Arjuna rose to become the unrivaled master of every weapon—straight, curved, and broad. In both speed and skill, none could match him. Drona, his teacher, fully convinced that no one in the world equaled Arjuna, addressed Gudakesha thus in the Kaurava assembly. He spoke: “In the science of archery, my own teacher was once the disciple of the sage Agastya, known as Agniveshya. I, in turn, became his disciple, O Bharata. During my journeys to holy places, through austerity, I obtained a weapon—unfailing and brilliant as lightning. This weapon is called Brahmashira, and it holds the power to burn even the earth itself. My teacher entrusted it to me with a warning: ‘Do not use this among men.’ He said, ‘O Bharadvaja, release it only against beings of little strength in battle, or if some hidden being should oppose you.’ “With this weapon of immense power, you could destroy your foes in battle. You alone, O hero, have been deemed worthy to receive this divine weapon—none other. But you must uphold the vow set by the sage: in the presence of your kinsmen and your village, offer your teacher’s fee. “When Phalguna promised to give what was asked, I said, ‘You must fight me in battle, O sinless one, as your teacher’s fee.’ Arjuna agreed, bowed respectfully, and, with humility, embraced my feet and stood before me. Embracing him in turn, I said, ‘O Partha, as I have told you before, there is no man in the world who is your equal. In all weapons and in battle, I have ensured that none can match you. I have truly accomplished this; none is your peer. “Even the gods, demons, and Danavas cannot face you in battle; I am not superior to you—how much less are men! There is only one in all the world who surpasses you: Krishna, the lotus-eyed, born in the Vrishni line, slayer of Kamsa and Kaliya. He, armed with all weapons, will conquer all worlds; yet, O son of Pritha, my words remain true. “All the universe depends on him, dissolves into him, and arises from him. Even Brahma and Ishana and others do not know his supreme state. From his navel was born Brahma, who created all beings; he alone is the creator, enjoyer, and destroyer of the universe. He is the supreme person—past, present, and future; eternal, all-pervading, unchanging, immovable, and ancient. “Endowed with yoga, he manifests himself for the world’s protection by his own play. None equal to him has been born, is born, or will ever be born. He, the son of his maternal uncle, is the teacher and father of all that moves and does not move. What man, knowing his own good, would wish to challenge him? “He is your brother-in-law and your friend, and you are as dear to him as life itself. His affection for you is supreme, and your friendship with him is well established. There will never be a battle between you and him, not even in jest. Indeed, once before, for your sake, even Shakra urged him. “Growing up in Gokula, through Nanda the cowherd, my own portion, the best among men, O Pandava, has descended to earth. The illustrious Arjuna, mighty younger brother of the sons of Kunti, will aid you in removing the earth’s burden. For that purpose, grant him fearlessness and protect him for our sake, O Lord—thus did Shakra address Phalguna. “Then the illustrious bearer of the conch, discus, and mace spoke: ‘I know the son of my father’s sister, born in the Pandava line, O Partha. He is supremely righteous, the best among all wielders of weapons; I will protect that portion of you, mighty-armed one, lord of all worlds. There will not be, in this world, a friendship like ours; whoever is devoted to him is equally devoted to me, and whoever hates him, hates me as well. What is mine is his; without him, I would not live.’ Thus, O Partha, Hari, the Lord of all, once spoke to Shakra. “Therefore, in this world, there is no man equal or superior to him; take refuge in him alone. Janardana, the god of gods, is the refuge of all beings.” Having heard these words, the best of the Kurus bowed to Drona and, grasping his feet, Yudhishthira became humble and submissive. By his very nature, the sound of Arjuna’s bow echoed across the earth girdled by the ocean; in all the world, there was no archer equal to Arjuna. In mace combat, sword fighting, and chariot warfare, the son of Pandu excelled, and Dhananjaya became accomplished above all in archery. Sahadeva, possessing the wisdom of the king of the gods, mastered weapons, scriptures, and the arts of chariots, elephants, and horses; he remained obedient to his brothers. Nakula, trained by Drona and beloved by his brothers, became renowned as a distinguished warrior and was called an atiratha. In the conflict with the Gandharvas, Sauvira, who had performed sacrifices for three years, was slain in battle by the Pandavas under Arjuna’s lead. Even the mighty Pandu could not subdue the king of the Yavanas, but Arjuna brought him under control. A man of great strength, always proud before the Kurus, named Vipula of Sauvira, was defeated by the wise Partha. And in battle, Arjuna subdued with his irresistible arrows the resolute Sauvira named Sumitra, also known as Dattamitra. Thus, the prowess and virtue of Arjuna and his brothers shone throughout the world, guided and blessed by their teacher and by the supreme Lord Krishna.