Section CCXIX - Arjuna Rescues Apsaras: Story of Varga and Citrangada
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXIX 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:
Varga and her four friends, Apsaras, were cursed by a Brahmana to become crocodiles for a limited period of a hundred years. They pleaded for forgiveness and protection, and the Brahmana granted their request but with the condition of becoming crocodiles. After the period ends, they will be freed by an exalted individual. Varga and her friends, now in crocodile form, sought help from the celestial Rishi Narada, who directed them to go to the Sacred waters in the southern region. Arjuna arrived and rescued them, restoring their original forms.
Arjuna, filled with joy at seeing the restored Apsaras, fulfilled the prophecy of the Brahmana by delivering them from the curse. Varga expressed her gratitude towards Arjuna for his noble deed and requested him to also rescue her four friends who were still under the curse in the waters. Arjuna willingly obliged and freed all of them, allowing the Apsaras to go wherever they pleased. He then set off to Manipura to reunite with Citrangada, his son Vabhruvahana, and then proceeded towards Gokarna.
Upon arriving in Manipura, Arjuna reunited with his son Vabhruvahana, who was born to him and Citrangada. He then set off to Gokarna after seeing Citrangada once more on the throne. Arjuna's compassionate actions not only fulfilled the Brahmana's prophecy but also allowed him to reunite with his family and continue his journey. In this tale of redemption and reunion, Arjuna's heroic and virtuous deeds shine through, showcasing his noble character and compassion towards others.
Full English translation:
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Section CCXIX, 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 CCXIX:
Who were the women mentioned in the story and what happened to them?
A group of Apsaras angered a Brahmana and were cursed to become crocodiles for a limited period. Arjuna eventually rescued them. The Apsaras sought forgiveness and were turned into crocodiles until rescued by Arjuna.
How did Arjuna rescue the Apsaras from their curse?
Arjuna was advised by the celestial Rishi Narada to go to sacred waters where he would find the Apsaras transformed into crocodiles. Arjuna then delivered them from the curse, allowing them to regain their true forms.
What became of Citrangada and Arjuna's son Vabhruvahana in the story?
Arjuna reunited with Citrangada and their son Vabhruvahana in Manipura. Afterward, Arjuna proceeded to the spot called Gokarna. Arjuna found his son Vabhruvahana on the throne in Manipura, and then Arjuna proceeded towards Gokarna.
Daily life: Arjuna Rescues Apsaras: Story of Varga and Citrangada:
The story from the Mahabharata, where a group of apsaras are cursed to become crocodiles and are eventually freed by Arjuna, teaches important life lessons that we can implement in our daily lives. Firstly, it highlights the consequences of actions driven by ego and desire without considering the repercussions. The apsaras, initially acting under the influence of vanity and desire, face the consequences of their actions, reminding us to act with mindfulness and consider the impact of our actions on others and ourselves.
Moreover, the story emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends. When the apsaras realized their mistake, they sought forgiveness from the Brahmana, showing humility and the willingness to correct their wrongs. This teaches us the value of acknowledging our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and striving to rectify our actions, which is crucial for personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships.
Additionally, the transformation of the apsaras into crocodiles and their eventual liberation by Arjuna symbolizes the journey of redemption and the possibility of change, no matter how dire the situation. It encourages us to remain hopeful and to believe in the possibility of change and redemption, both for ourselves and others.
Lastly, the story underlines the significance of helping others in distress. Arjuna's willingness to help the apsaras without hesitation inspires us to extend compassion and aid to those in need, recognizing the value of empathy and kindness in making a positive difference in the lives of others.
In conclusion, by acting mindfully, acknowledging our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, remaining hopeful for redemption, and extending help to those in need, we can lead a fulfilling life that not only enriches our own lives but also positively impacts the lives of those around us.