Section CXV - The Story of Jamadagni, Son of Bhrigu: Tales of Rama's Mighty Deeds
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXV 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 expressing his desire to witness the appearance of Parasurama, the descendant of Bhrigu. Akritavrana, a follower of Parasurama, informs him that Parasurama will show himself on the fourteenth day of the lunar course. Yudhishthira then asks Akritavrana to narrate the story of how Rama, the son of Jamadagni, vanquished the mighty ruler of the Haihaya tribe, Arjuna, who had a thousand arms and a celestial car.
Akritavrana shares the story of King Arjuna, who had a thousand arms and a celestial golden car, which allowed him to oppress all beings and challenge even the gods. The celestials and saints approached Vishnu, requesting him to defeat Arjuna to protect all beings. Vishnu then went to the Vadari wood to plan Arjuna's demise. Meanwhile, Gadhi, a king who had turned to forest life, had a daughter named Satyavati who was married to Richika, a Brahmana who received a thousand fleet steeds as dowry from Varuna.
Richika, pleased with his marriage, seeks a boon from Bhrigu, his father, and grants his daughter-in-law the wish for a son. However, there is a mix-up in the pot of rice she consumes and the tree she embraces, leading to a twist in fate for their offspring. As a result, Jamadagni is born to Satyavati and becomes a powerful sage with military prowess, while her mother gives birth to a Kshatriya son who adopts a priestly life. Bhrigu honors Satyavati's plea to change her son's fate, hence Jamadagni inherits the military skills from his father.
Jamadagni grows up to excel in Vaidik lore and gains knowledge in military arts and missile weapons without any formal training. His brilliance and grace make him stand out among other saints, resembling the sun in his radiance. Thus, Jamadagni becomes a formidable figure, possessing a unique blend of military prowess and scholarly wisdom. This sets the stage for his future exploits and the legacy he will leave behind as a descendant of the illustrious Bhrigu lineage.
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 CXV - The Story of Jamadagni, Son of Bhrigu: Tales of Rama's Mighty Deeds, have a look at the following articles:
Section CXV, 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 Mahabharata, Section CXV:
Story of Rama and the defeat of Arjuna by Parasurama
What was the cause of conflict between Arjuna and Parasurama? - Arjuna's tyranny over the world led to a request for his destruction. Who was the king of the Haihaya tribe killed by Parasurama? - Arjuna, a mighty ruler with a thousand arms, was defeated by Parasurama. How did Richika acquire a thousand fleet steeds for his marriage? - Richika asked Varuna for the dowry, and the steeds emerged from the Ganga river. What were the boons granted to Satyavati and her mother by Bhrigu? - Satyavati would have a son with warrior qualities, while her mother would bear a priestly son.
Daily life: The Story of Jamadagni, Son of Bhrigu: Tales of Rama's Mighty Deeds:
The story, rich with mythological elements and characters, subtly conveys the virtues of audacity, commitment, and the acceptance of the consequences of one's actions. In daily life, these narratives serve as a reminder that pursuing one's goals with determination often requires navigating unforeseen challenges and making difficult choices. For instance, the characters in the tale, through their quests and the bargains they strike, illustrate the importance of staying true to one's promises, exemplified by Richika's endeavor to fulfill his part of a marriage agreement. This teaches us that fulfilling our commitments, regardless of the obstacles, is a hallmark of reliability and integrity.
Furthermore, the story underscores the unforeseen consequences of our decisions, as seen through the mix-up caused by Satyavati and her mother, leading to unexpected outcomes for their descendants. This aspect of the tale reminds us that our actions and decisions, even those with good intentions, can have far-reaching effects beyond our immediate understanding. It emphasizes the need for mindfulness and consideration in our choices, recognizing the potential impact on our future and on those around us.
Lastly, the characters’ reverence towards higher powers and elders, seeking blessings and guidance, imparts the lesson of humility and the recognition of wisdom beyond oneself. It suggests that in life, seeking advice and blessings from those we respect and look up to can provide us with strength and clarity. The narrative, with its mix of divine interventions and mortal decisions, encourages a balanced approach to life, blending ambition with humility, action with foresight, and commitment with adaptability.