Days passed by. Many sages and saints reached the dwelling place of Pandavs for talks and discussion on various aspects of Yoga and Scriptures. Topics like duties of householders, aim in life, and spiritual practices were also brought up. Group chanting of verses from Vedas and Upanishads were organized.

It was getting obvious to the five brothers and Sri Krishna that Duryodhan and Shakuni would never return them their share of land and kingdom. It was futile to expect change of heart. War would be the last solution; prepared they must be for such eventuality.

Story of Arjun

Therefore, to increase their power and capabilities, it was decided to send Arjun to the kingdom of Himalayas and heaven to bring special divine missiles from gods. Moreover, Arjun could learn a few more skills from them.

On an auspicious day, Arjun left for his mission. His first destination was Mount Kailash in the heights of Himalayas, abode of Lord Shiva. One day he encountered a beautiful deer freely jumping here and there. He shot an arrow at the deer to hunt it down. At the same time another arrow from opposite direction hit the deer.

Arjun saw a local tribesman opposite him with bow and arrow in his hand. The deer lay dead with two arrows in his chest. It was undecided as to whose arrow had killed the deer. It was essential to establish one's right over the kill. Both Arjun and the tribesman staked their claim.

A bitter fight ensued. After their arrows were exhausted, they were engaged in wrestling. The apparently weak tribesman brought Arjun to his wit's end. No one was willing to relent. Arjun was surprised to find his inability to defeat even a simple tribesman.

He, therefore, requested the tribesman to reveal his true identity. Arjun said, "O brave fighter, you must not be what you appear, for it impossible for any one to compete with me in the game of archery."

And, yes, indeed, the tribesman was none other than Lord Shiva himself! Pleased with Arjun. Shiva appeared before him in Divine form and as an act of blessing gave Arjun his most powerful divine missile 'Pashupat' that was to prove very useful to Pandavs in the war of Mahabharat.

From there Arjun went to Indra-loka, kingdom of Indra, Heaven, through beautiful provinces of Moon, Stars, and Planets. In fact, the king of god Indra was his father, as Mother Kunti had obtained Arjun from Indra through her yogic powers.

After welcoming Arjun to that beautiful place, Indra asked him the purpose of his visit. Arjun narrated about the evil designs of Duryodhan and Shakuni and requested him to teach him special skills in warfare. Indra was pleased with Arjun and requested him to stay in the heaven for a few days more.

Besides archery and other martial arts, here Arjun learnt music and dance from Urvashi, the most beautiful celestial nymph. She fell in love with Arjun, but Arjun had no such feelings towards her, as she was his teacher.

Thus, disappointed in her love, Urvashi sent a curse to Arjun that he would become eunuch for one year. This curse later was to prove beneficial to Arjun during his exile to stay incognito for one year.

More Suffering for Draupadi

From the Dvaita forest, the Pandavs returned to Kamyak forest. Arjun returned from heaven to stay with his brothers.

One day when all the five Pandavs had gone for hunting and Draupadi was alone in the cottage, King Jayadrath of Sindhu province (brother-in-law of Duryodhan) happened to pass by that side. He saw the beautiful and attractive Draupadi all alone.

Lust made him blind and he forcefully tried to abduct her. Draupadi cried for help. Pandavs were returning from the forest and heard her cry of help. They saw the evil Jayadrath attempting to carry Draupadi away in his chariot.

Soon Pandavs overpowered this mean person, and the angry Bhim was about to kill him for his misdemeanor. However, Yudhisthir intervened and said, "O Bhim, I understand your rage at this lowly Jayadrath, but still I would pardon him for he is our brother-in-law. If you kill him, our cousin sister Dushala (real sister of Duryodhan) will become widow."

One wonders at the righteousness (or foolishness!) of Yudhisthir when even a person related to Duryodhan and engaged in ungainly act is granted pardon.

Bhim let Jayadrath go, but Arjun vowed to kill him in the battle-field.