Section LXI - Arjuna Defeats Kaurava Warriors in Battle with Virata's Son
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXI 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:
Arjuna, on his way to face Bhishma in battle, reassures Virata's son Uttara who is overwhelmed by the chaos of the battlefield and advises him to hold the reins of his steeds once more. He promises Uttara a display of his celestial weapons and vows to unleash a river of blood upon the Kuru army. Arjuna boasts of his training in archery and his prowess in battle, recounting past victories and divine blessings that enhance his skills and confidence. He confidently declares his intention to defeat the Kuru forest of warriors, comparing himself to a tempest scattering cotton and vowing to set the battlefield ablaze with his fiery arrows.
Assured by Arjuna's words, Virata's son enters the fierce array of cars protected by Bhishma, where he is soon surrounded by four powerful warriors - Dussasana, Vikarna, Dussaha, and Vivingsati. Arjuna engages in combat with them, cutting off Bhishma's standard and defeating Dussasana before turning his attention to Vikarna, piercing him in the forehead with precise arrows. Dussaha and Vivingsati also fall to Arjuna's swift and accurate attacks, their steeds slain and their bodies mangled as they are forced to retreat from the battle.
Despite being outnumbered and surrounded, Arjuna remains composed and focused, simultaneously attacking all sides with his arrows and maintaining his superiority in battle. His skill and determination are unmatched as he continues to defeat his enemies one by one, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The Kauravas are unable to withstand the onslaught of Arjuna's arrows, and his unwavering resolve to emerge victorious in the battlefield becomes increasingly apparent. Arjuna's display of strength and prowess instills fear in his adversaries, who are unable to match his skill and determination.
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 LXI - Arjuna Defeats Kaurava Warriors in Battle with Virata's Son, have a look at the following articles:
Section LXI, 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 LXI:
Who did Arjuna want to encounter in the battle?
Arjuna wanted to encounter his grandfather, Santanu’s son, in battle.
How did Uttara feel during the battle?
Uttara felt terrified, disoriented, and overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of battle.
How did Arjuna demonstrate his skill in battle?
Arjuna cut off Bhishma's standard, defeated Dussasana, Vikarna, Dussaha, and Vivingsati, among others.
Daily life: Arjuna Defeats Kaurava Warriors in Battle with Virata's Son:
The story tells us about overcoming challenges and fear, and the importance of confidence and perseverance. In daily life, this translates to facing our problems head-on, just like Arjuna did on the battlefield. When confronted with difficult situations, it's natural to feel overwhelmed, much like the son of Virata, who expressed his inability to continue. However, just as Arjuna reassured him and encouraged him to muster fortitude, we too can find strength within ourselves or seek support from those around us to overcome our fears and doubts.
Arjuna’s determination and readiness to confront formidable foes without hesitation teaches us the value of preparing ourselves for life's challenges. By continuously improving our skills and knowledge, we can face our "battles" with confidence. Furthermore, Arjuna’s unfaltering focus and mastery over his craft exemplify how dedication and hard work can lead to excellence in any field.
Hence, the essence of the story encourages not to shy away from difficulties but to face them courageously. It reminds us that fear and doubt are part of the human experience, but with perseverance, support, and continuous self-improvement, we can overcome them and achieve our goals. Whether in personal growth, career, or relationships, the principles of courage, support, and persistence are universally applicable.