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 XVI

"Yudhishthira said,—

'Desirous of the imperial dignity but acting from selfish motives and relying upon courage alone, how, O Krishna, can I despatch you (unto Jarasandha)?

Both Bhima and Arjuna, I regard as my eyes, and you, O Janardana as my mind. How shall I live, deprived of my eyes and mind. Yama himself cannot vanquish in battle the mighty host of Jarasandha that is endued, besides, with terrible valour. What valour can you exhibit against it. This affair that promises to terminate otherwise may lead to great mischief. It is my opinion, therefore, that the proposed task should not be undertaken. Listen, O Krishna, to what I for one think.

O Janardana, desisting from this act seems to me to be beneficial. My heart to-day is afflicted. The Rajasuya appears to me difficult of accomplishment.'"

"Vaisampayana said,—

"Arjuna who had obtained that excellent of bows and that couple of inexhaustible quivers, and that car with that banner, as also that assembly room, now addressed Yudhishthira and said,—

'I have obtained, O king, a bow and weapons and arrows and energy and allies and dominions and fame and strength. Those are always difficult of acquisition, however much they may be desired. Learned men of repute always praise in good society nobleness of descent. But nothing is equal to might. Indeed, O monarch, there is nothing I like more than prowess. Born in a race noted for its valour, one that is without valour is scarcely worthy of regard. One, however, possessed of valour, that is born in a race not noted for it, is much superior to the former.

He, O king, is a Kshatriya in every thing who increases his fame and possessions by the subjugation of his enemies. And he that is possessed of valour, though destitute of all (other) merits, will vanquish his foes. One, however, that is destitute of valour, though possessed of every (other) merit, can scarcely accomplish anything.

Every merit exists by the side of valour in an incipient state. Concentration of attention, exertion and destiny exist as the three causes of victory. One, however, that is possessed of valour does not yet deserve success if he acts carelessly. It is for this that an enemy endued with strength sometimes suffers death at the hands of his foes.

As meanness overtakes the weak, so folly sometimes overtakes the strong. A king, therefore, that is desirous of victory, should avoid both these causes of destruction. If, for the purpose of our sacrifice, we endeavour to slay Jarasandha and rescue the kings kept by him for a cruel purpose, there is no higher act which we could employ ourselves in. If, however, we do not undertake the task, the world will always think us incompetent.

We have certainly the competence, O king!

Why should you, therefore, regard us as incompetent? Those that have become Munis desirous of achieving tranquillity of souls, obtain yellow robes with ease. So if we vanquish the foe, the imperial dignity will easily be ours. We shall, therefore fight the foe."

Conclusion:

This concludes Section XVI of Book 2 (Sabha 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 2 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section XVI of Book 2 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Jarasandha, Yudhishthira, Krishna, Arjuna, Janardana, Bhima; since these occur the most in Book 2, Section XVI. There are a total of 11 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 17 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section XVI of Book 2?

Section XVI is part of the Rajasuyarambha Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 2 (Sabha Parva). The Rajasuyarambha Parva contains a total of 6 sections while Book 2 contains a total of 7 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section XVI as contained in Book 2?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section XVI of Book 2 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section XVI) is from 2012.

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