Kartavirya Arjuna was a popular king in ancient India and his
story is mentioned in various Hindus scriptures including the Puranas. There is
a popular belief that he is an incarnation of the Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu. Legend
has it that he worshipped Dattatreya and obtained a boon of a thousand arms and
a chariot that could travel anywhere according to his will.
He is believed to have ruled the earth for a very long time
and during his rule there was peace, prosperity and justice. His capital was
Mahishmati on the banks of Narmada
River Narmada river and made
the lands fertile.
Despite all this he was envious of Kamadhenu, the wish
fulfilling cow of Sage Jamadagni. He forcibly took away the cow and this led to
his downfall.
Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, who was the son
of Sage Jamadagni cut off the arms of Kartavirya Arjuna and killed him.
It must be noted here that there are numerous versions of
the Story of Kartavirya Arjuna. In some he is even depicted as an evil king.
Another popular story of Kartavirya Arjuna
Legend has it that once Kartavirya Arjuna blocked Godavari River using his thousand arms to take bath
with his queens. This enraged Ravana who was bathing on one side of Godavari River