Section CLXXVII - Bhima Overpowered by Serpent: Vaisampayana's Tale
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXVII 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:
Bhima, known for his incredible strength and fearlessness, ventured into a beautiful forest while living in exile with his brothers. Despite his reputation as a mighty warrior who had defeated powerful enemies, Bhima found himself facing a colossal serpent that struck fear into his heart. The serpent, possessing immense strength and a terrifying appearance, grabbed Bhima in its grip and caused him to lose consciousness. Bhima, normally as strong as ten thousand elephants, was unable to break free from the serpent's hold, despite his best efforts.
The forest where Bhima roamed was filled with the warbling of birds and the beauty of nature, but it also held dangerous creatures like the serpent that Bhima encountered. Despite his valiant attempts to overcome the serpent, Bhima was ultimately overpowered and left trembling in fear. The serpent, with its massive body and menacing presence, proved to be a formidable opponent even for someone as formidable as Bhima. Despite his usual prowess and strength, Bhima found himself unable to escape the grip of the powerful serpent.
Bhima's struggles against the serpent were fierce and intense, with the serpent's grip causing him to lose consciousness and his strength failing him. The serpent, with its gigantic size and ferocious demeanor, posed a grave threat to Bhima's life. Even Bhima's legendary strength, likened to that of ten thousand elephants, was no match for the serpent's power. Bhima's battle against the serpent became a test of his courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming fear and danger.
As Bhima fought against the serpent, his desperation and fear were palpable, as even his incredible strength could not save him from the serpent's grip. The once fearless warrior found himself unable to break free from the serpent's hold, highlighting the immense power and danger posed by the colossal creature. Despite his best efforts, Bhima was unable to defeat the serpent on his own and faced a humbling defeat at the hands of the fearsome creature. The encounter with the serpent served as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the limits of even the mightiest warriors.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXVII, 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 CLXXVII:
Why did Bhima lose consciousness when faced with the colossal serpent?
Bhima was overpowered by the serpent, who had received a powerful boon. Despite his immense strength, the serpent's grip caused him to lose consciousness and rendered him powerless.
How did Bhima's reaction to the serpent differ from his usual fearless demeanor?
Bhima, known for his mighty prowess and fearlessness, was stricken with panic and unable to extricate himself when confronted by the colossal serpent. This unusual reaction showcased the serpent's formidable strength and divine power.
What notable qualities did the colossal serpent possess that instilled fear in Bhima?
The serpent was described as colossal, speckled with spots, possessing gigantic strength, and resembling the image of the God of Death, Yama. Its terrifying appearance, massive size, and powerful grip left Bhima trembling and powerless in its presence.
Daily life: Bhima Overpowered by Serpent: Vaisampayana's Tale:
In the tale of Bhimasena and the colossal serpent, we uncover significant lessons that can be applied in our daily lives. Bhimasena, known for his exceptional strength, which was said to rival that of ten thousand elephants, encountered a moment of vulnerability and fear when faced with a snake of extraordinary dimensions. This story underlines that no matter how powerful or confident we may feel, there are always unexpected challenges that can cause us to face our limitations or fears.
One key takeaway is the importance of humility. Bhimasena's encounter reminds us that no matter our abilities or achievements, we must remain humble and aware of our vulnerabilities. Life, much like the vast forest Bhimasena roamed, is unpredictable and filled with unknown challenges. Recognizing our limitations does not make us weaker; instead, it can help us approach situations with caution and wisdom.
Additionally, the story highlights the value of resilience. Even when faced with situations that seem insurmountable, the spirit of perseverance and the attempt to overcome obstacles is commendable. While Bhimasena was momentarily overpowered, his previous victories and continuous exploration symbolize a relentless spirit.
Lastly, it teaches us about the unexpected nature of challenges. Just as Bhimasena encountered a formidable serpent unexpectedly, we too may face difficulties in life without warning. Preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally to face such challenges, and learning from every experience, helps us grow stronger and more adaptable. This tale, therefore, is a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and the strength that lies in humility, resilience, and adaptability.