Section XLVI [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XLVI 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:
Urvasi, a beautiful Apsara, was sent by the chief of the celestials to seduce Arjuna, but she fell in love with him. When she arrived at Arjuna's mansion, she expressed her desire to be with him, but Arjuna, out of respect for her, treated her like a mother and refused her advances. In her anger, Urvasi cursed Arjuna to live as a eunuch among females, causing him great distress.
Arjuna, feeling dejected by the curse, sought out Citrasena, the Gandharva who had sent Urvasi. Citrasena reassured Arjuna, telling him that the curse would ultimately benefit him. He informed Arjuna that he would have to spend one year disguised as a dancer without manhood, but he would regain his powers after that period. Arjuna accepted his fate and found solace in Citrasena's words.
Despite the curse, Arjuna continued to uphold his virtues and patience. He spent the thirteenth year of his exile in disguise as a dancer, as foretold by Urvasi's curse. During this time, he maintained his composure and remained true to his character. Eventually, as the year passed, Arjuna regained his manhood and power, as Citrasena had predicted.
The story highlights Arjuna's unwavering integrity and self-control in the face of challenges and curses. Despite the hardships he faced, Arjuna remained steadfast in his virtues and ultimately emerged stronger. His ability to accept his fate and overcome obstacles with grace and patience serves as an inspiring example of resilience and inner strength. Arjuna's actions in the story demonstrate the importance of remaining true to oneself and facing adversity with courage and dignity.
By listening to this tale, one can learn valuable lessons about integrity, humility, and perseverance. Arjuna's experiences teach us the importance of staying true to our values and principles, even in difficult circumstances. His ability to overcome challenges and emerge stronger serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and determination. Ultimately, the story of Arjuna and Urvasi highlights the rewards of virtue and self-control, inspiring listeners to embody these qualities in their own lives.
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 XLVI, have a look at the following articles:
Section XLVI, 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 XLVI:
How did Arjuna react when Urvasi visited him?
Arjuna respectfully received Urvasi as a superior and closed his eyes out of modesty.
Why did Urvasi curse Arjuna?
Urvasi cursed Arjuna because he rejected her advances and treated her like a mother.
What was the consequence of Urvasi's curse on Arjuna?
Arjuna had to spend one year as a dancer without manhood, as per Urvasi's curse.
How did Arjuna ultimately overcome Urvasi's curse?
Arjuna regained his power and dignity after passing the thirteenth year of his exile.
Mahabharata Section XLVI in daily life:
This narrative from ancient texts reveals the story of the noble Arjuna's encounter with the celestial Apsara, Urvasi, and offers timeless lessons in humility, respect, and understanding the nature of desires. When approached by Urvasi, who was smitten by his virtues and desired him, Arjuna chose to treat her with the utmost respect, equating her to a motherly figure rather than succumbing to transient desires. This teaches us the importance of viewing others with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances. Arjuna's actions demonstrate how standing firm in one’s principles, especially in challenging situations, is a mark of true character and wisdom.
Moreover, Arjuna's experience with Urvasi’s curse, which was initially seen as a misfortune, ultimately contributed to his growth and success. This part of the story teaches us that what may initially appear as setbacks or negative experiences can, with the right perspective, turn into valuable life lessons. It encourages us to embrace challenges, view them as opportunities for growth, and always maintain integrity and self-control.
Incorporating these lessons into daily life means approaching challenges with patience and humility, treating others with respect and kindness, and understanding that our actions and decisions should be guided by deep-seated values rather than fleeting emotions or desires. By doing so, we not only cultivate a life of dignity and respect but also turn potential adversities into stepping stones for personal growth and fulfillment. These timeless principles, exemplified by Arjuna's story, can lead to a harmonious and purposeful life.