Section VIII - Assembly House of Yama: Description in Mahabharata
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section VIII 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:
Narada describes the assembly house of Yama, son of Vivasvat, built by Visvakarma, which is like a magnificent paradise with everything one could desire, free from any suffering or evil. Many royal sages and Brahmana sages worship Yama in this grand mansion, filled with delightful fragrances, delicious foods, and celestial trees bearing desired fruits. The assembly house is home to numerous kings and holy beings who wait upon Yama and pay their respects.
Among the esteemed guests in Yama's assembly house are legendary kings like Yayati, Nriga, Sivi, and Marutta, as well as many other noble kings and royal sages of great sanctity. The virtuous and righteous individuals who frequent the mansion include sannyasis, Gandharvas, Apsaras, and celestial beings, all contributing to the joy and beauty of the place with music, dance, sweet scents, and garlands of celestial flowers. The atmosphere in Yama's assembly house is one of pure bliss and divine harmony.
In addition to Yama's assembly house, Narada also describes the assembly house of Varuna, known as Pushkaramalini, implying that it is equally splendid and divine. The narrative paints a picture of a celestial realm where righteousness, virtue, and purity reign supreme, where the guests are a mix of earthly kings, sages, celestial beings, and deities, all in awe of the grandeur and magnificence of Yama's and Varuna's abodes. The description serves to illustrate the divine order and justice that govern the universe, with Yama presiding over the realm of the dead and Varuna ruling over the waters and the cosmic ocean.
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 VIII - Assembly House of Yama: Description in Mahabharata, have a look at the following articles:
Section VIII, 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 VIII:
What is the assembly house of Yama described as?
The assembly house of Yama is described as bright, delightful, and filled with every object of desire, both celestial and human. It has a serene atmosphere with no grief or evil feelings.
Who are some of the royal sages and kings in Yama's assembly house?
Names like Yayati, Nahusha, Mandhatri, Bharata, Arjuna, Rama, Nala, and many others are mentioned as attendees who wait upon and worship Yama in his assembly house.
What kind of beings and celestial figures are present at Yama's assembly house?
Sannyasis, Gandharvas, Apsaras, virtuous persons, and various officers of Yama like Agastya, Matanga, and Death himself, among others, are described as present in the assembly house of Yama.
Daily life: Assembly House of Yama: Description in Mahabharata:
Drawing inspiration from the grand and harmonious assembly house of Yama described in the story, we can strive to implement its principles in our daily lives by focusing on creating a peaceful and fulfilling environment around us. This involves cultivating a space where negativity is minimized, and where we support the well-being and growth of everyone. We can start by making our homes and workplaces more welcoming and comfortable, ensuring they meet the needs of all who enter while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Moreover, it's important to fill our personal and shared spaces with positivity, which could mean incorporating aspects that bring joy and satisfaction, such as plants, art, or soothing music, reflecting the assembly's environment that yields everything desirable, neither too hot nor too cold, and fulfills every being's desires. We also learn the importance of generosity and hospitality, recognizing the value of creating a place where everyone feels valued and their needs are met, much like the assembly house that caters to all desires and comforts.
In addition, fostering an attitude of respect and reverence towards others, much like the royal sages who worship Yama, encourages a culture of mutual respect and understanding. It's about building and contributing to communities where positive values are celebrated, good deeds are encouraged, and everyone strives together for a higher, collective wellbeing. By adopting these principles, we not only enhance our immediate environments but also contribute to a larger ecosystem of positivity and harmony.