Section XLIV [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XLIV 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:
Arjuna, the son of Pandu, received celestial weapons from the gods and Gandharvas and lived in the palace of Indra for five years. During this time, he acquired the thunderbolt and other powerful weapons, as well as received music and dance lessons from Citrasena. Despite his training and luxurious living in heaven, Arjuna could not find peace due to thoughts of his brothers and mother Kunti, as well as memories of the deceitful act at the dice game by Sakuni and the death of Dussasana. He also learned music and dance from the Gandharvas, but his heart was still troubled by thoughts of his loved ones and past injustices. Arjuna's time in heaven was filled with both joy from his training and sorrow from the memories that haunted him, showing the complex emotions he experienced during this period.
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 XLIV, have a look at the following articles:
Section XLIV, 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 XLIV:
Who did Arjuna learn music and dancing from in heaven?
Arjuna learned music and dancing from Citrasena in heaven. He also learned celestial instrumental music not known in the mortal world.
Why did Arjuna struggle to find peace of mind in heaven?
Arjuna couldn't find peace due to remembering the unfair dice game, thinking about his brothers, and mother Kunti. He also sought vengeance against Sakuni and Dussasana.
Mahabharata Section XLIV in daily life:
The story of Arjuna in heaven teaches us the importance of continuous learning and seeking comfort in friendships during difficult times. Despite being in a place of absolute comfort and having access to celestial weapons, Arjuna felt the need to further enrich himself by learning music and dance, skills he was unfamiliar with. This shows us that expanding our knowledge and abilities can be a fulfilling pursuit, regardless of our current achievements or status.
Arjuna's friendship with Citrasena highlights how companionship can provide solace and distraction in moments of distress. Despite his achievements and the luxuries of heaven, Arjuna was troubled by thoughts of past injustices and the wellbeing of his family. It was through his bond with Citrasena and immersing himself in learning new arts that he found temporary peace.
This narrative emphasizes that seeking new knowledge and nurturing relationships can help us navigate through periods of unease, reminding us that personal growth and connections are invaluable in life's journey.