Section CXVIII - King Usinara begets a son with Galava's help
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXVIII 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 tells the story of Madhavi, who became a maiden again after fulfilling her promise to follow Galava. Galava, seeking two hundred steeds as dowry, approaches King Usinara and proposes that he marry Madhavi to have two royal sons. Usinara only agrees to have one son but gives Madhavi back to Galava after the birth of their son Sivi. Galava then goes to see the son of Vinata.
Madhavi, true to her word, becomes a maiden once more after fulfilling her promise to Galava. Galava, seeking four hundred steeds as dowry, approaches King Usinara and suggests that he marry Madhavi to have two royal sons. Usinara agrees only to have one son, Sivi, but honors his commitment to Galava. After the birth of Sivi, Galava takes Madhavi back and goes to see the son of Vinata.
Usinara, prompted by Galava's proposal, marries Madhavi and begets a son named Sivi. Although he only agrees to have one son and not the two proposed by Galava, Usinara fulfills his part of the agreement. After the birth of Sivi, Galava returns Madhavi and goes to meet the son of Vinata.
Madhavi, after fulfilling her promise to Galava, becomes a maiden again and follows him. Galava approaches King Usinara, proposing that he marry Madhavi to have two royal sons. Usinara agrees to have only one son but honors his commitment to Galava. After the birth of Sivi, Galava retrieves Madhavi and goes to see the son of Vinata.
Madhavi fulfills her promise to Galava and becomes a maiden once more. Galava then approaches King Usinara with a proposal of marrying Madhavi to have two royal sons. Usinara agrees to only one son but keeps his word to Galava. After the birth of Sivi, Galava retrieves Madhavi and goes to meet the son of Vinata.
Full English translation:
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Section CXVIII, 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 CXVIII:
Who was Galava and what did he ask of King Usinara?
Galava was a Brahmana who asked King Usinara for 400 steeds to beget sons. Usinara agreed, but could only provide 200 steeds.
What was the outcome of Galava's request to King Usinara?
King Usinara accepted Galava's terms, had a son with the maiden, and named him Sivi. Galava then took the maiden and left.
Daily life: King Usinara begets a son with Galava's help:
The narrative of Madhavi, Galava, and king Usinara imparts several key lessons relevant to daily life. It illustrates the importance of keeping promises and commitments, showcasing how Madhavi, faithful to her promise, and Galava, committed to his quest, pursue their goals with unwavering dedication. This teaches us the value of integrity and perseverance in achieving our objectives, suggesting that we should remain steadfast in our commitments, whether in professional endeavors or personal relationships.
Furthermore, the story reflects on the significance of making informed decisions and the balanced pursuit of personal goals versus societal responsibilities. King Usinara's choice to negotiate terms that are aligned with his capabilities and responsibilities emphasizes the necessity of understanding and accepting one's limitations while striving to fulfill one's duties. This aspect underscores the idea of sustainable living by making choices that are in harmony with our resources and responsibilities. It nudges us toward making decisions that are not only beneficial for our personal growth but also considerate of the broader impact on those around us and society at large.
In essence, the tale offers guidance on navigating life's challenges with honor, purpose, and a sense of responsibility, encouraging us to lead with integrity, make conscientious decisions, and balance our ambitions with our duties to others.