Mahabharata (English)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 2,566,952 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

The English translation of the Mahabharata is a large text describing ancient India. It is authored by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa and contains the records of ancient humans. Also, it documents the fate of the Kauravas and the Pandavas family. Another part of the large contents, deal with many philosophical dialogues such as the goals of life. Book...

Section XLVI

"Sauti said. 'Jaratkaru, hearing all this, became excessively dejected. And from sorrow he spoke unto those Pitris in words obstructed by tears.'

And Jaratkaru said,

'You are even my fathers and grand-fathers gone before. Therefore, tell me what I must do for your welfare. I am that sinful son of yours, Jaratkaru! Punish me for my sinful deeds, a wretch that I am.'

"The Pitris replied, saying,

'O son, by good luck hast you arrived at this spot in course of your rambles. O Brahmana, why hast you not taken a wife?'

"Jaratkaru said.

'You Pitris, this desire has always existed in my heart that I would, with vital seed drawn up, carry this body to the other world. My mind has been possessed with the idea that I would not take a wife. But you grandsires, having seen you hanging like birds, I have diverted my mind from the Brahmacarya mode of life.

I will truly do what you like. I will certainly marry, if ever I meet with a maiden of my own name. I shall accept her who, bestowing herself of her own accord, will be as aims unto me, and whom I shall not have to maintain. I shall marry if I get such a one; otherwise, I shall not. This is the truth, you grandsires! And the offspring that will be begot upon her shall be your salvation. And you Pitris of mine, you shall live for ever in blessedness and without fear.'

'Sauti continued, 'The Muni, having said so unto the Pitris, wandered over the earth again. And, O Saunaka, being old, he obtained no wife. And he grieved much that he was not successful. But directed (as before) by his ancestors, he continued the search. And going into the forest, he wept loudly in great grief.

And having gone into the forest, the wise one, moved by the desire of doing good to his ancestors, said,

'I will ask for a bride,'

distinctly repeating these words thrice.

And he said,

'Whatever creatures are here, mobile and immobile, so whoever there be that are invisible, O, hear my words! My ancestors, afflicted with grief, have directed me that am engaged in the most severe penances, saying,

'Marry you for (the acquisition of) a son.'

'O you, being directed by my ancestors, I am roaming in poverty and sorrow, over the wide world for wedding a maiden that I may obtain as alms. Let that creature, amongst those I have addressed, who has a daughter, bestow on me that am roaming far and near. Such a bride as is of same name with me, to be bestowed on me as alms, and whom, besides, I shall not maintain,

O bestow on me!'

Then those snakes that had been set upon Jaratkaru track, ascertaining his inclination, gave information to Vasuki. And the king of the snakes, hearing their words, took with him that maiden decked with ornaments, and went into the forest unto that Rishi.

And, O Brahmana, Vasuki, the king of the snakes, having gone there, offered that maiden as alms unto that high-souled Rishi. But the Rishi did not at once accept her. And the Rishi, thinking her not to be of the same name with himself, and seeing that the question of her maintenance also was unsettled, reflected for a few moments, hesitating to accept her.

And then, O son of Bhrigu, he asked Vasuki the maiden’s name, and also said unto him,

'I shall not maintain her.'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section XLVI of Book 1 (Adi Parva) of the Mahabharata, of which an English translation is presented on this page. This book is famous as one of the Itihasa, similair in content to the eighteen Puranas. Book 1 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section XLVI of Book 1 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Jaratkaru, Pitris, Rishi, Vasuki, Sauti, Brahmana; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section XLVI. There are a total of 10 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 25 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section XLVI of Book 1?

Section XLVI is part of the Astika Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 1 (Adi Parva). The Astika Parva contains a total of 46 sections while Book 1 contains a total of 19 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section XLVI as contained in Book 1?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section XLVI of Book 1 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section XLVI) is from 2012.

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