Was Arjuna as Good as Shown in TV Serials? A Closer Look at the Bhagavadgita Character

Have you ever wondered if Arjuna, the famed Gandiva bearer from the epic Mahabharata, was really as good as he was made out to be by TV serials like Krishna Arjun Gatha? While such productions often swirl the narrative with a certain flair, painting Arjuna as a character molded in butter, the truth is richer and more complex.

An Impartial Look at Arjuna

Let us set the record straight: Arjuna was, indeed, an exemplary person, a great warrior, and a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. However, it is important to view him through a lens of realism rather than the idealized prism through which he is often portrayed. Here is a closer look at the multifaceted character of Arjuna:

Real Traits of Arjuna

First and foremost, Arjuna was a perfect example of a balanced person. While he was a great warrior, he was also a highly skilled archer, a true disciple of Maharshi Drona, and a man of deep devotional sentiments towards Lord Krishna. His tale is also marked by his ability to balance his emotions, both calm and passionate as needed. He was a devoted son and brother and a loving husband, qualities that were not mere tokens but integral parts of his personality. His willingness to undergo severe austerity through years of tapasya to obtain powerful celestial weapons like Pashupatastra speaks volumes about his determination and commitment.

Challenges of Arjuna

Despite his many virtues, Arjuna was far from perfect. He, too, had his share of human flaws and imperfections. At the heart of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is portrayed as a self-doubter who, at the brink of war, hesitates and is unsure of his path. This scene, famously known as the episode of Dhyan Arjuna, is a crucial part of his character development, demonstrating his struggles with his inner self. In Dhyan Arjuna, Arjuna is forced to ask the ultimate question: Is it right for me to fight? This hesitance is not indicative of a superior moral standing but rather a poignant expression of human complexity, a common experience in every individual.

Epic Critique of Characters in Mahabharata

When we delve into the broader narrative of the Mahabharata, it becomes evident that no character, including Arjuna, is wholly good or bad. Each character in the epic is a tapestry woven with shades of grey, a reflection of the complexity of human nature. For instance, Shantanu, though a benevolent king and a loving husband, was also a neglectful father. Ganga, the beautiful and powerful river, could be arrogant. Bhishma, the great warrior, was too stubborn. These flaws make the characters human, relatable, and more realistic.

Contrast with TV Serials

The TV serials, while often entertaining, often present characters in a simplified, overly romanticized manner. They cater to a younger, more impressionable audience, often creating fictional characters that are, metaphorically speaking, "buttered" to make them more appealing. This often leads to a lose of depth and complexity, making the characters less relatable. For instance, Arjuna in such serials may seem perfect, but in the Mahabharata itself, he also shows his human fallibility during the Khandava Dahan episode, where he breaks the rules of war to gain advantage. This highlights his pride and weakness, making him a more authentic and realistic character.

Conclusion

So, while Arjuna is undoubtedly a great hero, he is not as infallible as he is often depicted in TV serials. His character is a nuanced blend of virtues and faults, reflecting the true essence of the human spirit. The real Arjuna, as portrayed in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, is a complex individual, a true reflection of the struggle between good and evil within every human heart.

Understanding Arjuna through this lens allows us to appreciate him not as an infallible hero but as a flawed and yet revered individual, a testament to the rich and diverse human experience.