Introduction After the infamous game of dice, the Pandavas were exiled to the forest for twelve years, with one more year to live in disguise. During this time of exile, Lord Krishna advised them to prepare not just physically, but spiritually and mentally for the great war that awaited them. Each Pandava was given a path suited to their strengths—Nakula and Sahadeva were to learn healing from the celestial doctors Ashwini Kumaras, Bhima was to gain inner power and martial discipline through an encounter with Lord Hanuman, and Yudhishthira and Draupadi were to earn the blessings of sages through service. But for Arjuna, Krishna gave a higher instruction: to meditate upon Lord Shiva and obtain the most powerful celestial weapon—the Pashupatastra. Arjuna left his brothers and traveled to the Indrakeeladri Hills near present-day Vijayawada. There, he engaged in intense tapas (penance), focusing his mind and body completely on Lord Shiva. Days passed, and his penance deepened. Moved by Arj...
Introduction After the infamous game of dice, the Pandavas were exiled to the forest for twelve years, with one more year to live in disguise. During this time of exile, Lord Krishna advised them to prepare not just physically, but spiritually and mentally for the great war that awaited them. Each Pandava was given a path suited to their strengths—Nakula and Sahadeva were to learn healing from the celestial doctors Ashwini Kumaras, Bhima was to gain inner power and martial discipline through an encounter with Lord Hanuman, and Yudhishthira and Draupadi were to earn the blessings of sages through service. But for Arjuna, Krishna gave a higher instruction: to meditate upon Lord Shiva and obtain the most powerful celestial weapon—the Pashupatastra. Arjuna left his brothers and traveled to the Indrakeeladri Hills near present-day Vijayawada. There, he engaged in intense tapas (penance), focusing his mind and body completely on Lord Shiva. Days passed, and his penance deepened. Moved by Arj...