Section XXVII - Garuda's Quest for Amrita in the Island of Nagas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXVII 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:
The Nagas, after being drenched by a shower and carried by Garuda, reach an island designated as the abode of makaras. The island is adorned with a beautiful forest, filled with fruit-bearing trees, lotus-filled tanks, and pure water lakes. The Nagas, delighted by the sight, request Garuda to take them to another island with pure water. Garuda, upon learning the reason for his mother's enslavement to the snakes, asks them how they can be freed from bondage.
The snakes inform Garuda that he must bring them amrita by force to gain their freedom. Garuda, determined to free his mother from bondage, sets out on a quest to acquire amrita. Along the way, he faces various challenges and obstacles, showcasing his great strength and determination. Garuda's journey to obtain amrita is filled with trials and tribulations, as he must navigate through dangerous territories and confront powerful beings to achieve his goal. The ultimate test of Garuda's character and courage comes as he must confront the deities themselves for the sake of his loved ones.
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 XXVII - Garuda's Quest for Amrita in the Island of Nagas, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXVII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XXVII:
What did the Nagas see upon arriving at the island with Garuda?
The Nagas saw a beautiful forest with fruit-laden trees, lotus-filled tanks, and pure water lakes. The forest was adorned with heavenly trees and filled with music from winged choirs.
Why did the Nagas ask Garuda to take them to another island?
The Nagas wanted Garuda to take them to another island with pure water. They desired a change of scenery and sought Garuda's assistance in exploring new places.
What did the snakes request from Garuda to free themselves from bondage?
The snakes requested Garuda to bring them amrita by force. By obtaining this, they believed they would be freed from their state of bondage.
Daily life: Garuda's Quest for Amrita in the Island of Nagas:
The tale from the Astika Parva tells us about challenges, duties, and the pursuit of freedom. It highlights how Garuda, the mighty bird, faces a situation not of his choosing but takes on the responsibility to free himself and his mother from bondage. This story can serve as a metaphor for the obstacles we encounter in our own lives. Often, we find ourselves in difficult situations not because of our own doing but perhaps due to circumstances or the actions of others. Like Garuda, we may need to seek solutions, sometimes even undertaking challenging tasks to overcome these hurdles.
In facing these challenges, it's crucial to have a clear goal, as Garuda did when he sought to free himself and his mother from servitude. It teaches us the importance of perseverance and seeking advice or help when needed, much like Garuda who consulted his mother and the snakes for guidance on how to achieve his objective. The story encourages us to confront our problems directly and to be willing to perform difficult tasks in pursuit of our freedom or relief from our burdens. It’s a reminder that while the journey may be tough, the effort to change our circumstances, just like Garuda's quest for amrita, can lead to liberation and satisfaction. Hence, the tale imparts lessons on resilience, resourcefulness, and the drive to improve one's situation despite formidable challenges.