Arjun!

Arjun bathed in Gangā & offered water to his ancestors. As he was pouring oblations, he was dragged to the palace of Nāga king Kauravya whose daughter Ulupi wanted to marry him. Arjun admonished her for this rash act. Ulupi informed about herself & begged Arjun to marry her. Arjun informed that he is under vow of brahmacharyā for 12 years & hence could not fulfill her wish. After reminding Arjun of his Kshatriya duties to accept a woman who approaches for marriage, she expressed her desire not to live if he rejects her

Arjun out of virtue fulfilled Ulupi’s desire. Before departing Ulupi granted Arjun benediction of being able to defeat all creatures that live within water. Arjun then departed for Himalayās & visited many sacred places. He also reached mount Mahendra & after some days arrived at the kingdom of Manipura. He entered King Citravāhana palace, where he saw king’s beautiful daughter Citrāngada. He desired to have her as wife & went to the king to submit his request after informing his lineage & he was son of Kunti

The King described his lineage, of his ancestor Prabhānjana who was childless & worshipped Lord Shivā. He was blessed with a child but with a rider that all his descendants will be destined to have only one child. For this reason, I have only a daughter. I will agree to your proposal to marry my daughter only on condition that her son will become the inheritor of my kingdom & not your other sons. Arjun agreed & continued to reside there for 3 years till she gave birth to a son. He then bade farewell for onward journey

He then arrived at Southern Ocean, where there were 5 lakes bearing the names of great sages. He was surprised seeing that although lot of ascetics lived nearby but none went to the vicinity of the lakes. Asking the reason, he was informed that 5 large crocodiles lived in lake waters & seize anyone who dared to bathe there

Arjun plunged into first lake & immediately one crocodile seized him by the leg. As he pulled, Arjun pulled the powerful beast onto the shore. As it came out of water, it miraculously transformed into a beautiful girl. Enquiring about her whereabout, the girl said that she is Apsarā Varga. Once as she was going to visit Kuvera with her friends, she saw a handsome brāhmana studying Vedas in a secluded place. She tried to catch his attention but instead of being attracted, he angrily glanced & cursed us to become crocodiles for 100 years

On fervent pleas for forgiveness, Brāhmana said that she’ll be delivered when an exalted person comes & drags you out of water. Varga begged to deliver her other 4 friends & Arjun cheerfully consented. All regained their original Apsarā form & returned to their heavenly abode. The five lakes then served the sages & were considered now sacred places

There are many parallels between Arjun, the epic archer & today’s managers. Arjun was the ultimate warrior, full of dynamism & action. He was man of Karma & one whose ego was totally surrendered. If senior managers can shed their false ego & learn even from subordinates, then they could have enriching experiences. Arjun was in control of his emotions & mind & didn’t got overawed in victory or defeat. Arjun has so many other name like, Dhananjay, Partha, Bhārata, Jishnu, Kriti, Swetavāhana, Vibhatsu, Vijaya etc which aptly describes his qualities

Let’s learn! Thoughts? #gameoflife


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