Section LXIV - Battle between Arjuna and Duryodhana: A Detailed Account
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXIV 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:
After Bhishma fled from the battlefield, Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, approached Arjuna with a loud roar and pierced him on the forehead with a spear-headed shaft, causing blood to flow profusely. In retaliation, Arjuna attacked Duryodhana and they engaged in a fierce combat, with both inflicting wounds on each other. Vikarna then joined the battle on an infuriated elephant, but Arjuna swiftly took down the mighty beast with a powerful arrow, causing Vikarna to flee in fear. Seeing his army disintegrating, Duryodhana turned his chariot and fled the battlefield, while Arjuna called him out for fleeing from the fight and abandoning his honor as a warrior.
Despite being wounded by Arjuna's arrows, Duryodhana continued to retreat, leaving behind his bodyguards and losing his reputation as a valiant warrior. Arjuna urged Duryodhana to turn back and face him in battle, reminding him of the code of conduct for kings and questioning his lack of resolve in fighting. As Duryodhana fled, Arjuna taunted him for abandoning the battlefield and escaping from the hands of Yudhishthira's loyal servant, casting doubt on Duryodhana's bravery and leadership. Duryodhana's flight from the battlefield was a symbol of his fear and inability to face the consequences of his actions, showcasing his lack of courage and determination in battle. Despite Arjuna's efforts to provoke him, Duryodhana chose to prioritize self-preservation over honor and valor, leading to his defeat and eventual downfall in the Kurukshetra war.
Full English translation:
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Section LXIV, 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 LXIV:
What was the outcome of the battle between Arjuna and Duryodhana?
Arjuna defeated Duryodhana in battle, causing the enemy warriors to flee in panic.
How did Arjuna confront Duryodhana on the battlefield?
Arjuna pierced Duryodhana with arrows, causing him to flee in fear.
Daily life: Battle between Arjuna and Duryodhana: A Detailed Account:
This epic tale of battle, featuring the conflict between Arjuna and Duryodhana, can serve as a metaphor for facing challenges and conflicts in our daily lives. Just as Arjuna and Duryodhana didn't retreat immediately despite being wounded, it teaches us the importance of resilience and determination. When faced with obstacles or setbacks, embracing our struggles and continuing our fight can lead to growth and learning, similar to how the warriors in the story did not shy away from their confrontation.
Moreover, the episode where Duryodhana flees the battlefield, abandoning his honor and duties for fear of defeat, reminds us that fleeing from our problems does not solve them. Instead, confronting issues head-on, with courage and integrity, is paramount. The story encourages us to stand firm in the face of adversity, uphold our values, and always remember the significance of our actions and their impact on our character and reputation. It underlines the idea that in life, just as in battle, courage, honor, and perseverance are key to overcoming challenges and achieving our goals.