Vijaya (Sanskrit: विजय, lit. 'Victory'), also called Vijaya Dhanusha (lit. 'Vijaya bow'), is a divine bow in Hindu tradition.[1] The bow was created by Vishvakarma, the architect of the gods, for Lord Shiva, the destroyer.
| Vijaya | |
|---|---|
 Relief of Karna wielding the Vijaya against Arjuna | |
| Affiliation | Shiva (Shaivism) Indra Parashurama Karna |
| Texts | Mahabharata |
Legend edit
The bow Vijaya was specially made by Vishvakarma for Lord Shiva to destroy the city of Tripura built by sons of Tarakasura. Lord Shiva destroyed Tripura by firing Pashupatastra from Vijaya. Later, Lord Shiva gave this bow for safekeeping to Lord Indra, who frequently wielded the bow in his fights with the Asuras. The Asuras feared the bow due to its destructive abilities and granted to Indra. After Indra had defeated many asuras with the help of this bow, he granted it to Lord Parashurama. On 21 different occasions, when the ruling Kshatriyas began oppressing their subjects and committing sin, Parashurama, armed with the Vijaya bow, hunted them to the brink of extinction, nearly ridding the world of the varna. Each time, Parashurama donated the territory won from the Kshatriyas to the Brahmins for the re-establishment of order.[2]
Mahabharata edit
The Mahabharata discusses how the ownership of the bow passed on to his beloved student Karna:[3]
My bow, called Vijaya, is the foremost of all weapons (of its kind). Desirous of doing what was agreeable (to Indra), it was made by Vishakarman (the celestial artificer) for Indra. With that bow, O king, Indra had vanquished the Daityas. At its twang the Daityas beheld the ten points to be empty. That bow, respected by all, Sakra gave to Bhrigu's son (Rama). That celestial and foremost of bows Bhrigu's son gave to me. With that bow I will contend in battle with the mighty-armed Arjuna, that foremost of victorious warriors, like Indra fighting with the assembled Daityas. That formidable bow, the gift of Rama, is superior to Gandiva. It was with that bow that the Earth was subjugated thrice seven times (by Bhrigu's son). With that bow given to me by Rama I will contend in battle with the son of Pandu. I will, O Duryodhana, gladden thee today with thy friends, by slaying in battle that hero, viz., Arjuna, that foremost of conquerors. .
— Attributed to Vyasa, Mahabharata
According to the Mahabharata, Parashurama takes on Karna as his student. Since Karna is not only a talented student, but also favourite disciple of Parashurama, he blessed Karna with the Vijaya, along with other celestial weapons. But Karna never used this bow as Karna believed in his skills and valour rather than celestial weapons and also guilt of killing the Brahmin's cow accidentally with this bow during his practice session. The Vijaya bow is used by Karna only during the Kurukshetra war, on the 17th day, when Karna fights against Arjuna as it was life and death battle for Karna.[4] Even Lord Krishna adviced Arjuna that Karna was undefeatable as long as he holds Vijaya Bow. When Karna's chariot wheel stucked into the mud, he leaves the bow and starts lifting the wheel. Arjuna seizes the opportunity and kills him, thus destiny had ended Karna's life.
Significance edit
In Shaiva tradition, the Vijaya was wielded by Shiva, and presented to his devotee, Parashurama. It is stated that the string of the bow cannot be broken by any astra, and that when mustered, it creates a blinding flash of light that is bright enough to leave one's enemy incapacitated.[5]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Bane, Theresa (29 May 2020). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.
- ^ www.wisdomlib.org (12 April 2009). "Vijaya, Vijayā: 69 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 5: Udyoga Parva: Bhagwat Yana Parva: Section CLIX". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 31". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- ^ Bane, Theresa (29 May 2020). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.