Khandavaid

Khandava, also known as Khandavavana, was a primeval forest described in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. This dense forest was the abode of the Nāga king Takshaka. The story of its burning, known as the Khandava-daha, is a significant event in the epic.

According to the Mahabharata, the Pandava prince Arjuna, aided by his divine charioteer Krishna, was tasked with clearing the forest. The purpose was to establish a new capital city, Indraprastha, for the Pandavas. The forest was initially protected by Indra, the king of the gods and Takshaka's friend, who unleashed rain to prevent its destruction. However, Krishna, in the form of Agni, the god of fire, consumed the forest. Agni was pleased and, as a reward, granted Arjuna the divine bow Gandiva. The burning of Khandava is often interpreted as a symbolic act, clearing the old to make way for the new, and a demonstration of the power of the divine forces supporting the Pandavas. The event also serves to highlight the martial prowess and divine backing of Arjuna and Krishna.