Why Do People Consider Arjuna as a Hero Despite His Actions?

Arjuna, one of the central figures in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, is often seen as a hero despite his controversial actions. One such controversial act many consider is his role in the sharing of his wife, Draupadi, with the Pandavas and his alleged acquiescence to Yudhisthira’s dice game. Yet, historical and contextual analysis reveals that these episodes should not detract from Arjuna's heroic qualities.

Understanding the Context of Draupadi's Sharing

Examining the episode of Draupadi's share among the Pandavas, a common misconception exists. People often hold Arjuna responsible for sharing Draupadi, attributing this action to his personal desires. However, a closer look reveals this was not entirely Arjuna's doing. Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, orchestrated this arrangement after she noticed her sons developing lustful inclinations towards Draupadi. She deemed it a strategic political move to ensure peace and stability among her sons.

Furthermore, it is also important to consider the fact that Draupadi, far from being a passive participant, had her own hidden political agenda. She likely agreed to this arrangement knowing its strategic ramifications. Thus, the sharing of Draupadi was a consensual decision made for communal and political reasons, rather than a personal one.

Arjuna's Inability to Protect Draupadi in the Dice Game

During the pivotal dice game, Arjuna was not responsible for what transpired. It is crucial to understand the circumstances. Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava brother, placed himself, and by extension, Draupadi, in a precarious position by ignoring the warnings and advice from his brothers, including Vidura. Even Dhritarashtra, the blind king, had a brother named Vidura who requested to stop the game but could not intervene due to his legitimacy issue as a half-brother. Thus, the fall of the Pandavas in the dice game was largely determined by a series of poor decisions made by Yudhisthira himself.

Moreover, during the game, the Pandavas, specifically Yudhisthira, were in an unfavorable situation. Not only were they under debt after the dice game outcomes, but they were also outnumbered by the Kauravas and their allies, who were highly skilled warriors. This context shows that Arjuna's inability to intervene was not due to any personal failure, but the dire situation brought about by the dice game's outcome.

Why Arjuna Deserves His Title as a Hero

Despite the controversies surrounding his actions, Arjuna is considered a hero for several reasons. His multifaceted character reflects the complexities of human behavior and heroism in ancient Indian culture. Arjuna's valor, unquestionable prowess as a warrior, and the qualities that made him the most beloved by the divine Krishna are reasons he is honored as a hero.

Primarily, Arjuna had all the qualities necessary to become a hero. He was not only handsome but also skilled, making him a hero in his own right. Draupadi, who had seen the prowess of all the Pandavas, loved Arjuna the most. No amount of beauty could have compensated for a lack of skill in battle. Arjuna was an expert in all the Vidyas, surpassing even the mighty Lord Krishna.

One of the foremost reasons for Arjuna’s heroic status is his unique family legacy. Arjuna was the only biological son of Pandu, and the celebration around his birth was immense. The throne eventually passed to Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, ensuring the continuation of his lineage. Additionally, the mention and importance given to Arjuna's sons are further testament to his heroic stature. This attention is not just to the Pandavas, but specifically to Arjuna, solidifying his place as a hero in the pantheon of legendary figures.

Conclusion

The iconic figure of Arjuna in the Mahabharata transcends the controversies associated with his actions. His heroic qualities are celebrated for their multifaceted nature, reflecting the human narrative of valor, skill, and political astuteness. Arjuna’s enduring legacy as a hero is a testament to the complexity of heroic figures in mythology, and his status is preserved through understanding the context and nuances of his actions.