Section LXXII - Krishna consoles Arjuna: Abhimanyu's heroic death
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXII 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:
Arjuna, overwhelmed with grief over the death of his son Abhimanyu in battle, questioned Krishna and his brothers about the circumstances surrounding his son's demise. He lamented the loss of his beloved and brave son, expressing his sorrow and disbelief that such a tragedy could have occurred on the battlefield. He recalled Abhimanyu's heroic qualities and untimely death, mourning the absence of his son and the impact it would have on his family. Arjuna sought answers from his companions, blaming them for not protecting Abhimanyu despite being armed and ready for battle.
Krishna comforted Arjuna, explaining the inevitability of death in battle for brave warriors like Abhimanyu. He reminded Arjuna of the honour and glory associated with dying in combat, assuring him that his son had ascended to a place reserved for heroes. Krishna urged Arjuna not to grieve excessively, as Abhimanyu had fulfilled his destiny as a warrior and faced his foes with courage. Arjuna, despite his grief, was encouraged to console his brothers and friends, offering them support and strength in the face of their shared loss.
Arjuna, still reeling from the shock of Abhimanyu's death, demanded to know the details of his son's last battle and questioned his companions about their failure to protect him. He expressed disappointment in their abilities and readiness to defend Abhimanyu, holding them accountable for his son's tragic fate. Arjuna's anger and frustration were evident as he sought answers and justification for the loss of his beloved child in the midst of war.
Yudhishthira, understanding Arjuna's pain and anger, spoke to him with compassion and reassurance, acknowledging the deep sorrow and confusion that consumed his heart. He reminded Arjuna of his own abilities and the valiant efforts made in battle, encouraging him to find solace in their shared grief and the memory of Abhimanyu's bravery. Yudhishthira offered support and empathy to Arjuna, recognizing the weight of his loss and the impact it had on their family and allies. In his words, Yudhishthira sought to soothe Arjuna's anguish and guide him towards acceptance and healing.
Arjuna, consumed by sorrow and rage, sat in silence with his weapon in hand, unable to find peace or understanding in the wake of Abhimanyu's death. His grief was palpable, his emotions raw and intense as he grappled with the loss of his son in battle. Surrounded by his brothers and Krishna, Arjuna's pain and turmoil were evident, his heart heavy with the weight of his son's untimely demise. Despite the efforts of his companions to console him, Arjuna remained inconsolable, his anguish a testament to the deep bond he shared with his son and the devastating impact of his loss.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXII, 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 LXXII:
FAQs about the Battle of Abhimanyu
What was the reaction of Arjuna upon hearing about Abhimanyu's death? How did Krishna console Arjuna in his time of grief? Why did Yuyutsu rebuke the Dhritarashtra heroes after Abhimanyu's death? What eternal merit did Krishna mention about Kshatriya warriors? Who were the only ones able to console Arjuna after Abhimanyu's death? What did Arjuna demand to know about Abhimanyu's final battle?
Daily life: Krishna consoles Arjuna: Abhimanyu's heroic death:
The tale of Arjuna's sorrow after learning about his son Abhimanyu's death on the battlefield is a profound reflection on loss, duty, and the pursuit of dharma (righteousness) amidst adversity. It teaches us that facing the inevitable hardships of life, including the pain of losing loved ones, is a part of our existence. Yet, it is essential to seek solace and strength in our values and duties, pushing forward with resilience and courage.
In our daily lives, we might not face the literal battlefields that Arjuna navigated, but we encounter our versions of struggle and loss. The story prompts us to accept the reality of these hardships, allowing ourselves to grieve and feel the depth of our emotions, as Arjuna did. However, it also emphasizes the importance of not losing oneself to grief entirely. Instead, we should find comfort in the support of loved ones and the inner strength that comes from understanding our roles and responsibilities in life.
Krishna's comforting words to Arjuna serve as a reminder that in the face of sorrow, remembering our purpose and the legacy of those we've lost can guide us through the darkest times. The narrative encourages us to honor our lost loved ones by living our lives with dignity, fulfilling our duties, and contributing positively to the world around us. It underscores the belief that while pain and loss are unavoidable, they do not define the entirety of our existence.
Incorporating this lesson into our daily life means recognizing when we are consumed by grief and seeking out support, be it through friends, family, or faith. It involves balancing our emotions with the duties we have toward ourselves and others, finding ways to move forward without forgetting those we have lost. Ultimately, it's about embracing the highs and lows of life, using our experiences to grow, and making our journey meaningful despite its inevitable challenges.