Section CII - Surabhi: The Mother of All Kine in Rasatala
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CII 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 narrated by Narada describes the region of Rasatala, the seventh stratum below the Earth, where Surabhi, the mother of all kine, resides. Surabhi was born of the Amrita and her milk, which is considered the essence of all the best things on Earth, comes from the six different tastes. Surabhi's milk created the sacred Milky Ocean, and the Foam-drinkers, ascetics who subsist on the foam of the ocean, live around it, practicing severe austerities. Four other kine, named Surupa, Hansika, Subhadra, and Sarva-kamadugha, were born of Surabhi and support the four quarters of the Earth. The gods, along with the Asuras, churned the ocean and obtained various precious treasures mixed with the milk of these cows, including Amrita, the elixir of immortality.
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 CII - Surabhi: The Mother of All Kine in Rasatala, have a look at the following articles:
Section CII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CII:
What is the significance of Surabhi and the sacred Milky Ocean?
Surabhi, mother of all kine, yields milk with essence of best things. Her milk created the sacred Milky Ocean, revered by Foam-drinkers.
Why are the four cows born of Surabhi important in Hindu mythology?
The four cows, Surupa, Hansika, Subhadra, and Sarva-kamadugha, support the four quarters. They are essential in Hindu cosmology and mythology.
Daily life: Surabhi: The Mother of All Kine in Rasatala:
The story beautifully illustrates the concept of nourishment and support through the character of Surabhi, the divine cow, and her offspring. In daily life, this can translate to recognizing and appreciating the various sources of support around us, whether they are family, friends, or the natural world. Surabhi’s milk, transforming into whatever is needed for those who consume it, shows the value of adaptability and giving. We can strive to be like Surabhi, offering what we can to help others in ways that best suit their needs. The dedication of the Foam-drinkers to their austere practices highlights the importance of commitment and focus on one’s goals, teaching us the value of discipline. Finally, the story emphasizes the idea of finding contentment where we are, suggesting that joy does not always come from external circumstances but can be found in our immediate surroundings and in what we do for others.