Section XXII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXII 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:
Vasudeva recounted to the Bharata race how he destroyed the enemies of the celestials with his arrows from a car of costly metals, only for it to vanish through illusion. Despite facing a fierce battle and being covered in a shower of rocks by the Danavas, he emerged victorious with the help of his divine weapons and friends from the Vrishni race. His charioteer urged him to defeat Salva with full force, leading Vasudeva to use his powerful discus Sudarsana to destroy the town of Saubha and slay Salva, causing the Danavas to flee in fear.
Having accomplished his mission, Vasudeva bid farewell to the Pandavas and set out for Dwaraka with Subhadra and Abhimanyu on his golden car. Dhristadyumna and the king of Chedi also departed, while the Kaikeyas and other guests were reluctant to leave the Pandavas in the forest of Kamyaka. Yudhishthira honored the Brahmanas present and instructed his men to prepare the car for their journey back.
As Vasudeva left for Dwaraka, the Pandavas were left with their remaining companions in the forest, surrounded by a multitude of devoted followers. Despite their hardships, the Pandavas were supported by the Brahmanas, Vaisyas, and others who chose to stay with them. Yudhishthira's kingdom in the forest of Kamyaka was filled with extraordinary individuals who showed unwavering loyalty and support towards the Pandavas.
The departure of Vasudeva and other guests marked a significant moment for the Pandavas, as they were left to continue their exile in the forest. Yudhishthira's determination to fulfill his duty and the unwavering support of his companions helped sustain them during this challenging time. The bond between the Pandavas and their followers in the forest of Kamyaka grew even stronger as they faced trials and tribulations together.
As the Pandavas prepared to continue their exile, the loyalty and devotion of their followers served as a source of strength and inspiration. Despite the challenges they faced, Yudhishthira's resolve remained unshaken, and his companions stood by his side with unwavering support. The forest of Kamyaka became a symbol of resilience and unity as the Pandavas and their followers banded together to face whatever trials lay ahead.
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 XXII, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXII, 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 XXII:
Who were the enemies Vasudeva fought against in the battle?
Vasudeva fought against the Danavas, who were enemies of the celestials.
What weapon did Vasudeva use to destroy the enemies' car of precious metals?
Vasudeva used the powerful discus Sudarsana to destroy the enemies' car.
How did Vasudeva defeat Salva in the fierce battle?
Vasudeva cleft Salva in twain with the Sudarsana discus, setting him ablaze.
What was the aftermath of Vasudeva's victory over Salva and the Danavas?
The Danava women fled in fear, their town Saubha was destroyed, and Vasudeva returned to the Anarttas to delight his friends.
Mahabharata Section XXII in daily life:
The story narrates the epic battle between Krishna and the demon Salva, illustrating themes of determination, strategy, and the power of persistence in the face of adversity. This epic narrative can serve as a rich source of inspiration for daily life, encouraging individuals to face challenges head-on with courage and wit.
In everyday life, like Krishna's unwavering focus on defeating Salva despite various illusions and obstacles, one should remain steadfast in their goals, undeterred by the distractions and difficulties that life may present. The story teaches the importance of adaptability and the need to employ strategic thinking to overcome complex problems, much like Krishna did when he used his divine weapon after recognizing the ineffectiveness of conventional arrows.
Krishna's ability to listen and adapt, taking advice from his charioteer to change tactics, underscores the value of flexibility and openness to advice. In personal and professional life, being receptive to feedback and willing to adjust strategies can lead to better outcomes. Furthermore, perseverance, as demonstrated by Krishna's relentless effort against Salva's magical defenses, serves as a potent reminder that persistence is key to overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Krishna's victory brought joy and relief to his friends and allies, highlighting how individual efforts can have a broader impact on the community. This teaches the importance of taking action not just for personal gain but for the betterment of those around us. Finally, the story concludes with Krishna consoling his allies, illustrating the power of empathy and support in healing and strengthening bonds after a struggle.
Incorporating these lessons into daily life means facing difficulties with courage, remaining adaptable, embracing persistence, and understanding the wider impact of our actions on our community, all while fostering compassion and support for others.