Section XXX - Trigartas and Kauravas plan to seize kine in Virata's kingdom

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXX 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 Vaisampayana revolves around King Susarman, who had been repeatedly defeated by Matsya’s Suta Kicaka and the king of the Matsyas. Feeling an opportunity to strike back, Susarman proposes to invade Virata’s kingdom with the help of the Kauravas, including Karna and Duryodhana. They plan to plunder Virata’s wealth, cattle, and land, with the aim of enhancing their own power and fortune. Karna approves of Susarman’s plan, and Duryodhana swiftly commands his forces, including the Trigartas, to prepare for the expedition. The Trigartas proceed towards Virata's city to seize the kine, while the Kauravas follow suit the next day, also intent on capturing thousands of cattle.

The Trigartas, led by Susarman, move towards Virata’s kingdom to seize his cattle. Meanwhile, the Kauravas, under Duryodhana’s command, make plans to march towards Virata's city as well. Both groups aim to exploit the weakened state of Virata, with the Trigartas intending to strike first and the Kauravas to follow in close pursuit. The Trigartas position themselves for an attack, gearing up to take advantage of the apparent vulnerability of Virata and his kingdom.

The Kauravas, with Duryodhana at the helm, set out with all their forces to gather wealth, particularly the precious kine, from Virata’s kingdom. The two groups, the Trigartas and the Kauravas, proceed separately but with the same goal in mind - to plunder the riches of Matsya. The stage is set for a conflict between Virata's forces and the invading armies, as Susarman's plan to invade the kingdom for resources intensifies, leading to a potential showdown between the warring factions. The impending clash between the forces of Virata and the combined might of the Trigartas and Kauravas foreshadows a tumultuous battle for power and wealth.

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 XXX - Trigartas and Kauravas plan to seize kine in Virata's kingdom, have a look at the following articles:

Section XXX, 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 XXX:

What was the plan of King Susarman and Karna to attack Virata's kingdom?

They planned to invade Virata's kingdom, plunder his wealth and cattle, and bring Matsya under subjection by uniting the Kauravas and Trigartas forces.

How did the Trigartas and Kauravas strategize their attack on Virata's kingdom?

The Trigartas marched towards Virata's city to seize kine, while Kauravas planned to follow them, also seizing thousands of kine in two divisions.

Daily life: Trigartas and Kauravas plan to seize kine in Virata's kingdom:

The tale from the Mahabharata where Susarman suggests an opportunistic attack on Virata, supported by Duryodhana and Karna, highlights the consequences of acting on ambition without considering morality or the welfare of others. In daily life, this story can serve as a caution against making decisions purely based on personal gain, especially when such actions can harm others. It's important to recognize moments when we're driven by greed or the desire for power and to contemplate the broader impact of our choices.

Instead of succumbing to impulses that prioritize self-interest, we should strive to make decisions that are fair, considerate, and beneficial to all involved. The story also underscores the value of consulting with wise and ethical individuals when making important decisions. Such counsel can help guide us towards actions that enhance our integrity and the well-being of our communities. Ultimately, the narrative teaches us to pursue success and ambition within the bounds of morality and compassion, ensuring that our achievements are not at the expense of others.

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