Arjuna

Birth and Divine Parentage

Arjuna, born to Kunti invoking Indra during Pandu's curse-induced childlessness, emerges as Nara's incarnation—Vishnu's ancient companion—third among Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula-Sahadeva in Hastinapura's royal intrigue. Trained rigorously by Drona (pledging gurudakshina as Drupada's conquest), Kripa, and Bhishma, he masters archery ambidextrously, divine weapons, and warfare, outshining peers like Karna in Draupadi's swayamvara fish-eye challenge. Krishna recognizes him early, forging eternal bond.​

Gurudakshina and Early Victories

Fulfilling Drona's fee, Arjuna leads Panchala conquest, capturing Drupada; later defeats gandharva Chitraratha, gaining visionary boons. During Khandava forest burning with Krishna-Agni, he repels Indra, gods, Takshaka's kin, earning Gandiva bow, inexhaustible quivers, celestial chariot-steeds from Varuna. Exile quests yield Pashupatastra from Shiva (boar-hunter guise), Indra's armory including thunderbolt, mace post-daitya battles in Swarga.​

Virata Exile and Revelations

In 13th agyatavasa year as Brihannala (eunuch-dancer), Arjuna repels Kuru cattle raid, unveiling identity via Gandiva, wedding Uttara. Fathering Abhimanyu with Subhadra (Krishna's sister, womb-taught Chakravyuha entry), he sires Iravan (Ulupi), Babruvahana (Chitrangada), Srutakarma (Draupadi).​

Kurukshetra War Heroics

Key Pandava warrior, Arjuna fells Bhishma (10th day, Shikhandi-shielded), seven akshauhinis en route to Jayadratha (14th day vow: sunset slaying via Krishna's eclipse ruse, beheading protectors like Karna-Drona). Slays Susharma (18th), Sudakshina, Vinda-Anuvinda; duels Karna (17th, Anjalika arrow post-wheel curse), avenging Abhimanyu. Krishna's charioteering averts disasters: wheel-sinking for Nagastra, Vaishnavastra absorption.​

Bhagavad Gita and Moral Resolve

Battlefield despondency—kin-slaying aversion—prompts Krishna's Gita: karma yoga, nishkama karma, bhakti, jnana, Vishvarupa darshana, resolving to fight sans attachment. Post-victory Ashwamedha guards horse, aids Yudhishthira's empire.​

Legacy and Worship

Arjuna symbolizes skill, devotion, human-divine struggle; temples honor Parthasarathi (Krishna-charioteer), Gita Jayanti celebrates discourse. Epics, TV adaptations (Chopra series), inspire; Veergatha platforms curate his valor for Indian history curation