According to various historical sources Bharavi can be placed as early as 500 A.D. Kiratarjunya was based on an episode from the epic Mahabharata. In Mahabharata when Pandavas are sent to forest as a part of their exile it is Draupadi who urges them to break the pledge. Thereafter a council is held. It has been decide that Arjuna needs to obtain divine weapons of Lord Shiva. Arjuna obeying the order practices in the Himalayas. Here he struggles with a Kirata which is Shiva himself. Lord Shiva grants the boon. Based on this theme Bharavi has penned the epic poem.
The opening shows the skill of the poet. Bharavi begins with the return of a spy whom Yudhisthir has sent to report on the deeds of Duryodhana. Draupadi becomes anxious and urges swift battle. Bhima offers his support. The poet`s imagination is proved by the introduction of Shiva`s host; struggles under Skanda`s leadership with the hero and the chapter of the contest with magic weapons. However it is made necessary to duplicate the episode of the force of the penance that causes fear and evokes divine intervention. In the first two Cantos the political principles of the day have been a major influence.
His style has a calm dignity which is attractive, while he stands outs in the observation and record of the beauties of nature. The very first line strikes the true note of high policy. His one verse has the first and third, second and fourth lines identical. In another all four are alike. He eschews long compounds though it is not essentially obscure.
However he sets a bad example by showing his fondness in grammar. He in many ways is the beginner of mannerisms for the later poets. He takes utmost care in the use of the narrative tenses. In metrical form Bharavi is developed as he is in the use of the figures of speech.
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