The battle with the Kirata is the same event as Arjuna's fight with the rakshasa Muka, where both Arjuna and the Kirata (Shiva) simultaneously slay the boar/demon, initiating their conflict.
Aranyaka Parva
Can Arjuna obtain divine weapons through austerities and prove himself worthy of Shiva's grace?
Yudhishthira sends Arjuna to obtain divine weapons; Arjuna meets Indra disguised as an ascetic and undertakes severe austerities in the Himalayas. When rishis complain to Shiva about Arjuna's penances, Shiva tests Arjuna by battling him in the form of a Kirata hunter, then reveals himself and blesses Arjuna with divine weapons.
6 stories · 0 pivotal · Chapters 335–337
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
Yudhishthira sends Arjuna to obtain divine weapons, which directly causes Arjuna to travel northward and encounter Indra disguised as an ascetic on Indrakila mountain.
This Arc
Arjuna's Quest for Divine Weapons
Leads into
Indra promises Arjuna divine weapons and welcomes him to heaven, which directly causes Arjuna to be trained by Indra and Chitrasena in all weapons and divine arts for five years.
Stories
Showing essential stories
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.
Major
Arjuna Meets Indra Disguised as an Ascetic
Arjuna reaches Indrakila mountain and is stopped by a voice from the sky. He finds an ascetic seated under a tree who tells him to throw down his bow — weapons have no use here. Arjuna refuses to abandon his resolution. The ascetic smiles and reveals himself as Shakra.
Chapter 335 · ~2 min
Major
Arjuna Undertakes Austerities in the Himalayas
On his elder brother's instructions, Arjuna takes his divine bow and sword and sets out northward into the Himalayas. He enters a terrible forest and begins a regimen of austerities so severe that he progressively reduces his food intake until he stands on one toe, surviving only on air — and the smoke from his penance alarms the rishis who dwell nearby.
Chapter 336 · ~1 min