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Despite being a lesser-known character in the epic Mahabharata, Iravan, who is the son of Arjuna, is revered by devotees throughout India. Iravan is also known as Iravat, Iravant, and Aravat. He holds a special place in the hearts of the Tamil cult of Kuttantavar and the Draupadi cult, both of which are located in South India.
Characters in the story:
Iravan: Iravan, also known as Aravan, is the son of Arjuna and the snake princess Ulupi in the Hindu epic Mahabharata
Draupadi: Draupadi is a prominent female character in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. She was the wife of the five Pandava brothers and is known for her beauty, intelligence, and strength of character.
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.
Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hindu mythology. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
Goddess Kali: Goddess Kali is a Hindu goddess known for her fierce form and association with destruction, time, and the power of femininity. She is often depicted with a dark complexion, multiple arms, and a necklace of skulls.
Sahdev: Sahdev is one of the five Pandava brothers and a prominent character in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. He is known for his expertise in astrology and for being a skilled warrior.
Mohini: Mohini is a female avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, known for her enchanting beauty and her ability to mesmerize and captivate all who gaze upon her. In Hindu mythology, she is often depicted as the bringer of good fortune and is revered for her role in preserving the universe.
After thirteen long years in exile, the Pandavas returned to their kingdom, expecting to regain their rightful rule. However, the eldest Kaurava, Dhuryodhana, had been occupying the throne, despite their previous agreement. In an attempt to resolve the issue peacefully, the Pandavas sent Krishna to speak with Dhuryodhana. However, his stubbornness and refusal to give up the kingdom meant that war was inevitable.
Before a battle, it was customary to perform a narabali, a human sacrifice of someone with 32 lakshanam (virtues). Only three people fit this criterion – Krishna, Arjuna, and Arjuna’s son, Iravan. However, sacrificing any one of them would be difficult, as Arjuna’s archery skills were indispensable in the war, and Krishna was considered impossible to sacrifice. Iravan volunteered, requesting that he be sacrificed in battle. He also wished to marry before his death to avoid dying a virgin. Krishna granted his request in his female form, Mohini.
Iravan married Mohini before cutting himself into 32 body parts as an offering to Goddess Kali. The goddess blessed them with victory in the upcoming battle, and Iravan’s body was reunited before his death in battle.
The sacrifice had to be done on amavasya, the new moon day, as it provided immense benefits to whoever performed it, potentially ensuring their victory in battle. Sahadev, renowned for his astrology skills, chose the date.
In order to secure victory for the Pandavas, Krishna performed a special prayer called tharpanam for his late father one day before amavasya, although traditionally this prayer is performed on the day of amavasya. The Sun and Moon gods became puzzled upon witnessing this and decided to confront Krishna about his actions. They asked him why he was performing tharpanam a day early instead of on amavasya.
In response, Krishna posed a question to them, asking what amavasya actually meant. The gods replied that it signified the union of the Sun and Moon. Krishna then pointed out that they were currently together, implying that that day was in fact amavasya. Realizing that Krishna was playing a trick on them, the Sun and Moon gods left without a reply.
The start of the battle was marked by planting a Trishul with a yellow cloth tied around it near the Iravan sanctum, and Draupadi performed the ritual. The battle was fierce, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, the Pandavas eventually emerged victorious, with Yudhishthira becoming the king of Hastinapura.
The sacrifice of Iravan had played a crucial role in their victory, and the Pandavas mourned his death. However, they were grateful for his sacrifice, which had given them the strength and blessings to overcome their enemies. Krishna’s resourcefulness had also played a crucial role in their victory, and he was highly regarded for his assistance.
In the end, the Pandavas had regained their rightful rule, and their kingdom was once again a prosperous and peaceful place. However, the memories of the war and the sacrifice of Iravan remained with them, a reminder of the high price of victory and the importance of honor and virtue.
