Section I - Kurukshetra War: Pandavas and Kauravas Battle on Sacred Plain
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section I 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:
The Kurukshetra war begins as the Pandavas, along with their allies the Somakas, advance against the Kauravas. Yudhishthira sets up camps and gathers a massive army from various regions to fight on their side. Both armies face each other on the battlefield, with Duryodhana leading the Kauravas and Pandu's son leading the Pandavas. The battle is fierce, with loud conches being blown and a cloud of dust enveloping the fighters, creating a chaotic and terrifying atmosphere.
Vasudeva and Arjuna, seated on a chariot together, blow their celestial conches, causing fear among the enemy troops. The combatants on both sides are filled with joy and excitement, while the earth is showered with flesh and blood, creating an eerie and gruesome scene. The rules of combat are set, emphasizing fair fights and forbidding the killing of those who are unprepared or seeking quarter. The warriors on both sides engage in verbal and physical combat, with each group following the agreed-upon rules of engagement.
The armies stand ready for battle on Kurukshetra, resembling two agitated oceans on the brink of a cataclysmic event. The Pandavas, Kauravas, and Somakas make covenants and agreements on how the battle should be fought, emphasizing fairness and restraint in their actions. Despite the chaos and violence of the battlefield, there is a sense of honor and dignity among the warriors as they follow the rules and conventions of warfare. The scene is set for a monumental clash between the two powerful forces, with the fate of kingdoms and lives hanging in the balance.
Full English translation:
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Section I, 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 I:
What were the rules set by the Kurus, Pandavas, and Somakas before the battle?
Combatants must fight fairly, engage with equals, and give notice before striking.
How did the Pandavas and Kauravas prepare for battle on Kurukshetra?
They mustered large armies, set up camps, and arranged recognition badges.
What was the reaction to the conch blasts and dust cloud before battle?
The troops were filled with fear and awe, likened to two agitated oceans.
Daily life: Kurukshetra War: Pandavas and Kauravas Battle on Sacred Plain:
The story from the ancient epic highlights the importance of fairness, respect for rules, and compassion even in the face of conflict. In daily life, this can be translated into always treating others with fairness, whether in personal relationships, workplace interactions, or competitive situations. Just as the warriors were advised to engage only with equals and to respect the conditions of combat, we too should ensure that our actions and words are appropriate and considerate of the situations others are in.
Additionally, setting clear boundaries and agreeing on mutual respect, much like the warriors did with their covenants, can lead to healthier relationships and interactions. The narrative also underscores the value of preparation and mindfulness, suggesting that one should not take advantage of others' unpreparedness or distress. This teaches us to face our challenges directly and with integrity, always mindful of the impact we have on those around us.
Moreover, the emphasis on not harming the unarmed, such as musicians or those transporting weapons, parallels the principle of protecting the vulnerable in our society. We should strive to support and shield those who are unable to defend themselves, whether due to age, health, or social circumstances. By implementing these values—fairness, respect, integrity, preparedness, and compassion—we can navigate life's battles more honorably and create a more just and caring world.