Section CLXIII - Arjuna's Training with Indra on Gandhamadana Mountain
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXIII 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 Pandavas were dwelling on a beautiful mountain where they eagerly awaited the return of Arjuna. They were visited by Gandharvas and Maharshis, and they enjoyed the scenic beauty and tranquility of the mountain. The mountain was filled with lakes, flowers, and various wildlife, creating a magical atmosphere for the Pandavas. They spent their time practicing Yoga, reciting Vedas, and engaging in religious rituals while longing for Arjuna's return. Despite the natural splendor of the mountain, they were overwhelmed with grief and found it difficult to experience happiness without Arjuna by their side.
Arjuna spent five years in the abode of Indra, where he learned celestial weapons from the lord of celestials. He obtained various powerful weapons from Indra, including those of Agni, Varuna, Vishnu, and many others. After bowing down and seeking permission from Indra, Arjuna cheerfully returned to the Gandhamadana mountain. The Pandavas had spent their time on the mountain eagerly awaiting his return, and their joy knew no bounds upon Arjuna's arrival. The reunion of Arjuna with his brothers brought immense happiness and relief to the Pandavas after his long absence learning from Indra.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXIII, 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 CLXIII:
What celestial weapons did Arjuna obtain from Indra?
Arjuna obtained various celestial weapons from Indra, such as those of Agni, Varuna, Soma, Vayu, Vishnu, Indra, and many others, during his stay in the abode of the lord of celestials.
How did the Pandavas pass their time on the mountain?
The Pandavas spent their time on the mountain by practicing yoga, reciting Vedas, discharging religious duties, and abiding by truth. They eagerly awaited Arjuna's return, feeling overwhelmed with grief in his absence and passing days filled with contemplation of him.
Daily life: Arjuna's Training with Indra on Gandhamadana Mountain:
The narrative elegantly illustrates the profundity and serenity of nature, emphasizing the Pandavas' withdrawal into the mountains for introspection and discipline. In our fast-paced lives, this can inspire us to seek solace and clarity through connecting with the natural world. Just as the Pandavas immerse themselves in their surroundings, appreciating its beauty and engaging in spiritual practices, we too can find peace and rejuvenation by spending time in nature and cultivating mindfulness. The concept of patiently waiting, as they did for Arjuna's return, teaches us the value of patience and trust in the process of life. By integrating periods of reflection, embracing the calmness of our environment, and committing to personal growth and learning, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. This story, at its core, reminds us of the importance of balancing our external pursuits with internal exploration to lead a fulfilling life.