Vijaya (bow)
| Vijaya | |
|---|---|
 Relief of Karna wielding the Vijaya against Arjuna | |
| Affiliation | Shiva Parshurama Karna |
| Texts | Brahmanda Purana Mahabharata |
Vijaya(Sanskrit:विजय,lit. 'Victory'), also calledVijaya Dhanusha(lit. 'Vijaya bow'), is a divinebowinHindutradition. The bow was crafted byVishvakarma,the architect of the gods, forIndraas per Hindu mythology.[1]
Legend
[edit]The bow Vijaya was specially made byVishwakarmaforIndra,when he was waging a war on asuras. Later it was said to passed toParashurama
Karna's Vijaya Bow
[edit]Mahabharata describesKarnastating that he is the weilder of celestial Vijaya bow.[2] In theMahabharata,Karna talks about the special bow:[3]
My bow, called Vijaya, is the foremost of all weapons (of its kind). Desirous of doing what was agreeable (to Indra), it was made by Vishakarman (the celestial artificer) for Indra. With that bow, O king, Indra had vanquished the Daityas. At its twang the Daityas beheld the ten points to be empty. That bow, respected by all, Sakra gave to Bhrigu's son (Rama). That celestial and foremost of bows Bhrigu's son gave to me. With that bow I will contend in battle with the mighty-armed Arjuna, that foremost of victorious warriors, like Indra fighting with the assembled Daityas. That formidable bow, the gift of Rama, is superior to Gandiva. It was with that bow that the Earth was subjugated thrice seven times (by Bhrigu's son). With that bow given to me by Rama I will contend in battle with the son of Pandu. I will, O Duryodhana, gladden thee today with thy friends, by slaying in battle that hero, viz., Arjuna, that foremost of conquerors.
— Attributed toVyasa,Mahabharata
According to theMahabharata,He used this Bow on 17th day ofKurukshetra Warduring his last battle withArjuna.[4]
Significance
[edit]It was created byVishwakarmaforShivaon the starting of a Devasura Sangram.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^"The Mahabharata, Book 5: Udyoga Parva: Bhagwat Yana Parva: Section CLIX".sacred-texts.Retrieved25 September2022.
- ^"The Mahabharata".1886.
- ^"The Mahabharata, Book 5: Udyoga Parva: Bhagwat Yana Parva: Section CLIX".sacred-texts.Retrieved25 September2022.
- ^"The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 31".sacred-texts.Retrieved19 June2020.