Section III - Death of Parikshit avenged: Takshaka to face his fate in fiery sacrifice
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section III including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, is conducting a long sacrifice when a celestial offspring of Sarama is beaten by his brothers and seeks justice from his mother. Sarama confronts Janamejaya, warning of impending evil for unjustly punishing her son. Janamejaya becomes distressed and seeks absolution for his sin by appointing a Rishi's son, Somasrava, as his Purohita. Another disciple of the Rishi, Upamanyu, serves dutifully and gains universal knowledge.
A disciple named Veda is also trained by the Rishi and later appointed as Janamejaya's spiritual guide. Utanka, a disciple of Veda, is tasked with getting a pair of ear-rings from King Paushya's queen for his preceptor. Utanka faces challenges but, with the help of the twin Asvins and divine intervention, he successfully retrieves the ear-rings and returns to his preceptor's house. Utanka encounters Takshaka, the serpent king, and finally arrives at Hastinapura to seek vengeance for his father's death at the hands of Takshaka.
Utanka urges Janamejaya to conduct a snake-sacrifice to avenge his father's death by Takshaka. Janamejaya, moved by Utanka's words and the memory of his father's tragic demise, decides to proceed with the sacrifice. Utanka's narrative of his father's death and the urgency of avenging the injustice stir Janamejaya's emotions, and he resolves to take action. The sacrifice is seen as a way to honor his father's memory and seek justice for the wrongful death caused by Takshaka.
Janamejaya's decision to conduct the snake-sacrifice intensifies his desire for vengeance against Takshaka, the serpent king responsible for his father's death. Utanka's plea and recounting of the events surrounding the tragedy fuel Janamejaya's determination to avenge his father. As Janamejaya prepares for the sacrificial ritual, the memory of his father's untimely demise and the injustice inflicted upon him by Takshaka drive him to seek retribution. The sacrifice becomes a symbol of justice and closure for Janamejaya and a way to honor his father's memory while punishing the perpetrator of the crime.
Overall, the story follows the journey of Utanka, a devoted disciple, and the quest for vengeance by Janamejaya to avenge his father's death at the hands of Takshaka. The narrative highlights loyalty, duty, and the pursuit of justice as fundamental themes in the characters' actions and decisions. Utanka's perseverance and divine intervention ultimately lead to the retrieval of the ear-rings, while Janamejaya's resolve to conduct the snake-sacrifice reflects his commitment to seeking retribution for the injustice inflicted upon his family.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section III - Death of Parikshit avenged: Takshaka to face his fate in fiery sacrifice, have a look at the following articles:
Section III, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section III:
What was the curse placed upon Janamejaya by Sarama, the celestial bitch?
Janamejaya was cursed by Sarama for beating her son without cause, leading to impending misfortune. The curse was a result of his unjust actions against an innocent being.
How did Upamanyu prove his devotion to his preceptor?
Upamanyu served his preceptor diligently, obeying all instructions and offering all alms obtained to his teacher. He showed unwavering dedication and humility in his service.
What led Utanka to seek revenge on Takshaka, the serpent king?
Utanka was driven by the desire for vengeance after witnessing the death of his teacher’s father at the hands of Takshaka, who had caused unnecessary harm and obstruction.
How did Utanka obtain the ear-rings from Takshaka?
Utanka pursued Takshaka to the realm of the serpents, where he invoked divine powers and obtained the ear-rings after a series of challenges and encounters in the serpent world.
Who were the divine beings mentioned in Utanka’s journey to retrieve the ear-rings?
Utanka encountered various celestial entities such as Indra, Parjanya (deity of rain), and Agni (god of fire) along with significant figures like Airavata (king of elephants) and Takshaka in his quest for the ear-rings.
What was the significance of the serpents in Utanka’s journey?
The serpents, including Takshaka and his brethren, played a crucial role in Utanka's quest for the ear-rings, representing obstacles and tests that Utanka had to overcome to achieve his goal.
How did Utanka prove his devotion to his preceptor in the story?
Utanka showed his dedication by undertaking a challenging journey, facing obstacles, invoking divine assistance, and successfully retrieving the ear-rings to fulfill his duty and master's wishes.
What was the ultimate outcome of Utanka’s quest for the ear-rings?
Utanka succeeded in retrieving the ear-rings from Takshaka, fulfilling his mission and returning to his preceptor with the prized possessions, showcasing his determination and devotion in the process.
Daily life: Death of Parikshit avenged: Takshaka to face his fate in fiery sacrifice:
The story from the Mahabharata illustrates the importance of responsibility, respect for teachers, perseverance, and the consequences of our actions. To implement these virtues in daily life, one can start by taking responsibility for one's actions and understanding the impact they have on others. This means acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and making amends wherever possible. It underscores the importance of being accountable, whether in personal relationships, work, or community engagements.
Respect for mentors or teachers is another significant takeaway. In the narrative, the bond between a student and a teacher is sacred, highlighting how guidance from more experienced individuals is invaluable. We can honor this by showing appreciation for those who help us grow—listening carefully to their advice, showing gratitude, and applying the lessons they teach us to better ourselves and our understanding of the world.
The story also demonstrates the virtue of perseverance, as seen in the characters' quests and challenges. Integrating this into daily life involves pushing through adversity with determination and patience. When faced with difficulties, one shouldn’t give up easily but instead look for creative solutions and learn from the experience. This attitude fosters resilience and helps one to achieve their goals despite obstacles.
Additionally, the narrative warns of the consequences of our actions, especially those taken in anger or without full understanding. Before acting, particularly in situations that evoke strong emotions, it is wise to pause and consider the potential outcomes. This thoughtful approach can prevent harm and regrets, leading to more harmonious relationships and outcomes.
In essence, living by these principles—responsibility, respect for elders and mentors, perseverance through challenges, and mindfulness about the consequences of our actions—can lead to a fulfilling and virtuous life. It encourages personal growth, strengthens relationships, and contributes positively to the community. Adopting these values doesn't just improve individual lives but can also inspire others to act with integrity and kindness.