Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part D

During today’s reading, I read about how a father went to seek vengeance on his son’s killer. The evil Jayadratha, along with his 6 warriors fought Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna. Though his chariot had been destroyed, and the charioteer was dead he continued to fight the warriors, and defeated them one by one. The Pandavas tried to help him, but Jayadratha and Karna would not allow it. Abhumanyu received a wound on his forehead, and the blood poured down into his eyes, and blinded him for long enough, that the son of Duhshasana killed him. The story depicts his death to be a peaceful one, and not one of a man slain in battle. Once the man’s father, Arjuna heard that his son was dead, he made a vow saying, “May the course of a father and the vengeance of a warrior smite the murderers of my boy! May I never reach heaven if I do not slay Jayadratha on the morrow.” A spy heard this, and informed Jayadratha, so he went into hiding, “trembling in fear”. The next morning, Arjuna and Krishna drive swiftly across the land, fighting many warriors to reach Jayadratha. From an elephant, Duhsjasana faced him. When Drona blocked the way, Arjuna refused to fight him. Duryodhana also fought him, as well as Bhurishrava, who they slew. As they closer to the sunset, they went up against many warriors until finally, they found Jayadratha as the sun was setting. However, Karna attacked Arjuna, but Krishna covered the sun, making it look as though the sun had set, so Karna retreated and Arjuna defeated and cut off the head of Jayadratha. This story was intense, and showed the love and the loyalty that this father had for his son, and the lengths he could go to find his killer. 

Arjuna defeats Jayadratha.

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Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

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Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part C

During today's reading, I read about Arjuna and his journey to the mountains. He went up to the mountains to pray and live off of the land. Whatever the land provided to him was what he could have for food. Arjuna stayed in the mountains for several months eating smaller and smaller amounts until he only needed air to sustain himself. The air alone would supply him and he would no longer need food. He kept praying until he reached a point that he could stand with his arms lifted and without support for days at a time. I like the idea that he was living and breathing nothing but what he wanted to accomplish. He was seeking strength from the gods and nothing would be able to stop him once he attained that strength. During his prayers, a boar charged at Arjuna with intentions of killing him. Arjuna pulled out his bow and shot an arrow at the boar while at the same time, a hunter shot a dart at the boar. Hitting it at the same time, Arjuna and the hunter both got angry accusing each other of interfering with their shots and claiming it was their boar to kill. The hunter had his wife and several followers and appeared to be some king of the land. Arjuna said they should battle for it and the hunter agreed. Arjuna knew that this hunter must have been important since he was being followed by so many. Still, Arjuna challenged the hunter. After Arjuna shot until his quiver was empty, the hunter had absorbed all of the darts and was clearly not mortal. Arjuna didn't give up and challenged the hunter to wrestle for it. Being touched by a hand, Arjuna began to pray some more and cast garlands of flowers onto an image of the god he was praising. Instantly the garland was around the hunters neck and it was revealed that the hunter was the god and was pleased with Arjuna for recognizing and praising him. Arjuna was granted weapons and was blessed for his time spent on the mountain. I see this as Arjuna putting in time and effort to a goal and attaining that goal.

Arjuna receives the Pashupata from Shiva

Source:Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita
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