Section III - Yudhishthira Adores the Sun for Boon: Story of Pandavas' Exile
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:
The story begins with Yudhishthira, feeling unable to support the Brahmanas following him to the forest, seeking guidance from his priest, Dhaumya. Dhaumya tells Yudhishthira about the importance of the sun and advises him to take refuge in the sun and engage in austerities to support the Brahmanas. Yudhishthira then adores the sun with a hymn of praise, expressing his reverence for the sun's power and role in sustaining life on Earth.
Impressed by Yudhishthira's devotion, the sun god, Vivasvan, appears and grants him a boon of inexhaustible food for five and seven years through a copper vessel. He also promises Yudhishthira that after fourteen years, he will regain his kingdom. Vivasvan's boon gives Yudhishthira the means to support the Brahmanas and sustain himself and his brothers during their exile in the forest. The hymn of praise to the sun is revealed to have the power to grant boons, protect from dangers, and fulfill desires when recited with devotion.
Yudhishthira, filled with gratitude, embraces Dhaumya and begins to cook food for the Brahmanas using the copper vessel, which magically replenishes the food after each meal. The sons of Pandu, with Draupadi, serve the Brahmanas and eat the remaining food, known as Vighasa, which never runs out. Yudhishthira continues to entertain the Brahmanas and perform sacrifices as instructed by Dhaumya, following the rituals and mantras with reverence. Blessed by their priest and accompanied by the Brahmanas, the Pandavas set out for the woods of Kamyaka, ready to embark on their exile.
Overall, the story highlights the power of devotion and the blessings that come from revering higher powers. Yudhishthira's unwavering faith in the sun god and his willingness to perform austerities and sacrifices bring him divine assistance in the form of inexhaustible food and a promise of regaining his kingdom. The importance of serving and supporting Brahmanas is emphasized, showcasing the values of hospitality and reverence for the divine. The hymn of praise to the sun serves as a potent tool for seeking protection, boons, and fulfillment of desires, displaying the significance of spiritual practices and recitations in Hindu mythology.
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 - Yudhishthira Adores the Sun for Boon: Story of Pandavas' Exile, 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 did Yudhishthira ask Dhaumya for help with?
Yudhishthira sought advice on supporting the Brahmanas while facing hardships.
Who did Yudhishthira turn to for guidance in the forest?
Yudhishthira approached his priest, seeking a solution to support the Brahmanas.
What did Dhaumya advise Yudhishthira to do?
Dhaumya recommended Yudhishthira to perform high asceticism and support the Brahmanas.
How did Yudhishthira worship the sun for abundance?
Yudhishthira sang a hymn of praise to the sun, expressing his reverence and desires.
What boon did Yudhishthira receive from the sun god?
Yudhishthira was promised abundant food, wealth for five years, and kingdom restoration.
What benefits are associated with reciting the sun hymn regularly?
Reciting the hymn brings blessings, protection from danger, success in ventures, and fulfillment of desires.
Daily life: Yudhishthira Adores the Sun for Boon: Story of Pandavas' Exile:
This story from the Mahabharata tells us about the virtues of perseverance, gratitude, and the power of devotion in overcoming difficult situations. King Yudhishthira finds himself in dire straits, unable to support the Brahmanas who depend on him after being sent to the forest. In his quest for a solution, he turns to the Sun God, Surya, for help. By reciting a hymn in praise of Surya, he is granted a boon that ensures he and his followers have enough to eat. This teaches us that in times of hardship, seeking assistance from a higher power, while maintaining faith and performing one's duties, can lead to miraculous solutions.
In our daily lives, we may not face challenges as severe as Yudhishthira, but we often encounter difficulties that seem insurmountable. This story inspires us to approach our problems with humility and to seek guidance from whatever source of higher power or inspiration we believe in, be it spiritual, within our community, or from a mentor. It highlights the importance of gratitude and giving thanks for the blessings we receive, no matter how small they may seem. By acknowledging the support we get and sharing it with others, we create a cycle of generosity and kindness.
Moreover, the act of Yudhishthira feeding the Brahmanas and then eating what remains teaches us the value of serving others before attending to our own needs. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and selflessness, traits that can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Lastly, the continuous practice of these virtues, along with persistence and belief in oneself and one’s values, can help us to navigate through life’s challenges and emerge stronger and wiser.