Sages & Others

Barbarika

बर्बरीक

The Warrior of Three Arrows

Who was Barbarika?

Barbarika (बर्बरीक): The Warrior of Three Arrows, one of the sages and supporting figures in the Mahabharata. Grandson of Bhima through Ghatotkacha, a forest warrior whose three divine arrows could end the entire war in moments.

Quick Facts

Key facts about Barbarika
Sanskrit nameबर्बरीक
Title / EpithetThe Warrior of Three Arrows
FactionSages & Others
Key traitsInvincible, Vow-bound, Selfless, Witness
Notable relationshipsGrandfather: Bhima, Asked for his head: Krishna
Featured in1 story

About Barbarika

Grandson of Bhima through Ghatotkacha, a forest warrior whose three divine arrows could end the entire war in moments. Bound by his vow to always fight for the losing side, he was asked by Krishna for his head before the battle - and granted the boon of witnessing the whole war.

In Their Words

Three arrows are enough - one to mark, one to spare, one to destroy.

Barbarika

Traits

  • Invincible
  • Vow-bound
  • Selfless
  • Witness

Story Appearances

Character Arc

  1. The VowPledges himself to whoever is weaker
  2. The GiftOffers his head to Krishna

Key Relationships

Places in Barbarika's Story

Drawn from the story Barbarika appears in.

Others counted among the Sages & Others.