VIJAYAWADA

But at the same time another arrow came and hit the dead bear, followed by the hunter, who reaching the spot bent low to pick up the killed. Arjuna objecting him said that it was with his arrow the boar fell down dead, but was stubbornly opposed by the hunter. This war of a words led to war of muscles, and in the end, Arjuna vanquished the hunter. Siva rising, revealed his nijarupa, and said he was pleased. Immediately, handing over the potent Pasupatha, he blessed him Victory in the future war; it was indeed a great battle - a mortal scoring victory over the immortal. It was immortalised by a literary gaint, Bharavi in his Kiratarjuneeyam. As this exciting event took place on this hill, Arjuna built an imposing temple for Lord Siva in commemoration his great Victory. It is now called the Vijayeswara temple. This entire episode is represented on the stone in the same temple. The stone cutter's artistry is superb. Recognising the enormity of eminence attached to it, the rulers that followed renovated it fittingly. Theists visit this hoary shrine and offer prayers recalling to their minds the thrilling battle fought between Lord Siva and the Pandavamadhyama - Arjuna.

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