Section XCVIII - Kanva: Matali and Narada's Journey to the Naga World
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XCVIII 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:
Kanva, a sage, sends Matali and Narada on a mission to find a suitable bridegroom for Soma's daughter, Jyotsnakali, in the nether regions. On their journey, Narada describes the glorious dominions of Varuna, the Lord of the waters, highlighting the beauty and virtues of his son Pushkara, chosen by Jyotsnakali as her husband. They come across celestial weapons and artifacts once owned by defeated Daityas, as well as a powerful bow created by Brahman for the destruction of the world. Narada also shows Matali Varuna's umbrella that drops pure water shrouded in darkness.
In their exploration, Matali and Narada witness the divine splendor and treasures of Varuna's abode, including the celestial weapons that once belonged to defeated Rakshasas and Daityas. They learn about the powerful discus of Vishnu, the knotty bow that punishes wicked kings, and the umbrella of the Lord of the waters that showers refreshing rain. The wonders of the nether regions captivate Matali, but Narada reminds him of the urgency of their mission and suggests leaving soon to continue their search for a suitable bridegroom for Jyotsnakali.
Narada's detailed descriptions of Varuna's kingdom and its treasures, such as the powerful weapons and divine artifacts, provide Matali with insights into the hidden wonders of the nether regions. They encounter the fierce weapon wielded by the sons of Varuna, the dazzling umbrella that showers pure water, and other mystical objects of immense power and significance. Narada ensures Matali understands the importance of their mission and the necessity of continuing their search for the perfect bridegroom, prompting them to leave the region soon to fulfill their task.
Ultimately, Matali and Narada gain valuable knowledge about Varuna's realm and its treasures as they journey through the nether regions in search of a suitable bridegroom for Jyotsnakali. Their encounters with celestial weapons, divine artifacts, and powerful objects highlight the grandeur and significance of Varuna's abode, adding layers of mystery and wonder to their quest. Despite the allure of the hidden wonders they discover, Matali and Narada remain focused on their mission, ready to explore further and find the ideal bridegroom for Soma's daughter, Jyotsnakali.
Full English translation:
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Section XCVIII, 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 XCVIII:
What were the weapons and treasures seen in Varuna's abode?
The weapons included a blazing discus of Vishnu, a destructive bow, and celestial weapons. There were treasures like a golden abode, a fire of blazing flames, and a lake with special water.
Which notable figures were encountered in Varuna's dominions?
Varuna's son Pushkara, who was chosen by Soma's daughter Jyotsnakali as her husband. The great Rishi Narada and the charioteer Matali also visited Varuna, along with various gods, Rakshasas, and Daityas.
Daily life: Kanva: Matali and Narada's Journey to the Naga World:
The story revolves around Matali and Narada's journey to seek a bridegroom, highlighting their encounters with divine figures and the realms they traverse. This narrative, rich in mythical elements, emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and companionship in one’s endeavors. From this, we can infer that in our daily lives, seeking advice and support from those wiser or more experienced can greatly benefit our personal quests or professional projects.
Furthermore, the story illustrates the virtue of respecting and honoring commitments while being on a mission. Matali and Narada respected each other's company and objectives, showing us that collaboration and mutual respect are key to achieving goals. The encounter with Varuna and the sight of celestial weapons teach us about the rewards of perseverance and the power of harnessing knowledge to navigate challenges.
In essence, this story encourages us to respect our journeys, seek guidance, value companionship, and remain committed and respectful towards our goals and those who assist us along the way. Through collaboration, respect, and perseverance, we are more likely to achieve our aims and overcome obstacles, just as Matali and Narada did in their celestial quest.