Passage 17

Realise The True Meaning Of The Names

Arjuna has several names like Arjuna, Phalguna, Partha, Swetavahana, Bheebhatsa, Kireeti, Savyasachi, Dhanunjaya, etc. These titles were earned by him by performing various heroic deeds. Several people have several titles in this world; for example – Padma Sri, Padma Vibhushan, etc. Who is giving these titles? These are given by the Government. But, who had given the titles to Arjuna? Verily, Lord Krishna Himself. What is the last title given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna? Krishna said, "Shrunvantu Viswe Amritasya Putra." “My son! You are not 'Anrita Putra' (son of falsehood); You are verily Amrita Putra (Son of the Immortal),” said Lord Krishna. He also advised Arjuna not to give credence to falsehood at all. Arjuna did penance for a number of years for possessing the bow, Gandiva, with undaunted courage and firm resolution and, ultimately, tiding over all difficulties and adversities, he could secure it. Since he could thus secure the dhanus (bow), he was given the title of Dhanunjaya, the conqueror of the Bow. The same title “Dhananjaya” is pronounced as “Dhanunjaya” in normal usage. But this word also has a meaning. Dharmaraja wanted to perform Rajasuya yajna (the sacrificial ritual of Rajasuya). At that time, Duryodhana, Dusshasana and other wicked sons of Dhritarashtra were ruling the kingdom. Pandavas did not have a single paisa in their treasury. Then Dharmaraja told Arjuna “Oh my younger brother! It is no simple task to perform Rajasuya Yajna. On one side, Krishna wants us to perform this yajna. On the other side, we do not have any money to perform this gigantic task. How to gather the money required for this?” To this, Arjuna replied, “Oh my elder brother! Why do you worry, we have the Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) with us! When Lord Krishna, the protector of the whole universe, is with us, where is the question of dearth of money? If he once blesses me and sends me out for fetching the money, I can bring any amount.” Thus saying, he embarked upon a donation collection mission. When people heard the news about the Rajasuya yajna being performed by Dharmaraja, not a single person backed out from donating money. In fact, Arjuna did not find the necessity to knock at anybody’s doors. The kings themselves volunteered to supply the money required for the purpose. Arjuna brought this enormous amount of money, carrying it on elephants. Money poured in heaps and heaps. Lord Krishna saw this caravan of elephants carrying huge quantities of money and enquired, “Dharmaja! Where from did you get this huge quantity of money?” as if he was not aware of it. Then Dharmaja pointed to Arjuna and said that it was all because of him. At that moment, Krishna called Arjuna by the name “Dhananjaya,” the conqueror of wealth. There is another name, “Partha”, for Arjuna. Because he is the son of Prithvi (Pritha), he is called “Partha.” In course of time, we shall try to understand more about the meanings of these names of Arjuna.