Arjuna: The Unrivaled Athirathi of Mahabharata

Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, is widely regarded as an Athirathi in the context of the Mahabharata. An Athirathi is a warrior who can fight against multiple charioteers and is a highly skilled archer and combatant. This article delves into the details of Arjuna's prowess as an Athirathi and his unwavering status in the epic.

What is an Athirathi?

In the Mahabharata, an Athirathi is a term used to describe a highly skilled warrior capable of fighting against numerous foes simultaneously. The term highlights an individual's exceptional martial abilities, particularly in using a chariot and weaponry such as bows and arrows.

Arjuna's Prowess and Training

According to the epic, Arjuna excelled in his training days as mentioned in the Adi Parva. It is said that even amidst similar teachings, Arjuna surpassed all other princes in both his skills and devotion to his preceptors. Specifically, it is noted that Arjuna could fight off sixty thousand foes at once, a feat that marked him as an Atiratha.

Excerpt from Adi Parva

Both in skill with missiles and in devotion to his preceptor, Arjuna became the foremost among them all. Amongst all the princes, Arjuna alone became an Atiratha, a charioteer capable of fighting simultaneously with sixty thousand foes.

This passage underscores the immense combat skills and divine guidance Arjuna received, which further consolidated his position as an unparalleled Athirathi.

Bhishma's Recognition of Arjuna's Prowess

The Bhagavad Gita, as well as other parts of the Mahabharata, mention that Arjuna was a standout warrior, recognized even by his opponents. Bhishma, an impeccable warrior himself, acknowledged Arjuna's unmatched skill during the Udyoga Parva. Bhishma highlighted that no car-warrior could match Arjuna, be it among gods, demons, asuras, uragas, rakshasas, or yakshas, thus confirming Arjuna's status as a superior Athirathi.

Excerpt from Udyoga Parva

Udyoga Parva

As regards Gudakesha of reddish eyes having Narayana for his ally, there is not among both the armies any brave chariot-warrior that can be regarded as his equal. Let men alone it hath not been heard by us that even among gods, asuras, uragas, rakshasas, and yakshas there ever was born before or there ever will be born hereafter any chariot-warrior like unto him, O great king, intelligent Partha owneth that car which is furnished with the banner bearing the device of the ape the driver of that car is Vasudeva! Dhananjaya himself is the warrior who fighteth from it, his bow is that celestial bow called Gandiva, he owneth again those steeds fleet as the wind, his coat of mail is impenetrable and of celestial make, his two large quivers are inexhaustible, his arms have been obtained from the great Indra, Rudra, Kama (Kubera), Yama, and Varuna, and upon his car again are those maces of frightful mien and diverse other great weapons having the thunderbolt amongst them! What chariot-warrior can be regarded as his equal?

Arjuna's Proofs of Prowess

Arjuna's supremacy as an Athirathi is evident through various trial battles and encounters, such as his prowess in the bird-eye's fish, the conquest of Khandav Rajasuya, and his fight with Nivata Kavachas. Additionally, during the Virata Parv, Arjuna showcased his immense skill, even triumphing over thousands of attackers placed against him.

Excerpts from Various Battles

Bird-eye's Fish: A test of archery and courage, Arjuna proved his skills and bravery. Khandav Rajasuya: A significant test of warriorship, Arjuna demonstrated his unmatched abilities. Conquest of Nivata Kavachas: A remarkable encounter showcasing Arjuna's combat prowess. Virata Parv: In this battle, Arjuna faced and defeated thousands of attackers collectively. Kurukshetra War: Here, Arjuna demonstrated his unparalleled skill, defeating innumerable foes.

Conclusion

Through his martial prowess, divine guidance, and countless battles, Arjuna has consistently proven himself an exceedingly powerful and unmatched Athirathi. The recognition of his status as an unparalleled warrior, acknowledged by both Bhishma and other great warriors, solidifies Arjuna's place among the greatest Athirathis of the Mahabharata.

References:

Bori Critical Edition of Mahabharata, Adiparv 123, 139 Kisari Mohan Ganguli, English Translation, Adi Parv CXXXIV, Udyoga Parva CLXX