Section CXIX - Galava's Success: Fulfilling a Debt to Visvamitra
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXIX 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:
Galava sought a bride for his preceptor Visvamitra and was asked for a fee of two hundred steeds by the preceptor. Galava managed to obtain six hundred steeds through various means but was still short of the required amount. Garuda advised Galava not to make any more efforts as the remaining steeds were unattainable but shared a story of how a king had obtained the steeds requested by asking for a specific type of horse from a Rishi and then giving them as Dakshina to Brahmanas.
Richika, the Rishi, had successfully obtained the horses and gave them to the king, who then gave them away in a sacrifice to Brahmanas. Galava was advised to present the remaining two hundred steeds as an equivalent for the maiden he had received from the three kings. Galava agreed and took the maiden and the steeds to Visvamitra, offering them to him as a solution to his debt. Visvamitra accepted the maiden as an equivalent for the remaining steeds and bore a son named Ashtaka with her.
Visvamitra then passed his time happily with the maiden and their son, Ashtaka, whom he instructed in virtue and profit before giving him the six hundred steeds. Ashtaka went to a city and Visvamitra handed the maiden to his disciple before withdrawing to the woods. Galava, satisfied with fulfilling his preceptor's demands, praised the maiden for saving not only her father but four kings and himself as well before dismissing Garuda and returning the maiden to her father before departing into the woods.
Full English translation:
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Section CXIX, 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 CXIX:
What was the deal between Galava and Visvamitra regarding the steeds and the maiden?
Galava offered six hundred steeds and the maiden as an equivalent for two hundred; Visvamitra agreed. Galava was then freed from his debt and went on to practice ascetic penances.
How did Visvamitra react to receiving the maiden and the steeds from Galava?
Visvamitra regretted not receiving the maiden earlier to have more sons. He accepted her, and she bore him a son named Ashtaka. Visvamitra passed his time happily with the maiden.
Daily life: Galava's Success: Fulfilling a Debt to Visvamitra:
The story exemplifies the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. It teaches us that when faced with a difficult situation, it's crucial to think outside the box and find alternative solutions rather than giving up. By presenting the maiden as an equivalent to the remaining steeds, Galava shows that flexibility and adaptability are key to resolving issues and fulfilling obligations. This narrative encourages us to honor our commitments, no matter how challenging they may seem, and to understand the value of working together with others to achieve a common goal. The story also highlights the importance of letting go and moving forward once our responsibilities are fulfilled, as demonstrated by Galava's actions at the end. In daily life, these lessons remind us to approach problems with a creative mindset, to remain dedicated and persistent in our endeavors, and to cherish the power of collaboration and mutual support.