What divine weapon did Arjuna receive from Lord Shiva?

Arjuna received the divine weapon Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. The weapon was granted after Arjuna performed severe penance and proved his courage in a contest with Shiva disguised as a forest hunter.

During Arjuna’s austerities, the demon Muka appeared in the form of a wild boar. Arjuna and the disguised Shiva both shot at the animal, then argued over whose arrow had killed it. Their quarrel became a fierce duel. Arjuna fought with arrows, weapons, and physical strength, but Shiva ultimately overcame him.

When Arjuna recognized Shiva’s divine identity and worshipped him, Shiva and Parvati revealed themselves and blessed him with the Pashupatastra. In epic descriptions, it is an extraordinarily destructive celestial missile that can be invoked through the mind, eyes, words, or a bow.

The weapon is not the same as Gandiva, Arjuna’s famous bow, or Vasavi Shakti, which Indra gave to Karna. The Mahabharata also emphasizes that the Pashupatastra should not be used recklessly against lesser enemies or ordinary mortals.