Section LVI - King Suhotra: Virtuous ruler who showered his kingdom with gold
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LVI 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:
King Suhotra was a virtuous and mighty ruler who ruled his kingdom righteously and performed numerous sacrifices to please the gods. He was showered with wealth and abundance by the deities, with rivers flowing with gold and artificial lakes filled with golden creatures. Suhotra generously gave away his wealth to Brahmanas and performed countless rituals and sacrifices for the welfare of his kingdom. Despite being superior in virtue and accomplishments, Suhotra met his demise, leaving behind a legacy of righteousness and generosity. When compared to Suhotra, Srinjaya's son did not follow in his footsteps, leading Vyasa to advise Srinjaya not to grieve over his son's lack of accomplishments in the same manner as Suhotra.
Full English translation:
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Section LVI, 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 LVI:
Who was King Suhotra and what was his significance in the story?
King Suhotra was a virtuous and powerful ruler who performed numerous sacrifices, made sacrificial presents to Brahmanas, and ruled his kingdom justly. The deity of the clouds showered gold in his kingdom, and he was highly respected for his virtues and accomplishments.
Why is it said that King Suhotra's death should not be grieved over?
King Suhotra was a pious and generous ruler who performed many sacrifices, made sacrificial presents to Brahmanas, and ruled his kingdom justly. His noble deeds ensured he attained a desirable end after death, so there was no need to grieve over his passing.
Daily life: King Suhotra: Virtuous ruler who showered his kingdom with gold:
The story of King Suhotra teaches us the importance of leading a virtuous life, guided by wisdom and respect for others, especially those knowledgeable in our communities, such as elders and religious figures. King Suhotra's dedication to his duties, his subjects, and his commitment to seeking guidance and adhering to the moral codes exemplify how we can create positive impacts in our own lives and the lives of those around us. By prioritizing our responsibilities, showing generosity, and living according to ethical principles, we can achieve greatness and leave lasting legacies.
Applying Suhotra's principles, one should strive to improve oneself constantly while being mindful of one's actions on others and the environment. Engaging in acts of kindness, respecting nature's bounty, and valuing the lessons of our predecessors can guide us toward fulfilling lives. Despite the inevitability of death, as shown through Suhotra's story, leading a life of virtue and purpose can make our short existence meaningful and inspire others long after we are gone.