Arjuna's Arrows - The Supreme Weapons of Devotion
In the epic histories of ancient India, the image of Arjuna standing on his chariot with his bow drawn is an iconic symbol of heroic duty. Yet, within the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, Arjuna's weapons represent much more than mere military might. Śrīla Prabhupāda's purports reveal how Arjuna's arrows evolved from symbols of earthly power and moments of deep illusion into perfect instruments of divine grace and spiritual liberation on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra.
The Divine Weapons of a Hero
Arjuna's reputation as a peerless warrior was established long before the Kurukṣetra war. His arsenal was empowered by the demigods themselves. Śrīla Prabhupāda details how Arjuna satisfied Agni to receive the mighty Gāṇḍīva bow and specialized arrows. In an even greater display of prowess, Arjuna satisfied Lord Śiva in physical combat, earning his divine favor and his most powerful weapon.
- After Agni had eaten up the Khandava forest, he was very much pleased. At this time he offered Arjuna a specific bow known as Gandiva, four white horses, one chariot and an invincible quiver with two specific arrows considered to be talismans.
- Lord Siva tested Arjuna's strength by picking a quarrel with him over a hunted boar. He confronted Arjuna in the false dress of a hunter, and Arjuna covered him with arrows until Lord Siva was satisfied with Arjuna's fighting.
- He (Arjuna) specifically took the arrow presented to him by Lord Siva, and while going out he remembered Lord Siva and his great favor.
- Samba: One of the great heroes of the Yadu dynasty and the son of Lord Sri Krsna by His wife Jambavati. He learned the military art of throwing arrows from Arjuna, and he became a member of parliament during the time of Maharaja Yudhisthira.
The Illusion of Dropping the Weapons
Despite his supreme capability, Arjuna faced a moment of absolute weakness at the onset of the great war. Seeing his beloved grandfather Bhīṣma and his revered teacher Droṇa in the opposing ranks, he was overwhelmed by false compassion. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that Arjuna, blinded by the bodily concept of life, dropped his bow and arrows, refusing to commit what he believed was a sinful act.
- At that time Arjuna, the son of Pandu, who was seated in his chariot, his flag marked with Hanuman, took up his bow and prepared to shoot his arrows, looking at the sons of Dhrtarastra. Arjuna then spoke to Hrsikesa (Krsna) these words. Bhagavad-Gita 1.20 - 1972.
- When Arjuna was just going to fight with his arrows and bows, he simply thought, - Oh, what I am going to do? I am going to kill my own men. The other side, they are only my brothers and nephews, grandfather. What sort of fight I am going to do?
- Arjuna said: O killer of Madhu (Krsna), how can I counterattack with arrows in battle men like Bhisma and Drona, who are worthy of my worship? Bhagavad-Gita 2.4 - 1972.
- Sanjaya said: Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield, cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief. Bhagavad-Gita 1.46 - 1972.
The Purifying Power of the Onslaught
Once Kṛṣṇa spoke the Bhagavad-gītā and dispelled Arjuna's illusion, the ensuing battle took on a deeply transcendental nature. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals an extraordinary truth about the violence at Kurukṣetra. Because Lord Kṛṣṇa was personally driving Arjuna's chariot, any warrior struck by Arjuna's arrows who died while looking at the Lord's lotus face achieved immediate spiritual liberation.
- As soon as Arjuna shot an arrow at an enemy, that enemy became purified of all material contaminations and became eligible to be transferred to the spiritual sky.
- Certainly others who were fighters on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra were purified by the onslaught of Arjuna's arrows, and while seeing the lotuslike face of Krsna, so pleasing to the eyes, they achieved the abode of the Lord.
- Here (in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.2.20) the word parthastra-putah is significant. Those who saw the beautiful face of the Lord on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra were purified first by Arjuna when he made his onslaught with arrows.
- Bhismadeva was surely wounded by the arrows of Arjuna. But wounding is not always the cause of death.
Taking Up the Arrows for the Lord
Arjuna's ultimate perfection was demonstrated when he reclaimed his weapons. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Arjuna did not fight for his own prestige, nor did he enjoy the violence. He took up his bow and arrows solely to execute the divine plan of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, proving that true devotion means using all of one's abilities in the Lord's service.
- Savyasacin refers to one who can shoot arrows very expertly in the field; thus Arjuna is addressed as an expert warrior capable of delivering arrows to kill his enemies.
- When I (Arjuna) present you with the head of that brahmana, after beheading him with arrows from my Gandiva bow, I shall then wipe the tears from your eyes and pacify you. Then, after burning your sons' bodies, you can take your bath standing on his head.
- After getting on Subhadra’s chariot, he prepared himself for a fight. Taking up his bow and holding off with his arrows the soldiers ordered to check him, Arjuna took Subhadra away.
- When Arjuna understood that it was Krsna's plan to reduce the unnecessary increase of population, he agreed to fight according to Krsna's desire. He again took up his weapons-his arrows and bow-to fight under the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Arjuna's Arrows. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.