Section XXVIII - Arjuna decimates the Kaurava army in battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXVIII 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 battle, Arjuna slew Bhagadatta, a close friend of Indra, along with the sons of the king of Gandhara, Vrishaka and Achala. Despite being attacked from all sides by the Gandhara troops, Arjuna skillfully defeated them with his sharp arrows and celestial weapons, causing the brothers to fall from their chariot. Sakuni, witnessing his brothers' deaths, created illusions and sent various weapons and beasts to attack Arjuna, but Arjuna easily dispelled these challenges with his prowess. Arjuna then engaged in a fierce battle with the Kaurava host, splitting their forces into two streams with his relentless attacks.
Amidst the chaos of battle, a thick darkness and waves of water were sent to hinder Arjuna, but he used his weapons to dispel them and continued to rain down arrows upon his enemies. Sakuni, realizing he could not defeat Arjuna, fled from the battlefield, his illusions and attacks having been thwarted. The sounds of Arjuna's Gandiva bow could be heard amidst the dust and chaos, as he relentlessly pursued and defeated the forces of the Kauravas. With his unmatched skill and determination, Arjuna struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, causing them to flee and abandon their own comrades in their attempts to save themselves.
As Arjuna continued his onslaught, the field of battle became strewn with bodies of fallen warriors, elephants, and steeds, as his arrows pierced through all obstacles with deadly accuracy. The scene was filled with cries of pain and agony, as even family members and friends turned against each other in their desperation to survive. The power and precision of Arjuna's arrows were unmatched, as each shot proved fatal to elephants, steeds, and men alike, causing devastation and chaos on the battlefield. Despite the carnage, Arjuna remained focused on his mission, unfazed by the destruction surrounding him, and determined to secure victory for his side.
The Kaurava forces, unable to withstand Arjuna's relentless assault, found themselves overwhelmed and scattered, with many warriors fleeing in fear and abandoning their allies. Arjuna's skill and bravery shone brightly amidst the chaos of battle, as he single-handedly turned the tide in favor of Yudhishthira's army. With his unmatched archery and determination, Arjuna proved himself to be a formidable warrior, capable of facing any challenge on the battlefield. Amidst the cries of the wounded and the fallen, Arjuna's name was praised as a symbol of courage and valor, inspiring his allies and striking fear into the hearts of his enemies.
Full English translation:
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Section XXVIII, 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 XXVIII:
How did Arjuna defeat the Gandhara princes in battle?
Arjuna slew the Gandhara princes, Vrishaka and Achala, with a single arrow on their car.
How did Sakuni try to confound Arjuna in battle?
Sakuni created illusions and sent various weapons and creatures to attack Arjuna.
How did Arjuna handle the illusions and attacks in battle?
Arjuna used celestial weapons to dispel darkness, dry up waters, and destroy illusions.
Daily life: Arjuna decimates the Kaurava army in battle:
The story, with its epic battle scenes and valorous deeds, can serve as a metaphor for overcoming challenges in our daily lives. It teaches us the importance of resilience, courage, and resourcefulness when facing adversities. Just as Arjuna confronted formidable opponents and obstacles, we too encounter various difficulties in our personal and professional lives. However, by harnessing our inner strength and utilizing our skills effectively, we can navigate through these challenges successfully.
Arjuna’s adaptability and strategic use of resources, such as switching cars when necessary and employing appropriate weapons to counteract illusions, underline the value of flexibility and critical thinking in problem-solving. This can be translated into a practical approach where we assess situations carefully, adapt to changing circumstances, and employ the most suitable methods to address issues.
Furthermore, the story highlights the significance of facing fears and persisting in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite the formidable illusions and weapons arrayed against him, Arjuna remained undeterred, showcasing the power of determination and focus. In real life, this teaches us to stay the course, keep our goals in sight, and push through barriers with tenacity and conviction, ensuring we emerge victorious in our endeavors.