Chapter 5.5 - The story of Ulupi and Arjuna

In the Mahabharata Ulupi is given various names which include Bhujagatmaja, Bhujakendra Kanyaka, Bhujagottama, Kauravya, Kauravya-duhitavu, Kauravya Kulanandini, Pannagi, Pannaganandini, Pannagasuta, Pannagatmaja, Uragataja and Panageshvara Kanya.

While Dharmaputra was with Pancali, Arjuna entered the room accidentally. As a result Arjuna had to go on a one-year long pilgrimage. Arjuna dipped himself in the Ganges for his evening bath and there he met Ulupi, the daughter of the Nagaraja. Ulupi introduced herself to Arjuna saying that she was the daughter of the Naga named Kauravya belong to the caste of Airavata. She as trying to flirt with Arjuna, telling him of her love for him. But then he said that he was under oath for one year to keep his celibacy and so he could not marry her. Ulupi got into an argument with him and convinced Arjuna that he should marry her. In their son was born, named Iravan. Ulupi gave Arjuna a boon saying that all the water creatures would be obedient to him and he would be undefeatable in water. Arjuna then left and went back to his place from where he had come.^[1]

As Arjuna was returning after conquering the world, he was killed by his own son Babhruvahana. Then Ulupi resurrected Arjuna.^[2] Arjuna killed Bhishma in the presence of Shikhandi and therefore Arjuna was cursed by the Ashtavasus and Gangadevi to go to hell. Ulupi convinced Arjuna that he was killed by his own son because that was the only way to get released from the curse.^[3] After this incident, Ulupi went to Hastinapura^[4]. In the Mahabharata we read that Ulupi nursed Gandhari.^[5] The subjects loved Ulupi dearly.^[6] When the Pandavas embarked upon the great project, Ulupi is reported to have entered the River Ganges.

 

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Mahabharata .Adi.21

[2]:

Ibid.Ashvamedha.79

[3]:

Ibid. 81

[4]:

Ibid.Ashramavasika.1.23

[5]:

Ibid.87

[6]:

Ibid.10.45