Supreme Archer Arjuna: TEACHERS OF ARJUNA

According to our Sanatana Dharma, Gurus play a vital role in the construction of not only the health, wealth and character but also in the construction of capacity, ability and capability of their Shishyas. On this Teachers Day, we are going to mention those Gurus who played the vital role in the construction of capacity, ability, capability, health, wealth and character of the most mentioned character of Mahabharata Narottam Arjuna

1) GURU DRONA

Adi Parva, Chapter No. 123, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

Vaishampayana said, ‘Arjuna took a great deal of care in worshipping his preceptor and showed the greatest devotion in learning the art of weapons. He became a great favourite of

Drona’s.

2) GURU KRIPA

Adi Parva, Chapter No. 120, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

He soon became a great teacher. All the

maharathas learnt Dhanur Veda from him. This included Dhritarashtra’s sons, the immensely powerful Pandavas, the Vrishnis and other kings who assembled from many countries.’

3) SHRI MAHADEVA SHIVA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 161, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

He sat in the midst of the brahmana rishis and recounted everything that had happened. “I have learnt these weapons from Shakra, the wind-god and Shiva themselves. Together with the gods, Indra was pleased at my conduct and

my concentration.

4) CHITRASENA GANDHARVA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 89, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

He has learnt from Vishvavasu’s son

singing, dancing, the chanting of

samas and the playing of musical instruments, as is prescribed, according to the rules and according to the norms for learning. Thus Kounteya has become skilled in weapons and has

learnt gandharva veda

5) SHRI KRISHNA

Bhishma Parva, Chapter No. 24, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

My normal nature has been overtaken by a sense of helplessness. Confused about what is dharma, I am asking you. Tell me that which is decidedly best for me. I am your disciple. I have sought refuge in you. Instruct me. This grief is exploiting my senses and I don’t see what will remedy that, even if I win lordship over

the gods, or this earth, without any enemies and prosperous.’”

Bhishma Parva, Chapter No. 103, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

Your brother is my friend, relative and disciple. O lord of the earth! For Arjuna’s sake, I can slice off and give my own flesh. This tiger among men will also lay down his life for my sake. O father! This is our understanding, that we will protect each other.

6) YUDHISHTHIRA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 254, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

He is Yudhishthira’s brother and disciple. His name is Dhananjaya and he is

my husband. Desire, fear or avarice will never cause him to abandon dharma. He never performs a cruel act. His energy is equal to that of the fire-god. He is Kunti’s son and he withstands and represses all his enemies.

7) SHRI INDRA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 165, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

O scorcher of enemies! The

time has now come for you to pay your preceptor’s fees. Promise to pay it and then I will tell you what you have to do.’ O king! At that, I spoke these words to the king of the gods. ‘If it is in my power to do it, then consider it done.

8) SHRI YAMA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 42, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

O mighty-armed one! Accept the

staff, my weapon that cannot be repulsed. With this weapon, you will accomplish great deeds.” Partha, the descendant of the Kuru lineage,accepted it in accordance with the prescribed rites, with the mantras for holding, releasing and withdrawing.

9) SHRI VARUNA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 42, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

I am Varuna, lord of the waters. When

discharged by me, Varuna’s noose cannot be resisted. O Kounteya! I am giving it to you. Accept it, together with the mysteries and means of withdrawal

10) SHRI KUBERA

Vana Parva, Chapter No. 42, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

you were an eternal god. In an

earlier era, your endeavours were always at our side. Accept this favourite weapon of mine, known as antardhana. It is energetic, vigorous and resplendent. O destroyer of enemies! It can put the enemy to sleep.” Then the mighty-armed Arjuna, descendant of the Kuru lineage, accepted Kubera’s divine weapon in accordance with the rites

11) RISHI DHOUMYA

Adi Parva, Chapter No. 174, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

With their mother constituting the sixth person of the group, those bulls of the Bharata lineage considered themselves well protected, now that they had a preceptor. For the noble preceptor knew the subtle nuances of the Vedas well.

He made the virtuous sons of Pritha his disciples in learning all the knowledge.

12) GANDHARVA TUMBURU

Drona Parva, Chapter No. 44, Mahabharata CE by BORI, Dr. Bibek Debroy translation

He affixed the gandharva weapon and its powers of maya. After tormenting himself

with austerities, Arjuna had obtained it from gandharvas, Tumburu being the foremost.

13) SHRI BRAHMA