Arjuna illustration

Arjuna

Who is Arjuna?

Arjuna is the greatest archer of the Mahabharata and one of its main heroes. He is the third of the five Pandava brothers, and his skill with the bow is legendary. He once shot the eye of a revolving fish by looking only at its reflection, and he defeated entire armies almost single-handedly.

But Arjuna is more than a warrior. Before the great Kurukshetra war, he refuses to fight because he cannot bear to kill his own family. His charioteer Krishna then gives him the advice that becomes the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna shows that even the bravest hero can feel doubt, and that asking for guidance is a kind of courage.

Arjuna’s most famous stories

More episodes with Arjuna

Fun facts about Arjuna

  • Arjuna won Draupadi’s hand by shooting a fish’s eye while looking only at its reflection in water below.
  • His bow was called Gandiva, and it was so powerful that its twang alone scared enemy armies.
  • Arjuna once spent a year in disguise as a dance teacher during the Pandavas’ exile.
  • His chariot was driven by Krishna himself, which is why their conversation before the war is so famous.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Arjuna famous?

He is the greatest archer of his age, the hero of the Kurukshetra war, and the listener of the Bhagavad Gita.

What is the Bhagavad Gita?

Krishna’s advice to Arjuna about duty, courage, and doing what is right, given on the battlefield before the war began.

Who was Arjuna’s greatest rival?

Karna. They were rivals from youth, and their final duel is the climax of the Mahabharata war.

Did Arjuna ever lose?

Rarely in battle, but his biggest struggle was inside himself, when he doubted whether he should fight at all.

Listen to the episodes

S2 E6 May 1, 2025 · 22 min

Arjuna, Ekalavya, and Karna: Great Archers of Mahabharata

Ready your bows, myth-lovers! In this thrilling episode of Mythical Masala with Neev, we explore the stories of incredible archers and destiny's twisty plans. 🎯 Arjuna stuns everyone with his amazing focus during Dronacharya’s bird-eye test.Deep in the forest, young Ekalavya proves that determination beats everything—even without a teacher.A simple task from Guru Drona reveals the true characters of Yudhishthira and Duryodhana.And finally, we meet Karna — the destiny baby with golden armor — ...

S3 E13 Nov 27, 2025 · 15 min

Arjuna and Duryodhana ask Krishna’s Help – The Battle Lines Begin to Form

As the Pandavas and Kauravas prepare for the inevitable war, alliances begin to form and strategies unfold. In this episode of Mythical Masala, we follow the tense moments when both Arjuna and Duryodhana race to Krishna — seeking his support. But only one of them is seen first. What follows is a moment of epic symbolism: Arjuna chooses Krishna, unarmed… while Duryodhana chooses his powerful army. Meanwhile, Duryodhana’s tricks continue. He manipulates King Shalya with a clever deception, hopi...

S4 E3 Feb 12, 2026 · 18 min

The Mahabharata War Begins: Arjuna’s Dilemma and the Bhagavad Gita

The Kurukshetra war is about to begin. As the armies assemble and the rules of war are set, Arjuna looks across the battlefield and sees not enemies, but his own family, teachers, and friends. Overwhelmed by doubt, he lowers his bow and questions whether any victory is worth this cost. In this episode of Mythical Masala with Neev, we explore the moment just before the first arrow flies — Arjuna’s emotional collapse and his life-changing conversation with Krishna, known as the Bhagavad Gita. T...

S4 E4 Feb 19, 2026 · 16 min

Mahabharata War Begins: The First Three Days at Kurukshetra

The Kurukshetra war is fully underway. In this episode of Mythical Masala with Neev, we follow the first three days of the Mahabharata war — from Yudhishthira’s surprising act of seeking blessings from his enemies, to the fierce battles led by Bhishma, Arjuna, Bhima, and their allies. As the fighting intensifies, victories and losses begin to shape the battlefield. Old loyalties are tested, tempers flare, and Krishna reminds Arjuna that a warrior’s duty cannot be avoided — even when it comes ...

S4 E6 Mar 5, 2026 · 17 min

Abhimanyu Enters the Chakravyuha | Drona’s Deadly War Strategy

With Bhishma gone, Dronacharya takes command of the Kaurava army — and unveils a deadly new strategy. To capture Yudhishthira, Drona forms the nearly impenetrable Chakravyuha, a spinning military formation that only a few warriors know how to enter. With Arjuna lured away from the battlefield, young Abhimanyu steps forward to break the formation — even though he knows only how to enter, not escape. In this episode of Mythical Masala with Neev, we explore Duryodhana’s revenge plan, the rise of...

S4 E10 Apr 2, 2026 · 22 min

Karna vs Arjuna: The Duel That Decided the Mahabharata War

In this episode of Mythical Masala with Neev, the moment the entire war has been building toward finally arrives. Karna and Arjuna face each other in a duel that shakes the heavens, until a stuck chariot wheel, a devastating speech from Krishna, and an ancient curse seal Karna's fate. Then, as the war enters its final day, Gandhari's desperate plan to protect Duryodhana is undone by Krishna and some banana leaves. With his army destroyed, Duryodhana hides in a lake, only to be challenged by Y...