Mahabharat: How Arjuna Died and Why Did Mother Ganga Start Laughing Loudly on Seeing His Death!

 

In the Mahabharata, there is a tale about the death of the great archer Arjuna. Remarkably, Arjuna experienced death not just once but twice, and there is a significant reason behind this. However, instead of being sorrowful at Arjuna’s death, Mother Ganga began to laugh loudly. How did Arjuna meet his end, and why did Mother Ganga react this way? Let’s delve into this fascinating episode...

In the Mahabharata, every character was an avatar of someone and hence, they were so powerful that ordinary means couldn’t bring about their death. As a result, intricate plots were devised for the deaths of many, most of which were suggested by Lord Krishna, as he alone knew the secrets of all the warriors. Despite Krishna's presence, his dear friend Arjuna once faced death, and at that time, Mother Ganga was the happiest. Why did this happen, and what enmity did Mother Ganga have with Arjuna? Let’s find out...

In the Mahabharata, to win the righteous war, it was crucial to kill certain warriors, one of whom was Bhishma Pitamah. Under his leadership, defeating the Kauravas was impossible, but killing him was equally impossible due to a boon he had received. Therefore, Krishna devised a conspiracy, bringing Shikhandi to the battlefield. Despite being a eunuch, Shikhandi was considered a woman by Bhishma, who had vowed not to attack a woman. Seeing Shikhandi in the battle, Bhishma lowered his weapons. Arjuna seized this opportunity and showered Bhishma with arrows, leading him to lay on a bed of arrows.

Seeing her son’s plight, Mother Ganga was furious. She appeared on the battlefield and cursed Arjuna that he would die at the hands of his own son. Some time later, when Arjuna was killed by his own son Babruvahana, Mother Ganga laughed loudly. According to the legend, it was Mother Ganga who misled Babruvahana into beheading his father in a fit of rage. After Arjuna’s death, Mother Ganga appeared and laughed loudly over his demise. However, one of Arjuna’s wives, with her powers and the help of Lord Krishna, revived Arjuna and freed Babruvahana from Mother Ganga’s illusion. Lord Krishna also explained to the furious Mother Ganga that Bhishma’s death on the battlefield was essential for the protection of dharma. It was only then that Mother Ganga calmed down.