Section CCXL - Battle of Duryodhana: Gandharvas Capture Kaurava King

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXL 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:
After being routed by the Gandharvas, the entire Kuru army fled the battlefield, leaving Duryodhana to fight alone. Despite being surrounded and attacked by the Gandharvas, Duryodhana bravely fought back until he was captured along with his brothers and the ladies of the royal household. The soldiers of Duryodhana approached the Pandavas for help in rescuing their king, but Bhima sarcastically pointed out that the Gandharvas had already accomplished what they should have done in battle. Yudhishthira scolded Bhima for his harsh words and reminded him that it was not the time for cruelty.

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 CCXL - Battle of Duryodhana: Gandharvas Capture Kaurava King, have a look at the following articles:

Section CCXL, 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 CCXL:

What happened to Duryodhana and the Kuru army after the Gandharva attack?

Duryodhana was captured by the Gandharvas along with his warriors and the royal ladies. The Kuru army fled from the field, leaving Duryodhana behind.

How did the Pandavas react to Duryodhana's capture by the Gandharvas?

Bhima criticized Duryodhana's actions, stating that his downfall was a result of his own deceitful ways. Yudhishthira urged Bhima to refrain from speaking harshly in such a situation.

Daily life: Battle of Duryodhana: Gandharvas Capture Kaurava King:

The story teaches us several valuable lessons that can be incorporated into our daily lives. Firstly, it highlights the significance of facing challenges head-on, as demonstrated by Duryodhana's refusal to flee the battlefield. This underlines the importance of courage and perseverance in overcoming obstacles in our lives. Secondly, the story illustrates the consequences of negative actions and the inevitability of facing the outcomes of one's actions, as seen in the capture of Duryodhana and his allies. This serves as a reminder to conduct ourselves ethically and consider the long-term impact of our decisions.

Additionally, the story emphasizes the power of teamwork and support in times of need. When Duryodhana and his group were captured, their followers sought help from the Pandavas, showing that unity and seeking assistance from others can be crucial in overcoming difficulties. Moreover, Bhima's response to the situation teaches us the importance of not reveling in others' misfortunes. This reflects the value of empathy and compassion towards others, regardless of past conflicts. Lastly, Yudhishthira's intervention reminds us of the importance of moderation and choosing our words carefully, particularly in sensitive situations, underscoring the importance of wisdom and restraint in our interactions.

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