Hear now the wondrous tale as revealed in the Mahābhārata: The ancient deities Nara and Nārāyaṇa, O blazing one, had descended into the world of men, taking birth as Arjuna and Vasudeva, for a purpose dear to the gods. The world knew them by these names, and at this time, both heroes were near the forest of Khandava. Agni, the swift bearer of offerings, sought to consume the Khandava forest, but the gods, led by Indra, protected it. Agni was advised: “Seek the help of Arjuna and Krishna. With their aid, you will surely burn Khandava, no matter how fiercely the gods defend it. Those two can restrain all beings, even the king of the gods himself.” Taking this counsel to heart, Agni approached Krishna and Arjuna and spoke to them about his desire to consume the forest. As I have told you before, O best of kings, upon hearing Agni’s words, Arjuna—also called Bhībhatsu—addressed the fire-born deity with words suited to the task, longing to assist in burning Khandava despite Śatakratu’s (Indra’s) opposition. Arjuna said, “I possess many divine weapons, O Lord, with which I could fight even a multitude of thunderbolt-wielders. Yet, I lack a bow worthy of my strength. I need a bow that can endure my force in battle, and inexhaustible arrows, for no chariot can carry as many as I desire to release. I also wish for divine horses—white as the wind, swift, and yoked to a chariot that thunders and shines like the sun itself. Likewise, Krishna has no peerless weapon with which he could vanquish nāgas and demons in battle. O Lord, show us the means to accomplish this task, so that I may restrain even Indra, who pours rain to protect the forest. Whatever must be done by human effort, I shall do, O Pāvaka; you, O Lord, must grant us the necessary instruments.” Thus addressed, the blessed fire-god, Dhūmaketu, turned his thoughts to Varuṇa, the guardian of the waters, longing for his presence. Varuṇa, the Aditya dwelling in the waters, understood Agni’s intent and appeared before him, radiant and eternal, the fourth among the world’s guardians. Dhūmaketu spoke: “O lord of the waters, grant me the bow and quiver given to you by King Soma, and the chariot marked with tawny features. With the Gāṇḍīva, Arjuna will achieve a mighty deed, and with the discus, Vāsudeva will do likewise. Bestow these weapons upon me now.” Varuṇa replied, “I shall give them.” He offered those wondrous, mighty weapons, famed and glorious, unassailable by all arms and destructive to all foes—a great arsenal, capable of overpowering enemy hosts. The Gāṇḍīva bow, equal to a hundred thousand, increased the realm and was adorned with many colors, splendid, smooth, and flawless. Honored for ages by gods, demons, and gandharvas, Varuṇa bestowed upon Agni the peerless bow and two inexhaustible quivers. He also gave a celestial chariot, yoked with gandharva steeds adorned with golden garlands, bearing the banner of the foremost monkey. The horses were white as pale clouds, swift as thought or wind, and the chariot was equipped with every implement, unconquerable by gods or demons. That wondrous, resounding, jewel-adorned chariot, delightful in every way, had been created by the lord of the world, Bhaumana, through great austerity. Its form was like the sun, indescribable, and it was the very chariot upon which Soma had conquered the Dānavas. Resembling a fresh raincloud and radiant with splendor, the supreme chariot was taken up by both heroes, now armed with Indra’s weapons. Its brilliant banner-staff was of refined gold, and upon it stood a divine monkey—Hanuman by name—radiant, shape-shifting, of immense strength, as if eager to burn, shining atop the banner, surrounded by images of many great and diverse beings. By Hanuman’s roar, enemy armies would lose all sense and direction. Thus, that best of chariots, adorned with many flags, shone brilliantly. Arjuna, armored and sword in hand, with gauntlets fastened, circled the chariot to the right, bowing to the deities, and prepared himself. He ascended the chariot as a virtuous man would board a celestial car, and took up the divine, supreme bow, Gāṇḍīva, fashioned by Brahmā long ago. Rejoicing, Arjuna invoked Agni and made himself ready. He drew upon his strength and strung the mighty bow. As the powerful Pāṇḍava fitted the string, its sound unsettled the hearts of all who heard it. Those who heard the twang were shaken in spirit. Having obtained the chariot, the bow, and the two inexhaustible quivers, the son of Kunti became radiant and exultant for the coming battle. Agni then gave Krishna a discus rimmed like a thunderbolt, and the Agneya missile, beloved weapon of fire. In that moment, Krishna too shone with splendor. Agni spoke: “With this, O Madhusudana, you will surely conquer even superhuman foes in battle; with it, you will prevail over men and gods alike. There is no doubt you will surpass in subduing rakshasas, pisachas, daityas, and even serpents; you will be supreme in their destruction.” Thus did Arjuna and Krishna, gifted with celestial arms and chariot, prepare themselves to aid Agni in his purpose, ready to face the gods and all who would oppose the burning of Khandava.