proud of your strength. Stand there, human. Do not think yourself mighty just because you fought my soldiers. Come, fight with me instead."

Bhima replied, "Rakshasa, are you showing pride before Bhima? I will send you where I have sent your soldiers."

Now a fierce struggle truly began between Maniman and Bhima Sena. They hurled terrible spears, clubs, arrows, bows, swords, maces, and many other weapons at each other.

Though Bhima was wounded by Maniman’s attacks, his fury only doubled. Swiftly he leaped into the air, whirled his huge mace, and hurled it at Maniman. Struck by that mace, which was like Indra’s thunderbolt itself, Maniman cried out loudly and fell to the ground.

When Yudhishthira no longer saw Bhima anywhere, he became deeply worried. After hearing everything from Draupadi, the eldest Pandava set out at once toward Kubera’s palace with Nakula, Sahadeva, sage Dhaumya, and sage Lomasa. He left Panchali under the protection of the sages.

When Yudhishthira came near Kubera’s palace, he saw Bhima standing there like a great tree, mace in hand, among heaps of dead Rakshasas and severed heads.

At once Yudhishthira went to him, embraced him, and said, "Brother, you have committed the same offense again. After the incident at Kubera’s lake, I had forbidden you to kill these divine guardian Rakshasas, Bhima. The result of making the gods angry is very terrible, brother. To kill someone without cause is almost like killing a sage. If you want to do what is dear to me, then do not make yourself an enemy of the gods in this way, Bhima."

Bhima lowered his head. "I disobeyed your command. Forgive me, O King."

After the death of Maniman, the surviving Rakshasas remembered Kubera in terror for their lives. Hearing their panic-stricken cries, Kubera learned everything.

In a sharp voice he cried, "Bhima! Bhima Sena has attacked my army again? Such great boldness! I forgave him the first time because he is the son of the wind, but he gave no honor to my forgiveness. Charioteer, bring my chariot."

Soon Kubera arrived, and those around him said, "There, there, Lord, look there, look there, that strange man is standing there."

Kubera said, "Bhima Sena, you have broken my command again. Do you know what punishment you may receive for this?"

Yudhishthira stepped forward and said humbly, "We all have done wrong, O Lord of Wealth Kubera. Punish all of us."

Kubera turned to him and said, "Son of Dharma, none of you are at fault. This fate of Maniman and the other Rakshasas was written by Time itself. Great sage Agastya had cursed Maniman that he and his line would be destroyed. He had also cursed me that I would suffer the pain of seeing my army destroyed. His curse has now borne fruit. So I already knew of this end of Maniman. Do not grieve, Yudhishthira."

Yudhishthira bowed low. "Your mercy is endless, O great soul. I bow to you."

Kubera said, "Bhima did not even hesitate to risk his life in order to fulfill Draupadi’s wish, and seeing that, I am very pleased. But though this brother of yours is a supremely brave hero, his mind is still like that of a child. Correct him, Yudhishthira. For Kshatriyas, bravery and patience, striking and judging, these opposite actions must be kept in equal balance."

Yudhishthira replied, "O god, we accept your teaching with bowed heads. Please tell us when we shall see Arjuna. In his absence we are truly very troubled."

Kubera answered kindly, "Spend this dark fortnight here in Kailash. After that you will meet Arjuna. His training in heaven is complete. Yakshas, Rakshasas, gods, and Gandharvas all greet him and honor him. By the grace of the divine qualities with which he was born, Arjuna has enjoyed the happiness of heaven, Yudhishthira. Soon he will return to earth. In the three worlds there is no Kshatriya equal to Arjuna in heroism, righteousness, courage, and divine qualities. Do not grieve. You will not have to bear separation from Arjuna for much longer. O Dharmaraja, as long as you stay on this Mount Kailash, I will protect you. My attendants will bring you delicious food and drink."

The Pandavas bowed deeply. "Salutations, O Lord of Wealth. We are blessed. By seeing you, we are fortunate. Victory to you, O god."

Though they lived in the beautiful and delightful divine land of Kailash, there was no joy in the hearts of the Pandavas. By Kubera’s blessing, even hunger and thirst had left them. Yet their faces remained dull.

They thought of Arjuna all the time.

Even in Draupadi’s heart there was no more delight, no more anger, no more hurt pride as before. It was as if the flame of fire itself had grown silent. Even self-controlled and righteous Yudhishthira stayed withdrawn and sad.

One day they were sitting under a tree and speaking of Arjuna. Suddenly a huge chariot, bright as lightning, descended from the sky.

Amazed, Yudhishthira cried, "Is that not Matali sitting in the driver’s seat? This is Indra’s chariot! Then is it Arjuna?"

Others looked and shouted with joy, "Arjuna! Look, O King, there, there, Arjuna with crown, garland, and ornaments has stepped down from that chariot. Arjuna has returned from the world of the gods."

Arjuna came forward and bowed. "Salutations, sage Dhauma. Salutations, O King. Salutations, elder brother Bhima."

Bhima, thrilled with joy, cried out, "Arjuna! Brother Arjuna, seeing you makes my body thrill, Partha."

Then Nakula and Sahadeva bowed low. "Elder brother, accept our salutations."

Arjuna opened his arms. "Nakula, Sahadeva, come, come, let me embrace you, brothers."

Then all the Pandavas together walked around Indra’s chariot in respect and honored the charioteer Matali. They offered salutations and reverence toward the world of the gods. After receiving the greetings of the Pandavas, Matali took the chariot and returned to Indra’s heaven.

After Matali left, Arjuna gave Draupadi the costly ornaments that Indra had given him. Then he told in detail about his life in heaven. He told the story of how he killed the demons of the Nivatakavachas who lived in Hiranyapura. He spoke of the blessings of heaven, the divine weapons he had received, Indra’s unbreakable armor, the Devadatta conch, and the blessed sight of Mahadeva.

Hearing all this, the Pandavas became very happy.

Yudhishthira said, "Arjuna, I am very curious to know how your practice with the divine weapons went. Can you show us how to use and withdraw those weapons?"

Arjuna bowed. "Your command is on my head, O King. I will show you at once the skill of using all those divine weapons."

Wearing the unbreakable armor given by Indra, and holding the Gandiva bow and the Devadatta conch, Arjuna sat upon a small hill before them.

Then the sound of Devadatta shook sky and air.

Arjuna placed a divine weapon upon Gandiva.

At that very moment, the movement of the earth stopped. A deep stirring arose in the bottom of the ocean. The wind ceased to blow. The sun was covered, and deep darkness came upon the earth. The Brahmins were terrified. Creatures living within the earth began to cry out in distress for life. In the sky appeared the shining forms of the gods. Radiance streamed from the golden glow of the king of the gods.

Then, as the messenger of heaven, divine sage Narada stood before Arjuna.

"Arjuna," Narada said, "do not use divine weapons like this only for amusement when there is no target, child. The use of these weapons is forbidden without cause. If they are used for no reason, terrible disaster will happen. By their use, the destruction of the three worlds may come. Yudhishthira, you will see Arjuna use divine weapons when he destroys enemies in the great war, son, not before that."

At once they bowed in fear and reverence.

"As you command, divine sage," they said. "Forgive our foolishness. Protect us."

Then nearly four years passed very happily in Kubera’s kingdom.

One day Bhima and Arjuna came to Yudhishthira, bowed to him, and said, "O King, you are fit to be the ruler of the whole earth, and yet you have been wandering in the forests for eleven years now, living like a Brahmin. Only because of your wish have we not killed Duryodhana so far. But now we have reached the last part of our exile. Arjuna has returned after learning all divine skills. I, Bhima, have defeated many Rakshasas and demons in the forests. I cannot remain still and wait any longer like this, O King."

Arjuna then spoke also. "O King, elder brother Bhima has spoken rightly. During the time of living in disguise, we must take shelter in some distant land where no one can recognize us. And when the thirteenth year is over, the drums of war will sound. So from now on, preparation is needed, O King. Truly there is no lack of anything in this kingdom of Kubera. If we stay here, the mind always remains calm and cheerful. If we stay here, a kingdom seems very small. But, O King, if we continue to live here so peacefully, then nothing of your fame will remain in the world. Your glory will grow dim. Your bad name will rise everywhere. For our preparation, we should leave this place and depart now, O King."

Yudhishthira listened and then said, "So be it, Arjuna. The time has come for us to leave this divine mountain. Bowing to this mountain, these wild forests, and these paths and fields, we shall soon leave this place. After gaining our kingdom and carrying out the duty of protecting our people, we shall return again to this divine land for self-control and hard spiritual practice."

From Kubera’s garden on Mount Gandhamadana, the Pandavas once more came down by dangerous paths. They crossed countless forests, groves, hills, and mountains. They spent nights in caves hard to enter, and once again they suffered the harsh pain of forest exile.

At last, while traveling onward, the Pandavas reached a forest called Vishakha Yupa. There they lived by hunting.

One day Bhima was chasing a wild buffalo and a boar. During the hunt he came near a lonely cave.

The moment he stepped into that cave, a huge python with a strange many-colored body wrapped itself around him. At the touch of that python, all the strength seemed to leave mighty Bhima’s body. Though he was very powerful, he could not free himself.

Deeply astonished, Bhima asked, "Who are you in this form of a python? I am mighty Bhima. No Yaksha, Rakshasa, god, or demon can resist me. Yet why has all my strength left me for the first time at your touch?"

The python replied, "Prince Bhima, I am your ancestor, king-sage Nahusha. This is my condition because of sage Agastya’s curse. I have been hungry for a very long time. Today I will eat you and fill my stomach."

Bhima said, "I do not fear for my life, python, but without me my brothers and mother Kunti will become very troubled. Also, when the time comes to destroy our enemies, King Yudhishthira will be left without support. That sorrow pains me more than the sorrow of my own death."

Yudhishthira knew nothing of Bhima’s hunt. But in the grove where they were staying, he suddenly saw many evil signs and became restless. Sage Dhaumya, the four brothers, and Draupadi were all there. Only Bhima was missing.

Worried, Yudhishthira went out to search for him. Crossing forests and mountains, he came at last to that cave and heard Bhima’s voice.

Entering the cave and seeing Bhima in such sad condition, Yudhishthira said to the python, "O king of serpents, free my brother. I will give you some other food."

The python answered, "Never. I have him close to my mouth today, and today I will eat him. Go away, or tomorrow I will eat you too. But if you can answer my questions properly, then I will free you."

Yudhishthira said calmly, "You may ask any question without worry. I will answer every one."

The python asked, "Tell me, who is called a Brahmin? And what is the thing that must be known?"

Yudhishthira replied, "Whoever has qualities like truth, charity, forgiveness, good conduct, and non-violence is a Brahmin. That Supreme Brahman, knowing whom there remains no sorrow in joy or grief, is the thing that must be known."

The python said, "But the qualities you spoke of may be found among Shudras too. And can any person ever go beyond joy and sorrow?"

Yudhishthira answered, "If these qualities are seen in a Shudra, then he is not a Shudra but a Brahmin. On the other hand, if a Brahmin does not have these qualities, then he is not a Brahmin. But in all castes there is mixture, so judging a person’s birth is very difficult. And you may judge as you wish. But by knowing Brahman, one can go beyond joy and sorrow."

The python grew pleased. "I am pleased with your answer, O King. I free your brother here and now. Go, prince, you have nothing more to fear."

Bhima was released. Then Yudhishthira asked, "You too seem to be wise. Then how did you come to such a state?"

The serpent replied, "I am Nahusha, the ancient king of the Kuru line. By the power of my own deeds and spiritual practice, I once enjoyed all happiness and rule in heaven. In heaven, great ascetics carried my palanquin. One day, drunk with pride, I struck sage Agastya, who was carrying the palanquin, with my foot on his head. In terrible anger, sage Agastya cursed me to fall to earth as a python. At my desperate prayer, the great sage told me the way of release from the curse. He said that only by seeing Dharmaraja Yudhishthira would I be freed from serpent form. Today is the day of my release. It was only to meet you that I had kept your brother captive. Today I shall gain heaven again."

As he said this, king-sage Nahusha gave up his python body, blessed Yudhishthira and Bhima, and rose to heaven in a divine form.

After bowing to their ancestor, Yudhishthira returned with Bhima to the others.

With Dhaumya and the Brahmins, the Pandavas spent some more time in that forest. At the start of the dark fortnight they all moved toward the Kamyaka forest.

The Brahmins and ascetics of Kamyaka welcomed them with great honor. After a few happy days there, one day a Brahmin came and brought joyful news.

"Krishna himself," he said, "greatly delighted to hear of the Pandavas’ arrival, is coming to meet you with Satyabhama."

Hearing this, the Pandavas felt as if they were already living in heaven.

And soon, just as the Brahmin had said, they saw Krishna coming in a chariot drawn by two horses named Shaibya and Sugriva.

Krishna came before them and bowed. "O King Yudhishthira, mighty-armed Bhima, I bow to you. Great sage Dhaumya, please accept the full prostration of Vasudeva Krishna."

Yudhishthira welcomed him warmly. "Come, Partha, come into my embrace, Vasudeva. Let the younger Pandavas greet you."

Krishna embraced them and said, "Elder one, blessings to you, brother. Are you all well? Righteous Yudhishthira, I have no doubt that you will soon regain your kingdom. But the Yadavas wish to answer the deceit that was used against you with equal force. O Dharmaraja, they believe that since you were cheated and driven from your kingdom, you are no longer bound to fulfill that pledge. Even now they wish to declare war on Hastinapura. Will you give permission?"

Yudhishthira answered with deep humility, "Keshava, I myself live by following you. What permission can I give you, brother? With Draupadi, all of us have taken shelter in you. Your wish is the final word for us. Do not ask us, Krishna. Command us."

But Krishna said, "You are unmatched in justice, wisdom, and judgment. One as truthful as you is very rare in this world. So I honor your decision and wish above all else, O Dharmaraja. That is why I humbly ask your will. What answer shall I give the Yadava heroes? Please tell me."

Yudhishthira replied, "It is because I stand firm in truth that I have gained your companionship, Keshava. At no price can I lose that support. Krishna, forgive me. I remain firm in keeping my vow. Now the time of living in disguise is drawing near. This part is the hardest. We follow you alone. Be our helper, Krishna."