Gandiva

Lore & Background

The Gandiva bow was created by Brahma and passed through a succession of divine holders before reaching Arjuna. Lord Shiva held it for a millennium, Brahma for 503 years, Indra for 580 years, Chandra Deva for 500 years, and finally Varuna for 100 years. Varuna then bestowed it upon Arjuna after Agni, the god of fire, requested a suitable weapon for the warrior to aid in devouring the Khandavaprastha forest.

Arjuna received the bow along with two quivers that provided an inexhaustible supply of arrows. The bow was dreaded during the Kurukshetra war, having defeated and killed many great warriors and gods. It gave the wielder self-confidence and self-belief, and was worshiped by celestials and Gandharvas.

At the end of the Dvapara Yuga, when Krishna departed Earth, Arjuna found he could not string the bow or remember the spells for celestial weapons. Later, as the Pandavas journeyed to the Himalayas, Agni appeared and asked Arjuna to return the Gandiva to Varuna. Arjuna complied, dropping the bow into the sea, thus returning it to the gods.

Reader's Guide

The Gandiva bow holds significance as a symbol of divine authority and the protection of Dharma. Its creation by Brahma and its passage through multiple deities—Shiva, Indra, Chandra Deva, and Varuna—underscores its sacred nature and the trust placed in its wielders. For Arjuna, the bow was not merely a weapon but a tool of destiny, enabling him to fulfill his role in the Kurukshetra war and uphold righteousness.

The bow's return to the gods at the end of the Dvapara Yuga marks the conclusion of its earthly purpose. Metaphysically, Gandiva is interpreted as the “bow of self-control,” with which Arjuna was equipped for victory over “the sense soldiers of the blind king Mind.” This allegorical reading frames the bow as a representation of inner discipline and spiritual warfare, where Arjuna, charioteered by God, rallies the army of emperor Discrimination. The legacy of Gandiva thus extends beyond its martial prowess, serving as a lasting emblem of the struggle between virtue and ignorance.

Did You Know?

• Gandiva was made by Brahma and had 108 celestial strings.
• The bow was held by Lord Shiva for 1,000 years before being passed to Brahma.
• Arjuna received two quivers with the bow that provided an inexhaustible number of arrows.
• At the end of the Dvapara Yuga, Arjuna returned the bow to Varuna by dropping it into the sea.