This episode is from [Maha:3.47-3.79]. A few days after Arjuna had settled into life in Indra’s court, the sage Lomasa arrived. When Lomasa saw Arjuna seated beside Indra on the divine throne, he was astonished. The throne, which was only reserved for those with extraordinary ascetic merit, was now shared by a mortal. Lomasa, a sage of great wisdom and discernment, silently wondered how such an honor could be bestowed upon a human, even if that human was the son of the King of the gods.
Indra, perceiving Lomasa’s wonder and understanding the unspoken questions in his mind, addressed the sage to dispel his doubt. He said, “O sage, do not be surprised. Arjuna is no ordinary mortal. Though born to Kunti, he is, in truth, the essence of Nara, the great ascetic and eternal companion of Narayana, who is none other than Krishna. Together, they are the manifestations of the supreme divine energy. Arjuna has performed the severest penances, pleasing Mahadeva (Shiva) himself, and has been granted his divine favor. Not only that, but he has also slain the powerful Asuras, known as the Nivatakavachas, who had become a terror to Brahmanas in the world. Furthermore, he has conquered many kings to assist his elder brother Yudhishthira in performing the Rajasuya sacrifice. There is no one more deserving to share this throne with me.”
Indra’s reference to Nara-Narayana is significant in Hindu mythology. Nara and Narayana are the twin incarnations of Vishnu who are eternal sages residing in Badrikashrama. They embody the ideal of the perfect ascetic and the perfect god, working together to uphold dharma (righteousness). Arjuna, as the incarnation of Nara, is predestined to stand alongside Krishna (Narayana) and is destined to be a great hero in the world. This connection is crucial in understanding Arjuna’s divine purpose and his unmatched role in the epic.
Arjuna’s Reverence for Lomasa
Hearing this explanation, Lomasa was satisfied and convinced of Arjuna’s worthiness. Arjuna, ever humble and respectful, reverently addressed the sage. He said, “O learned sage, I am honored to be in Indra’s court, but my heart remains with my brothers who are enduring hardships in the Kamyaka forest. They must be worried for my well-being, and the burden of exile must weigh heavily upon them. If you are passing that way, could you please convey to them that I am safe and in good health? Furthermore, my brothers have expressed a desire to undertake a pilgrimage to holy sites during their exile. Your knowledge of the sacred shrines is unmatched, and I would be grateful if you could serve as their guide.”
Lomasa, deeply moved by Arjuna’s humility and concern for his brothers, readily agreed. He took leave of Arjuna and Indra, promising to visit the Pandavas and reassure them of their brother’s safety. Arjuna’s sense of duty and love for his family reflects the strong familial bonds often emphasized in Hindu mythology. His devotion to his brothers and his awareness of their shared struggles highlight his dharma as a protector and supporter of his kin, even in the face of personal glory and divine favor.
Lomasa’s Role as Guide
As Lomasa departed from Indraloka, he prepared to guide the Pandavas on their pilgrimage. The concept of pilgrimage, or tirtha-yatra, is an important aspect of Hindu life, representing both physical and spiritual journeys. Through Lomasa’s guidance, the Pandavas would visit sacred sites that have been sanctified by the presence of gods, sages, and legendary figures. These journeys not only purify the body and soul but also strengthen one’s connection to the divine.
The role of Lomasa as a spiritual guide is reminiscent of other sage-guided pilgrimages in Hindu mythology. For example, Sage Vishvamitra guided Rama and Lakshmana during their early adventures in the Ramayana, instructing them in spiritual knowledge and preparing them for the trials ahead. Similarly, Lomasa’s guidance would fortify the Pandavas’ spirits, helping them endure the trials of exile while deepening their devotion to dharma.
| Character | Role | Connection to Other Mythological Stories |
|---|---|---|
| Arjuna | Embodiment of Nara, warrior, and ascetic | Arjuna’s connection to Nara parallels the Nara-Narayana relationship, as seen in Arjuna’s bond with Krishna (Narayana) |
| Lomasa | Sage, spiritual guide, and mentor to the Pandavas | Lomasa’s role mirrors sages like Vishvamitra, who guided Rama on his journey and Narada, who frequently advises the gods |
| Indra | King of the gods, father of Arjuna | Indra’s pride in Arjuna’s accomplishments parallels other divine fathers, such as Surya being proud of Karna despite adversity |
| Nivatakavachas | Asuras defeated by Arjuna | These Asuras, much like Mahishasura and Ravana, symbolize the forces of adharma that the heroes of Hindu mythology must vanquish |
The Pandavas’ Pilgrimage and Growth
When Lomasa reached the Pandavas in the Kamyaka forest, he found them enduring the hardships of exile with dignity but also missing Arjuna’s presence. Yudhishthira, who bore the weight of their exile most heavily, welcomed Lomasa with respect and listened eagerly to news of Arjuna. The sage reassured them of their brother’s safety and well-being in Indraloka, which brought great relief to the Pandavas.
Lomasa then shared Arjuna’s request that the Pandavas embark on a pilgrimage. He explained that visiting these holy sites would not only fortify their spirits but also bring them closer to the divine. The Pandavas agreed and thus began their pilgrimage under Lomasa’s guidance. Over the course of their journey, they visited various tirthas (sacred sites) that were sanctified by the gods, sages, and heroes of old.
Among the places they visited were sites associated with the Saptarishis, the seven great sages who play a vital role in the cosmic order, and the Saraswati River, where many ascetics had attained enlightenment. The Pandavas’ pilgrimage mirrors other epic journeys, such as Rama’s journey through the forests in the Ramayana, where he encountered sages and learned divine truths. It also recalls the Mahabharata’s emphasis on the power of tapasya (austerities) and divine intervention in shaping human destiny.
| Tirtha-Yatra Sites | Significance | Mythological Connections |
|---|---|---|
| Saraswati River | A sacred river where ascetics attained enlightenment | Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, invoked by sages in the pursuit of divine truth |
| Saptarishi Shrines | Sites associated with the seven great sages | The Saptarishis are considered the guardians of knowledge, similar to Lomasa’s role in guiding the Pandavas |
| Prabhasa | A sacred site where Krishna would later meet his end after the Kurukshetra War | Prabhasa is deeply linked with the divine plan of Krishna, showing how pilgrimage sites connect to larger events |
| Badrikashrama | The abode of Nara-Narayana, where divine austerities are performed | This is the holy site where Nara-Narayana meditate, and where Arjuna’s destiny is closely tied to Krishna |
The Role of Pilgrimage in Hindu Dharma
The Pandavas’ pilgrimage under Lomasa’s guidance deepened their connection to dharma and prepared them for the trials ahead, including the upcoming Kurukshetra War. In Hindu tradition, pilgrimage is not just a journey to physical locations but a spiritual quest for deeper understanding and connection to the divine. By visiting these sites, the Pandavas gained spiritual strength and wisdom, which would help them endure the remaining years of their exile and face their destiny.
Their journey also highlights the cyclical nature of time and fate in Hindu mythology. Just as Arjuna’s journey to Indraloka represented his preparation for future battles, the Pandavas’ pilgrimage symbolized their journey towards fulfilling their divine purpose. Each step they took brought them closer to their ultimate fate, guided by sages, divine intervention, and their unwavering commitment to dharma.
Thus, this episode reflects a central theme in Hindu mythology: the combination of divine grace, human effort, and spiritual guidance leads to the fulfillment of one’s destiny, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Through Lomasa’s guidance, Arjuna’s divine accomplishments, and the Pandavas’ pilgrimage, the story beautifully weaves together the interconnectedness of dharma, divine will, and human action.