Section CLXLI - The Greatness of Brahmanas as Narrated by Markandeya - Story of King Parikshit and Vamadeva's Curse
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXLI 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:
King Parikshit, while hunting, gets lost and meets a beautiful maiden in a forest. He marries her with a pledge that she will never see water. However, she disappears when she plunges into a transparent tank, leading the king to order the slaughter of frogs. The king of the frogs reveals that the maiden was his daughter and grants her to the king, predicting that their descendants will disrespect Brahmanas.
The maiden bears three sons to the king and their father installs the eldest son on the throne before retreating to the forest. The eldest son, Sala, encounters a deer while hunting and seeks the help of Vamadeva's Vami horses. After obtaining the horses, Sala refuses to return them to Vamadeva, leading to a confrontation where Vamadeva curses Sala and eventually causes his death.
Sala's brother, Dala, becomes the new king and Vamadeva demands the return of the Vami horses. When Dala refuses, Vamadeva advises him to kill his son to purge his sin of disobedience. Dala reluctantly complies, but when he attempts to harm Vamadeva, he is unable to do so and eventually surrenders by touching his queen with the arrow meant for the Brahmana.
The queen, seeking forgiveness and the well-being of her husband and kingdom, asks Vamadeva for a boon. Vamadeva grants her wish, and Dala, filled with gratitude, gives back the Vami horses to the Brahmana. The queen ends the conflict by ensuring the safety and prosperity of her husband's lineage, thus bringing peace and reconciliation to the kingdom of the Ikshvakus.
In the end, the story highlights the power dynamics between kings and Brahmanas, the consequences of deceit and disobedience, and the importance of humility and respect towards divine beings. It also showcases the role of women in diffusing conflicts and seeking harmony within the royal family. Overall, the narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of breaking promises and the virtue of seeking forgiveness and redemption.
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 CLXLI - The Greatness of Brahmanas as Narrated by Markandeya - Story of King Parikshit and Vamadeva's Curse, have a look at the following articles:
Section CLXLI, 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 CLXLI:
What was the story of king Parikshit and the frog king?
King Parikshit married the frog king's daughter who deceived him and caused his wife to disappear in the water, leading to a series of events ultimately resulting in the frog king's curse on future generations.
Why did Vamadeva ask for his Vami horses back from King Dala?
Vamadeva asked for the return of his Vami horses as the king failed to keep his promise of returning them, leading to a series of events that involved the king's son being sacrificed and the queen intervening to save the royal lineage.
What happened when King Dala tried to harm Vamadeva with an arrow?
When King Dala attempted to harm Vamadeva with an arrow, he found himself unable to shoot it as directed by Vamadeva, leading to a realization of the consequences of his actions and a change in his behavior towards the Brahmana.
How did Queen of the Ikshvakus seek to rectify the situation between King Dala and Vamadeva?
The Queen sought to rectify the situation by offering to guide and serve the Brahmanas, ensuring the well-being of her husband's son, and ultimately requesting Vamadeva to bless her husband and their kingdom. Vamadeva granted her the boon, bringing harmony to the royal family.
What was the significance of the Vami horses in the story?
The Vami horses symbolized power and authority, highlighting the struggle between the Kshatriya king's desire to possess them and the Brahmana's right to have them returned. The return of the Vami horses brought resolution and peace in the narrative.
How did the behavior of King Dala and Vamadeva impact the outcome of the story?
King Dala's initial actions of disobedience and aggression led to a series of unfortunate events, while Vamadeva's righteous conduct and teachings eventually brought about a positive resolution, showcasing the importance of righteousness and adherence to one's word in ancient tales.
Daily life: The Greatness of Brahmanas as Narrated by Markandeya - Story of King Parikshit and Vamadeva's Curse:
The tale narrated above sheds light on the profound virtues of honesty, humility, responsibility, and the importance of honoring one’s word and understanding the consequences of deceit and recklessness. It vividly illustrates how the pursuit of desires without regard for moral and ethical boundaries can lead to disastrous outcomes, not only for the individual but also for those around them. In daily life, this story can serve as a guiding principle that emphasizes the significance of staying true to one's promises and understanding the weight of the decisions we make.
Implementing these lessons involves a conscious effort to be honest in our dealings and interactions. It means committing to our words and promises, especially when they concern others. The story also underscores the importance of respecting wisdom and guidance from those who may have more experience or insight, as seen in the consequences faced by the characters who ignored wise counsel.
Moreover, the narrative highlights the value of humility and the willingness to admit one's mistakes. Recognizing when we have erred and making amends is a crucial step toward growth and betterment. This story encourages us to think about the impact of our actions on ourselves and others and to strive for a life governed by virtues that uplift not just ourselves but our communities as well.
In our daily lives, embracing these lessons means fostering relationships based on trust, respect, and kindness. It encourages us to pause and reflect on our choices, ensuring they align with values that promote harmony and well-being. By adopting this approach, we contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world, where decisions are made with consideration for their broader implications.
Overall, the narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of integrity, the power of forgiveness, and the need for compassionate leadership. It illuminates the path toward a more fulfilled and principled life, emphasizing that true success and contentment are found not in the accumulation of wealth or power but in the richness of character and the positive legacy we leave behind.