Section CVIII - Garuda's Guidance: Exploring Eastern Quarter with Galava
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CVIII 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:
Narada continues his narrative, mentioning Garuda's question to Galava about which quarter he would like to visit first. Garuda describes the eastern quarter, where Surya rises, the Sadhyas perform austerities, and Dharma and the gods reside. He speaks of the prosperity of the gods, the birth of their children, and the performance of religious ceremonies in this region. Garuda highlights how important this quarter is in the universe's creation and the divine activities that have taken place there.
Garuda emphasizes that the eastern quarter is the gate of Day and Time, where sacred hymns, Vedas, and Soma juice were first delivered and consumed. He mentions the attainment of prosperity by deities like Varuna and the birth and growth of Vasishtha in this region. Garuda recounts the destruction of wicked beings by the sun in this quarter and refers to it as the path to heaven and felicity. He expresses his willingness to take Galava to the eastern quarter if it pleases him and offers to visit another quarter if desired.
Full English translation:
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Section CVIII, 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 CVIII:
Which quarter did Garuda offer to take Galava first?
Garuda offered to take Galava towards the eastern quarter first, as it holds great significance in Hindu mythology for its association with various gods and ancient events.
Why is the eastern quarter called Purva and what significance does it hold?
The eastern quarter is called Purva because it is associated with the origins of various important events, such as the anointment of Sakra as the king of the celestials, the birth of Vasishta, and the delivery of the Vedas and Gayatri by Surya.
Daily life: Garuda's Guidance: Exploring Eastern Quarter with Galava:
The narrative shared above, involving figures like Garuda and Galava, underpins the significance of the eastern direction, owing to its historical and mythological importance in various traditions. Drawing from this, one can glean a simple, yet profound daily practice: orienting significant activities towards the east. This direction, being where the sun rises, is symbolically tied to the beginning of things, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Incorporating this into daily life could mean starting your day facing east, perhaps during meditation, prayer, or when planning the day. It’s about acknowledging the cycle of life, the natural world, and the cosmic order as one sets intentions or seeks blessings. Moreover, it underscores the importance of respecting ancient wisdom and integrating it into contemporary life to foster a deeper connection with the universe's rhythms.
By doing so, we don't just pay homage to tradition but actively engage with its teachings to enhance our well-being, spiritual growth, and the prosperity of our endeavors. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the role of direction and space in our spiritual and mundane lives.