The Chariot of Arjuna – Kapi Dhwaja
Arjuna’s chariot is described as a magnificent and powerful vehicle, specially designed and crafted for him by the god Vishwakarma, who was the divine architect of the universe. The chariot was named “Kapi Dhwaja” which means “having a flag with a monkey emblem”.
Destruction of the chariot
After the war, Lord Krishna realises that the mission of this chariot was accomplished, he guides the chariot to a deserted place and asked the warrior Arjuna to get off the chariot. Initially, Arjuna is not keen to leave the chariot because he thought that charioteer should first leave the chariot. Krishna insisted and Arjuna agreed. After Arjuna gets off, he instructs Lord Hanumana, who was present on the flag to leave the chariot. Finally Lord himself alights from the chariot. At this point of time, something happens which takes everyone by surprise. There was a loud noise and the whole chariot was destroyed as if it was struck by lightning.
Arjuna asks and Lord Krishna explains
Arjuna did not speak for a few moments after this incident. After few moments, Arjuna asks lord Krishna the reason behind the destruction of the chariot and significance of the incident. Now this is very interesting, which gives an insight on Lord’s thinking. He has thought of every thing. In the war of Mahabharat, Maharathi Sage Dronacharya and Maharathi Karna used a number of powerful weapons on Arjuna and his chariot. These were powerful weapons and there could be no escape from them for Arjuna and his chariot. He further explains that now they are showing their destructive capacity. This was because, Lord himself and Lord Hanumana were protecting the chariot.
Read – Lord Hanumana was immune to any weapon
He also explained to Arjuna that those celestial weapons used by Karna and Dronacharya were given to them by demigods and thus they had had to make the effect that they were used for. Making them null would be the insult of the demigods who bestowed them to Karna and Dronacharya. Hence, to make them make the desired effect it was necessary for them to consume the chariot of Arjuna which is just now done.
Lord Krishna presence on Chariot
The most significant aspect of Arjuna’s chariot was the presence of Lord Krishna as his charioteer. Krishna acted as Arjuna’s advisor and guide during the Kurukshetra war, offering him spiritual teachings and advice on how to overcome his doubts and fears.
Thus, Lord Krishna once again saved Arjuna from certain death.
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This is another great story of Mahabharata where Lord Krishna saved Arjuna from certain death. Lord Krishna has saved Pandavas at numerous occasions earlier.