Section IX [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section IX 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:
The celestial Sabha of Varuna is described as unparalleled in splendor, with walls and arches of pure white and surrounded by celestial trees and birds. Varuna, adorned in celestial attire, is worshipped by many deities including the Adityas and Nagas. Daityas, Danavas, and other powerful beings also wait upon Varuna, bedecked in celestial garments and possessing great bravery and immortality. Various sacred rivers, mountains, aquatic animals, and Gandharvas and Apsaras also worship Varuna in his assembly room.
The points of the heavens, Earth, and mountains, along with aquatic animals, all pay homage to Varuna in his celestial Sabha. Tribes of Gandharvas and Apsaras sing eulogistic hymns to Varuna, and mountains noted for their richness in jewels converse with each other in their personified forms. Sunabha, the chief minister of Varuna, along with his sons and grandsons and the personified form of a sacred water called go, also worship Varuna in his assembly room.
Varuna's assembly room, built by Visvakarma within the waters, is a delightful place with a pleasant atmosphere, neither hot nor cold. The Adityas, Nagas, Daityas, Danavas, sacred rivers, mountains, and celestial beings all come together to worship Varuna in this splendid abode. The beauty and grandeur of Varuna's assembly room are unmatched, with gems, jewels, and celestial scents adding to its charm.
Various tribes of Gandharvas, Apsaras, and other celestial beings devoted to music, both vocal and instrumental, wait upon Varuna, singing praises to him. The assembly room of Varuna witnessed by Narada during his wanderings is a magnificent sight filled with divine beings and sacred entities honoring the lord of the waters. Varuna's Sabha is a place of reverence and worship, where beings from different realms come together to pay homage to the deity bearing the noose as his weapon.
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 IX, have a look at the following articles:
Section IX, 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 Section IX:
What is the celestial Sabha of Varuna like?
It is a splendid white mansion surrounded by celestial trees and birds, owned by Varuna. It has many rooms, seats, and is attended by various celestial beings.
Who worships Varuna in his celestial Sabha?
Adityas, Nagas like Vasuki and Takshaka, Danavas, Devatas, and rivers all worship Varuna in his celestial Sabha.
What other beings and elements are present in the celestial Sabha of Varuna?
Mountains, aquatic animals, Gandharvas, Apsaras, and the chief minister Sunabha all worship Varuna. Sacred waters and mountains are also present in personified forms.
Mahabharata Section IX in daily life:
The story vividly describes the celestial assembly of Varuna, adorned with splendid architecture, precious gems, and attended by various beings, showcasing the principles of beauty, harmony, and diversity. In implementing these principles into daily life, one can start by creating environments that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious. This means decorating our living and working spaces with items that bring us joy, using colors and materials that make us feel at peace, and ensuring our surroundings are clean and orderly.
Moreover, embracing diversity in our daily interactions and environments enriches our experiences. Just as Varuna's assembly is attended by a myriad of creatures and entities, we can broaden our perspectives and enhance our understanding by welcoming and learning from individuals with different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. Building communities that value inclusivity and respect for all forms of life mirrors the celestial gathering's ethos.
Lastly, the story highlights the importance of reverence and connectivity to nature, represented by the rivers and oceans attending the assembly. We can incorporate this by being mindful of our environmental impact, engaging in practices that preserve and honor the natural world, and finding time to connect with nature, whether through gardening, hiking, or simply observing the beauty around us. Adopting these principles helps us create a more fulfilling, balanced, and harmonious life.