Savyasachi - Etymology and Other Names

Etymology and Other Names

The Mahabharata refers to Arjuna by twelve different names. These names are told by Arjuna to Prince Uttar as proof that he really is Arjuna on the last day of his "Agyat Waas" while he was about to fight the Kuru Army. The names and their meanings are as follows.

  • Arjuna - one of taintless fame and glow like silver
  • Phalguna - one born on the star of Phalguna
  • Jishnu - conqueror of enemies
  • Kiriti - one who wears the celestial diadem, Kiriti, presented by Indra
  • Swetavahana - one with white horses mounted to his chariot
  • Bibhatsu - one who always fights wars in a fair manner
  • Vijaya - victorious warrior
  • Parth or Partha - son of Pritha or Kunti. Incidentally his father is the Lord of Heavens, Indra.
  • Savyasachi - skillful in using both arms, ambidextrous
  • Dhananjaya - one who conquers bows (dhanu) referring to his skills as an archer
  • Gudakesa - One who has conquered sleep (gudaka "sleep")
  • Kapi Dhwaj - Having flag of Kapi (Monkey) in his chariot (Arjuna's flag displayed an image of Hanuman from a previous encounter)
  • Parantap - one who concentrates the most, destroyer of enemies from his concentration

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