Section LXXXVI - King Yudhishthira seeks refuge in a sacred woodland

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXXVI 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 Yudhishthira consults his brothers and the sage Narada before sending Arjuna on a mission to acquire celestial weapons, believing him to be none other than Vishnu himself. He acknowledges the formidable enemy forces led by Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Karna, who possess great prowess and celestial weapons. Yudhishthira recognizes Arjuna as the only one capable of overcoming these powerful foes and obtaining the necessary weapons from Indra. He seeks advice from Dhaumya on a suitable place to wait for Arjuna's return, as he does not wish to remain in the Kamyaka forest without him. Yudhishthira expresses his longing for Arjuna's presence and the hope for his swift return to aid them in the upcoming battle against their enemies. The king's faith in Arjuna's abilities and determination to succeed in their mission is evident in his words.

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 LXXXVI - King Yudhishthira seeks refuge in a sacred woodland, have a look at the following articles:

Section LXXXVI, 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 LXXXVI:

What was the reason for sending Arjuna on a mission to see the lord of the celestials?

Arjuna's unmatched prowess and ability, similar to Vishnu himself, made him the ideal choice to obtain celestial weapons from the lord of the celestials.

Why did King Yudhishthira express a desire to leave the wood of Kamyaka?

Without Arjuna's formidable presence, he sought a sacred, food-abundant place where they could await him, like the Chataka bird waiting for clouds.

Daily life: King Yudhishthira seeks refuge in a sacred woodland:

The story teaches the importance of recognizing and utilizing the strengths and talents of individuals within a community or team to achieve a common goal. King Yudhishthira, understanding the unique abilities of Arjuna and Krishna, sends Arjuna on a mission to acquire celestial weapons, highlighting the value of delegating tasks based on individuals’ competencies. This strategy acknowledges that success often requires relying on others' expertise.

In daily life, this can be mirrored by acknowledging the diverse abilities of those around us, whether in professional environments, educational settings, or personal relationships. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, trust, and the strategic allocation of tasks to those best suited for them. By doing so, we can tackle challenges more effectively, foster a sense of unity and appreciation among team members, and ultimately achieve our objectives more efficiently.

Applying this lesson involves recognizing not only our own strengths and weaknesses but also those of the people around us, promoting a collaborative and supportive environment where every individual's potential can be maximized. This approach encourages a culture of mutual respect and shared success.

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