Which bow was more powerful: Gandiva of Arjuna or Vijaya of Karna?

Let me start by saying that both these bows were great and revered by all……. devas, danavas and humans. To answer this question comprehensively, we need to understand the standards and concept of celestial bows.

 I will try to explain this in the best possible way I can so that I may clear a few concepts.

Firstly, there were many celestial bows in existence apart from Vijaya and Gandiva. Such as Sharanga that belonged to Shri Vishnu. It was used later by Sri Rama and Shri Krishna. Then there was Pinaka that belonged to Lord Shiva. Each bow had its specialty and power.

Now, coming to Gandiva and Vijaya. We need to look at the history of both the bows. Gandiva was created before by creator Brahma himself. It was used by the Gods to defeat the Demons many times. Brahma himself held it for a thousand years. Then he passed it on to Prajapati (probably Daksha, Sati’s father), who held it for five hundred and three years. Indra then kept it for five hundred and eighty years and passed it on to Soma (Chandra deva). Chandra kept it for five hundred years and fought many battles. Then it went to Varuna who kept it for a hundred years before giving it to Arjuna on Agni’s request. Even Lord Shiva had used it on many occasions for his battles.

Lets now discuss the features of Gandiva.

The bow was a double curve bow with great proportions and tremendous weight. It had 108 strings and one of them was celestial which could not be broken or cut. Whenever an arrow was fired the strings made loud thunderous sounds that filled the enemy with dread. The bow glowed bright during battle and was difficult to look at. It had the capability to enhance the strength of an arrow by many times. A skilled archer like Arjuna when equipt with a bow like Gandiva was almost invincible.

Now let’s look into the bow Vijaya.

To discuss in brief the circumstances of how and why the bow Vijaya was created.

After Tarakasur was killed by Kartikeya the son of Lord Shiva, his three sons performed great penance for many years and please Brahma. They asked for a boon of three impregnable and everlasting fortresses. But Brahma said that nothing can be everlasting and he cannot grant that wish. So the three brothers asked that the fortress cities can only be destroyed by a single arrow. Having this boon they devised the fortress cities one on Earth with iron walls, one in the sky with silver walls and the last one in heaven with golden walls. The cities were constantly in motion and came in a single line only once in every thousand years. Thus, with the help of these cities the Asuras began to prosper and eventually started oppressing the Devas and the rishis of the world.

After many wars, Indra could not defeat the Asuras or destroy the cities which was the source of their power and prowess. He along with the other devas went to Brahma for a solution. Brahma said that only Lord Shiva can help the mout as the three Asura brothers were great devotees of Shiva. On hearing the pleas of the Devas, Lord Shiva asked for an arrow to be made that was powerful enough to destroy all the three cities together. Thus an arrow was devised.Lord Vishnu became the Arrow, Agni became the tip and Vaayu became the feathers. Now there was no bow powerful enough to shoot the arrow. Many celestial bows were already in existence including Sharanga, Pinaka and Gandiva. So Vishwakarma was tasked with making such a bow. Thus Vijaya was created and with that bow Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities in a single shot. The bow was then given to Indra for safekeeping. Later Lord Shiva instructed Indra to give the bow to Parashurama for combating evil that had spread in the Kshatriya race. It gave the possessor invincibility. With this bow Parashurama destroyed the Kshatriya race 21 times. And through Parashurama the Vijaya bow was finally obtained by Karna.

Now, about the Features of Vijaya.

The celestial string of the bow could not be broken by any astra or any divine weapon. When arrows were released the twang of the bow was as loud as thunder,which caused great fear and despair on the enemy. It produced brilliant flashes like lightening that blinded the enemy. Not many warriors could withstand it’s splendour in battle. The energy of the arrows was amplified by a thousand times as the bow was charged with many sacred mantras. No weapon, not even the Pashupatastra could harm the warrior who carried Vijaya in battle.

In the Karna Parva of Mahabharata, Karna speaks about both the bows. The following is an extract from KMG translation of The Mahabharata.

Karnasaid to Duryodhana :”” O ruler of men,listen now to what is beneficial. The energy of my celestial weapons is equal to the energy of Arjuna's weapons. In counteracting the feats of powerful foes,in lightness of hands, in range of the arrows shot, in skill, and in hitting the mark, Savyasaci is never my equal. In physical strength, in courage, in knowledge of (weapons), in prowess, O Bharata, in aiming, Savyasaci is never my equal. My bow, called Vijaya, is the foremost of all weapons (of its kind). With that bow, O king, Indra had vanquished the Daityas. At its twang the Daityas beheld the ten points to be empty. That bow, respected by all, Sakra gave to Bhrigu's son (Rama). That celestial and foremost of bows Bhrigu's son gave tome. With that bow I will contend in battle with the mighty-armed Arjuna, that foremost of victorious warriors, like Indra fighting with the assembled Daityas.That formidable bow, the gift of Rama, is superior to Gandiva. It was with that bow that the Earth was subjugated thrice seven times (by Bhrigu's son). With that bow given to me by Rama I will contend in battle with the son of Pandu. I will, O Duryodhana, gladden thee today with thy friends, by slaying in battle that hero, viz., Arjuna, that foremost of conquerors. The whole Earth with her mountains and forest and islands, without a heroic warrior (to oppose thy wish), will, O king, become thine today, over which thyself with thy sons and grandsons will reign supreme. Today there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by me, especially when the object is to do what is agreeable to thee,even as success is incapable of being missed by an ascetic zealously devoted to virtue and having his soul under control. Arjuna will not be able to bear me in battle, even as a tree in contact with fire is incapable of bearing that element. I must, however, declare in what respect I am inferior to Arjuna. The string of his bow is celestial, and the two large quivers of his are inexhaustible.His driver is Govinda. I have none like him. His is that celestial and fore most of bows, called Gandiva, which is irrefragible in battle. I also have that excellent, celestial, and formidable bow called Vijaya. In respect of our bows,therefore, O king, I am superior to Arjuna. Listen now to those matters in which the heroic son of Pandu is superior to me. The holder of the reins (of his steeds) is he of Dasharha's race who is adored by all the worlds. His celestial car decked with gold, given unto him by Agni, is impenetrable in every part, and his steeds also, O hero, are endued with the speed of the mind.His celestial standard, bearing the blazing Ape, is exceedingly wonderful.Again, Krishna, who is Creator of the universe, protects that car. Though inferior to Arjuna in respect of these things, I still desire to fight with him.””

During the 17th day of battle, Karna overpowered Arjuna and almost killed him. Arjuna could not match Karna in battle. It was only when Karna had kept the bow aside to pull his chariot wheel out of the ground, Krishna instructed Arjuna to kill him. As it would be impossible to do so once Karna held the bow in his hand again.

Thus we can assume that Vijaya was a much mightier bow than Gandiva.

But this is only my interpretation of the topic. Others’ views may differ.