ARJUNA AN ULTIMATE WARRIOR RESPECT THREAD PART 2: ARJUNA'S ACHIEVEMENTS WITHOUT THE GANDIVA BOW

Some criticizers of Arjuna try to degrade him by crediting all of his achievements to his great celestial bow Gandiva. But what these people forget is that Arjuna did not gain this bow Gandiva until after his 4th marriage and after he trained his sons and students.

Now i will try to present these great feats of Arjuna. The incredible achievements he accomplished without the Gandiva bow. I will present quotes from the English translation of Mahabharata. And i will highlight the important parts of the text as black bold to prove my point.

1. Arjuna surpassed every student of Drona in the science of arms - Arjuna, however, from devotion to the science of arms, always stayed by the side of his preceptor, and in skill, strength of arms, and perseverance, excelled all (his class-fellows). Indeed, although the instruction the preceptor gave, was the same in the case of all, yet in lightness and skill Arjuna became the foremost of all his fellow-pupils. And Drona was convinced that none of his pupils would (at any time) be able to be equal to that son of Indra. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. The characters of Mahabharata that are included in the list of Drona's pupils may shock a few fans of the epic - And, O bull of the Bharata race, many other princes also flocked to that best of Brahmanas for instruction in arms. The Vrishnis and the Andhakas, and princes from various lands, and the (adopted) son of Radha of the Sutacaste, (Karna), all became pupils of Drona. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. These are the disciples of Drona that were still inferior to Arjuna despite receiving the same teachings and training. Among these disciples includes Karna.
2. Despite being disadvantaged Arjuna was still able to beat Aswathamman (son of his preceptor Drona) in gathering water in the vessels - And while he gave unto every one of his pupils a narrow-mouthed vessel (for fetching water) in order that much time may be spent in filling them, he gave unto his own son Aswatthaman a broad-mouthed vessel, so that, filling it quickly, he might return soon enough. And in the intervals so gained, Drona used to instruct his own son in several superior methods (of using weapons). Jishnu (Arjuna) came to know of this, and thereupon filling his narrow-mouthed vessel with water by means of the Varuna p.280 weapon he used to come unto his preceptor at the same time with his preceptor's son. And accordingly the intelligent son of Pritha, that foremost of all men possessing a knowledge of weapons, had no inferiority to his preceptor's son in respect of excellence. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. The reason this proves Arjuna's superiority over Aswathamman is because of Arjuna had a narrow-mouthed vessel but Aswathamman had a wide one. Yet Arjuna was still able to collect water within the same time as Aswathamman despite being disadvantaged.
3. Arjuna learnt how to shoot arrows in the darkness with his bow at night time - And Drona, beholding his pupil's devotion to arms, summoned the cook, and told him in secret, 'Never give Arjuna his food in the dark, nor tell him that I have told thee this.' A few days after, however, when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind arose, and thereupon the lamp that had been burning went out. But Arjuna, endued with energy, continued eating in the dark, his hand, from habit, going to his mouth. His attention being thus called to the force of habit, the strong-armed son of Pandu set his heart upon practising with his bow in the night. And, O Bharata, Drona, hearing the twang of his bowstring in the night, came to him, and clasping him, said, 'Truly do I tell thee that I shall do that unto thee by which there shall not be an archer equal to thee in this world.' http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Arjuna learnt this just through his own habit.
4. Arjuna alone became an Atiratha far before he got the Gandiva bow - Yudhishthira surpassed everybody as a car-warrior; but Arjuna, however, outdistanced everyone in every respect in intelligence, resourcefulness, strength and perseverance. Accomplished in all weapons, Arjuna became the foremost of even the foremost of car-warriors; and his fame spread all over the earth to the verge of the sea. And although the instruction was the same, the mighty Arjuna excelled all (the princes in lightness of hand). Indeed, in weapons as in devotion to his preceptor, he became the foremost of them all. And amongst all the princes, Arjuna alone became an Atiratha (a car-warrior capable of fighting at one time with sixty thousand foes). http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Thousands of monarchs, kings & princes started to train under Drona because they heard of the skills Arjuna acquired under Drona's tutelage - Thereafter Drona began to teach Arjuna the art of fighting on horse-back, on the back of elephants, on car, and on the ground. And the mighty Drona also instructed Arjuna in fighting with the mace, the sword, the lance, the spear, and the dart. And he also instructed him in using many weapons and fighting with many men at the same time. And hearing reports of his skill, kings and princes, desirous of learning the science of arms, flocked to Drona by thousands. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK) 
5. Arjuna is the only one among the disciples of Drona to pass the test of  bird's eye - 'When everyone had failed, Drona smilingly called Arjuna and said unto him, 'By thee the aim must be shot; therefore, turn thy eyes to it. Thou must let fly the arrow as soon as I give the order. Therefore, O son, stand here with bow and arrow for an instant.' Thus addressed, Arjuna stood aiming at the bird as desired by his preceptor, with his bow bent. An instant after Drona asked him as in the case of others, 'Seest thou, O Arjuna, the bird there, the tree, and myself?' Arjuna replied, 'I see the bird only, but nor the tree, or thyself.' Then the irrepressible Drona, well-pleased with Arjuna, the instant after, again said unto that mighty car-warrior amongst the Pandavas, 'If thou seest the vulture, then describe it to me.' Arjuna said, I see only the head of the vulture, not its body.' At these words of Arjuna, the hair (on Drona's body) stood on end from delight. He then said to Partha, 'Shoot.' And the latter instantly let fly (his arrow) and with his sharp shaft speedily struck off the head of the vulture on the tree and brought it down to the ground. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01136.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Description of the failure of the other students - 'Then Drona, that foremost of all Angira's sons first addressed Yudhishthira saying, 'O irrepressible one, aim with thy arrow and shoot as soon as I give the order. Yudhishthira took up the bow first, as desired, O king, by his preceptor, and stood aiming at the bird. But, O bull of Bharata's race, Drona in an instant, addressing the Kuru prince standing with bow in hand, said, 'Behold, O prince, that bird on top of the tree.' Yudhishthira replied unto his preceptor, saying, 'I do.' But the next instant Drona again asked him, 'What dost thou see now, O prince? Seest thou the tree, myself or thy brothers?' Yudhishthira answered, 'I see the tree, myself, my brothers, and the bird.' Drona repeated his question, but was answered as often in the same words. Drona then, vexed with Yudhishthira, reproachingly said, 'Stand thou apart. It is not for thee to strike the aim.' Then Drona repeated the experiment with Duryodhana and the other sons of Dhritarashtra, one after another, as also with his other pupils, Bhima and the rest, including the princes that had come unto him from other lands. But the answer in every case was the same as Yudhishthira's viz., 'We behold the tree, thyself, our fellow-pupils, and the bird.' And reproached by their preceptor, they were all ordered, one after another, to stand apart.'" http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. This includes princes from other lands, not just Hastinapore.
6. Arjuna killed the crocodile and protected Drona - And when Drona had plunged into the stream, a strong alligator, sent as it were, by Death himself seized him by the thigh. And though himself quite capable, Drona in a seeming hurry asked his pupil to rescue him. And he said, 'O, kill this monster and rescue me.' Contemporaneously with this speech, Vibhatsu (Arjuna) struck the monster within the water with five sharp arrows irresistible in their course, while the other pupils stood confounded, each at his place. Beholding Arjuna's readiness, Drona considered him to be the foremost of all his pupils, and became highly pleased. The monster, in the meantime cut into pieces by the arrows of Arjuna, released the thigh of illustrious Drona and gave up the ghost. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01136.htm - (Chapter linK)
7. Arjuna displayed his skill in the Tournament-exhibition - "Vaisampayana continued, 'When the spectators, excited with delight, had somewhat regained their equanimity, Vibhatsu began to display his lightness in the use of weapons. By the Agneya weapon, he created fire, and by the Varuna weapon he created water, by the Vayavya weapon, he created air, and by the Parjanya weapon he created clouds. And by the Bhauma weapon, he created land, and by the Parvatya weapon, he brought mountains into being. By the Antardhana weapon all these were made to disappear. Now the beloved one of his preceptor (Arjuna) appeared tall and now short; now he was seen on the yoke of his car, and now on the car itself; and the next moment he was on the ground. And the hero favoured p. 287 by his practised dexterity, hit with his various butts--some tender, some fine and some of thick composition. And like one shaft, he let fly at a time into the mouth of a moving iron-boar five shafts together from his bow-string. And that hero of mighty energy discharged one and twenty arrows into the hollow of a cow's horn hung up on a rope swaying to and fro. In this manner, O sinless one, Arjuna showed his profound skill in the use of sword, bow, and mace, walking over the lists in circles. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01138.htm - (Chapter linK)
8. Arjuna vanquished Pancala general Satyajit - Then there arose a frightful uproar among the Panchala host like unto the roar of a mighty lion springing at the leader of a herd of elephants. And beholding Arjuna rushing at the king of Panchala to seize him, Satyajit of great prowess rushed at him. And the two warriors, like unto Indra and the Asura Virochana's son (Vali), approaching each other for combat, began to grind each other's ranks. Then Arjuna with great force pierced Satyajit with ten keen shafts at which feat the spectators were all amazed. But Satyajit, without losing any time, assailed Arjuna with a hundred shafts. Then that mighty car-warrior, Arjuna, endued with remarkable lightness of motion, thus covered by that shower of arrows, rubbed his bow-string to increase the force and velocity of his shafts. Then cutting in twain his antagonist's bow, Arjuna rushed at the king of the Panchalas, but Satyajit, quickly taking up a tougher bow, pierced with his arrows Partha, his chariot, charioteer, and horses. Arjuna, thus assailed in battle by the Panchala warrior, forgave not his foe. Eager to slay him at once, he pierced with a number of arrows his antagonist's horses, flags, bow, clenched (left) fist, charioteer, and the attendant at his back. Then Satyajit, finding his bows repeatedly cut in twain and his horses slain, desisted from the fight. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01141.htm - (Chapter linK)
9. Arjuna captured king Drupada - The king of the Panchalas, beholding his general thus discomfited in the encounter, himself began to shower his arrows upon the Pandava prince. Then Arjuna, that foremost of warriors, crowned with success, began to fight furiously, and quickly cutting his enemy's bow in twain as also his flagstaff which he caused to fall down, pierced his antagonist's horses, and charioteer also with five arrows. Then throwing aside his bow Arjuna took his quiver, and taking out a scimitar and sending forth a loud shout, leaped from his own chariot upon that of his foe. And standing there with perfect fearlessness he seized Drupada as Garuda seizeth a huge snake after agitating the waters of the ocean. At the sight of this, the Panchala troops ran away in all directions. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01141.htm - (Chapter linK)
10. Arjuna learned further arts of warfare - And Arjuna became celebrated for the firmness of his grasp (of weapons), for his lightness of motion, precision of aim, and his proficiency in the use of the Kshura, Naracha, Vala and Vipatha weapons, indeed, of all weapons, whether straight or crooked or heavy. And Drona certified that there was none in the world who was equal to Arjuna in lightness of hand and general proficiency. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01142.htm - (Chapter linK)
11. Arjuna acquired a weapon that could burn the whole world - One day, Drona, addressing Arjuna before the assembled Kaurava princes, said, 'There was a disciple of Agastya in the science of arms called Agnivesa. He was my preceptor and I, his disciple. By ascetic merit I obtained from him a weapon called Brahmasira which could never be futile and which was like unto thunder itself, capable of consuming the whole earth. That weapon, O Bharata, from what I have done, may now pass from disciple to disciple. While imparting it to me, my preceptor said, 'O son of Bharadwaja, never shouldst thou hurl this weapon at any human being, especially at one who is of poor energy. Thou hast, O hero, obtained that celestial weapon. None else deserveth it. But obey the command of the Rishi (Agnivesa). And, look here, Arjuna, give me now the preceptorial fee in the presence of these thy cousins and relatives.' When Arjuna, on hearing this, pledged his word that he would give what the preceptor demanded, the latter said, 'O sinless one, thou must fight with me when I fight with thee.' And that bull among the Kuru princes thereupon pledged his word unto Drona and touching his feet, went away northward. Then there arose a loud shout covering the whole earth bounded by her belt of seas to the effect that there was no bowman in the whole world like unto Arjuna. And, indeed, Dhananjaya, in encounters with the mace and the sword and on the chariot as also with the bow, acquired wonderful proficiency. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01142.htm - (Chapter linK)
12. Arjuna won over all of the enemies of Hastinapore - Indeed, Arjuna and the other Pandava princes became so powerful that they slew in battle the great Sauvira who had performed a sacrifice extending over three years, undaunted by the raids of the Gandharvas. And the king of the Yavanas himself whom the powerful Pandu even had failed to bring under subjection was brought by Arjuna under control. Then again Vipula, the king of the Sauviras, endued with great prowess, who had always shown a disregard for the Kurus, was made by the intelligent Arjuna to feel the edge of his power. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01142.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Sauvira - performed a sacrifice for over 3 years straight, was not affected by the constant raids of Gandharvas.
2. king of the Yavanas - Yavana is a synonym for greek, so the king of the greeks was subjugated by Arjuna alone. Even king Pandu failed to do that.
3. Vipula - the king of the Sauviras, was endued with great prowess, didn't even care about the Kurus, was put in his place by Arjuna.
13. Arjuna gained the name Dhanajaya and defeated Sumitra and subjugated all the kings of the east and the land of the south (possibly an exaggeration) - And Arjuna also repressed by means of his arrows (the pride of) king Sumitra of Sauvira, also known by the name of Dattamitra who had resolutely sought an encounter with him. The third of the Pandava p. 296 princes, assisted by Bhima, on only a single car subjugated all the kings of the East backed by ten thousand cars. In the same way, having conquered on a single car the whole of the south, Dhananjaya sent unto the kingdom of the Kurus a large booty. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01142.htm - (Chapter linK)
14. Arjuna defeated the gandharva Angaraparna without any bow just used a flame torch (turned into the fire weapon Agneya), and he used this fire torch to defeat his enemy at the banks of the Bhagirathi river of Ganga - 'Saying these words, the Pandava wrathfully hurled at the Gandharva that blazing weapon made of fire which burnt the Gandharva's chariot in a trice. Deprived of consciousness by the force of that weapon, the mighty Gandharva was falling, head downward, from his chariot. Dhananjaya seized him by the hair of his head adorned with garlands of flowers and thus dragged the unconscious Gandharva towards his brothers. Beholding this, that Gandharva's wife Kumbhinasi, desirous of saving her husband, ran towards Yudhishthira and sought his protection. The Gandharvi said, 'O exalted one, extend to me thy protection! O, set my husband free! O lord, I am Kumbhinasi by name, the wife of this Gandharva, who seeketh thy protection!' Beholding her (so afflicted), the mighty Yudhishthira addressed Arjuna and said, 'O slayer of foes, O child, who would slay a foe who hath been vanquished in fight, who hath been deprived p. 346 of fame, who is protected by a woman, and who hath no prowess?' Arjuna replied, saying, 'Keep thou thy life, O Gandharva! Go hence, and grieve not I Yudhishthira, the king of the Kurus, commandeth me to show thee mercy.' http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01173.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Arjuna was not wearing any special armor over here, not any armor at all actually. He also had no real weapons, he was not prepared to fight yet he still won he still gained his victory. So when foolish Karna fans make excuses for the defeats of karna (like he was drunk) it shows how weak karna was compared to Arjuna.
2. Arjuna won these horses from the gandharva aswell - 'The steeds of the Tittiri, Kalmasha, and Gandharva breeds, decked with ornaments, which Chitraratha having been vanquished in battle and subdued cheerfully gave unto Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee." p. 118 http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02060.htm
15. Arjuna strung the bow that Karna, Rukmi, Salya, Duryodhana & Jarasandha could not string despite using all their might - And that bow which Rukma, Sunitha, Vakra, Radha's son, Duryodhana, Salya, and many other kings accomplished in the science and practice of arms, could not even with great exertion, string, Arjuna, the son of Indra, that foremost of all persons endued with energy and like unto the younger brother of Indra (Vishnu) in might, strung in the twinkling of an eye. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01191.htm - (Chapter linK)
16. Arjuna was able to achieve the task that no one else in the Swayamvara could complete - And taking up the five arrows he shot the mark and caused it to fall down on the ground through the hole in the machine above which it had been placed. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01191.htm - (Chapter linK)
17. Arjuna defeated Karna at Draupadi Swayamvara (Karna was equipped with coat of mail and earrings over here!)
1. Arjuna knocked Karna out - Then the illustrious Arjuna beholding Karna, the son of Vikartana (Surya), advancing towards him, drew his tough bow and pieced him with his sharp arrows. And the impetus of those whetted arrows furnished with fierce energy made Radheya (Karna) faint. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01193.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. karna tries to comeback from this - Recovering consciousness Karna attacked Arjuna with greater care than before. Then Karna and Arjuna, both foremost of victorious warriors, desirous of vanquishing each other, fought madly on. And such was the lightness of hand they both displayed that (each enveloped by the other's shower of arrows) they both became invisible (unto the spectators of their encounter). 'Behold the strength of my arms.' 'Mark, how I have counteracted that feat,' those were the words intelligible to p. 379 heroes alone in which they addressed each other. And incensed at finding the strength and energy of Arjuna's arms unequalled on the earth, Karna, the son of Surya, fought with greater vigour. And parrying all those impetuous arrows shot at him by Arjuna, Karna sent up a loud shout. And this feat of his was applauded by all the warriors. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01193.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Karna's opinion about his opponent - Then addressing his antagonist, Karna said, 'O thou foremost of Brahmanas, I am gratified to observe the energy of thy arms that knoweth no relaxation in battle and thy weapons themselves fit for achieving victory. Art thou the embodiment of the science of weapons, or art thou Rama that best of Brahmanas, or Indra himself, or Indra's younger brother Vishnu called also Achyuta, who for disguising himself hath assumed the form of a Brahmana and mustering such energy of arms fighteth with me? No other person except the husband himself of Sachi or Kiriti, the son of Pandu, is capable of fighting with me when I am angry on the field of battle.' http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01193.htm - (Chapter linK)
4. Arjuna's response to karna - Then hearing those words of his, Phalguna replied, saying, 'O Karna, I am neither the science of arms (personified), nor Rama endued with superhuman powers. I am only a Brahmana who is the foremost of all warriors and all wielders of weapons. By the grace of my preceptor I have become accomplished in the Brahma and the Paurandara weapons. I am here to vanquish thee in battle. Therefore, O hero, wait a little.' http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01193.htm - (Chapter linK)
5. Karna runs away from the Swayamvara - 'Thus addressed (by Arjuna), Karna the adopted son of Radha desisted from the fight, for that mighty chariot-fighter thought that Brahma energy is ever invincible. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01193.htm - (Chapter linK)
18. Arjuna rescued a Brahmin's wealth with the use of an ordinary bow - Dhananjaya, arriving at this resolution, entered the chamber and talked with Yudhishthira. Coming out with the bow, he cheerfully told the Brahmana, 'Proceed, O Brahmana, with haste, so that those wretched robbers may not go much ahead of us. I shall accompany thee and restore unto thee thy wealth that hath fallen into the hands of the thieves.' Then Dhananjaya, capable of using both his arms with equal skill, armed with the bow and cased in mail and riding in his war-chariot decked with a standard, pursued the thieves, and piercing them with his arrows, compelled them to give up the booty. Benefiting the Brahmana thus by making over to him his kine, and winning great renown, the hero returned to the capital. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01216.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Some haters say Arjuna lost to robbers yet he just defeated robbers in the above narrative.
19. Arjuna dragged a celestial crocodile - As soon as that tiger among men had plunged into the water a great crocodile (that was in it) seized him by the leg. But the strong-armed Dhananjaya the son of Kunti, that foremost of all men endued with might, seized that struggling ranger of the water and dragged it forcibly to the shore. But dragged by the renowned Arjuna to the land, that crocodile became (transformed into) a beautiful damsel bedecked with ornament.http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01219.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Opinion of the sages about the crocodiles - Hearing him, the ascetics replied, 'There dwell in these waters five large crocodiles which take away the ascetics that may happen to bathe in them. It is for this, O son of Kuru's race, that these waters are shunned.' http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01219.htm - (Chapter linK)
20. Arjuna trained several great students including the sons of Krishna and Draupadi & his brothers, Yadavas etc.
1. Abhimanyu - The child began to grow up like the Moon of the bright fortnight. That grinder of foes soon became conversant with the Vedas and acquired from his father the science of weapon both celestial and human, consisting of four branches and ten divisions. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01224.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. Upapandavas (sons of the Pandavas through Draupadi, this includes another son of Arjuna) - All of them, of excellent behaviour and vows, after having studied the Vedas, acquired from Arjuna a knowledge of all the weapons, celestial and human. And, O tiger among kings, the Pandavas, having obtained sons all of whom were equal unto the children of the celestials and endued with broad chests, and all of whom became great warriors, were filled with joy. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01224.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Vrishni princes - And those princes also, endued with great strength, who dressing themselves in deer-skins learnt the science of weapons under Arjuna, waited upon Yudhishthira. And O king, the princes also of the Vrishni race, viz., Pradyumna (the son of Rukmini) and Samva, and Yuyudhana the son of Satyaki and Sudharman and Aniruddha and Saivya that foremost of men who had learnt the science of arms under Arjuna these and many other kings, O lord of the Earth, used to wait on Yudhishthira on that occasion. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02004.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. These above achievements that Arjuna accomplished was right before Khandava-daha (the incident where he was given the Gandiva bow). Arjuna trained many great warriors and made the princes and future generation of warriors into great fighters before he was rewarded the bow Gandiva.
21. Arjuna survived for 4 months with little to no food - And the delighted Arjuna of fierce energy and high soul then devoted himself to rigid austerities in that delightful and woody region. Clad in rags made of grass and furnished with a black deerskin and a stick, he commenced to eat withered leaves fallen upon the ground. And he passed the first month, by eating fruits at the interval of three nights; and the second by eating at the interval of the six nights; and the third by eating at the interval of a fortnight. When the fourth month came, that best of the Bharatas the strong-armed son of Pandu began to subsist on air alone. With arms upraised and leaning upon nothing and standing on the tips of his toes, he continued his austerities. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03038.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Keep in mind that Arjuna had to continue practicing tapas, austerity and penance during the full four months.
22. The earth was being heated by the energy of Arjuna's austerity - And bowing unto that god of gods, they informed him of Arjuna's austerities saying, 'This son of pritha possessed of great energy is engaged in the most difficult of ascetic austerities on the breast of the Himavat. Heated with his asceticism, the earth is smoking all round, O god of gods. We do not know what his object is for which he is engaged in these austerities. He, however, is causing us pain. It behoveth thee to prevent him!' http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03038.htm - (Chapter linK)
23. He held back Lord Krishna on the 3rd day (of the Kurukshetra war) - Meanwhile, jumping down from his car, Partha, himself of massive and long arms, quickly ran on foot after that chief of Yadu's race possessed of massive and long arms, and seized him by his two hands. That first of all gods devoted in self, Krishna, was excited with rage. And therefore, though thus seized, Vishnu forcibly dragged Jishnu after him, like a tempest bearing away a single tree. The high-souled Partha, however, seizing them with great force his legs as he was proceeding at a quick pace towards Bhishma, succeeded, O king, in stopping him with difficulty at the tenth step. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06059.htm - (Chapter linK)
24. Arjuna once again seized Lord Krishna at the 9th day (of the Kurukshetra war) - Meanwhile, the mighty-armed Partha. quickly following Kesava behind, seized him by encircling him with his two arms. That best of male beings, viz., Krishna, of eyes like lotus petals, seized by Partha, still proceeded with great speed, bearing the latter away with him. The mighty Partha, that slayer of hostile heroes, however, forcibly catching hold of his legs, stopped Hrishikesa with great difficulty at the tenth step. Then Arjuna his dear friend, filled with sorrow, affectionately addressed Kesava, who was then sighing like a snake and whose eyes were troubled in wrath, saying, 'O thou of mighty arms, stop, O Kesava, it behoveth thee not to make those words false which thou hadst spoken before, viz., I will not fight. O Madhava, people will say that thou art a liar. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06107.htm - (Chapter linK)
25. Arjuna dragged Bhima with some help and support from Krishna during the 15th day of the Kurukshetra war - Then Nara and Narayana, for the pacification of Narayana weapon, began forcibly to drag Bhima and all his weapons. Thus dragged by them, Kunti's son, that mighty car-warrior, began to roar aloud. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07197.htm - (Chapter linK)

In the Mahabharata Arjuna was always regarded as the greatest bowman, archer, warrior, fighter, ratha etc. No one ever defeated him as long as he was alive. And about the Gandiva bow. Well clearly on the basis of the above 25 mentioned feats of Arjuna it should remain obvious that Arjuna was not the warrior that he was because of his bow but because of his own competence.

Karna being rescued by others against his enemies!

All right first things first. After reading this post you all will know how many times Karna had to be saved from his opponents, a third party had to interfere in his fights against his adversaries all the time. I am dividing this post into 3 parts. Before Kurukshetra war (BKW) and during Kurukshetra war (DKW). Lastly the names of the characters who saved Karna from his enemies.

1. Before Kurukshetra war
1. Before birth: Thereupon Kunti said, 'If, O dispeller of darkness, I obtain a son from thee, may he be furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and may he be mighty-armed and endued with great strength!' Hearing these words of hers, Surya answered, 'O gentle maiden, thy son shall be mighty-armed and decked with ear-rings and a celestial coat of mail. And both his ear-rings and coat of mail will be made of Amrita, and his coat will also be invulnerable.' Kunti then said, 'If the excellent mail and ear-rings of the son thou wilt beget on me, be, indeed, made of Amrita, then, O god, O worshipful deity, let thy purpose be fulfilled! http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03305.htm - (Chapter Link) 
2. Adi Parva: And the clouds seemed to laugh on account of the rows of white cranes that were then on the wing. And seeing Indra thus viewing the arena from affection (for his son), the sun too dispersed the clouds from over his own offspring. And Phalguna remained deep hid under cover of the clouds, while Karna remained visible, being surrounded by the rays of the Sun. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01139.htm - (Chapter Link) 
3. Sabha Parva: Then Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the son of Suvala regarding Drona as their sole refuge, offered the kingdom to him. Drona then, addressing the envious and wrathful Duryodhana and Dussasana and Karna and all the Bharata, said, 'The Brahamanas p. 155 have said that the Pandavas being of celestial origin are incapable of being slain. The sons of Dhritarashtra, however, having, with all the kings, heartily and with reverence sought my protection, I shall look after them to the best of my power. Destiny is supreme, I cannot abandon them. The sons of Pandu, defeated at dice, are going into exile in pursuance of their promise. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02079.htm - (Chapter Link)
1. For thy sake, O Duryodhana, that terrible season of destruction is almost come. Do without loss of time, what may be beneficial unto thee. Think not that everything hath been accomplished by sending the Pandavas into exile. This thy happiness will last for but a moment, even as in winter the shadow of the top of the palm tree resteth (for a short time) at its base. Perform various kinds of sacrifices, and enjoy, and give O Bharata, everything thou likest. On the fourteenth year hence, a great calamity will overwhelm thee.'" http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02079.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Basically Karna had went with his friends to Drona's abode to seek his protection and support against the Pandavas.
4. Ghosh-yatra: It was thus that many thousands of Gandharvas, together attacking his car, broke it into minute fragments. And while his car was thus attacked, Karna leaped therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and mounting on Vikarna's car, urged the steeds for saving himself."http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03239.htm - (Chapter Link)
1. Over here Karna had to be rescued from the Gandharvas who threatened his life. Vikarna saved his life.
2. During Kurukshetra war
1. 12th day (Dronabhisheka)
1. Guru Drona, best friend Duryodhana, contemporary Jayadratha rescue Karna from Satyaki after his loss - And cutting off Karna's bow with a couple of well-shot shafts, he once more pierced Karna on the arms and the chest with three arrows. The king Duryodhana, and Drona and Jayadratha, rescued Karna from the Satyaki-ocean, as the former was about to sink into it. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07030.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. 13th day (Abhimanyu-Badha)
1. Karna's younger brother rescues him from Abhimanyu - The son of Phalguna, however, received them fearlessly. Endued with great valour and courage, the latter then, in a moment, with only a single arrow, cut off Karna's bow and standard and caused them to drop down on the ground. Beholding Karna in such distress, his younger brother, drawing the bow with great force, speedily proceeded against the son of Subhadra. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07037.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Drona rescues Karna by telling him how to kill Abhimanyu - Karna, afflicted with the shafts of Arjuna's son, once more said unto Drona, 'Exceedingly afflicted with the shafts of Abhimanyu, I am staying in battle, only because (as a warrior) I should stay here. Indeed, the arrows of this south of great energy are exceedingly fierce. Terrible as they are and possessed of the energy of fire, these arrows are weakening my heart.' The preceptor then, slowly and with a smile, said unto Karna, 'Abhimanyu is young, his prowess is great. His coat of mail is impenetrable. This one's father had been taught by me the method of wearing defensive armour. This subjugator of hostile towns assuredly knoweth the entire science (of wearing armour). With shafts well shot, you can, however, cut off his bow, bow-string, the reins of his steeds, the steeds themselves, and two Parshni charioteers. O mighty bowman, O son of Radha, if competent, do this. Making him turn back from the fight (by this means), strike him then. With his bow in hand he is incapable of being vanquished by the very gods and the Asuras together. If you wish, deprive him of his car, and divest him of his bow.' http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07045.htm - (Chapter Link)
3. 14th day (Jayadratha Vadha)
1. Rescued against Bhima 
1. Karna runs away from Bhima seeking the protection of his son Vrishasena's chariot - Suddenly shrouded with shafts by that firm bowman, viz., Karna, the son of Pandu, smiling the while, cut off Karna's bow-string. And then with a broad-headed arrow, he despatched Karna's charioteer to the abode of Yama. And that mighty car-warrior, viz., Bhima, deprived the four steeds also of Karna of their lives. The mighty car-warrior Karna then speedily jumping down, O king, from his steedless car, mounted the car of Vrishasena. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07125.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Durjaya rescues Karna - Beholding Karna placed in the distressful plight, king Duryodhana, trembling with wrath, commended (his brother) Durjaya, saying, 'Go, O Durjaya! There the son of Pandu is about to devour the son of Radha! Slay that beardless Bhima soon, and infuse strength into Karna!' Thus addressed, the son Durjaya, saying unto Duryodhana, 'So be it', rushed towards Bhimasena engaged (with Karna) and covered him with arrows. And Durjaya struck Bhima with nine shafts, his steeds with eight, his driver with six, his standard with three, and once more Bhima himself with seven. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07129.htm
3. As usual Durmukha another brother of Duryodhana has to come to karna's safety and rescue - Beholding that foremost of men, viz., the son of Adhiratha, deprived of his car, Duryodhana, O monarch, said unto (his brother) Durmukha, 'There, O Durmukha, the son of Radha hath been deprived of his car by Bhimasena. Furnish that foremost of men, that mighty car-warrior with a car.' Hearing these words of Duryodhana, thy son Durmukha, O Bharata, quickly proceeded towards Karna and covered Bhima with his shafts. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07130.htm
4. 5 more brothers of Duryodhana rescue Karna - Beholding Karna defeated by Bhimasena, five of thy sons, those uterine brothers that were great bowmen, could not, O sire, brook it. They were Durmarshana and Duhsaha and Durmada and Durdhara and Jaya. Clad in beautiful mail, all of them rushed against the son of Pandu. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07131.htm
5. Duryodhana's brothers are sent for Karna's protection - Shrouded with showers of shafts shot from Bhimasena's bow, Karna once more turned his back upon Bhimasena. Beholding the Suta's son turn back and flying away on foot, covered all over with the arrows of Kunti's son, Duryodhana said, 'Go ye quickly from all sides towards the car of Radha's son.' 'Then, O king, thy sons, hearing these words of their brother that were to them a surprise, rushed towards the son of Pandu for battle, shooting showers of shafts. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07132.htm - (Chapter Link)
6. Karna once again needs the safety of protection from his best friend Duryodhana's brothers - When that fierce uproar, making the hair stand on end rose, thy son Duryodhana, O king, quickly said unto all the kings and princes and particularly his uterine brothers, these words, 'Blessed be ye, proceed towards Karna for rescuing him from Vrikodara, else the shafts shot from Bhima's bow will slay the son of Radha. Ye mighty bowmen, strive ye to protect the Suta's son.' Thus commanded by Duryodhana, seven of his uterine brothers, O sire, rushing in wrath towards Bhimasena, encompassed him on all sides. Approaching the son of Kunti they covered him with showers of arrows, like clouds pouring torrents of rain on the mountain-breast in the season of rains. Excited with wrath, those seven great car-warriors began to afflict Bhimasena, O king, like the seven planets afflicting the moon at the hour of the universal dissolution. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07133.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Rescued Against Arjuna 
1. Aswathamman (Drona's son) saves Karna from being killed by Arjuna - Cutting off his bow, that hero, viz., Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, quickly pierced Karna in the centre of the chest with nine arrows, Then Dhananjaya, with great speed at a time, when speed was necessary shot in that battle a shaft of solar effulgence for the destruction of Karna. Drona's son, however, with a crescent-shaped arrow, cut off that shaft as it coursed impetuously (towards Karna). http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07141.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Aswathamman saves Karna again - And he also felled with a broad-headed arrow, Karna's charioteer from his niche in the car. And he covered Karna himself with clouds of shafts in the very sight of thy son. Thus shrouded with arrows the steedless and driverless Karna, stupefied by that arrowy shower, knew not what to do.Beholding him made carless, Aswatthaman, O king, caused him to ride on his car, and continued to fight with Arjuna. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07141.htm - (Chapter Link)
3. Rescued against Satyaki
1. Vrishasena, Salya, Aswathamman save Karna again - And with his keen shafts, he slew the four steeds, white in hue, of Adhiratha's son. And then cutting into a hundred fragments the standard of Karna with a hundred arrows, that bull among men made Karna carless in the very sight of thy son. Then all thy warriors, O king, became cheerless. Then Vrishasena, the son of Karna, and Salya, the ruler of the Madras, and Drona's son, encompassed the grandson of Sini from all sides. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07143.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Dussassana and more Kaurava brothers save Karna from Satyaki - After Karna hath been made carless, thy brave sons, headed by Duhsasana, O king, were not slain by the self-restrained Satyaki because the latter wished not to falsify the vow made by Bhimasena. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07143.htm - (Chapter Link)
3. Kritavarman is also included in the list - Although all those warriors headed by Karna made strong efforts for slaying Satyaki, yet those foremost of car-warriors, failed to slay him. Drona's son and Kritavarman and other mighty car-warriors, as also hundreds of foremost Kshatriyas, were all vanquished by Satyaki with only one bow. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07143.htm - (Chapter Link)
4. Duryodhana saves Karna from Satyaki - Karna also, O king, pierced by Satwata with his arrows and exceedingly weakened ascended the car of Duryodhana, sighing deeply, remembering his friendship for thy son from his childhood and having striven to realise the promise he had made about the bestowal of sovereignty on Duryodhana. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07143.htm - (Chapter Link)
5. Kurus got a new chariot for Karna so it can be his rescuer - A new car was brought for Karna also, O king, unto which were yoked four steeds of the best breed that were decked in trappings of gold and white as conchs or milk. Its kaksha and standard were made of gold. Furnished with banners and machines, that foremost of cars had an excellent driver. And it was furnished with a profusion of weapons of every kind. Mounting on that car, Karna also rushed against his foes. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07143.htm - (Chapter Link)
4. 15th day (Ghatotkaca Badha)
1. Sakuni saved Karna from Bhima's dart - Then Karna hurled at the son of Pandu, a dart decked with gold. The Pandava, however, smiling the while, seized with his hand that dart. And the invincible Vrikodara in that battle hurled that very dart back at Karna. Then Sakuni, with a shaft that had drunk oil, cut off that dart as it coursed towards Karna. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07151.htm - (Chapter Link)
2. Karna took shelter under Kripa's car (chariot) after losing badly to Arjuna - And that scorcher of foes also cut off from the trunk the head of Karna's driver.Then, the son of Pandu and Pritha pierced the bowless, the steedless, and the driverless Karna with four shafts. Then that bull among men Karna, afflicted with those shafts, specially jumping down from that steedless car, mounted upon that of Kripa. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07155.htm - (Chapter Link)
3. 6 car warriors had to save Karna from Dhrishtadyumna - Once again, piercing all those warriors with keen shafts, that hero, with some broad-headed shafts, cut off the bow of Radha's son, that warrior conversant with all modes of warfare. Karna could not book that cutting off of his bow, like a fierce lion incapable of brooking the cutting off of his tail. Taking up another bow, Karna, with eyes red in rage, and breathing hard, covered mighty Dhrishtadyumna with clouds of arrows. Beholding Karna excited with rage, those heroes, viz., those six bulls among car-warriors, quickly encompassed the prince of the Panchalas from desire of slaying him. Seeing the latter in front of those six foremost warriors of thy side, all thy troops, O lord, regarded him to be already within the jaws of the Destroyer. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07167.htm
5. 16th day (Karna Parva)
1. This happened on the first day of Karna being General. Several aitrathas of the Kaurava/Kuru army came to Karna's rescue against Satyaki - That bull of Sini's race also, in that battle, then quickly shrouded that foremost of men, with his car and steeds and driver, with diverse kinds of shafts terrible as the poison of the snake. Then many Atirathas belonging to thy army, accompanied by elephants and cars and foot-soldiers, quickly approached that bull among car-warriors, viz., Vasusena, when they beheld the latter deeply afflicted with the shafts of that foremost hero of Sini's race. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08030.htm - (Chapter Link) 
1. They beheld Karna afflicted and wounded he lost to Satyaki he was in great danger.
6. 17th day (Karna Vadha)
1. Pouring upon him diverse kinds of weapons and thick showers of arrows, they began to afflict him like the clouds afflicting the mountain breast in the season of rains. Desirous of rescuing their father, the sons of Karna, all of whom were effectual smiters, and many other heroes, O king, of thy army, resisted those (Pandava) heroes. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08048.htm - (Chapter Link) 
2. Struck by Bhimasena, O perpetuator of Kuru's race, the Suta's son, that commander (of thy forces), sat down senseless on the terrace of his car. The ruler of the Madras then, beholding the Suta's son deprived of his senses, bore that ornament of battle away on his car, from that fight. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08050.htm - (Chapter Link)
3. Duryodhana sends another 20 of his brothers to rescue the defeated Karna from Bhima - 'Beholding Radha's son of the Suta caste turned back from the fight in that great battle, thy son, O monarch, addressed his uterine brothers, saying, "Go ye quickly, blessed be ye, and protect the son of Radha who is plunged into that fathomless ocean of calamity represented by the fear of Bhimasena." Thus commanded by the king, those princes, excited with wrath and desirous of slaying Bhimasena, rushed towards him like insects towards a blazing fire. They were Srutarvan and Durddhara and Kratha and Vivitsu and Vikata and Soma, and Nishangin and Kavashin and Pasin and Nanda and Upanandaka, and Duspradharsha and Suvahu and Vatavega and Suvarchasas, and Dhanurgraha and Durmada and Jalasandha and Sala and Saha. Surrounded by a large car-force, those princes, endued with great energy and might, approached Bhimasena and encompassed him on all sides. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08051.htm
3. List of people who saved Karna.
1. Kaurava brothers (all in all 40 Kaurava brothers protected Karna)
1. 14th day (20 of them wasted their lives saving someone like Karna)
1. Previous sections
1. Durmukha
2. Durjaya
2. Section 131 
1. Durmarshana
2. Duhsaha
3. Durmada
4. Durdhara
5. Jaya.
3. Section 132 
1. Chitra
2. Upachitra
3. Charuchitra
4. Sarasan
5. Chitrayudha
6. Chitravarman
4. Section 133
1. Satrunjaya
2. Satrusaha
3. Chitra
4. Chitrayudha
5. Dridha
6. Chitrasena
7. Vikarna (also during ghosh-yatra)
2. 17th day (another 20 of them went all together to protect Karna after he was knocked into a coma by Bhima) Karna Parva Section 51 you can find them all.
1. Srutarvan
2. Durddhara
3. Kratha
4. Vivitsu
5. Vikata
6. Soma
7. Nishangin
8. Kavashin
9. Pasin
10. Nanda
11. Upanandaka
12. Duspradharsha
13. Suvahu
14. Vatavega
15. Suvarchasas
16. Dhanurgraha
17. Durmada
18. Jalasandha
19. Sala
20. Saha.
2. Not Kaurava brothers
1. Vrishasena (14th day against Bhima and Satyaki)
2. Other sons of Karna (against Pandava warriors on the 17th day)
3. Guru Drona (against Satyaki on the 12th day, also promised him protection pre kurukshetra war and he saved him from Abhimanyu too)
4. Shalya (against Satyaki on 14th day, against Bhima on the 17th day)
5. Kritavarman (against Satyaki on 14th day)
6. Jayadratha (against Satyaki on the 12th day)
7. Aswathamman (against Satyaki on 14th day, against Arjuna 2 times the same day)
8. Duryodhana (against Satyaki on 14th day and the 12th day too against the same warrior)
9. Dussassana another Kaurava brother but has more importance (saved Karna from Satyaki on the 14th day)
10. Sakuni (against Bhima on the 15th day)
11. Atirathas of the army (16th day)
12. Surya (protected Karna from Indra during Adi Parva also agreed to give him the coat of mail)
13. Kunti (she plotted to give him a coat of mail furnished with amrita before birth)
14. Karna's nameless younger foster brother (from Abhimanyu on the 13th day)

Karna pretty much always needed protection. No such warrior exists who had to be rescued and saved as much as Karna was. The burden of so many corpses of the brothers of Duryodhana rest on karna's soldiers to be honest.
LIFE OF KARNA, MERCY OF HIS ENEMY. Mercy of Arjuna.

Nakula respect thread

This post is dedicated to making a respect thread for the military feats and achievements of Nakula the 2nd youngest of the Pandava brothers. Amongst the five Pandvaa brothers he resembles purity, Nakula is a symbol of purity. He is quite an underrated warrior and not given as much credit for his accomplishments as Bhima, Satyaki, Arjuna, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkaca, Karna, Drona, Bhishma etc are given. Here are some lesser known and really interesting facts about his war skills. 

1. Opinions of several great characters on Nakula's prowess.
1. Draupadi - And that other youth, versed in every question of morality and profit, who ever dispelleth the fears of the affrighted, who is endued with high wisdom, who is considered as the handsomest person in the whole world and who is protected by all the sons of Pandu, being regarded by them as dearer to them than their own lives for his unflinching devotion to them, is my husband Nakula possessed of great prowess. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03268.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. Arjuna - When p. 112 [paragraph continues] Nakula, that warrior of wonderful feats, that foremost of all car-warriors, dexterously shooting arrows by hundreds, will mangle the car-warriors of Duryodhana, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. Accustomed to enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of life, when Nakula, recollecting that bed of woe on which he had slept for a long time in the woods, will vomit the poison of his wrath like an angry snake, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05048.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. Nakula's weapons
1. Nakula's car (chariot) - For terrifying the foe, we beheld that tall and fierce standard of Nakula, placed on his car bearing the device of a Sarabha with its back made of gold. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. Nakula's steeds - Beautiful steeds of the Kamvoja breed, decked with the feathers of the green parrot, bearing Nakula, quickly ran towards thy army. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Nakula's bow - The Vaishnava bow was held by Nakula, and the bow called Aswina was held by Sahadeva. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Description of Nakula's bow by Arjuna - This other weapon with golden suns of blazing splendour shedding a dazzling effulgence around, belongeth to Nakula. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04043.htm - (Chapter linK)
4. Nakula's quiver - And this quiver bearing five images of tigers, full of yellowish shafts whetted on stone and furnished with golden wings belong to Nakula. This is the quiver of the intelligent son of Madri, with which he had conquered in battle the whole of the western regions. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04043.htm - (Chapter linK)
5. Nakula's sword - From Prishadaswa it was received by Bharadwaja, and from the last by Drona. After Drona it was taken by Kripa. From Kripa that best of swords has been obtained by thee with thy brothers. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12a165.htm - (Chapter linK) 
1. He had lord Brahma's sword, you can find all the information on chapter 165 of Santi Parva http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m12/m12a165.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Pancala war (the guru dakshina for his preceptor Drona)
1. Nakula protected Arjuna's car wheels - Then Arjuna hastily bidding Yudhishthira not to engage in the fight, rushed forward, appointing the sons of Madri (Nakula and Sahadeva) the protectors of his chariot-wheels, while Bhimasena ever fighting in the van, mace in hand, ran ahead. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01141.htm - (Chapter link)
2. Nakula layed waste to Drupada's capital, the capital city of the Pancala's/Panchalas - And beholding him returning (with his captive), the princes began to lay waste Drupada's capital. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01141.htm - (Chapter link)
4. Rajasuya Yajna ("Thus, O king, did Nakula subjugate the countries that lay to the west--the direction that is presided over by the god Varuna, and that had once before been subjugated by Vasudeva himself!") http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02031.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. And the hero first assailed the mountainous country called Rohitaka that was dear unto (the celestial generalissimo) Kartikeya and which was delightful and prosperous and full of kine and every kind of wealth and produce. And the encounter the son of Pandu had with the Mattamyurakas of that country was fierce. And the illustrious Nakula after this, subjugated the whole of the desert country and the region known as Sairishaka full of plenty, as also that other one called Mahetta. And the hero had a fierce encounter with the royal sage Akrosa. And the son of Pandu left that part of the country having subjugated the Dasarnas, the Sivis, the Trigartas, the Amvashtas, the Malavas, the five tribes of the Karnatas, and those twice born classes that were called the Madhyamakeyas and Vattadhanas. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02031.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. And making circuitous journey that bull among men then conquered the (Mlechcha) tribes called the Utsava-sanketas. And the illustrious hero soon brought under subjection the p. 67 mighty Gramaniya that dwelt on the shore of the sea, and the Sudras and the Abhiras that dwelt on the banks of the Saraswati, and all those tribes that lived upon fisheries, and those also that dwelt on the mountains, and the whole of the country called after the five rivers, and the mountains called Amara, and the country called Uttarayotisha and the city of Divyakutta and the tribe called Dwarapala. And the son of Pandu, by sheer force, reduced to subjection the Ramathas, the Harahunas, and various kings of the west. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02031.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. And while staying there Nakula sent. O Bharata, messengers unto Vasudeva. And Vasudeva with all the Yadavas accepted his sway. And the mighty hero, proceeding thence to Sakala, the city of the Madras, made his uncle Salya accept from affection the sway of the Pandavas. And, O monarch, the illustrious prince deserving the hospitality and entertainment at his uncle's hands, was well entertained by his uncle. And skilled in war, the prince, taking from Salya a large quantity of jewels and gems, left his kingdom. And the son of Pandu then reduced to subjection the fierce Mlechchas residing on the sea coast, as also the wild tribes of the Palhavas, the Kiratas, the Yavanas, and the Sakas. And having subjugated various monarchs, and making all of them pay tributes, Nakula that foremost of the Kurus, full of resources, retraced his way towards his own city. And, O king, so great was the treasure which Nakula brought that ten thousand camels could carry it with difficulty on their backs. And arriving at Indraprastha, the heroic and fortunate son of Madri presented the whole of that wealth unto Yudhishthira. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02031.htm - (Chapter linK)
5. Draupadi-harana Parva 
1. And Nakula too, sword in hand, jumping out of his chariot, scattered in a moment, like a tiller sowing seeds, the heads of the combatants fighting in the rear. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03269.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. And the two warriors, Kshemankara and Mahamuksha, singling out Nakula, began to pour on him from both sides a perfect shower of keen-edged arrows. The son of Madri, however, succeeded in slaying, with a couple of long shafts, both those warriors who had been pouring on him an arrowy shower--like clouds in the rainy season. Suratha, the king of Trigartas, well-versed in elephant-charges, approaching the front of Nakula's chariot, caused it to be dragged by the elephant he rode. But Nakula, little daunted at this, leaped out of his chariot, and securing a point of vantage, stood shield and sword in hand, immovable as a hill. Thereupon Suratha, wishing to slay Nakula at once, urged towards him his huge and infuriate elephant with trunk upraised. But when the beast came near, Nakula with his sword severed from his head both trunk and tusks. And that mail-clad elephant, uttering a frightful roar, fell headlong upon the ground, crushing its riders by the fall. And having achieved this daring feat, heroic son of Madri, getting up on Bhimasena's car, obtained a little rest. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03269.htm - (Chapter linK)
6. Kurukshetra war
1. Bhishma Parva
1. Nakula defeated Dushasana - And Dussasana, rushing against that mighty car-warrior Nakula, pierced him with many sharp arrows capable of penetrating into the very vitals. The son of Madri, then, laughing the while, cut off, with sharp arrows (of his), adversary's standard and bow, and then he struck him with five and twenty small-headed arrows. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06045.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. Nakula and Sahadeva had together defeated Shalya - Thereupon that mighty car-warrior, deeply pierced and greatly pained, sat down. O king, on the terrace of his car, and went into a swoon. Beholding him (thus) afflicted by the twins, deprived of consciousness, and prostrated (on his car), his charioteer bore him away on his vehicle over the field. Seeing the car of the ruler of the Madras retreating (from battle) the Dhartarashtras all became cheerless and thought it was all over with him. 1 Then those mighty car-warriors, viz., the two sons of Madri, having vanquished in battle their maternal uncle, cheerfully blew their conches and uttered leonine roars. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06084.htm - (Chapter link)
2. Drona Parva
1. Nakula defeated Shalya - The heroic Salya, laughing the while, pierced, as if in dalliance, his own dear nephew, Nakula. with many shafts for angering him. The valiant Nakula, however, cutting off his uncle's steeds and umbrella and standard and charioteer and bow in that battle, blew his conch. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07014.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Shalya was the king of the Madraka tribe & the Madra kingdom. He became the 4th and last general of the Kauravas army, (by the time of Aswathamman's promotion their were only 3 people left in the army).
1. Shalya was a great warrior, he was on par with Bhima when it came to mace combat. He was an archer who could fight on par with multiple car-warriors at a time. He even defeated Satyaki with his bow & arrows. 
2. Krishna even called Shalya superior to Bhishma, Drona & Karna.
2. Nakula defeated Vikarna - Beholding that mighty car-warrior, viz., prince Niramitra slain, loud cries of Oh and Alas arose, O monarch, among the Trigarta warriors. Nakula, O king, in a moment vanquished thy son Vikarna of large eyes. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07103.htm - (Chapter linK)
1. Vikarna is the same Kaurava brother who opposed the killing of Abhimanyu & disrobing of Draupadi. He is also the same man who saved Karna's life two times (Ghosh-yatra and Jayadratha-Vadha).
3. Nakula defeated Sakuni - Recovering consciousness, Nakula, the son of Pandu, once more rushed against Suvala's son, like the Destroyer himself of wide-open mouth. Inflamed with rage, O bull of Bharata's race, he pierced Sakuni with sixty arrows, and more with a hundred long shafts at the centre of his chest. He then cut off Sakuni's bow with arrow fixed thereon, into two fragments, at the handle. And then cutting off in a trice Sakuni's standard, he caused it to fall down on the earth. Piercing next Sakuni's thigh with keen, sharp, and well-tempered shafts, Nakula, the son of Pandu, caused him to fall down on the terrace of his car, clasping his flag-staff, like an amorous man clasping his mistress. Beholding that brother-in-law of thine laid low and deprived of consciousness, O sinless one, his driver quickly bore him away from the van of battle. http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07166.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Karna Parva
1. 16th day
1. "'Nakula, however, causing Sahadeva to desist, himself afflicted the ruler of the Angas with three long shafts, each resembling the rod of Yama, and his foe's elephant with a hundred arrows. Then the ruler of the Angas hurled at Nakula eight hundred lances bright as the rays of the Sun. Each of these Nakula cut off into three fragments. The son of Pandu then cut off the head of his antagonist with a crescent-shaped arrow. At this that mleccha king, deprived of life, fell down with the animal he rode. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08022.htm - (Chapter linK) 
2. Upon the fall of the prince of the Angas who was well-skilled in elephant-lore, the elephant-men of the Angas, filled with rage, proceeded with speed against Nakula, on their elephants decked with banners that waved in the air, possessing excellent mouths, adorned with housings of gold, and looking like blazing mountains, from desire of crushing him to pieces. And many Mekalas and Utkalas, and Kalingas, and Nishadas, and Tamraliptakas, also advanced against Nakula, showering their shafts and lances, desirous of slaying him. Then the Pandus, the Pancalas, and the Somakas, filled with rage, rushed with speed for the rescue of Nakula shrouded by those warriors like the Sun by the clouds. Then occurred a fierce battle between those car-warriors and elephant-men, the former showering their arrows and shafts the latter their lances by thousands. The frontal globes and other limbs and the tusks and adornments of the elephants, exceedingly pierced with shafts, were split and mangled. Then Sahadeva, with four and sixty impetuous arrows, quickly slew eight of those huge elephants which fell down with their riders. And Nakula also, that delighter of his race, bending his excellent bow with great vigour, with many straight shafts, slew many elephants. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08022.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Nakula vs Karna - Having said these words the Suta's son quickly struck the son of Pandu and pierced him, in that encounter, with three and seventy shafts. Then Nakula, O Bharata, thus pierced by the Suta's son, pierced the latter in return with eighty shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison. Then Karna, that great bowman, cutting off his antagonist's bow with a number of arrows winged with gold and whetted on stone, afflicted him with thirty arrows. Those arrows, piercing through his armour drank his blood in that battle, like the Nagas of virulent poison drinking water after having pierced through the Earth. Then Nakula, taking up another formidable bow whose back was decked with gold, pierced Karna with twenty arrows and his driver with three. Then, O monarch, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Nakula, filled with rage, cut off Karna's bow with a razor-headed shaft of great keenness. Smiling the while, the heroic son of Pandu then struck the bowless Karna, that foremost of car-warriors, with three hundred arrows. Beholding Karna thus afflicted, O sire, by the son of Pandu, all the carwarriors there, with the gods (in the welkin), were filled with great wonder. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08024.htm - (Chapter linK) 
1. Then Vikartana's son Karna taking up another bow, struck Nakula with five arrows in the shoulder-joint. With those arrows sticking to him here, the son of Madri looked resplendent like the Sun with his own rays while shedding his light on the Earth. Then Nakula piercing Karna with seven shafts, once more, O sire, cut off one of the horns of Karna's bow. Then Karna, taking up in that battle a tougher bow, filled the welkin on every side of Nakula with his arrows. The mighty car-warrior, Nakula, however, thus suddenly shrouded with the arrows shot from Karna's bow quickly cut off all those shafts with shafts of his own. Then was seen overspread in the welkin a vast number of arrows like to the spectacle presented by the sky when it is filled with myriads of roving fireflies. Indeed, the sky shrouded with those hundreds of arrows shot (by both the warriors) looked, O monarch, as if it was covered with flights of locusts. Those arrows, decked with gold, issuing repeatedly in continuous lines, looked beautiful like rows of cranes while flying through the welkin. When the sky was thus covered with showers of arrows and the sun himself hid from the view, no creature ranging the air could descend on the Earth. When all sides were thus covered with showers of arrows, those two high-souled warriors looked resplendent like two Suns risen at the end of the Yuga. Slaughtered with the shafts issuing from Karna's bow the Somakas, O monarch, greatly afflicted and feeling much pain, began to breathe their last. Similarly, thy warriors, struck with the shafts of Nakula, dispersed on all sides, O king, like clouds tossed by the wind. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08024.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. The two armies thus slaughtered by those two warriors with their mighty celestial shafts, retreated from the range of those arrows and stood as spectators of the encounter. When both the armies were driven off by means of the shafts of Karna and Nakula, those two high-souled warriors began to pierce each other with showers of shafts. Displaying their celestial weapons on the field of battle, they quickly shrouded each other, each desirous of compassing the destruction of the other. The shafts shot by Nakula, dressed with Kanka and peacock feathers, shrouding the Suta's son, seemed to stay in the welkin. Similarly, the shafts sped by the Suta's son in that dreadful battle, shrouding the son of Pandu, seemed to stay in the welkin. Shrouded within arrowy chambers, both the warriors became invisible, like the Sun and the Moon, O king, hidden by the clouds. Then Karna, filled with rage and assuming a terrible aspect in the battle, covered the son of Pandu with showers of arrows from every side. Completely covered, O monarch, by the Suta's son, the son of Pandu felt no pain like the Maker of day when covered by the clouds. The son of Adhiratha then, smiling the while, sped arrowy lines, O sire, in hundreds and thousands, in that battle. With those shafts of the high-souled Karna, an extensive shade seemed to rest on the field of battle. Indeed, with those excellent shafts constantly issuing out (of his bow), a shade was caused there like that formed by the clouds. Then Karna, O monarch, cutting off the bow of the high-souled Nakula, felled the latter's driver from the car-niche with the greatest ease. With four keen shafts, next, he quickly despatched the four steeds of Nakula, O Bharata, to the abode of Yama. With his shafts, he also cut off into minute fragments that excellent car of his antagonist as also his standard and the protectors of his car-wheels, and mace, and sword, and shield decked with a hundred moons, and other utensils and equipments of battle. Then Nakula, steedless and carless and armourless, O monarch, quickly alighting from his car, stood, armed with a spiked bludgeon. Even that terrible bludgeon, so uplifted by the son of Pandu, the Suta's son, O king, cut off with many keen arrows capable of bearing a great strain. Beholding his adversary weaponless. Karna began to strike him with many straight shafts, but took care not to afflict him greatly. Thus struck in that battle by that mighty warrior accomplished in weapons, Nakula, O king, fled away precipitately in great affliction. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08024.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Laughing repeatedly, the son of Radha pursued him and placed his stringed bow, O Bharata, around the neck of the retreating Nakula. With the large bow around his neck, O king, the son of Pandu looked resplendent like Moon in the firmament when within a circular halo of light, or a white cloud girdled round by Indra's bow. Then Karna, addressing him, said, "The words thou hadst uttered were futile. Canst thou utter them now once more in joy, repeatedly struck as thou art by me? Do not, O son of Pandu, fight again with those amongst the Kurus that are possessed of greater might. O child, fight with them that are thy equals. Do not, O son of Pandu, feel any shame for it. Return home, O son of Madri, or go thither where Krishna and Phalguna are." Having addressed him thus he abandoned him then. Acquainted with morality as the brave Karna was, he did not then slay Nakula who was already within the jaws of death. Recollecting the words of Kunti, O king, Karna let Nakula go. The son of Pandu, thus let off, O king, by that bowman, Suta's son, proceeded towards Yudhishthira's car in great shame. Scorched by the Suta's son, he then ascended his brother's car, and burning with grief he continued to sigh like a snake kept within a jar. Meanwhile Karna, having vanquished Nakula, quickly proceeded against the Pancalas, riding on that car of his which bore many gorgeous pennons and whose steeds were as white as the Moon. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08024.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. 17th day
1. Nakula frightened Karna with a fierce roar - Nakula, then piercing his antagonist with twenty strong shafts capable of bearing a great strain, uttered a loud roar and inspired Karna with fright. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08048.htm - (Chapter link)
2. Nakula defeated Sushena (a son of Karna) - The mighty car-warrior Sushena, however, O king, piercing Nakula with ten shafts, quickly cut off the latter's bow with a razor-headed arrow. Then Nakula, insensate with rage, took up another bow, and resisted Sushena in that battle with nine shafts. That slayer of hostile heroes, O king, shrouding all the quarters with showers of arrows, slew Sushena's driver, and piercing Sushena himself again with three shafts, and then with three other broad-headed arrows, cut off his bow of great strength into three fragments. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08048.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Nakula massacred 2000 warriors single-handedly - Performing diverse beautiful evolutions in the air, the son of Pandu cut off many foremost of men and steeds and elephants. Cut off with that sword, they fell down on the earth like animals cut off in a horse-sacrifice by the person appointed to that duty. 2,000 well-trained heroes, delighting in battle, hailing from diverse realms, well-paid, of sure aim, and their limbs smeared with excellent sandal-paste, were quickly cut off by the single-handed Nakula inspired with desire of victory. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08084.htm - (Chapter linK)
4. Shalya Parva
1. Nakula slayed a grandson of Karna, Chitrasena - Possessed of active prowess, Nakula received that arrowy shower on his shield. Getting at the car then of Chitrasena, the mighty-armed hero, the son of Pandu, conversant with all modes of warfare and incapable of being tired with exertion, ascended it in the very sight of all the troops. The son of Pandu then cut off from Chitrasena's trunk his diadem-decked head adorned with ear-rings, and graced with a beautiful nose and a pair of large eyes. At this, Chitrasena, endued with the splendour of the sun, fell down on the terrace of his car. Beholding Chitrasena slain, all the great car-warriors there uttered loud cries of praise and many leonine roars. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09010.htm - (Chapter linK)
2. Satyasena a grandson of Karna was killed by Nakula - The Atiratha Nakula, however, staying on his car, took up a dart equipped with a golden handle and a very keen point, and steeped in oil and exceedingly bright. It resembled, O lord, a she-snake of virulent poison, frequently darting out her tongue. Raising that weapon he hurled it at Satyasena in that encounter. That dart, O king, pierced the heart of Satyasena in that battle and reduced it into a hundred fragments. Deprived of his senses and life, he fell down upon the Earth from his car. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09010.htm - (Chapter linK)
3. Nakula killed Karna's last son Sushena -Then taking up another bow, he fought with Sushena. Those two great car-warriors, approaching each other, and shooting showers of arrows, endeavoured to encompass each other's destruction. Then Sushena, filled with rage, struck the son of Pandu with three shafts and Sutasoma with twenty in the arms and the chest. At this, the impetuous Nakula, O monarch, that slayer of hostile heroes, covered all the points of the compass with arrows. Then taking up a sharp shaft endued with great energy and equipped with a semi-circular head, Nakula sped it with great force at Karna's son in that battle. With that arrow, O best of kings, the son of Pandu cut off from Sushena's trunk the latter's head in the very sight of all the troops. That feat seemed exceedingly wonderful. Thus slain by the illustrious Nakula, Karna's son fell down like a lofty tree on the bank of a river thrown down by the current of the stream. Beholding the slaughter of Karna's sons and the prowess of Nakula, thy army, O bull of Bharata's race, fled away in fear. http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m09/m09010.htm - (Chapter linK)

Nakula subjugated and conquered many lands & countries of the western part in the world of Mahabharata during the Rajasuya Yajna. He killed many kings, he is not given enough attention in the modern TV series that depict the Mahabharata. Nakula killed the last descendants of Karna during the Shalya Parva.
Karna was afraid of Nakula on the 17th day. Nakula is the eldest son of Pandu through Madri just like Yudhishthira is the eldest son through Kunti. So then why are his achievement's and feats not covered as well as the rest of the Pandavas are?
All Pandavas (pandava brothers) including Nakula had the strength of 10,000 elephants in their arms so their strength was easily equal if not greater than karna's.
Quote:

"O king, seek not to quarrel with the Pandavas! And, O bull among men, compass thou thy own good as also of the Pandavas, of the Kurus and of the world! All those tigers among men are heroes of high prowess in war, gifted with the strength of ten thousand elephants, with bodies hard as the thunderbolt, holding fast by their promises, and proud of their manliness!"

Analysis: "all those tigers among men" means all pandavas.
Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03010.htm
This is how you should rank the strength of the six Pandava brothers.
1. Arjuna
2. Bhima
3. Nakula
4. Karna
5. Yudhishthira
6. Sahadeva