Section CCXXIX - Skanda's Encounter with Evil Spirits and Mothers of the World
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXXIX 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 story begins with the six ladies, wives of the seven Rishis, approaching Mahasena, leader of the celestial forces, seeking his protection and adoption as their son due to being disowned by their husbands. Skanda agrees to become their son and protect them. The celestial forces inform Skanda about the need for a substitute for the fallen star Abhijit, prompting him to consult with Brahma to create a new star named Krittika. Skanda also agrees to offer funeral rites to Vinata and promises her a place by his side while enlisting the protection of the mothers for their offspring.
Skanda is approached by the great mothers who desire to be honored as the mothers of the world instead of Brahma's appointed ladies, seeking the return of the offspring they have lost. Skanda declines their request but offers to grant them new progeny. The mothers then request to afflict the progeny of the other mothers, and Skanda reluctantly agrees, granting them a fierce spirit to do so. Skanda also assures them that they will be worshipped and protected by all as long as children do not reach the age of sixteen.
A powerful being named Skandapasmara is created to devour the progeny of mortal beings, along with other evil spirits who afflict pregnant women and cause harm to children. The spirits are said to be influenced by Skanda and are worshipped to prevent their malevolent actions. Skanda describes different spirits that influence individuals after they reach sixteen years of age, such as celestial spirits, ancestral spirits, and Rakshasa spirits. He explains how these spirits can drive individuals mad or cause them to lose their reason, emphasizing the importance of maintaining virtuous habits to avoid their influence.
Skanda concludes by assuring the king that as long as he remains devoted to Mahesvara, he will be protected from the evil spirits that influence human destinies. The story highlights the influence of various spirits on human lives, both before and after reaching a certain age, emphasizing the need for reverence and protection from these forces. Skanda's willingness to grant the mothers' requests, despite the implications of their actions, underscores his role as a protector and provider for those in need.
Full English translation:
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Section CCXXIX, 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 CCXXIX:
What were the six ladies' request to Skanda?
The six ladies asked to be adopted as Skanda's mothers to save their honor. They also requested to replace other mothers and be worshipped by the world.
What did Skanda grant the six ladies?
Skanda accepted the six ladies as his mothers. He granted them eternal bliss and promised to honor and protect them always.
What spirits were described in the story as influencing children?
Various evil spirits like Putana Rakshasi, Sita Putana, and others were mentioned to afflict children in the womb before they turned sixteen.
What types of evil spirits influence adults according to the story?
Spirits like celestial, ancestral, Siddha, Rakshasa, Gandharva, and Paisacha can influence adults causing madness or hallucinations depending on the spirit's nature.
Daily life: Skanda's Encounter with Evil Spirits and Mothers of the World:
The story shared from the ancient texts offers a profound insight into the concept of honoring and venerating the elements and beings beyond our physical realm to invite positive energy and protection in life. It conveys the importance of acknowledging and respecting the presence of various spiritual entities that, according to mythology, influence the destinies of human beings from birth through different stages of life. The narrative stresses the idea that through specific rituals, offerings, and worship, individuals can mitigate negative influences and attract favorable outcomes, health, valor, and longevity.
In daily life, this can be translated into recognizing and honoring the unseen forces, and the energies around us, which can be thought of as the natural world, the cosmos, or even the inner psyche that governs our thoughts and actions. It suggests that by maintaining a harmonious relationship with our surroundings and by being mindful, respectful, and pure in our intentions and actions, we can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Moreover, the story underscores the significance of nurturing spiritual well-being, suggesting that mental and emotional clarity, combined with ethical living, can shield us from various life challenges. These practices can be integrated into one's daily routine through meditation, mindfulness, acts of kindness, and an ongoing appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.
In essence, the teachings imply that a life lived with reverence for all forms of existence, coupled with personal discipline and a positive outlook, can empower individuals to overcome adversities, achieve personal growth, and live in harmony with the universe.