Arjuna's Austerities

Nandishvara said

By the mantra, which was Shiva's form and brought unlimited energy, Arjuna was seen to shine. Seeing him, all the Pandavas were sure that their victory was certain by his great energy, that only he and no one else could accomplish this task, as Vyasa's words showed, and told him to make his life successful. They spoke so to Arjuna though they suffered greatly from the coming separation, and unwillingly but affectionately sent him off. Droupadi was miserable but held back the tears in her eyes, and, devoted to her husband, sent him on with auspicious words: king, you must make the effort to hold to what Vyasa instructed; may your path bring what is auspicious and may Shankara do what is good. After lovingly taking leave of Arjuna they all stayed there, and the five gathered in great grief and spoke to each other: in grief, if one is with someone loved there is no misery, but if there is separation the misery is doubled, and even a patient person finds it hard to hold on to fortitude. While the Pandavas grieved so, Vyasa, the noble rishi and ocean of compassion, came.

The Pandavas lovingly bowed and worshipped him, gave him a seat, and, sunk in misery, folded their hands and said: best of the excellent, lord, we were scorched by grief, but since we have seen you we have found happiness again; please stay with us a while to end our misery, brahmana rishi, for on seeing you all grief dissolves. So addressed, the best of rishis stayed there for their happiness. So that there would be no sorrow, they talked of many things, and Vyasa told them many stories. Humble in self, Dharmaraja bowed properly and said that, having heard Vyasa, his sorrow was calmed; he wished to ask about what Vyasa had said: earlier, had anyone gone through such miseries, since he did not think anyone else could have. Vyasa replied: earlier there was a king named Nala, lord of the Nishadhas, who suffered greater miseries than yours. King Harishchandra went through miseries greater than yours, particularly bad and indescribable, such as to bring grief to others. Know that Rama went through grief. Men and women are not more confused by anything than when they hear of those. So I cannot describe it. The body is a mass of grief. Realising this, give up your sorrows now, for they certainly pervade anyone who has life. First, birth and the mother's womb are a cause of grief. In childhood too, with its childish play, there is great grief. When a person reaches youth, even when he enjoys desired objects they turn into miseries. As days come and go there are many burdens of work. The lifespan is constantly shortened but a person does not realise it. At the end is death and greater sorrows after. Know that ignorant men always suffer hardships in many hells. So everything that ends is false. Follow the truth, and a man must do what satisfies Shambhu. So the brothers passed their time talking of many things as they wished.

Arjuna, firm in his vows, crossed impassable mountains. He gained a yaksha as companion and with him killed many bandits. His mind full of delight, he went to that excellent mountain, reached a beautiful spot near the Ganga, with an excellent ashoka grove like heaven. He stayed there, bathing and bowing to his excellent guru, wearing the garments he had been told to wear, restraining his senses and fixing his mind. He made a beautiful, symmetrical earthen lingam and bowed before that excellent mass of energy. He bathed three times a day and worshipped by the rules, repeatedly worshipping Hara there. Energy came out of his head, and seeing it the spies were frightened. They said they must tell Indra so that he could consider this. They went to energetic Indra and said: lord of the gods, someone is doing austerities in the forest and we do not know who. Perhaps a god, a rishi, Surya or fire. Scorched by his energy we have come to you and told you; please think what must be done. Told this by all the spies, Indra realised what his son, of his own gotra, desired, released them and resolved to go there.

Shachi's husband took the form of an old brahmana brahmachari and went there to test him. Seeing him arrive, Pandava wished to worship him, praised him and stood before him asking where he had come from. Addressed so, out of affection the lord of the gods wished to test his patience and spoke to Pandava in proud words. The brahmana said: son, you are still young, why are you tormenting yourself with austerities now? Are they for liberation or for victory, or for everything? Told this, Arjuna told him everything. Hearing it the brahmana said: brave one, supreme among Kurus, you are not doing right. Austerities cannot be easily undertaken. If you want liberation you should follow the kshatriyas' dharma. Indra grants happiness but does not give liberation, so you should do better austerities. Hearing these words Arjuna grew angry, ignored what was said, and, excellent in vows, replied humbly: why did you say austerities must be for a kingdom or for liberation? I am doing these austerities because of Vyasa's words. Brahmachari, leave this spot; you wish to bring about my downfall, and I have no use for you. Hearing this Indra was pleased and showed him his own wonderful, handsome form with all its paraphernalia. Seeing Shakra's form Arjuna was ashamed, but Indra comforted him and said: son Dhananjaya, wise one, ask a boon, whatever your mind desires, nothing is beyond giving to you. Hearing him, Arjuna said: father, please give me victory; my enemies always cause me suffering. Shakra said: your enemies with Duryodhana at their head are strong, and Drona, Bhima and Karna are all invincible. Drona's son Ashvatthama has been born as Rudra's portion and cannot be defeated either. But with me as your aide you will always be able to withstand them. Listen, brave one: no one can do this japa now. Shiva is the noblest, so do Shambhu's japa now. Shankara is lord of all the lords of the world, self-ruling, lord of the moving and unmoving, able to do everything, giving enjoyment and liberation as fruits. I, Brahma, Vishnu and the other givers of all kinds of boons, and others who desire victory, are all worshippers of Shiva. From now on ignore that mantra and worship Shiva devotedly. Use the rules laid down for the earthen lingam and meditate on Shiva, descendant of Bharata. Use many offerings and every sentiment, and your success will not waver; do not worry. Saying this he called all his spies and told them to stay there and always guard him carefully. So Indra ordered his own spies to protect Arjuna. His heart full of a father's affection, he spoke again to the one with the monkey on his banner: you must never be distracted in matters of the kingdom; fortunate one, scorcher of enemies, you will gain what is beneficial. Hold on to patience in your practice; Shiva will protect you in every way and will surely give you prosperity and unmatched fruits. Saying this the lord of the gods gave a boon to the descendant of Bharata, remembered Shiva's lotus feet and went to his own residence. The very brave Arjuna bowed to the lord of the gods, and, controlling himself, tormented himself with such austerities directed to Shiva.