Section CLXL - Prophecies of Kalki Avatar and Duties of a King in Hinduism
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXL 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 narrated by Markandeya predicts the arrival of Kalki, a divine warrior who will establish justice and prosperity on earth by exterminating thieves and robbers. Kalki will give away the earth to Brahmanas, restore sacred rites and rituals, and guide people towards righteousness. As sin is eradicated and virtue flourishes, the Krita age will bring about a resurgence of religious practices, agricultural abundance, and societal harmony. The different varnas (castes) will fulfill their duties, with Brahmanas devoted to their six-fold duties and rulers governing virtuously.
Yudhishthira seeks guidance from Markandeya on how to protect his subjects and stay true to his duties. Markandeya advises him to be merciful, truthful, humble, and always devoted to the welfare of his people. Yudhishthira is urged to practice virtue, renounce sin, and seek atonement for past mistakes through charity and humility. Markandeya emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in his teachings without succumbing to doubt, as virtuous actions will lead to happiness and success.
Yudhishthira pledges to follow Markandeya's instructions wholeheartedly, assuring him that he lacks greed, lust, fear, pride, and vanity. He commits to embodying the virtues and principles outlined by Markandeya in his thoughts, words, and actions. The wise counsel of Markandeya brings joy and wonder to Yudhishthira, his brothers, and all those present, as they find solace and guidance in his words. The narrative underscores the significance of upholding righteousness, humility, and compassion in the face of adversity, as embodied by Yudhishthira's determination to adhere to Markandeya's teachings.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXL, 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 CLXL:
What will happen in the Krita age according to Markandeya's prophecy?
Markandeya predicts that in the Krita age, virtue will flourish, sin will be rooted out, and the earth will see prosperity and truth restored. The Brahmanas will be honest and devoted, and people will once again practice religious rites and ceremonies.
How should a king behave according to Markandeya's advice?
Markandeya advises the king to be merciful, truthful in speech, humble, and devoted to protecting his people. The king should renounce sin, practice virtue, worship the manes and gods, and expiate any wrongdoings through charity. He should also cultivate humility, good behavior, and joy in subjugating the earth.
What is the significance of Yudhishthira's response to Markandeya's advice?
Yudhishthira, after hearing Markandeya's words of wisdom, expresses his willingness to follow the instructions given to him. He declares that he is free from avarice, lust, fear, pride, and vanity, and pledges to act in accordance with the virtuous principles laid out by Markandeya.
Daily life: Prophecies of Kalki Avatar and Duties of a King in Hinduism:
The tale of Markandeya offers timeless wisdom for leading a life rooted in virtue and moral integrity. It underscores the importance of benevolence, suggesting that one should extend compassion and kindness to all living beings without discrimination. This embodies the principle of universal love, urging us to scorn none and to always work towards the welfare of others. By adopting truthfulness, humility, and self-control over our passions, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively. These attributes not only foster personal growth but also contribute to the well-being of the community.
Markandeya's advice also highlights the significance of protecting and serving the people, especially for those in positions of leadership. This can be achieved through practicing virtue diligently while renouncing sinful behavior. Embracing humility, good conduct, and expiating one's wrongdoings through charitable acts are steps towards personal and societal harmony. The narrative further advises against succumbing to negative emotions like pride, vanity, or doubt, as these can diminish virtue and impede one's moral journey.
In essence, living a virtuous life as described by Markandeya involves harmonizing one's thoughts, words, and deeds with the principles of kindness, truth, humility, and service to others. By internalizing and practicing these virtues, one can achieve both temporal happiness and lasting contentment, overcoming the inevitable adversities posed by time and fate. This ancient guidance, though rooted in a mythical context, offers practical approaches to cultivating a fulfilling and ethical life in the contemporary world.