“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘When all the monarchs had desisted from
stringing that bow, the high-souled Jishnu (Arjuna) arose from among the crowd of Brahmanas seated in that assembly. Looking
Paartha (Arjuna) possessing the (colour) complexion of (Lord) Indra’s banner (Lord Indra gives rain
to the world and His banner are the rain clouds; the colour of the rain clouds
are dark; hence once again, it is mentioned that Arjuna’s skin complexion is
black in colour), advancing towards the
bow, the important Brahmanas shaking their deer-skins raised a loud uproar.
“While some were displeased, there were others that were well-pleased. Some
there were, possessed of intelligence and foresight, who addressing one another
said, ‘O Brahmanas, how can a young Brahmana unpractised in weaponry and weak
in strength, string that bow which such celebrated Kshatriyas as Shalya and
others filled with might and accomplished in the science and practice of weaponry
could not? If he does not achieve success in this untried task which he has
undertaken from a spirit of boyish unsteadiness, the entire group of Brahmanas
here will be made laughable in the eyes of the assembled monarchs. Therefore, stop
this Brahmana (Arjuna) that he may
not go to string the bow which he is now desirous of doing from ego, childish
daring, or mere unsteadiness.’
“Others replied, ‘We shall not be made laughable, nor shall we incur
the disrespect of anybody or the displeasure of the sovereigns.’
“Some remarked, ‘This handsome youth is like the trunk of a mighty
elephant, whose shoulders and arms and thighs are so well-built, who in
patience looks like the Himavat (present-day Himalayas), whose walk is like that of the lion, and whose prowess seems to be
like that of an elephant in rut, and who is so determined, that it is probable
that he will accomplish this feat. He has strength and determination. If he had
none, he would never go of his own accord. Besides, there is nothing in the
three worlds that Brahmanas of all mortal men cannot accomplish. Avoiding all
food or living upon air or eating of fruits, staying strong in their vows (Vrata
in Sanskrit), and thin and weak,
Brahmanas are ever strong in their own energy. One should never disregard a Brahmana
whether his acts be right or wrong, by supposing him incapable of achieving any
task that is great or little, or that is filled with joy or sorrow. (Parushu) Rama, the son of (Rishi) Jamadagni, defeated in battle, all the
Kshatriyas. (Rishi) Agastya by his
Brahma energy drank off the deep ocean. Therefore, you say, ‘Let this youth
bend the bow and string it with ease’ (and many said), ‘So be it.’
“The Brahmanas continued speaking to one another these and other words.
Then Arjuna approached the bow and stood there like a mountain. Walking round
that bow, and bending his head to that giver of boons -- the Lord Ishaana (Lord
Shiva) -- and remembering (Sri) Krishna also, he took it up. That bow which
Rukma, Sunitha, Vakra, Radha’s son (Karna), Duryodhana, Shalya, and many other kings accomplished in the science
and practice of weaponry, could not even with great effort, string, Arjuna, the
son of (Lord) Indra, that foremost
of all persons filled with energy and like to the younger brother of (Lord)
Indra (i.e. Lord Vishnu) in might, strung in the twinkling of an
eye. Taking up the five arrows he shot the mark and caused it to fall down on
the ground through the hole in the machine above which it had been placed.
“Then there arose a loud uproar in the sky, and the arena also
resounded with a loud uproar. Devas showered divine flowers on the head of Paartha
(Arjuna), the slayer of enemies. Thousands
of Brahmanas began to wave their upper garments in joy. All around, the
monarchs who had been unsuccessful, uttered exclamations of grief and despair. Flowers
were rained from the skies all over the arena. The musicians struck up in musical
performance. Poets and heralds began to chant in sweet tones the praises (of
the hero who accomplished the feat).
“Looking Arjuna, Drupada -- that slayer of enemies -- was filled with
joy. The monarch (Drupada) desired to
assist with his forces the hero if the occasion arose. When the uproar was at
its height, Yudhishthira, the foremost of all men of Dharma, accompanied by
those first of men – the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), quickly left the arena for returning to his temporary home. Krishna (Draupadi) seeing the mark shot and seeing Paartha (Arjuna) also like to (Lord) Indra himself, who had shot the mark, was
filled with joy, and approached the son of Kunti (Arjuna) with a white garment and a garland of
flowers. Arjuna, the accomplisher of unimaginable achievements, having won
Draupadi by his success in the arena, was saluted with respect by all the
Brahmanas. He soon after left the arena followed close by her who thus became
his wife.’”
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