Section XVII - Jarasandha: The Story of the Mighty King and the Unusual Birth
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XVII 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:
King Vrihadratha of Magadha was childless, and a sage gave him a magical mango that his wives ate, causing them to give birth to two malformed children. The babies were abandoned, but a Rakshasa woman named Jara found and united the fragments, creating a sturdy child. When the queens and the king discovered the child, the Rakshasa woman revealed herself and handed over the strong infant, claiming it was theirs due to the Brahmana's command. The king and his wives were overjoyed and accepted the child as their own. Jarasandha grew up to be a powerful ruler in his own right, but his end was prophesied by Vasudeva and Krishna.
Jarasandha, born from the fragments of two malformed infants, was given to King Vrihadratha and his wives by a Rakshasa woman named Jara. Despite his unusual origins, Jarasandha grew up to become a strong and respected ruler, known for his glory and persistence. However, his fate was sealed when Krishna foresaw his eventual downfall, either by the hands of others or through his own actions. The story of Jarasandha's birth and rise to power serves as a prelude to his ultimate fate.
King Vrihadratha of Magadha, eager for an heir, was granted a child by a sage through a magical mango. The child, Jarasandha, was born from the fragments of two malformed infants abandoned by their mothers. Raised by a Rakshasa woman, Jarasandha grew to be a mighty ruler, feared for his prowess in battle. Despite his strength and glory, his end was foreseen by Krishna, signaling the beginning of his downfall.
Jarasandha, the powerful ruler of Magadha, was born under unusual circumstances and raised by a Rakshasa woman. Despite his strength and glory, Krishna foresaw his eventual defeat, either in battle or by divine intervention. The story of Jarasandha's birth and rise to power highlights the complexities of fate and destiny, leading to his ultimate downfall.
King Vrihadratha's journey to fatherhood, facilitated by a sage and a Rakshasa woman, resulted in the birth of Jarasandha, a formidable ruler of Magadha. Despite his strength and glory, Krishna prophesied Jarasandha's demise, setting the stage for his eventual defeat. The story of Jarasandha's birth and reign serves as a cautionary tale on the unpredictability of destiny and the consequences of one's actions.
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 XVII - Jarasandha: The Story of the Mighty King and the Unusual Birth, have a look at the following articles:
Section XVII, 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 XVII:
Who is Jarasandha and why did he spare Krishna despite offending him?
Jarasandha was a powerful king known for his prowess. Despite offending Krishna, he was spared due to a past connection involving a miraculous birth.
What was the origin of Vrihadratha's son, who later became Jarasandha?
Vrihadratha's barren wives received a fruit from a sage, eating it each giving birth to fragments that were later miraculously united by a Rakshasa woman, creating a strong child.
What happened after the Rakshasa woman united the fragments of Vrihadratha's son?
The Rakshasa woman presented the strong child to the king, revealing his miraculous birth and how she saved and nurtured him. The king's wives were overjoyed to finally have a child.
How did Vrihadratha respond to the miraculous origin of his son?
Vrihadratha was filled with joy upon receiving his strong son, born through divine intervention. He thanked the Rakshasa woman for her role in protecting and nurturing the child.
Daily life: Jarasandha: The Story of the Mighty King and the Unusual Birth:
The story shared from the ancient epic illustrates several life lessons that can be seamlessly woven into our daily lives. At its core, it emphasizes the importance of persistence and seeking different avenues to achieve one’s goals. The king’s unwavering desire for a progeny, despite initial setbacks, showcases the significance of keeping hope alive and exploring every possibility before giving in to despair. This can be mirrored in our modern lives by continually striving for our goals, undeterred by the failures we may encounter along the way, and being open to unconventional solutions.
Furthermore, the narrative highlights the impact of compassion and unexpected acts of kindness. The Rakshasa woman’s decision to save and return the infant, instead of harming it, adds a layer of complexity to the tale, teaching us the value of empathy towards all living beings, regardless of their origins or our preconceived notions about them. In daily life, it prompts us to extend kindness and help to those in need, understanding that every act of benevolence contributes to a larger cycle of good.
Lastly, the story encapsulates the essence of unity and shared purpose. The moment the two halves of the infant are brought together, symbolizing the unification of fragmented parts into a whole, speaks volumes about the power of collaboration and collective effort. It serves as a reminder for us to embrace teamwork, recognize the unique strengths of each individual, and work unitedly towards achieving common goals, knowing that together we can overcome challenges and manifest greater outcomes than we ever could alone.