Arjuna Undertakes Austerities in the Himalayas

Janamejaya wanted to know how Arjuna obtained the divine weapons. He asked Vaishampayana to tell him everything — how the unvanquished warrior had satisfied the lord of the gods, how he had met Shiva, and how the battle between them had been fought. He had heard it was extraordinary, enough to make a man's hair stand on end. He wanted the full account. Vaishampayana said: I will tell you. On Yudhishthira's instructions, Arjuna set out. He took his divine bow and his sword. His mind was fixed on one purpose: to see Shakra, lord of the gods, and Shankara, god of the gods. He travelled northward, toward the peak of the Himalayas. He entered a forest that was terrible — full of thorns, but also full of flowers and fruit, populated by birds and animals, frequented by siddhas (perfected beings) and charanas (celestial bards). When Kounteya entered that forest, which was bereft of men, the sounds of conch shells and drums could be heard from heaven. A great shower of flowers fell down on the ground. A net of clouds covered everything with shade. He passed through that difficult forest and approached the great mountain. He lived on the peak of the Himalayas. He saw flowering trees resounding with the sweet sounds of birds. He saw rivers with many currents, tinged like blue lapis lazuli, echoing with the sounds of swans and ducks, the cries of cranes, the notes of male cuckoos, herons and peacocks. The pure, cool, clear water delighted him. Then he began his austerities. He clad himself in darbha grass, bark and deerskin. He carried a staff. In the first month, he ate fruits once every three nights. In the second month, he ate once every six nights. In the third month, he ate once every fortnight, surviving on decayed leaves that fell from the trees. When the fourth moon arrived and the moon was full, the mighty-armed son of Pandu survived only on air. He raised his arms up. Without anything for support, he stood on the tips of his toes. He bathed frequently. His matted hair became as lustrous as lightning and the lotus.