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In the midst of his pilgrimage, Arjuna encounters a profound lesson in humility and devotion while attempting to outmatch Hanuman's strength in bridge-building, guided by the divine presence of Lord Vishnu.
Characters in the story:
Arjuna: Arjuna is a prominent character in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, and is considered one of the greatest warriors and archers of all time.
Hanuman: Hanuman is a revered deity in Hinduism, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his incredible strength, symbolizing courage, loyalty, and selflessness.
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped as the eighth avaatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
During the Pandavas’ period of exile, Arjuna embarked on a pilgrimage that led him to various sacred sites across India. Among these stops was Rameshwaram, where he visited a temple housing the revered Shivlinga crafted by Lord Rama.
After offering his prayers to Lord Shiva, Arjuna strolled along the ocean’s edge and stumbled upon the remnants of the ancient Ram Setu Bridge. Gazing upon this marvel, he pondered the divine might of Lord Rama, questioning why the mighty archer had chosen to rely on the efforts of the vanars to construct the bridge from stones. Arjuna mused that with his exceptional archery skills, Lord Rama could have effortlessly fashioned a bridge with a flick of his arrows. This riddle occupied his thoughts as he contemplated the bridge’s mysteries.
As Arjuna stood lost in thought, a vanar approached him and inquired about his prolonged gaze upon the bridge. Unable to unravel the enigma himself, Arjuna disclosed his questions to the vanar. In response, the vanar chuckled and explained the folly of constructing a bridge from arrows. He reminded Arjuna that even the mightiest vanars, devoted followers of Lord Ram, would cause an arrow bridge to crumble beneath their weight. The vanar’s insightful words prompted Arjuna to realize the impracticality of his idea. He marveled at the vanar’s wisdom and insight.
Arjuna, however, couldn’t accept defeat from a vanar and challenged the creature. He proposed a wager: he would build an arrow bridge that could bear the vanar’s weight, and if he failed, he would end his life on a pyre. The vanar agreed to this test.
With his trusty Gandiva bow, Arjuna set to work, constructing an arrow bridge parallel to the ocean shore. The vanar sat nearby, chanting Lord Ram’s name. Once the bridge was complete, Arjuna beckoned the vanar to cross it. To his astonishment, the bridge collapsed under the vanar’s mere touch.
Undeterred, Arjuna requested another chance, constructing an even sturdier bridge with arrows set closer together. Yet, once again, the vanar’s presence proved too much for the bridge to endure. The vanar jovially explained that his form and the weight of his kind could not be upheld by an arrow bridge.
Arjuna, humbled by this experience, was prepared to fulfill his promise of self-immolation when a young Brahmin intervened. The Brahmin questioned Arjuna’s intent and listened to the story of his defeat. Recognizing the need for an impartial judge in this trial, the Brahmin volunteered to oversee the challenge’s fairness.
With the Brahmin as a mediator, Arjuna and the vanar engaged in a final round. Arjuna, seeking guidance and courage, invoked Lord Krishna through prayer. Bolstered by Krishna’s energy, he constructed an arrow bridge with the utmost precision. Confident in his work, he invited the vanar to cross.
To everyone’s surprise, the bridge remained steadfast as the vanar stepped upon it. The vanar, however, was confident the bridge wouldn’t withstand his full form. Transforming into the mighty Hanuman, he began to tread on the bridge. To Arjuna’s amazement, the bridge held firm against even Hanuman’s massive weight and vigorous movements.
Curious and impressed, Hanuman approached the Brahmin, realizing he wasn’t an ordinary individual. The Brahmin revealed himself to be Lord Vishnu, embodying both Rama and Krishna. He shared valuable insights with Arjuna and Hanuman, teaching them about humility, modesty, and the power of devotion. Lord Vishnu clarified that ego and pride would only lead to downfall, and that true strength came from recognizing one’s place in the grand scheme of things.
Arjuna and Hanuman came to realize the truth and sought forgiveness from Lord Vishnu. Responding with a smile, Lord Vishnu granted his blessings to both of them.
Hanuman expressed his regret, admitting his error in pushing Arjuna to the point of despair. To make amends, Hanuman proposed to reside on the flag of Arjuna’s chariot, safeguarding him. Agreeing to Hanuman’s request, Lord Vishnu ensured the chariot’s invincibility during the impending Kurukshetra war.
In the wisdom of humility and the strength of devotion, Arjuna learned that even the mightiest feats could crumble beneath unchecked pride. With Hanuman’s blessing adorning his chariot, he embarked on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, not only as a skilled warrior but as a humble soul who understood the true essence of power.
