Section XCIX - The Mysteries of Patalam: City of the Nagas and Celestial Beings
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XCIX 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:
In the city of Patalam at the centre of the world of Nagas, there is a powerful fire known as the Asura-fire fed by water, and it is worshipped by the Daityas and Danavas. The gods once defeated their enemies here, drank the Amrita, and left behind the residue. This is also the place where the moon waxes and wanes, and where the celestial elephant Airavata collects water for Indra to shower as rain. Many aquatic creatures reside here, nourished by the moon's rays and revived at night after dying during the day.
Patalam is known for its unique characteristics, such as the creatures that die during the day being resurrected at night by the moon's rays. Many Danavas defeated by Indra live here, suffering under the effects of time. The region is also home to great Rishis who have attained heaven through severe austerities, and it is where Lord Mahadeva once practiced intense asceticism for the benefit of all beings. The lineage of the elephant Supratika, including Airavata and others, has its origins in Patalam.
Narada and Matali search for a suitable bridegroom but find none worthy in Patalam, prompting them to continue their quest elsewhere. There is a mysterious egg in the waters of Patalam, which has been present since the beginning of creation and is said to unleash destructive fire at the world's end. Despite their search, they decide to leave Patalam empty-handed and move on to find a suitable match for Matali's daughter elsewhere.
Full English translation:
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Section XCIX, 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 XCIX:
What is the significance of Patalam in Hindu mythology?
Patalam is the central city of the Nagas and is worshipped by Daityas and Danavas. It is where the gods drank Amrita, and it is the place where the moon's waxing and waning are witnessed. Indra obtains water from Patalam to create rain for the universe.
What creatures inhabit Patalam and what is the mysterious egg?
Various aquatic animals like Timi reside in Patalam, sustained by the moon's rays. The mysterious egg in Patalam, whose origin and purpose remain unknown, is said to burst into flames during the end of the world, engulfing the three worlds in fire.
Daily life: The Mysteries of Patalam: City of the Nagas and Celestial Beings:
The story narrates a fantastical journey through the city of Patalam, touching on themes of resilience, rejuvenation, and the endless cycle of life and destruction. From this, one can derive a simple, daily life philosophy: embrace change and endure hardship with the understanding that renewal and opportunities for growth often follow periods of difficulty. Just as the creatures in Patalam revive at night with the moon's touch, we too can find new strength and beginnings after our own metaphorical 'nights'. Similarly, the story of the undisturbed egg waiting to release a world-consuming fire at the end of times teaches us about the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of readiness for transformation. In essence, being adaptable, maintaining hope during challenging times, and understanding that both good and bad phases are temporary can guide one through life. This mindset encourages patience, resilience, and an openness to the unknown, allowing us to navigate life's ups and downs more gracefully.