How Ulupi's Love Revived Arjuna in the Mahabharata

Ulupi is a fascinating character from the Mahabharata. She is the daughter of Kauravya, the Naga king of the underworld.

Meeting Arjuna

Arjuna was on a pilgrimage during his exile. One day, he was bathing in the Ganges River. Ulupi saw him and fell in love. She pulled him into her underwater kingdom. She expressed her feelings and asked him to marry her. Arjuna accepted her love. They got married and spent some time together.

Birth of Iravan

Their union resulted in the birth of a son named Iravan. He later played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war.

Arjuna's Death and Revival

Arjuna’s death is a key moment in the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, he toured to collect tribute for Yudhishthira's Ashwamedha Yagna. He visited Manipur, ruled by Chitrangada and Babruvahana, his son with Chitrangada. Babruvahana, unaware Arjuna was his father, fought and killed him in a fierce battle.

The Vasus, Bhishma's brothers, cursed Arjuna for killing Bhishma. When Ulupi heard of the curse, she sought her father Kauravya's help. Kauravya went to the river goddess Ganga, Bhishma's mother, and requested relief from the curse. Ganga said Arjuna will have to get killed by his own son, Babruvahana, and brought back to life by Ulupi by placing a gem called Nagamani on his chest. This was the only way to get relief from the curse.

Following her father's advice, Ulupi instigated Babruvahana to fight Arjuna. When Arjuna went to Manipur with the horse for the Ashwamedha sacrifice, Babruvahana, directed by Ulupi, challenged him to a duel. In their fierce battle, both were wounded by each other's arrows. Finally, Arjuna was mortally wounded and killed by his son when he shot a powerful arrow at him. Chitrangada rushed to the spot and blamed Ulupi for instigating Babruvahana.

Repenting his deed, Babruvahana wanted to kill himself, but was stopped by Ulupi. She went to her kingdom and brought the Nagamani. Placing the Nagamani on Arjuna's chest, she restored his life, relieving him of the Vasus' curse. Brought back to life, Arjuna was happy to see Ulupi, Chitrangada, and Babruvahana. He took all of them to Hastinapura.

Ulupi’s Devotion

Ulupi's actions showed her deep love and devotion to Arjuna. Her intervention not only saved Arjuna’s life but also strengthened the bond between him and Babruvahana. Ulupi’s wisdom and her magical abilities were crucial in this miraculous revival.

Reflection

Ulupi’s story is one of love, sacrifice, and wisdom. Her legacy continues to inspire many. She reminds us of the power of love and dedication. Ulupi's role in Arjuna's life and her actions during his death and revival highlight her as a remarkable and unforgettable character in the Mahabharata.

Ulupi’s ability to seek solutions in times of crisis reflects strong problem-solving skills and resilience. Instead of being overwhelmed by the curse, she actively seeks a way to reverse it.

Ulupi’s role in resolving the conflict between Arjuna and Babruvahana demonstrates principles of conflict resolution. She orchestrates a way to fulfill the curse’s requirements while ensuring the ultimate resolution and unity of the family.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi