Bhagadatta was a great king and warrior in the Mahabharata. He
ruled Pragjyotisa. In the Mahabharat war, he fought on the side of the
Kauravas. As per the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhagadatta was born from the
limb of asura called Biskala.
Bhagadatta was a friend of Pandu. But the triumphant tour of
Arjuna in connection with the Rajasuya Yajna performed by Yudhisthira evoked
feelings of jealousy in the heart of Bhagadatta. He fought against Arjuna who defeated
him. He accepted defeat and congratulated Arjuna on his supreme courage.
In the Mahabharata war, Bhagadatta wounded King of Virata,
Ghatotkcha, Bhima, and numerous other warriors. The fight between Arjuna and
Bhagadatta was of epic proportion. Bhagadatta used Vainavastra given to him by
Vishnu against Arjuna. But Arjuna was able to fend it off.
Finally, Arjuna killed Bhagadatta. Vajradatta his son also
was killed by Arjuna.