Section CLXVII - Arjuna's Journey to Heaven and Acquisition of Celestial Weapons
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXVII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Arjuna, after meeting the divine Mahadeva, was blessed by a Brahmana who predicted that he would soon join the Lokapalas and receive weapons from Indra. He was then visited by various celestial beings and finally granted weapons by Indra himself, who recognized Arjuna as one of their own. Feeling invigorated by the celestial weapons, Arjuna embarked on a journey to the celestial regions, accompanied by Indra's charioteer Matali.
In heaven, Arjuna learned various weapons from different celestial beings and acquired proficiency in combat techniques. Indra praised him for his skill and strength in battle, declaring him invulnerable and unmatched. Impressed by Arjuna's abilities, Indra asked him to pay the preceptor's fee by slaying the Danavas known as Nivata-Kavacas who resided in the ocean. Indra provided Arjuna with a celestial chariot, divine ornaments, and potent weapons for this task.
Armed with Indra's blessings and celestial weapons, Arjuna set out on his chariot to fulfill his mission of defeating the Nivata-Kavacas. The celestials in heaven cheered him on, comparing him to Indra himself who had conquered powerful demons in the past. With their blessings and encouragement, Arjuna rode towards the abode of the Danavas, ready to engage in battle with his bow Gandiva and the divine shell Devadatta. Arjuna remained determined and focused on his goal to overcome the formidable foes and prove his valor.
As Arjuna approached the dreadful abode of the Nivata-Kavacas, he exuded confidence and determination, guided by the blessings of the celestials and the weapons bestowed upon him by Indra. The stage was set for a fierce battle between Arjuna and the mighty Danavas, testing his combat skills and valor. With his training in celestial weapons and the support of the gods, Arjuna was prepared to face any challenge and emerge victorious in the upcoming confrontation. The scene was set for a legendary battle between Arjuna and the Nivata-Kavacas, with the fate of both heaven and earth hanging in the balance.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXVII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CLXVII:
Which celestial beings did Arjuna meet on his journey to heaven?
Arjuna met the Vasus, Rudras, Sadhyas, Marutas, Adityas, and Asvins in heaven.
What did Lord Indra say to Arjuna before sending him to slay the Nivata-Kavacas?
Lord Indra told Arjuna to slay the notorious Danavas residing in the ocean as his preceptor's fee.
Why did Arjuna request Lord Indra to be his preceptor for learning weapons?
Arjuna wanted to learn weapons to perform heroic deeds and attain the regions of warriors.
What did Arjuna promise to Lord Indra when asked to pay the preceptor's fee?
Arjuna promised to accomplish whatever task was given to him by Lord Indra.
What did the gods give Arjuna before he set out to battle the Nivata-Kavacas?
The gods gave Arjuna a celestial car, Diadem, ornaments, mail, string for Gandiva, and a shell.
Who did Arjuna meet on his journey to heaven and what did they bless him with?
Arjuna met various celestial beings who blessed him with courage and success in battle.
Daily life: Arjuna's Journey to Heaven and Acquisition of Celestial Weapons:
The story narrated above tells us about Arjuna's encounter with divine beings and how he acquired celestial weapons through his penance, dedication, and willingness to learn. Implementing this in our daily lives can be seen as the journey of overcoming personal challenges through determination, learning, and seeking guidance. Just as Arjuna devoted himself to rigorous practices and was open to learning from the divine figures he encountered, we too can approach our personal and professional growth with a mindset focused on continuous learning and improvement.
Arjuna's story also emphasizes the importance of humility and the willingness to ask for help or guidance when needed. He shows respect and reverence to the divine figures he meets, which in everyday life translates to appreciating the mentors and guides we meet on our path. By being open to receiving help and learning, we can acquire new skills and knowledge that help us tackle our challenges more effectively.
The tale further highlights the significance of persistence and the readiness to take on challenges, even when they seem insurmountable. Arjuna was tasked with defeating formidable foes as his preceptor's fee, a challenge he accepted despite its difficulty. Similarly, we encounter various challenges in life, and it's our determination and willingness to face these challenges head-on that often lead to our most significant growth and accomplishments.
In essence, Arjuna's journey from a dedicated seeker to a powerful warrior blessed with divine weapons and skills teaches us the value of dedication, humility, the pursuit of knowledge, and the courage to face challenges. By embodying these principles in our daily lives, we can strive towards our personal and professional goals with resilience and a constant desire to exceed our limits.