Arjun in Mahabharata : A Character Sketch
Arjun: A Devoted Disciple, A Dilemma Defeater, Inspirational Imperfectionist
Our lives are filled with interesting characters. They have virtues. They have vices. They can sometimes be inspirational, while at the same time ironical.
Beyond viewing them through the narrow lenses of heroes and villains, good or evil, characters in themselves are unique and come in different shades.
Unlike our popular imagination characters don’t perfectly fit in the “good” or “bad” category. Sometimes they can be idealistic, while at different scenarios, they can turn selfish and pragmatic.
Each character is a rainbow in themselves. There is the great, the good, the bad and the ugly all within the same heart and mind.
Mahabharata, is one such epic that is full of interesting characters. If we look religion beyond way of life and identity and more towards wellbeing and wisdom, even characters can turn lively and fascinating!
Apart from being the fountainhead of Bhagwat Geeta, Mahabharata is an epic that celebrates roles. The role of a King, the role of a teacher, the role of a friend, the role of a son, the role of an advisor, and much more.
As a kid, I enjoyed B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata series. Fortunately, I got to revisit them again, and this is when I thought of doing some character sketches.
As a disclaimer, these character sketches are done out of my own personal passion viewed through my lenses. I, do not hereby claim any sort of legitimacy from scriptural point of view. The character sketch is largely based on as portrayed in the series.
Arjun is the central character of Mahabharata to whom, Shree Krishna reveals the Bhagwat Geeta. He is a character fascinating in a number of aspects and facets.
1. A Great Student and Disciple
Arjun was undoubtedly Dhronacharya’s most favorite pupil. And there was a reason for this favoritism: Arjun was an absolutely diligent student, who had impressed his Guru Dhronacharya with his perseverance, hard work and abilities.
The series also beautifully portrays the incident where out of all of Dhronacharya’s students only Arjun is able to focus on the bird’s eye. Arjun’s devotion towards learning earns him the title of Dhronacharya’s most favorite pupil and the “Sarvashrestha Dhanurdheer” meaning the “Best Archer”.
Additionally, there are many feathers and titles Arjun earns due to his diligence, skills and abilities.
Dhanañjaya (धनञ्जय) – one who conquered wealth and gold
Gudākesha (गुडाकेश) – one who has conquered sleep (the lord of sleep, Gudaka+isha) or one who has abundant hair (Guda-kesha), like an ascete keshin.
Vijaya (विजय) – always victorious, invincible and undefeatable
Savyasāchī (सव्यसाची)– one who can shoot arrows using the right and the left hand with equal activity
· Gāndīvadhārī (गाण्डीवधारी) – holder of a bow named Gandiva.
2. From Dilemma to Consciousness and Dutifulness
When the battle of Mahabharata begins, Arjun initially seems reluctant to usher arrows on his cousins, teacher and loved ones. He states that this is a great sin or “Paap”.
This is when Shree Krishna reveals his “Vishwaavatar” and the conversation between them becomes the fountainhead of Bhagwat Geeta.
Arjun is the character seeking “Mukti” or liberation from his moral dilemmas, ignorance, and fear.
He is the “Suyogya Patra” to receive the divine knowledge in the form of Bhagwat Geeta, after which his doubts are resolved and he chooses not his bow, but duty and devotion.
He picks up his bow not for victory or defeat. He picks up the bow not for his glory, ambition or interests, but OPTIONLESS in devotion to his duty.
Devotion, detachment and duty. Arjun is the character, who transcends from fear, dilemma and doubts towards devotion, Krishna Consciousness and Karma Yoga.
However, the series is also considerate in making sure that “War and violence” are not promoted and shows how it became the last resort after numerous efforts by Shree Krishna as well the Kuru family elders like Vidhura and Bhisma.
3. Imperfections, Pleasure and Pride
While many authors love to portray Arjun as an ideal human being, BR Chopra’s Mahabharata series portrays him in more realistic light.
Undoubtedly, Arjun is beyond the ordinary both in terms of skills and consciousness, however, the series beautifully depicts his human nature, insecurities and the challenges he faces.
Interestingly, Arjun also becomes a victim of the “Saas, Bahu and Saajis” stuff. He falls for Ulupi, the princess of the Nagalok, Ulupi’s mother that is his Saas is not much confident about him, and ultimately he becomes a part of a “Saajis” by Chandak, the army chief of the Nagalok.
Chitrangana, the valiant princess of Manipur falls for Arjun. They get married, but due to Chandak’s conspiracy Arjun gets trapped in suspecting Chitrangana has an illicit affair.
As a result, Babhrubahan, his son is denied fatherly love. Injustice happens to Chitrangana and Arjun is forced to live in an illusion created out of his insecurities.
Although these incidents take place before Shree Krishna imparts the divine knowledge in the Bhagwat Geeta, the series portrays Arjun as a talented warrior, with numerous virtues, but also a someone who has shortcomings and human attributes.
On a lighter note, Arjun is even seen calling an “Apsara” mother, which insults the Aspara resulting in a “year-long impotence curse.” However, this does not stop him from drinking of alcohol of Ulupi’s love.
Arjun has all sorts of human attributes. He seeks pleasure, has insecurities, falls in love, and girls too fall for him. He like other human beings also has his own ambitions, insecurities and compulsions.
However, interestingly, despite all this “Masala” in his life, Arjun goes on to achieve his goal and fulfils his duties. He fights, he falls, he is disillusioned and he seeks and guidance and mentorship.
Arjun, one of the protagonist of the Mahabharata not only fights in the battlefield, but also in his personal life: against numerous insecurities, dilemmas and conspiracies.