Section XCIV - Battlefield chaos: Sanjaya describes fierce combat in Pandava army
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XCIV 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:
In the midst of a fierce battle, the Rakshasa warrior Ghatotkacha single-handedly turned the tide against the Kaurava army, prompting many warriors to attack him in return. Surrounded on all sides by powerful car-warriors, Ghatotkacha fought bravely but was eventually overwhelmed by their arrow showers, forcing him to soar into the sky with loud roars. King Yudhishthira, observing the situation, sent Bhima and a host of other warriors to aid Ghatotkacha in his time of need. The arrival of Bhima and his allies, including the sons of Draupadi and the ruler of Kasi, caused fear in the hearts of the Kaurava troops, who ultimately fled from the battlefield.
As Bhima and his allies rushed to Ghatotkacha's aid, a chaotic and brutal battle ensued between the two armies, with horses clashing with elephants, and foot soldiers engaging with car-warriors. The dust raised by the combatants obscured their vision, leading to confusion and indiscriminate fighting where even family members could not distinguish each other. The battlefield was littered with the corpses of men, elephants, and steeds, as heads fell and bodies were mangled in the violent clash. The river of blood flowing through the battlefield painted a gruesome picture of the carnage and destruction wrought by the warring factions.
In the midst of the battle, elephants clashed with elephants, their tusks and orbs split, and their bodies mangled as they fought fiercely against each other. Some elephants, enraged and blinded with fury, wreaked havoc by trampling cars, steeds, and foot-soldiers without restraint. The combatants, whether noble car-warriors or foot soldiers, fought relentlessly for glory or a place in heaven, striking each other with all their might. The Dhartarashtra troops, overwhelmed by the ferocity of the battle, were forced to retreat with their backs to the field, unable to withstand the onslaught of their opponents.
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 XCIV - Battlefield chaos: Sanjaya describes fierce combat in Pandava army, have a look at the following articles:
Section XCIV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XCIV:
What was the result of the battle between the Rakshasa and Duryodhana's warriors?
The Rakshasa was overwhelmed by a group of powerful car-warriors and had to flee.
Who came to aid Ghatotkacha in the battle?
Bhima, along with many skilled warriors, rushed to rescue Ghatotkacha in the intense battle.
How was the battlefield described during the fierce battle?
The field was filled with the sounds of roaring warriors, clashing weapons, and charging animals, enveloped in a thick, reddish dust cloud from the intense fighting.
Daily life: Battlefield chaos: Sanjaya describes fierce combat in Pandava army:
The epic tale of a fierce battle drawn from the story highlights several virtues like courage, unity, and resilience which are applicable in our daily lives. The narrative shows how even in the face of overwhelming odds, like the Rakshasa battling alone against numerous warriors, determination and bravery can hold the tide of adversity at bay. This teaches us that no matter how daunting the challenges we face in our personal or professional lives, standing our ground with courage can lead to overcoming these obstacles.
The story also underscores the power of teamwork and support. When Ghatotkacha found himself in a dire situation, his allies rushed to his aid, demonstrating that collective effort and solidarity are paramount in confronting and overcoming challenges. In our daily endeavors, be it at work or in personal situations, lending support to others and working together harmoniously can significantly enhance our capacity to achieve goals and navigate difficulties.
Additionally, the narrative reflects on the chaos and confusion that reign in conflict, a metaphor for life's tumultuous moments where clarity and direction might be lost. It reminds us to maintain focus and persevere through the "dust" of our challenges, reinforcing the idea that resilience, and a clear sense of purpose will guide us through the toughest times. Hence, from this epic depiction, we learn the importance of bravery, support, and perseverance in life's battles.