Kansara Samaj and Sahasrarjun Kshatriya Samaj consider that they are from the lineage of Sahasrarjun.
Some Important Facts And Lesser Known Information About Sahastrabahu Arjun:
Kartavirya Arjuna, popularly called Sahastrabahu Arjun (meaning “Arjuna with a thousand arms”).
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Dynasty: He belonged to the Haihaya (Heheya) dynasty, a branch of the Yadu clan (Yadava lineage).
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Father: Kritavirya (also called Kritavarma in some texts) - Ancestor of King Yadu
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Capital: Mahishmati (modern-day Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh).
Powers & Divine Blessings
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Boon from Lord Dattatreya: After intense penance, he received immense strength, a thousand arms, and invincibility from Lord Dattatreya (an incarnation of the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
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Thousand Arms: The “thousand arms” may symbolize immense power, military might, and control over numerous kingdoms rather than literal arms.
Supernatural Strength: Could stop the Narmada River with his thousand arms, creating a flood and demonstrating cosmic power.
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Chakravarti Emperor: He was one of the few kings who ruled the entire earth and oceans — mentioned as a Saptadwipa Samrat (ruler of seven continents).
Rule & Personality
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Initially, he was a just and noble ruler, known for protecting the weak and upholding dharma.
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Over time, his power and pride grew, leading him to commit acts of arrogance and adharma (injustice).
Known for administrative brilliance, strong defense, and prosperity in his early reign.
His empire was known for its wealth, culture, and devotion to Dattatreya.
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His rule is sometimes cited as a symbol of the dangers of uncontrolled power in Hindu philosophy.
Association with Dattatreya
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Dattatreya was his spiritual guru, who blessed him with boons but later withdrew his grace when Arjuna turned arrogant and tyrannical.
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Despite his later downfall, he is often revered in Dattatreya traditions as an important figure who shows the consequences of ego overpowering devotion.
Even after his death, the Dattatreya tradition reveres him as a reminder of divine justice.
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In some Avadhuta and Nath lineages, Kartavirya Arjuna is remembered as a Mahabhakta who fell due to ego, not evil.
Conflict with Parashurama
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Main Adversary: Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
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Kartavirya Arjuna once defeated Ravana (then a young king of Lanka) and imprisoned him briefly, showcasing his might.
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Later, his arrogance led to the killing of Sage Jamadagni, Parashurama’s father.
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Enraged, Parashurama killed Sahastrabahu Arjun and vowed to exterminate the Kshatriya race 21 times.
Rare & Symbolic Aspects
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“Sahasra-bahu” is sometimes interpreted symbolically as “one whose influence reaches in all directions.”
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In some regional traditions (especially in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat), he is worshipped as a guardian deity and not always portrayed negatively.
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His capital, Mahishmati, is considered a historical and mythological city mentioned in several Puranas and the Mahabharata.
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The Sahasrabahu Temples (also known as Sas-Bahu Temples) in Gwalior are dedicated to Lord Vishnu but are named after Sahastrabahu Arjun — symbolizing his cultural influence.
Mentions in Scriptures
- Bhagavata Purana (9.15–16): Detailed story of his rise, arrogance, and death.
- Vayu Purana & Markandeya Purana: Describe his conquest of the world and defeat of Ravana.
- Mahabharata (Shanti Parva & Vanaparva): Cites him as a mighty but prideful king.
- Padma Purana: Lists him among the greatest kings of the Yadu lineage.
Central India (Madhya Pradesh)
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Mahishmati (Maheshwar) on the Narmada River is believed to be his capital.
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Locals near Maheshwar and Omkareshwar tell stories of his thousand arms stopping the Narmada, causing floods that shaped the river’s geography.
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Annual local rituals honor Sahastrabahu as a protector of the land and warrior king.
- Omkareshwar (M.P.): Said to be where he meditated before receiving Dattatreya’s boon.
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Jabalpur Region: Folk claims of battlefields where Parashurama fought him.
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Maheshwar Fort: Local guides recount tales of his reign and his conflict with Parashurama.
Gujarat & Rajasthan
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Several Rajput clans (like the Haihaya or Kalchuri descendants) claim descent from Sahastrabahu Arjun.
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In folklore, he is often seen as a founder-ancestor of noble warrior lineages.
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Local traditions in Rajasthan refer to him as Sahasrajun, and his story is enacted in village folk dramas during fairs.
Philosophical and Symbolic Interpretations
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“Sahasra-bahu” symbolizes infinite reach or authority — the ability to manage countless tasks and realms.
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His story serves as a moral allegory: even divine power becomes destructive when detached from humility.
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Represents the cycle of power and penance — rise through devotion, downfall through ego.