Section CVII - Galava's Lament: Seeking Help from Vishnu

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CVII 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:
Galava, filled with anxiety and regret, was unable to find peace or enjoyment in life due to his inability to repay his debts and fulfill his promises. He lamented his lack of wealth and resources, feeling unworthy of the blessings he had received from his preceptor. He decided to seek the protection and guidance of Lord Vishnu and Krishna, the divine rulers of the three worlds, in order to find a way out of his troubles.

As Galava continued to dwell on his misfortunes, his friend Garuda, the son of Vinata, appeared before him and offered to help him achieve his desires. Garuda had already spoken to Vishnu on Galava's behalf, and the divine Lord was pleased to grant his wishes. Together, Garuda and Galava planned to journey to the other shore of the ocean or to the farthest reaches of the earth, with Garuda promising to bear Galava comfortably on his back.

Galava, grateful for Garuda's friendship and the opportunity to seek the protection of Vishnu and Krishna, eagerly accepted the offer and prepared to embark on their journey. With Garuda's support and Vishnu's favor, Galava hoped to find a solution to his troubles and fulfill his obligations to his preceptor. The prospect of finding a way out of his difficulties brought a glimmer of hope to Galava's heart, as he looked forward to the possibility of a brighter future.

As they set off on their journey, Galava felt a sense of relief and gratitude towards Garuda for his assistance and Vishnu for his benevolence. With determination and faith in the divine guidance they were about to receive, Galava's spirits lifted and he began to envision a path towards redemption and fulfillment. Together, they embarked on a quest to seek the blessings of Vishnu and Krishna, trusting that their support would lead them to a better and brighter future.

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 CVII - Galava's Lament: Seeking Help from Vishnu, have a look at the following articles:

Section CVII, 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 CVII:

What led to Galava's intense anxiety and remorse?

Galava felt anxious and remorseful after failing to fulfill his promise to his preceptor. He lamented his lack of wealth and the burden of debt, leading him to consider relinquishing his life.

Who offered to help Galava in his time of need?

Galava's friend Garuda, the son of Vinata, offered to help him by taking him to seek the protection of Lord Vishnu. Garuda had previously spoken to Vishnu on Galava's behalf, securing his assistance.

Daily life: Galava's Lament: Seeking Help from Vishnu:

The story of Galava and his distress over his inability to repay his debt teaches us important life lessons. Feeling overwhelmed by debt and the inability to fulfill promises can lead to deep despair, as shown by Galava's decision to forsake his life. However, it's crucial to remember that persistence and reaching out for help are key steps towards finding a solution. Galava’s lament caught the attention of his friend Garuda, who offered aid out of genuine friendship and goodwill. This shows the importance of having a supportive network and the willingness to aid friends in their time of need.

In daily life, we can learn from this by understanding that it's okay to feel overwhelmed by our problems, but giving up is not the solution. Seeking help and expressing our troubles can lead to unexpected assistance. Moreover, it underlines the value of friendship and the positive impact we can have on others' lives by being there for them. Persistence, coupled with the courage to admit when we need help, can pave the way for overcoming difficulties.

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