Arjun:Mahabhrat
One of the most powerful characters in the Mahabharat, to whom the knowledge of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita was originally given by Lord Krishna himself, Let us know a few things about him:
Astra(s) possessed by Arjun
While Arjun had possession of many astra but Pashupatastra and Brahmashira were the most important of them
Brahmashira: Arjuna recieved Brahmashira astra from Lord Paarshuram an Incarnation of lord Vishnu,The Brahmashira astra is considered to be one of the most destructive weapons in Hindu mythology, capable of destroying entire armies and cities. It is said to be formed from the power of the divine being Brahma, and when unleashed, creates a massive explosion that destroys everything in its path.
However, using the Brahmashira astra also had a heavy cost, as it consumed the energy of the person who invoked it and also caused massive destruction to the surroundings. It was also said that the person who invoked it would lose all his powers and a part of his lifespan.
Arjuna is said to have used the Brahmashira astra only once in the Mahabharata war, during his fight with Bhishma. However, it is said that he decided not to use it again because of its destructive nature and the heavy cost associated with it.
It is also said that only a few people such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Parasurama were capable of mastering this weapon.
Pashupatastra: Arjuna obtained Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva, who is also known as Pashupati, the protector of animals and the lord of all beings.
The Pashupatastra is considered to be one of the most destructive weapons in Hindu mythology, capable of destroying entire armies and cities. When invoked, it creates a powerful energy blast that can vaporize anything in its path.
However, it is said that the Pashupatastra should only be used as a last resort, as its power is so great that it can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. It is also said that only a select few individuals who have mastered yoga and meditation and have the blessings of Lord Shiva can wield the Pashupatastra without being harmed.
In Mahabharata, it is said that Arjuna used the Pashupatastra to defeat the powerful warrior Bhagadatta during the Kurukshetra war. However, Lord Krishna warns Arjuna not to use it again, as the weapon was too dangerous and could cause mass destruction.
It is also mentioned in Hindu Puranas, that the Pashupatastra was only known to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and it was said that who ever possessed it, would become invincible in war.
Gandiva: One of the most powerful bows
As Arjun being the wielder of holy bow Gandiva , he became a warrior feared by thousands just by the name of bow, Arjuna being an excellent archer under Guru Dronacharya he had skills far surpassing others, while holding Gandiva and the possessions of the astras, one could say arjuna was invincible on battlefield.
Agni, God of fire, wanted to devour the forest of Khandavaprastha, to regain his power and splendor. He had enlisted the help of the two heroes, Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna was one of the best warrior and greatest archer of the world & all time and demanded from Agni a bow that would suit his strength, skill and the power of celestial weapons.
Agni then requested Varuna to bless the heroes with the desired weapons. Varuna gave the Gandiva bow to Arjuna, as well as two quivers which would provide an inexhaustible number of arrows.
The weapon was dreaded by many during the Kurukshetra war, having defeated and killed many great warriors and the gods themselves.
The Gandiva gives a wielder self confidence, self belief. The bow consisted of 108 celestial string, was endued with great energy and is believed to have the strength of one lakh bows. Gandiva was indestructible and was worshiped by the celestials and the Gandharvas.
At the end of the Dvapara Yuga, Krishna departed the Earth and left for Vaikuntha. When Krishna was departing, he told Arjuna to rescue the people of Dwarika because he was submerging Dwarika under ocean. Arjuna temporarily could not string the bow, or remember the spells necessary in order to summon his celestial weapons when Dwarika was drowning. Arjuna knew that his time on earth was up as well, Vyasa had told him this event will happen and when it happens, Arjuna's work on earth is over. Later, the Pandavas retired and journeyed to the Himalayas. On their route, Agni came and asked Arjuna to return the Gandiva to Varuna, for it belonged to the gods. Arjuna obliged and dropped them in the waters of the sea. Thus the celestial bow was returned to the gods
*Pic credits: Graphic India