Vijaya (Sanskrit: विजय, lit. 'Victory'), also called Vijaya Dhanusha (lit. 'Vijaya bow'), is a divine bow in Hindu tradition. It ensures victory to whoever wields this weapon. But to wield this weapon, the wielders should be the worthy. [1] The bow was created by Vishvakarma, the architect of the gods, for Shiva.
| Vijaya | |
|---|---|
 Relief of Karna wielding the Vijaya against Arjuna | |
| Affiliation | Shiva Parashurama Karna |
| Texts | Brahmanda Purana Mahabharata |
Legend
editThe bow Vijaya was specially made by Vishvakarma for Shiva, when he was waging a war on asuras. Later Shiva hand over this Bow to Parashurama and with this bow, Parashurama annihilated the evil Kshetriyas 21 times.
Mahabharata
editThe Mahabharata discusses how the ownership of the bow was passed on to Karna:[2]
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 took on Karna as his student since Karna was the talented and brilliant student. But Karna never used this bow except 17th day as he was believed in his skills and also due to guilt of killing an innocent cow accidentally with this bow. He used this Bow on 17th day of Kurukshetra War during his last battle with Arjuna[3].
Significance
editIt was created by Vishwakarma for Indra on the starting of a Devasura Sangram.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Bane, Theresa (29 May 2020). Encyclopedia of Mythological Objects. McFarland. ISBN 978-1-4766-3920-8.
- ^ "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.