Section LX [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LX 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:
Damayanti, Bhima's daughter, becomes worried when she sees her husband King Nala losing everything in a game of dice and becoming obsessed with playing. She tries to intervene by sending for Nala's counselors, but he disregards her efforts, causing her great distress. Damayanti then decides to send for Nala's charioteer Varshneya to help protect her husband and their children. Varshneya, understanding the gravity of the situation, takes the children to safety in Vidarbha, leaving them with Damayanti's relatives. He then proceeds to serve King Rituparna in Ayodhya, saddened by Nala's plight.
Damayanti's concern for Nala's well-being is evident as she tries to protect him from his gambling losses and obsession with playing dice. Despite her efforts, Nala remains indifferent to her pleas, causing her to seek the help of Varshneya to ensure their children's safety. Varshneya dutifully takes the children to a safe place and continues to serve as a charioteer, showing loyalty towards Nala's family.
Nala's downfall due to his gambling addiction becomes apparent as he loses everything and ignores the advice and concerns of his loved ones. Damayanti's actions reflect her love and dedication towards her husband, even in the face of his self-destructive behavior. Varshneya's role as a trusted charioteer highlights the importance of loyal and supportive allies during challenging times.
Throughout the story, themes of loyalty, love, and the consequences of gambling are explored as Damayanti and Varshneya take decisive actions to protect Nala and his family. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support from trusted individuals in times of crisis. Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the need for vigilance in protecting loved ones from harm.
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 LX, have a look at the following articles:
Section LX, 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 Section LX:
What did Damayanti do when she saw Nala losing everything at dice?
Damayanti summoned councillors on Nala's behalf and sent her charioteer Varshneya for help.
Why did Damayanti ask Varshneya to take their children to safety?
Damayanti feared for Nala's well-being as he continued to lose in the dice game.
What did Varshneya do after leaving the children and the chariot in Vidarbha?
Varshneya went to Ayodhya and became the charioteer for king Rituparna.
Mahabharata Section LX in daily life:
The story of Damayanti, amidst her husband Nala's difficulty due to his losses in a dice game, teaches vital life lessons about dealing with adversity and seeking help. In times of crisis, like Damayanti, one should not hesitate to seek assistance from others, demonstrating the importance of community and support systems in overcoming tough situations. It highlights how reaching out to trusted individuals or advisors can offer solutions or comfort, showing the strength in vulnerability.
Damayanti's proactive approach in addressing the problem, by sending for help and arranging for the safety of her children, teaches the importance of taking decisive action during hardships. It reminds us of the necessity to protect our loved ones and secure their future when facing uncertainties. By consulting with her husband’s chief officers and ensuring her children's well-being, Damayanti exemplifies responsible and thoughtful decision-making that can be applied in our daily lives, especially in protecting and providing for our families in times of need.
Moreover, the story underscores the significance of understanding the situations we cannot control, like Nala’s obsession with gambling, and focuses on making virtuous choices within our power, reflecting the wisdom in discerning what one can and cannot influence. Such wisdom can guide individuals to focus their energies constructively and in a direction where it counts the most, ensuring well-being and stability in the face of challenges.