Section CCXXXV - Rishi Mandapala's Concern for His Children & Wives
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXXXV 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:
Rishi Mandapala, worried for his children's safety, confides in his wife Lapita about their inability to save themselves from a fire. Lapita, feeling jealous, reassures him that their children, being Rishis, will be protected by Agni as promised. Mandapala, torn between his wives and feeling neglectful towards Lapita, decides to go check on his children. When he arrives, his children, safe from the fire, show little joy in seeing him, and neither they nor his wife Jarita respond positively to his inquiries.
Jarita, relieved to find her children unharmed, cries tears of joy upon seeing them alive. When Mandapala arrives, his children and wife show little emotion towards him and don't respond to his questions. Mandapala, desperate for his family's affection, asks who his firstborn is and tries to interact with them, but is met with silence and indifference. Jarita coldly redirects his attention to Lapita.
Mandapala reflects on the destructive impact of jealousy and co-wives, comparing their situation to that of Vasishtha and Arundhati. He blames Jarita's jealousy for the lack of harmony in their family and the children's reluctance to greet him. Despite his attempts to reconcile, Mandapala feels the strain caused by their complex relationships and his divided attention. In the end, Mandapala and his children manage to find some common ground and a sense of peace amidst the discord.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CCXXXV - Rishi Mandapala's Concern for His Children & Wives, have a look at the following articles:
Section CCXXXV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 31,635 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCXXXV:
What was the cause of Mandapala's anxiety regarding his children?
Mandapala was worried about his children's safety in case of fire and wind. He feared their mother wouldn't be able to save them due to their inability to escape or fly.
How did Lapita respond to Mandapala's concerns?
Lapita reassured Mandapala that their children, being Rishis with powers, would be protected by Agni. She accused Mandapala of favoring his first wife, causing jealousy.
How did Mandapala address Jarita's accusations and concerns?
Mandapala compared Jarita's jealousy to Arundhati's jealousy towards Vasishtha. He expressed his loyalty and concern for their children and tried to mend their relationship.
Daily life: Rishi Mandapala's Concern for His Children & Wives:
In this tale from ancient texts, we encounter a rich narrative about trust, responsibility, jealousy, and the importance of family unity. At its core, the story highlights how misunderstandings and miscommunication can strain relationships, prominently seen through the interactions between Mandapala, his wives, and their children. From this, we learn the crucial lesson of clear communication and the need to express our concerns and intentions transparently to avoid unnecessary distress within relationships.
Jealousy is depicted as a destructive force that can erode the happiness and bond of relationships. This is evident in the interactions between Mandapala and his two wives, pointing towards the wisdom of managing one's emotions and perceptions in a way that fosters harmony rather than discord. The story also underscores the importance of responsibility, especially towards one's family and offspring. Mandapala's sense of duty towards his children, despite the circumstances, showcases the timeless value of parental responsibility and care.
Applying this to daily life implies nurturing our relationships with open communication, managing emotions like jealousy constructively, and prioritizing family and responsibilities. By doing so, we can build stronger, more loving relationships that withstand the trials of miscommunication, emotional turmoil, and external pressures.