Section CXIII - King Pandu's Victorious Campaign and Marriage to Madri
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXIII 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:
Bhishma, wanting to get Pandu married to a second wife, went to the king of Madra to seek his sister Madri's hand in marriage. Despite the king of Madra mentioning a family custom he couldn't transgress, Bhishma convinced him with gifts and Madri was married to Pandu. After the nuptials, Pandu embarked on a campaign to conquer various kingdoms, starting by subjugating the robber tribes of Asarna and then defeating Dhirga in Maghadha.
Pandu continued his conquest by defeating the Videhas in Mithila and then marching against Kasi, Sumbha, and Pundra, spreading the fame of the Kurus. All the kings he vanquished acknowledged him as the most powerful hero on earth and paid tribute to him. Upon his return to Hastinapura, Pandu was welcomed with great joy by his subjects and praised for reviving the glory of the Kurus.
The citizens, led by Bhishma, went out to receive the victorious king, observing the long train of riches and animals brought back from the conquered kingdoms. Pandu, expressing his gratitude to Bhishma, was hailed as a hero who had restored the lost territories and wealth of the Kurus. His triumphant return to the capital was marked by celebrations and joy among the people, with Pandu being honored for his successful conquests and valor.
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 CXIII - King Pandu's Victorious Campaign and Marriage to Madri, have a look at the following articles:
Section CXIII, 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 CXIII:
Marriage of Pandu and Madri
What was the purpose of Bhishma's visit to the king of Madra? How did Salya respond to Bhishma's proposal? What gifts did Bhishma give in exchange for Madri's hand in marriage? Describe Pandu's successful conquests and the reactions of the people.
Daily life: King Pandu's Victorious Campaign and Marriage to Madri:
The narrative illustrates the importance of diplomacy, respect for traditions, and the pursuit of alliances to achieve mutual goals. In our daily lives, we can draw lessons from Bhishma's approach to seeking Madri's hand in marriage for Pandu. Just as Bhishma showed respect and offered gifts to Salya to secure a marital alliance, we too can approach our personal and professional relationships with respect and generosity. This signifies the value of building connections and honoring customs while pursuing our objectives.
In addition to forming alliances, the story highlights the virtue of celebrating achievements and sharing success with the community, as seen when Pandu returned victorious from his conquests. Recognizing and sharing our successes brings joy and unity among peers, reinforcing the idea that collective victory can foster stronger bonds within a community.
Moreover, determination and strategic planning, as demonstrated by Pandu's successful conquests and wise administration, are crucial. It teaches us that with clear goals and a strategic approach, we can overcome obstacles and accomplish our ambitions. This can be applied in overcoming personal challenges or in striving for professional success.
Ultimately, the tale underscores the importance of resilience, the pursuit of one's goals with honor, and the strength that lies in unity and shared prosperity. These principles, when integrated into our daily lives, can guide us in navigating the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and community engagement. Through respect, generosity, acknowledgment of our achievements, and strategic planning, we can aspire to lead fulfilling lives, much like the characters in the story.