The inner conflict
Facing his grandfather, teachers and cousins across the field, he could not bring himself to fight.
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Character chronicle · 32
Arjuna
ಅರ್ಜುನ
The archer who paused before the battle
The warrior who froze before battle and asked the questions we all ask.
- Tradition
- Mahabharata
- Role
- Third Pandava, the great archer
- Family & lineage
- Third of the Pandavas; son of Kunti and Indra (through Pandu); husband of Draupadi, Subhadra, Ulupi and Chitrangada; father of Abhimanyu.
- Known for
- Winning Draupadi, his bow Gandiva, the Bhagavad Gita he received from Krishna, and his skill at Kurukshetra.
- Age
- Dwapara Yuga
- Central theme
- Act with clarity and courage, without being ruled by fear of the result.
The question beneath the legend
“What should you do when your duty asks you to harm those you love?”
Beyond the familiar story
Who was Arjuna, really?
Why it still matters
Arjuna’s doubt is every person’s doubt; his conversation with Krishna has guided people for thousands of years.
The defining moment
At Kurukshetra he put down his bow and asked Krishna what was right. The answer became the Gita.
A living legacy
The Bhagavad Gita, spoken to Arjuna, is one of the most read spiritual texts in the world.
Life journey
Four defining chapters
- 1
Origins and family
Born to Kunti, he became Drona’s favourite pupil.
- 2
Rise and relationships
He won Draupadi at her swayamvara by piercing the target.
- 3
The turning point
In exile he earned divine weapons, including the Pashupatastra from Shiva.
- 4
Final years and legacy
Guided by Krishna, he fought at Kurukshetra and later retired to the Himalayas.
“Act with clarity and courage, without being ruled by fear of the result.”
— The heart of Arjuna’s story
Read more about Arjuna
Philosophy & Religion
Karma Yoga in Plain Words: Act Without Clinging to Results
The Gita’s best-known teaching tells us to do our work fully, but let go of our grip on the outcome. What does that mean on a Monday morning?
Connected lives
No story stands alone
Arjuna’s journey continues through the people around them.
