Section CIII - City of Bhogavati: Nagas, Vasuki, Sumukha, and Gunakesi
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:
In the city of Bhogavati, ruled by Vasuki, reside countless Nagas including the powerful Shesha who supports the earth with his ascetic austerities. The Nagas are fierce beings with diverse forms and immense strength, with famous ones like Vasuki, Takshaka, and Kaliya among them. Matali, the celestial charioteer, becomes enamored with a comely youth named Sumukha, who belongs to the noble race of Nagas. After learning of Sumukha's lineage and feats from Narada, Matali decides that Sumukha would make the perfect husband for his daughter Gunakesi.
Sumukha, the grandson of Aryaka and son of Chikura, stands out for his intelligence, patience, beauty, and youth among the Nagas. His noble parentage and ancestry make him a suitable match for Gunakesi, as deemed by Matali. The charioteer expresses his happiness at finding such a worthy suitor for his daughter and seeks Narada's help in securing Sumukha as his son-in-law.
Upon learning of Sumukha's background and qualities, Matali decides to approach Narada for help in arranging the marriage between Sumukha and Gunakesi, his daughter. Sumukha's lineage from the race of Airavata and his grandparent's prestigious ancestry further confirm Matali's belief in his suitability as a son-in-law. With Narada's guidance and support, Matali sets forth to make the necessary arrangements for the union between Sumukha and Gunakesi.
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:
Who is the ruler of Bhogavati and what is special about Shesha?
Bhogavati is ruled by Vasuki and Shesha, with a thousand heads, supports the earth with his immense strength.
Who are some famous Nagas mentioned in the story and what is their significance?
Notable Nagas include Vasuki, Takshaka, and Kaliya, all possessing great strength and diverse forms. They play important roles in Bhogavati.
Daily life: City of Bhogavati: Nagas, Vasuki, Sumukha, and Gunakesi:
The story conveys the importance of recognizing and appreciating the qualities in others, regardless of their background or lineage. In daily life, this can be implemented by looking beyond superficial differences and valuing people for their character, skills, and potential. It highlights the power of open-mindedness and acceptance, encouraging us to see the unique attributes individuals bring into our lives.
By focusing on positive traits such as intelligence, patience, beauty, and youth, as Matali does when he chooses a partner for his daughter, we can foster more meaningful and supportive relationships. This approach not only enriches our personal connections but also builds a more inclusive community. It teaches us to be like Narada and Matali, open to discovering the worth in everyone we meet, leading to greater harmony and mutual respect in our daily interactions.