Mahabharata

Bhima urges Yudhishthira to take immediate action against the Kauravas, rather than waiting out their 13-year exile. Bhima argues that waiting only shortens their lives and that they must reclaim their rightful kingdom.

Yudhishthira, however, emphasizes caution and deliberation, pointing out the formidable warriors aligned with the Kauravas, such as Bhishma (said to be invincible in battle), Drona (their martial teacher) and his son Ashwatthama, and Karna. Acknowledging the need for divine aid, Vyasa advises Arjuna to obtain celestial weapons.

Following this counsel, Arjuna embarks northward to the Himalayas to perform spiritual training to please the gods. Engaging in intense penance, he fasts, eventually surviving on air alone. Observing his dedication, the sages inform Shiva (a supreme god of destruction and transformation in Hinduism) about Arjuna’s penance. Shiva decides to test Arjuna’s valor by appearing as a mountain hunter, accompanied by Uma (an avatar of Parvati, Shiva’s consort).

When a rakshasa named Muka, disguised as a boar, attacks Arjuna, both Arjuna and the hunter shoot the boar simultaneously, leading to a dispute over who killed it. A fierce combat ensues. Despite exhausting his arsenal and employing all his might, Arjuna cannot defeat the hunter. Realizing the hunter’s divine nature, Arjuna ceases fighting and begins to worship Shiva.