Vijaya (bow)

Vijaya (विजय), also called Vijaya Dhanusha (lit. 'Vijaya bow'), is a divine bow in Hindu tradition. It ensures victory to whoever wields this weapon but the wielder should possess prodigious talent. The bow was created by Vishvakarma, the architect of the gods, for Shiva.

Legend
The bow Vijaya was specially made by Vishvakarma for the god Shiva to destroy the city of Tripura built by sons of Tarakasura. Shiva destroyed Tripura by firing Pashupatastra from Vijaya. Later, Shiva gave this bow for safekeeping to Indra. The asuras feared the bow due to its destructive abilities. After impressed by Parashurama's valour, Lord Shiva granted Vijaya and other weapons to Parashurama. On 21 different occasions, when the ruling Kshatriyas began oppressing their subjects and committing sin, Parashurama, armed with the Vijaya bow, hunted them to the brink of extinction, nearly ridding the world of the Varna. Each time, Parashurama donated the territory won from the Kshatriyas to the Brahmins for the re-establishment of order.

Mahabharata
The Mahabharata discusses how the ownership of the bow was passed on to Karna: "My bow, called Vijaya, is the foremost of all weapons (of its kind). Desirous of doing what was agreeable (to Indra), it was made by Vishakarman (the celestial artificer) for Indra. With that bow, O king, Indra had vanquished the Daityas. At its twang the Daityas beheld the ten points to be empty. That bow, respected by all, Sakra gave to Bhrigu's son (Rama). That celestial and foremost of bows Bhrigu's son gave to me. With that bow I will contend in battle with the mighty-armed Arjuna, that foremost of victorious warriors, like Indra fighting with the assembled Daityas. That formidable bow, the gift of Rama, is superior to Gandiva. It was with that bow that the Earth was subjugated thrice seven times (by Bhrigu's son). With that bow given to me by Rama I will contend in battle with the son of Pandu. I will, O Duryodhana, gladden thee today with thy friends, by slaying in battle that hero, viz., Arjuna, that foremost of conquerors.

." According to the Mahabharata, Parashurama took on Karna as his student. He was not only talented, but also a favourite of his, amongst all his disciples. He blessed Karna with the Vijaya, along with other celestial weapons. But Karna never used it as he believed in his innate skills and valour rather than celestial weapons. Also the guilt of killing a Brahmin's cow accidentally during his practice session left him with everlasting guilt. The Vijaya was used by Karna only during the Kurukshetra war, on the 17th day, when he was fighting against Arjuna as it was a life-or-death battle for him. Even Krishna adviced Arjuna that Karna was undefeatable as long as he held the Vijaya. When Karna's chariot got stuck in the mud, he left the bow in the chariot and started lifting the wheel. Arjuna seized the opportunity and killed him by shooting an arrow at him from the Gandiva. Thus destiny had taken Karna's life.

Significance
In Shaiva tradition, the Vijaya was wielded by Shiva, and presented to his devotee, Parashurama. It is stated that the string of the bow cannot be broken by any astra, and that when mustered, it creates a blinding flash of light that is bright enough to leave one's enemy incapacitated.