Arjuna's Chariot - The Divine Setting of the Bhagavad-gītā
The Battlefield of Kurukṣetra was the site of the greatest war in cosmic history, and at the very center of this conflict stood the magnificent chariot of Arjuna. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this chariot was not only a formidable vehicle of war but also the sacred platform upon which the Supreme Personality of Godhead delivered the ultimate science of spiritual realization, the Bhagavad-gītā.
The Divine Chariot and Its Origin
The chariot used by Arjuna was not an ordinary mundane vehicle. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that it was a divine gift from Agni, the fire-god, and was uniquely marked by the presence of Hanumān on its flag, ensuring that the greatest spiritual forces were assisting Arjuna in battle.
- After Agni had eaten up the Khandava forest, he was very much pleased. At this time he offered Arjuna a specific bow known as Gandiva, four white horses, one chariot and an invincible quiver with two specific arrows considered to be talismans.
- The chariot on which both the friends (Krsna and Arjuna) were seated was donated by Agni (the fire-god) to him, and this indicated that this chariot was capable of conquering all sides, wherever it was drawn over the three worlds.
- Arjuna's special chariot is always marked with the picture of Hanuman, and therefore he is also named Kapidhvaja.
- Both Rama and Hanuman were present on the chariot of Arjuna to help him.
- There was no swastika on Arjuna's chariot. Kapidhbaja means whose flag is marked with a picture of Hanuman. So Arjuna's chariot had the flag of Hanuman on it.
The Supreme Lord as the Charioteer
The supreme perfection of this chariot was its driver. Although Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that out of His boundless love for His devotee, the Lord willingly accepted the menial position of a charioteer, taking orders from His friend.
- The subject matter of Bhagavad-gita is talking between Krsna and Arjuna. Krsna was driver of the chariot. Both of them were in the Battlefield of Kuruksetra.
- Arjuna also, by his devotional service, made Krsna his chariot driver; he ordered the Lord, "Put my chariot here," and the Lord executed his order. These are some examples of how a devotee can acquire the exalted position of conquering the unconquerable.
- In Bhagavad-gita we can see that Krsna has taken the position of servant as the chariot driver of Arjuna. In his constitutional position, Arjuna is the servant of Krsna, but in behavior we can see that sometimes God becomes the servant of the servant.
- The brahmana replied, - Yes, I am crying because when I take up this book, I see a picture of Krsna driving Arjuna's chariot. Sri Krsna is so kind that He has accepted the position of a servant to His devotee. Therefore when I see this picture, I weep.
- When Krsna drives the chariot, Arjuna does not forget, that "He is my chariot driver." He knows that, "Krsna is the Supreme. But He is so kind, He has accepted the post of my chariot driver." This is spiritual sense.
Drawn Between the Two Armies
The epic dialogue of the Bhagavad-gītā begins with a direct command from the passenger to the driver. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how Kṛṣṇa flawlessly executed Arjuna's order to draw the chariot between the two armies, setting the stage for Arjuna's illusion and subsequent enlightenment.
- Arjuna said: O infallible one (Krsna), please draw my chariot between the two armies so that I may see those present here, who desire to fight, and with whom I must contend in this great trial of arms.
- As Hrsikesa, or the director of the senses and mind of every living entity, Krsna could understand Arjuna's purpose in placing the chariot in the midst of the armies. Thus He did so.
- Sanjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, being thus addressed by Arjuna, Lord Krsna drew up the fine chariot in the midst of the armies of both parties. Bhagavad-gita 1.24.
- Marshal Arjuna pretended to display philosophical ignorance and weakness, like an ordinary man, when with his chariot between the two opposing armies on the battlefield of Kuruksetra, he refused to fight.
- Sanjaya said: Arjuna, having thus spoken on the battlefield, cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief. Bhagavad-gita 1.46.
The Vision and the Battlefield
Seated upon this divine vehicle, Arjuna received the ultimate spiritual vision. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that by the grace of the Lord, Arjuna could observe the entire battlefield and even the universal form from one place, while those who died simply beholding the Lord on this chariot achieved liberation.
- On the other side, both Lord Krsna and Arjuna, stationed on a great chariot drawn by white horses, sounded their transcendental conchshells. Bhagavad-gita 1.14.
- From the beginning to the end, everything could be seen by Arjuna sitting in one place on his chariot. This was possible by the grace of the Supreme Lord, Krsna.
- Sitting on his chariot, Arjuna could see all these universes. But no one could understand what was going on between Arjuna and Krsna.
- It is said that all the living entities who died on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra attained their original constitutional position (svarupa) because they had the chance to see Krsna face to face riding in the chariot of Arjuna.
- While seeing Lord Krsna sitting in a chariot and instructing Arjuna, I am filled with ecstatic happiness.
The Guarantee of Supreme Victory
Ultimately, the presence of the Supreme Lord as the driver guaranteed complete victory for the Pāṇḍavas. Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that it was entirely due to Kṛṣṇa's protection and supreme guidance that Arjuna could vanquish the greatest warriors and fulfill the Lord's divine plan.
- The Lord agreed to become a chariot driver of Arjuna in order to protect His friend from warfare risks, and the Lord became actually happy when He established the Pandavas to rule over the world.
- Let my ultimate attraction be to Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead. I concentrate my mind upon the chariot driver of Arjuna who stood with a whip in His right hand and a bridle rope in His left, who was very careful to give protection to Arjuna's chariot by all means.
- During the Battle of Kuruksetra, he (Karna) foresaw the conclusive result, and he expressed his opinion that due to Lord Krsna's being the chariot driver of Arjuna, the battle should be won by Arjuna.
- There were many changes of commanders on the other side, but on the Pandavas' side Arjuna alone on the chariot driven by Lord Krsna could manage the whole responsibility of the great war.
- It was due to Lord Krsna's grace that Arjuna alone, sitting on the chariot, could manage to vanquish them one after another without difficulty.
Conclusion
As Śrīla Prabhupāda beautifully illustrates, Arjuna's chariot is the supreme symbol of the Lord's loving reciprocation with His devotee. While the world searches for God in lofty, majestic positions, the pure devotee finds Him holding the reins of a chariot, carefully steering His friend through the greatest war in history. Gifted by the demigods and protected by the flag of Hanumān, this chariot served as the sacred altar where the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad-gītā was spoken. By faithfully studying the events that unfolded upon this chariot, one can understand the absolute nature of Kṛṣṇa—the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead who effortlessly guarantees victory, protection, and liberation to all who completely surrender unto Him.
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