Section LXV [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXV 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, the princess of Vidarbha, joined a caravan in search of her husband, Nala, only to be attacked by a herd of elephants while they slept. The caravan suffered great losses, and the surviving members blamed Damayanti, believing her to be the cause of their misfortune. Distressed and feeling responsible, Damayanti fled into the woods, where she eventually reached the city of the king of the Chedis.
In the city, Damayanti's beauty and distress caught the attention of the queen-mother, who offered her refuge and assistance in finding her husband. Damayanti agreed to stay under certain conditions, including not being forced into any unwanted relationships. The queen-mother promised to fulfill her conditions and provided Damayanti with a safe place to reside in the city. Damayanti then became a companion to the queen-mother's daughter, Sunanda, and found solace and comfort in her new surroundings.
Despite her heartache and longing for Nala, Damayanti found peace and contentment in her new home, where she was treated with kindness and respect by the queen-mother and Sunanda. She formed a bond with Sunanda and her companions, finding joy in their company. The queen-mother made arrangements to search for Nala, giving Damayanti hope of reuniting with her beloved husband. With her spirits lifted and her needs taken care of, Damayanti settled into her new life, hopeful for the future and grateful for the support she received.
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 LXV, have a look at the following articles:
Section LXV, 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 Section LXV:
How did the caravan come under attack by elephants?
They accidentally blocked the paths of rampaging wild elephants leading to a tragic slaughter.
Why did Damayanti flee into the woods?
Distressed by accusations of causing the caravan's harm, she fled in shame.
What conditions did Damayanti set to stay with the queen-mother?
She refused to eat leftovers, wash feet, speak with men, or marry.
How was Damayanti welcomed by the queen-mother and Sunanda?
They treated her with respect and made her the companion of Sunanda.
Mahabharata Section LXV in daily life:
The narrative above unfolds the journey of Damayanti, who faces severe adversities, including the loss of her husband and the ensuing calamities that strike a caravan she was a part of. Despite the calamities and being unjustly blamed, Damayanti maintains her dignity, sets clear boundaries, and continues her search for her husband. This story teaches the importance of resilience, integrity, and establishing personal boundaries, which are valuable lessons for daily life.
In our daily endeavors, we often encounter challenging situations that test our fortitude and integrity. Like Damayanti, maintaining a steadfast resolve and staying true to our principles can help us navigate through tough times. Establishing clear personal boundaries is crucial for our well-being and helps us interact healthily with others, just as Damayanti laid out her conditions before agreeing to stay with the queen mother.
Furthermore, the story highlights that seeking help and accepting support does not equate to weakness. Damayanti’s willingness to stay with the queen mother under agreed terms shows the importance of seeking and accepting help while maintaining one's values. These lessons teach us to face life's challenges with grace, uphold our dignity in the face of injustices, and always remember the strength that lies in asking for and receiving support, all while respecting our core values and setting appropriate boundaries for our interaction with the world around us.