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 XVIII

"Krishna continued,—

'hearing these words of the king, the Rakshasa woman answered—

Blessed be you, O king of kings. Capable of assuming any form at will. I am a Rakshasa woman called Jara. I am living, O king, happily in your house, worshipped by all. Every day I wander from house to house of men. Indeed, I was created of old by the Self-create and was named Grihadevi (the household goddess)'.

Of celestial beauty I was placed (in the world) for the destruction of the Danavas. He that with devotion paints on the walls (of his house) a likeness of myself endued with youth and in the midst of children, must have prosperity in his abode; otherwise a household must sustain decay and destruction. O lord, painted on the walls of your house is a likeness of myself surrounded by numerous children. Stationed there I am daily worshipped with scents and flowers, with incense and edibles and various objects of enjoyment. Thus worshipped in your house, I daily think of doing you some good in return. It chanced, O virtuous king, that I beheld the fragmentary bodies of your son. When these happened to be united by me, a living child was formed of them.

O great king, it has been so owing to your good fortune alone.

I have been only the instrument, I am capable of swallowing the mountain of Meru itself, what shall I say of the child?
I have, however, been gratified with you in consequence of the worship I receive in your house.
It is, therefore, O king, that I have bestowed this child on you.

"Krishna continued,—

Having spoken these words, O king, Jara disappeared there and then. The king having obtained the child then entered the palace. And the king then caused all the rites of infancy to be performed on that child, and ordered a festival to be observed by his people in Honour of that Rakshasa woman. And the monarch equal unto Brahma himself then bestowed a name on his child. And he said that because the child had been united by Jara, he should be called (Jarasandha i.e., united by Jara). And the son of the king of Magadha endued with great energy, began to grow up in bulk and strength like a fire into which has been poured libation of clarified butter. And increasing day by day like the moon in the bright fortnight, the child began to enhance the joy of his parents.'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section XVIII 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 XVIII of Book 2 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Jara, Rakshasa, Krishna, Grihadevi, Danavas, Meru; since these occur the most in Book 2, Section XVIII. There are a total of 9 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 15 times.

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

Section XVIII 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 XVIII as contained in Book 2?

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

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