PARTHA (ARJUNA) Guru Arjan Dev is an authentic personality. He does not move out (of the battlefield) like Partha (Arjuna). (The word Partha connotes a son of Pritha or Kunti). (Swayye Mahle Panjwen Ke, p. 1408) The word Partha cannotes a son of Pritha or Kunti. Partha is a tide applicable to the three elder Pandavas, but especially used for Arjuna.
Partha or Arjuna has been addressed the celestial song of Bhagavada Gita. Out of the five Pandu princes, he was the third one. His father was Indra, the king of gods. He was the favourite pupil of Dronacharya, who taught him the use of arms. He won Draupadi in her swayyamvara. Later on he married Subhadra, the sister of Kristina. By her, he had a son named Abhimanyu.
He obtained the personal assistance of Kristina in the great war of Mahabharata. Kristina acted as his charioteer and before the war, instructed him regarding the religious philosophy of Yoga through Bhagavade Gita. See : Draupadi, Pandavas
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Partha, a name meaning “son of Pritha (Kunti),” is one of the many epithets of Arjuna, a central figure in Hindu mythology and the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna is celebrated as a heroic warrior, a devoted disciple, and a spiritually enlightened individual, embodying courage, righteousness, and devotion.
Key Aspects of Arjuna (Partha):
Lineage and Birth:
- Arjuna is the third of the Pandava brothers, born to Kunti and Indra, the king of gods. His divine lineage granted him exceptional strength and skills.
- He was trained in archery and warfare by Dronacharya, becoming a master archer and earning the celestial bow Gandiva.
Role in the Mahabharata:
- Arjuna played a pivotal role in the Kurukshetra War, fighting on the side of the Pandavas against the Kauravas.
- Before the war, he faced a moral dilemma about fighting his own relatives and sought guidance from Lord Krishna, who delivered the Bhagavad Gita, a profound spiritual discourse.
Marriages and Relationships:
- Arjuna married Draupadi, who became the shared wife of the Pandavas, and later married Subhadra, Krishna’s sister, with whom he had a son, Abhimanyu.
- He also married Ulupi and Chitrangada, forming alliances that strengthened his position.
Epithets and Symbolism:
- Arjuna is known by various names, including Dhananjaya (winner of wealth), Gudakesha (conqueror of sleep), and Savyasachi (ambidextrous archer).
- As Partha, he symbolizes devotion and the pursuit of dharma (righteousness).
Legacy:
- Arjuna’s journey from a skilled warrior to a spiritually enlightened individual serves as an enduring example of balancing worldly duties with spiritual growth.
- His role in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire seekers of wisdom and righteousness.
Arjuna’s multifaceted character and his relationship with Krishna make him one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology.
