Why Arjuna is the greatest Archer

 

After Bhismadev implored Dronacharya to accept the Pandavas and Kauravas as his disciples. He agreed and  Dronacharya soon began to train the youthful princes. Dronacharya thought the sons of Pandu and the sons of Dhritarashtra in the use of many weapons, both human and celestial. Although the instruction given to them was the same, still Arjuna, the third son of Pandu, excelled all the students. His lightness of hand and skill was beyond compare. Arjuna became very faithful to Dronacharya and always stayed by his side. 

One day Dronacharya gave each of his students a narrow-mouthed vessel to fill water. Nevertheless, he gave his own son, Asvatthama, a wide-mouthed vessel so by filling it quickly, he could return to his father and receive special instructions. When Arjuna came to know about this, he filled his vessel by the means of varunastra ( a celestial weapon that could produce water). He came to Dronacharya at the same time as Asvatthama. Arjuna's strong appetite to learn won the heart of Dronacharya. It soon became apparent that Arjuna was his favorite student. 

One day Dronacharya told his cook "Never serve Arjuna food in the dark nor tell him that I have given this order". However one night, Arjuna was taking food in his tent by candlelight, and suddenly a turbulent wind arose blowing out the candle. Arjuna continued to eat, although it was dark, and while he was eating, he thought, "If I can eat in the dark, why can't I practice archery in the dark. 

Thus Arjuna began training at night and is therefore known as Gudakesa. He not only conquered his sleep and slept as required. His body was transcendental and therefore he never required any sleep. But just like Krishna was acting like a human, so did Arjuna. Hearing the twang of Arjuna's bow, Dronarcharya came to him and embraced him lovingly. He blessed Arjuna that there will not be an archer your equal in the world.