Explain Arjuna elephant in 500 words
Arjuna elephant, also known as Arjuna's elephant or Arjuna's chariot elephant, holds great significance in Hindu mythology and the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna, one of the central characters in the Mahabharata, was a skilled archer and warrior who played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war.
The story of Arjuna's elephant begins with the birth of Arjuna, who was the third Pandava prince and the son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti. Arjuna was born with divine blessings and was considered to be an incarnation of the warrior prince Nara, while his father Pandu was an incarnation of Lord Indra.
As Arjuna grew up, he received extensive training in archery and warfare. He became a skilled archer, surpassing even his own teacher, Dronacharya. Arjuna's chariot, driven by his charioteer Krishna, was known for its speed, agility, and divine protection.
During the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna's elephant played a pivotal role. The war was fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, who were cousins and had a dispute over the throne of Hastinapura. Arjuna fought on the side of the Pandavas, who represented righteousness and justice.
On the thirteenth day of the war, Arjuna encountered Bhishma, the mighty Kaurava general who was blessed with the power to choose his own time of death. Bhishma was a formidable opponent, and Arjuna had to find a way to defeat him.
Arjuna's chariot was driven towards Bhishma, and as they clashed, Bhishma unleashed a barrage of arrows towards Arjuna. In response, Arjuna shot numerous arrows at Bhishma, but they were all deflected by the divine armor that protected Bhishma.
Realizing that conventional weapons were ineffective, Arjuna remembered a divine weapon called the Anjalikastra. This weapon was known to be capable of piercing any armor or defense. However, it required a pure heart and divine blessings to be used.
Arjuna prayed to Lord Indra, seeking his blessings to use the Anjalikastra. Impressed by Arjuna's devotion and righteousness, Lord Indra granted his request. Arjuna then aimed the Anjalikastra at Bhishma, and it pierced through his armor, causing him great pain and forcing him to retreat.
The significance of Arjuna's elephant lies in the fact that it represents the divine blessings and protection that Arjuna received throughout his life. The elephant symbolizes strength, wisdom, and power. It is also a symbol of Lord Indra, who granted Arjuna the ability to use the Anjalikastra.
Furthermore, Arjuna's elephant represents the triumph of righteousness over evil. Arjuna, with his pure heart and devotion, was able to overcome the seemingly invincible Bhishma. It highlights the importance of righteousness, devotion, and divine blessings in achieving victory.
In conclusion, Arjuna's elephant is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and divine protection. It represents the pivotal role that Arjuna played in the Mahabharata and his ability to overcome formidable opponents through his pure heart, devotion, and divine blessings. The story of Arjuna's elephant serves as a reminder of the power of righteousness and the significance of divine intervention in the face of adversity.