Section XXIII - Yudhishthira Inquires about Kuru Kings' Welfare
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXIII 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:
Sanjaya, a Suta, went to Upaplavya to see the Pandavas and informed Yudhishthira of Dhritarashtra’s inquiry about their well-being. Yudhishthira expressed his joy at seeing Sanjaya and inquired about the health of Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Karna, and other members of the Kuru clan. He hoped for the well-being of all the important figures in the Kuru dynasty and expressed concern for the treatment of Brahmanas and the welfare of the kingdom under Dhritarashtra’s rule.
Yudhishthira also reminisced about the past battles where Arjuna’s prowess with the Gandiva bow, Bhima’s physical strength, and Nakula and Sahadeva's military accomplishments had brought glory to the Pandavas. He reminded Sanjaya of the disgrace the Kauravas had suffered when they tried to steal the Pandavas’ cattle in the woods of Dvaitavana. Yudhishthira emphasized the importance of upholding righteousness and treating Brahmanas with respect, fearing that neglecting them might lead to the downfall of the Kuru dynasty.
Yudhishthira questioned whether the Kauravas remembered the valiant deeds of the Pandavas in battle, particularly the courage and skill displayed by Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva. He highlighted the unity and strength of the Pandavas, who had overcome numerous adversaries and emerged victorious in various conflicts. Yudhishthira expressed his concern for the welfare and safety of his family and allies, hoping that they were free from any enemies or internal strife that could jeopardize the stability of the kingdom under Dhritarashtra’s rule.
Yudhishthira underlined the importance of honoring the Brahmanas, acknowledging their role in society and their connection to spiritual well-being and prosperity. He cautioned against arrogance and misuse of power, urging the Kauravas to maintain humility and respect for all beings. Yudhishthira’s words reflected his deep sense of duty and righteousness, as he sought to uphold the principles of dharma and protect the interests of his family and kingdom amidst growing tensions and uncertainties in the land of Kurukshetra.
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 XXIII - Yudhishthira Inquires about Kuru Kings' Welfare, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXIII, 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 XXIII:
What is the significance of the conversation between Yudhishthira and Sanjaya?
In the conversation, Yudhishthira enquires about the well-being of various important figures in the Kurukshetra war, showcasing his concern for others and his strategic thinking.
Who are the key characters mentioned by Yudhishthira in his conversation with Sanjaya?
Yudhishthira mentions Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Karna, Drona, Kripa, and various other important personalities from the Kurukshetra war, highlighting the political dynamics of the time.
How does Yudhishthira demonstrate his strategic and tactical thinking in the conversation?
Yudhishthira strategically asks about the health and well-being of key figures in the Kurukshetra war, showing his intelligence, awareness, and concern for political relationships and alliances.
Daily life: Yudhishthira Inquires about Kuru Kings' Welfare:
The story emphasizes the importance of checking on the wellbeing of others, expressing concern for their health and safety, and acknowledging the roles they play in our lives. It teaches us to extend goodwill towards friends and foes alike, illustrating the virtue of keeping communication open, even with those we may have disagreements with. This tale encourages us to remember and appreciate the contributions and strengths of each individual in our community.
In daily life, this translates into taking the time to connect with people around us, asking how they are, and genuinely caring for their answers. It's about recognizing the interconnectedness of our relationships and the impact of maintaining positive and respectful interactions, even in difficult circumstances. By showing concern for both the physical and emotional wellbeing of those we interact with, we foster a sense of community and support.
Furthermore, the story suggests valuing and respecting the contributions of everyone, acknowledging their strengths and the roles they play in our society. It inspires us to create an environment where forgiveness and understanding prevail, aiming for a harmonious coexistence despite our differences. Through such actions, we contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic world.