Significance of Arjuna
Arjuna, as per various interpretations in Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, and Ayurveda, primarily denotes the third son of Pandu, a central figure in the Mahabharata. He is renowned for his exceptional archery skills and moral struggles during the Kurukshetra War, as depicted particularly in the Bhagavad-gita, where he embodies the spiritual seeker grappling with duties and righteousness. Additionally, Arjuna refers to a species of tree prized for its medicinal properties, underscoring its significance in both mythology and traditional medicine.
Synonyms: Partha, Dhananjaya, Kiriti, Jishnu, Phalguna
In Dutch: Arjuna
In Finnish: Arjuna
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Arjuna'
Arjuna, a key figure in Hinduism, is a renowned archer and warrior from the Pandava lineage. He grapples with moral dilemmas in the Bhagavad Gita, embodying the spiritual seeker facing duty and righteousness challenges.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The renowned archer and a key figure of the Pandava army, noted for his prowess in battle.[1] (2) Also known as Phalguni, he is Karna's half-brother, signifying a connection and rivalry later in the narrative.[2] (3) One of the Pandava princes, known for his proficiency with various weapons, including his lightness of hand and precision.[3] (4) Yudhishthira's brother, renowned for his archery skills and bravery in battle.[4] (5) The third Pandava brother, celebrated for his skills as a bowman and his role in the Kurukshetra War.[5]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The warrior prince and disciple of Krishna, representing the struggling soul facing moral dilemmas in the Gita.[6] (2) The warrior prince in the Gita who experiences moral confusion about duty and righteousness on the battlefield.[7] (3) A key figure in the Gita with 84 stanzas attributed to him.[8] (4) Arjuna is a central character in the Gita who faces moral dilemmas about duty and righteousness during the Bhagavad Gita discourse.[9]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The third Pandava, renowned as a great warrior and archer.[10] (2) The son of Kritavirya, noted for his proficiency in Yoga and rule over seven continents.[11] (3) The third Pandava, a master archer and key figure in the Mahabharata.[12]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A prominent warrior among the Pandavas who performed funerary rites for Krishna and Balaram after they passed away.[13] (2) The son of Kunti born through Indra, celebrated as one of the chief warriors of the Pandavas.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A character who met Jamadagni during his hunting expedition and was later involved in significant events concerning the divine cow.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The monarch reigning in Mahishmati, who is described as brilliant and powerful, comparable to the fire kept in a sacred pit.[16]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Arjuna is associated with the plant Farminalia Arjuna, valued for its medicinal properties.[17]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The protagonist who seeks guidance from Krishna during his moral and existential dilemmas on the battlefield, symbolizing the spiritual seeker.[18]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Arjuna is one of the three sons of Pandu and is also called Dhananjaya.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The term refers to Arjuna, a central character in Indian epic literature, and is mentioned as the head of the group experiencing separation.[20] (2) A central character in the Mahabharata who facilitates the union between Kalindi and Lord Krishna.[21] (3) A species of tree contributing to the forest's beauty.[22] (4) A central character in the Mahabharata, identified with the embodiment of Svayambhuva Manu.[23]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The main warrior in the Mahabharata, who receives guidance from Krishna.[24] (2) A character mentioned as one of the friends in the city.[25] (3) A character who, despite being hasty to respond to his enemy, experiences a temporary stillness due to his anger.[26]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A key figure in the Bhagavad-gita to whom Lord Krishna delivers profound philosophical teachings.[27] (2) A key character in the Bhagavad-gita, he is a warrior prince who grapples with moral dilemmas about his duty during the Kurukshetra War.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A great warrior and associate of Shri Krishna, who also killed demons.[29] (2) The character who is favored by Shri Krishna and has a notable relationship of friendship and familial connection.[30]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Another of Yudhishthira's brothers, noted for his valor and skill in combat.[31]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A principal character in the epic Mahabharata, who experiences the vastness of the divine through the Lord.[32]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) One of the five Pandavas, known for his prowess in archery and winning Draupadi.[33]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A single dot or speck on the Sclerotic coat, colored like a drop of hare’s blood.[34]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A type of kshara used in the treatment process for mica.[35]
Jain concept of 'Arjuna'
In Jainism, Arjuna is interpreted as the third son of Pandu, renowned for his exceptional warrior skills, symbolizing valor and righteousness in the context of moral and ethical conduct in the epic narrative.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The third son of Pandu, considered an exceptional warrior.[36]
The concept of Arjuna in local and regional sources
Arjuna, the third Pandava, is a skilled archer and pivotal figure in the Mahabharata. He embodies ideal virtues of bravery and loyalty, aided by Krishna and crucial in winning Draupadi and participating in the war.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The third Pandava, son of King Pandu and Kunti, known for his exceptional archery skills and significant role in the Mahabharata.[37] (2) The third Pandava, an archer who, aided by Krishna, won Draupadi and played a crucial role in the Mahabharata war.[38]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A hero of the Mahabharata and close friend of Sri Krishna, representing ideal human qualities of bravery and loyalty.[39]
The concept of Arjuna in scientific sources
Arjuna, or Terminalia Arjuna, is an ayurvedic herb known for its antimicrobial properties and various medicinal uses, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine and wellness practices.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) An Ayurvedic herb with various health benefits including hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties.[40] (2) An Ayurvedic herb believed to enhance cardiac function and reduce symptoms associated with angina.[41] (3) A tree whose bark is used in traditional medicine, particularly for its benefits related to liver health and as a diuretic.[42]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) A tree and herbal remedy used in Ayurveda, recognized for its properties related to skin and cardiac health.[43] (2) A traditional Ayurvedic herb that acts as a cardiotonic and is useful in maintaining normal blood pressure levels.[44]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) An ayurvedic herb (Terminalia Arjuna) recognized for its antimicrobial properties and other medicinal applications.[45]