Section CIII - The Celestials Seek Agastya's Help to Defeat Kalakeyas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CIII 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:
The celestial beings approach Vishnu seeking help as Brahmanas are being killed at night, threatening the existence of the earth and heaven itself. Vishnu reveals that the Kalakeyas, led by Vritra, are the ones behind the killings, having taken shelter in the ocean. He suggests that the only way to defeat them is to dry up the ocean, a task only Agastya is capable of. The gods seek Brahma's permission and then approach Agastya at his hermitage, praising his past deeds and seeking his help in drying up the ocean to defeat the Kalakeyas. Agastya, known for his past assistance to the gods, is their only hope in saving the earth and all the worlds.
Full English translation:
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Section CIII, 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 CIII:
What was the reason for the destruction of born beings?
The destruction was caused by the fierce Kalakeyas, who killed Brahmanas at night. They took refuge in the ocean after Vritra's defeat by Indra.
How did the gods seek help to defeat the Kalakeyas?
The gods sought Agastya's help to dry up the ocean where the Kalakeyas hid. Brahma gave permission and the gods glorified Agastya's deeds before asking for his aid.
Daily life: The Celestials Seek Agastya's Help to Defeat Kalakeyas:
The story tells us about a dangerous force, the Kalakeyas, creating a significant threat that prompts divine beings to seek help from higher powers and a wise sage, Agastya. From this narrative, we can derive a key lesson about facing challenges and threats in our lives. When confronted with problems, either personal or communal, the initial step is acknowledging the issue and understanding its root cause, much like Vishnu identifies the source of the destruction.
Importantly, the story emphasizes seeking guidance and support from those more knowledgeable or experienced, resembling how the gods turned to Agastya for a solution. Collaboration and respecting the wisdom of others can lead to innovative solutions, such as the unique approach to confront the Kalakeyas. Moreover, the narrative underlines the value of selflessness and the collective well-being over individual interests. In our daily lives, working together towards common goals, respecting each other's roles, and contributing our unique strengths can overcome significant challenges, ensuring harmony and prosperity.