Varkana

Varkana is a fictional character from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Varkana is a powerful and formidable demon, often depicted as a giant serpent or a serpent-like creature. He is a central figure in the Bhishma Parva, the eighth book of the Mahabharata, where his encounter with the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic, is recounted.

Varkana is initially introduced as a demon who is sent by the Asuras, a class of demons, to attack the Pandavas. He is described as having a body made of iron, a head made of gold, and eyes that could burn anything they looked at. His strength and power are immense, and he is able to withstand the attacks of the Pandavas for a long time.

The Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five brothers, devise a clever strategy to defeat Varkana. They use their knowledge of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, to create a powerful weapon called the Brahmastra, which is said to be able to destroy anything. With this weapon, the Pandavas are able to defeat Varkana and free the world from his tyranny.

Varkana's defeat is a significant moment in the Mahabharata, as it marks the beginning of the end of the Asuras' rule over the world. His story is often used to illustrate the power of knowledge and the importance of using one's wits to overcome adversity. Despite his formidable nature, Varkana is ultimately defeated by the cunning and strategic thinking of the Pandavas.