This episode is from [Maha:3.40-3.46]. Arjuna, having successfully performed severe penance and won the favor of Lord Shiva, stood on the summit of the Himalayas, filled with joy. His heart was overflowing with the knowledge that he had obtained the divine Brahmasiras weapon. With this knowledge, Arjuna felt confident that he would be able to defeat any foe in battle, regardless of their skill or strength.
As he stood there, a blazing light appeared in the sky, and the Lokapalas (the guardians of the four directions) descended before him. Filled with reverence, Arjuna fell at their feet, worshiping them. Yama, the guardian of the south and Lord of death, was the first to speak. He touched Arjuna’s shoulder and said, “O Arjuna, you have fulfilled the destiny foretold at your birth. In your previous life, you were a great Rishi and the companion of Vishnu. When Vishnu took birth as a mortal, he commanded that you accompany him to earth. You have now gratified Shiva through combat, a feat even the celestials have not achieved. As a mark of appreciation for your determination, here is my mace, a powerful weapon that has been my companion in battle.”
Arjuna bowed and received the weapon of Yama with great respect. Then, Varuna, the Lord of waters, offered Arjuna his noose and secret weapons known only to him and Brihaspati, the preceptor of the gods. These weapons, Varuna explained, had been used in the battle between the Devas and the Daityas to recover his wife Tara. Next, Kubera, the guardian of the north and Lord of wealth, presented Arjuna with the Antarddhana weapon, endowed with great energy and capable of decimating any foe. Kubera mentioned that this was the same weapon Shiva had used to destroy the Tripura cities of the Asuras, drawing a direct connection to Shiva’s fierce battle against the forces of evil.
Finally, Indra, the Lord of the heavens and Arjuna’s divine father, appeared and blessed his son. Indra said, “My son, you have now received the weapons of the Lokapalas. Soon, my charioteer Matali will arrive to take you to Indraloka. There, you will continue your education in arms and other sciences, and I will personally instruct you on the use of my thunderbolt.” The Lokapalas departed after blessing Arjuna, who then sat down in meditation to offer prayers of gratitude to the celestials.
Arjuna’s Journey to Indraloka
As promised, Matali arrived with Indra’s chariot, and in the blink of an eye, Arjuna was transported to Indraloka, the celestial abode. Arjuna marveled at the sights around him—the Nandana gardens where Apsaras (celestial nymphs) frolicked, the heavenly beings engaged in pleasurable pursuits, and his own ancestors, who had attained the heavens through meritorious deeds. Arjuna also saw a multitude of Rishis (sages) who had ascended to heaven by the power of their asceticism.
Upon entering Indra’s court, Arjuna was embraced by his father, who proudly gazed upon him. Indra’s heart swelled with pride as he introduced his son to the assembled Devas and divine beings. No other celestial could boast of such a son. Arjuna, deeply honored, was seated on Indra’s own throne, a position previously held only by those who had overthrown the gods—such as Asura kings in moments of cosmic upheaval.
Indra told Arjuna, “You will live here with me for some time. I will teach you the use of my thunderbolt and the tactics of war from Brihaspati, our guru. You will also have the opportunity to witness the Gandharvas’ divine music and the mesmerizing dances of the Apsaras.”
This celestial training of Arjuna draws parallels to other mythological figures who receive divine instruction. Like Rama, who was taught the secrets of warfare by Sage Vishvamitra in the Ramayana, Arjuna’s time in Indraloka prepared him for the great battles he would face on earth.
| Characters | Role in the Story | Connection to Other Mythological Stories |
|---|---|---|
| Yama | Grants Arjuna his mace as a mark of respect for his accomplishments | Yama’s role here mirrors his role as the dispenser of destiny, as seen in the stories of Nachiketa and Markandeya |
| Varuna | Gives Arjuna his noose and secret weapons | Varuna’s noose is often used to bind enemies, much like it was used in Vedic battles and during Indra’s conflict with Vritra |
| Kubera | Bestows Arjuna with the Antarddhana weapon | Kubera’s wealth and power are often mentioned in connection with battles against Asuras, as in the destruction of Tripura |
| Indra | Teaches Arjuna celestial weapons and war tactics | Similar to Shiva training Rama with divine weapons in the Ramayana, preparing him for battle against Ravana |
Arjuna’s Interaction with Urvashi
During his time in Indraloka, Arjuna witnessed the daily performances of the Apsaras, particularly the beautiful Urvashi. One day, while watching Urvashi dance, Arjuna’s eyes were drawn to her, captivated by her beauty. Indra, noticing this, asked his friend Chitrasena to arrange for Urvashi to visit Arjuna. Chitrasena conveyed Indra’s request to Urvashi, who was pleased by the prospect, as she too had noticed Arjuna’s glances.
That night, adorned with divine jewels and perfumes, Urvashi visited Arjuna’s abode, expecting him to embrace her. However, to her astonishment, Arjuna received her with great respect but averted his eyes out of modesty. He said, “O Lady, I am honored by your presence. I regard you with the reverence I have for my mother Kunti. You were the consort of Puroorava, my ancestor. You are to me as my mother.”
Urvashi, inflamed by her passion and confused by Arjuna’s words, replied, “What is this nonsense? I am not your mother. The Apsaras have no familial ties like mortals. We are free to choose our lovers. Many of your ancestors have sported with me without incurring any sin. I am a virgin and free spirit, here to fulfill my desire for you.”
Arjuna, deeply uncomfortable, insisted, “O divine lady, I beg you to see me as your son. Just as I revere my mother Kunti and Lady Sachi, the wife of my father Indra, I revere you. Please, protect me as a son and return to your palace.”
Urvashi’s Curse and Indra’s Boon
Hearing this, Urvashi’s passion turned to fury. Her body shook with anger as she cursed Arjuna, “Since you have rejected a woman who has come to you out of love, may you lose your manhood and live as a eunuch, scorned by all.”
Terrified, Arjuna rushed to Chitrasena, who immediately took him to Indra. Upon hearing what had transpired, Indra embraced Arjuna and said, “My son, you have shown incredible self-control. Not even the Rishis, with all their ascetic discipline, could have resisted Urvashi’s advances. As for her curse, fear not—it will work to your advantage. You will live as a eunuch for just one year, and it will serve you during the thirteenth year of your exile, when you must live incognito.”
Connection to Other Stories
This episode showcases Arjuna’s unmatched self-control, much like Rama’s refusal to accept Shurpanakha’s advances in the Ramayana. Both heroes demonstrate unwavering adherence to dharma, even when faced with temptation. Urvashi’s curse, though born out of anger, mirrors similar curses in mythology that ultimately serve a higher purpose, such as Rishi Durvasa’s curse to Shakuntala, which ultimately leads to her reunion with Dushyanta.
| Curse | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Urvashi’s curse on Arjuna | Arjuna | Leads to his one-year disguise as Brihannala during exile |
| Shurpanakha’s rejection | Rama | Leads to the Ramayana‘s central conflict, the abduction of Sita |
This incident further emphasizes the intertwined nature of curses and boons in Hindu mythology, where what appears as a curse often serves as a necessary step toward fulfilling one’s destiny. Indra’s blessing ensures that Urvashi’s curse becomes a tool that aids Arjuna in the Pandavas’ exile, much like how curses and boons often work in tandem to shape the epic heroes’ fates.