Arjuna
The Supreme Archer
The greatest archer in the world and Krishna's closest friend. The Bhagavad Gita was spoken to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: అర్జునుడు
- Also known as: Partha, Dhananjaya, Vijaya, Gudakesha, Savyasachi
- Vehicle (vahana): Chariot driven by Krishna
- Weapons: Gandiva bow, Pashupatastra, Brahmastra
- Symbols: Gandiva bow, White horses, Kiritam (crown), Monkey flag (Hanuman on banner)
Story
Arjuna was the third Pandava, born to Kunti through the blessings of Indra, king of the devas. From childhood, he was extraordinary. When his guru Dronacharya asked students to shoot a bird's eye on a branch, only Arjuna said he could see nothing but the eye. That focus, that ekagrata (single-pointed concentration), made him the greatest archer who ever lived. He won Draupadi's hand at her swayamvaram by stringing a massive bow and hitting a rotating fish target by looking only at its reflection in water below. He obtained the Pashupatastra from Shiva himself after fighting him in disguise. He traveled to Indra Loka and trained with celestial warriors. But his most defining moment came on the first day of the Kurukshetra war. Seeing his own grandfathers, teachers, and cousins on the opposing side, Arjuna dropped his Gandiva and refused to fight. It was then that Krishna Bhagavan spoke the Bhagavad Gita, the 700 verses that form the heart of Hindu philosophy. Krishna taught Arjuna about dharma, karma, bhakti, and the immortality of the atma. For Telugu families, Arjuna represents the ideal student and warrior. His story is told during Gita Jayanti celebrations, and the Bhagavad Gita remains the most read scripture in Telugu homes.
Fun fact
Arjuna's chariot banner carried Hanuman on it. Before the war, Hanuman blessed Arjuna and sat atop his flag, letting out a mighty roar every time Arjuna charged into battle. Two of Rama's greatest devotees, together on one chariot.