Kiratharjuneeyam

Kirātārjunīyam is an epic poem authored by Bhāravi, composed in Sanskrit. It is believed to have been created in the 6th century or earlier and comprises eighteen cantos that narrate the battle between Arjuna and Shiva, who appears as a kirata, or “mountain-dwelling hunter.”

Alongside the Naiṣadhacarita and the Shishupala Vadha, it ranks among the three major works of the six Sanskrit mahakavyas, or great epics. Sanskrit critics commend it for its profound meaning and its vigorous, at times playful, expression. Notably, it includes a canto that showcases linguistic prowess, akin to constrained writing. Subsequent epic poetry has drawn inspiration from the Kirātārjunīya. The Kirātārjunīya primarily embodies the Vīra rasa, or the sentiment of valor. It elaborates on a minor episode found in the Vana Parva (“Book of the Forest”) of the Mahabharata: During the Pandavas’ exile in the forest, Draupadi and Bhima urge Yudhishthira to declare war against the Kauravas, but he remains steadfast in his refusal. Ultimately, at Indra’s behest, Arjuna undertakes penance (tapasya) in the forest to appease Shiva. Satisfied with Arjuna’s austerities, Shiva chooses to reward him. When a demon named Muka, taking the form of a wild boar, charges at Arjuna, Shiva manifests as a kirata, a wild mountaineer.

Both Arjuna and the kirata shoot an arrow at the boar simultaneously, resulting in its death. A dispute arises over who shot first, leading to a fierce battle. After a prolonged struggle, Arjuna is astonished by his inability to defeat the kirata. Eventually, he recognizes the divine nature of his opponent and submits to him. Pleased with Arjuna’s valor, Shiva grants him the formidable weapon, the Pashupatastra, which was possessed by no one else in the Mahabharata.
This section aims to present four slokas that exemplify the poet’s ability to convey profound meanings. We encourage you to explore these four distinct slokas from the Kirātārjunīya.