Section CXLX - Battle of Kurukshetra: Duryodhana Defies All, War Inevitable
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXLX 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:
Vasudeva recounts how Duryodhana, despite being advised by Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, Gandhari, and Dhritarashtra, refused to give the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom. He incited his allies to march to Kurukshetra, declaring that the time was right for battle. Despite Vasudeva's attempts at conciliation and manipulation, the situation escalated, leading to the gathering of eleven Akshauhinis of troops under Bhishma's command for the Kauravas.
Vasudeva tried various tactics to avert a conflict, including conciliation, causing dissension, and highlighting the Pandavas' strengths. He even proposed a compromise of five villages for the Pandavas in exchange for peace. However, Duryodhana remained adamant and refused to share the kingdom. As a result, Vasudeva warned that war seemed inevitable and that all the kings had already set out for Kurukshetra, ready for battle.
Despite Vasudeva's efforts to maintain peace and unity within the Kuru family, Duryodhana's stubbornness and greed for power drove the situation towards war. As the Kauravas prepared for battle, the stage was set for a devastating conflict that would result in a great loss of life. The refusal to heed wise counsel and the desire for power at any cost ultimately led to the unfolding of a tragic and destructive war that would shape the future of the Kuru dynasty.
Vasudeva's recounting of the events highlights the consequences of pride, greed, and stubbornness, as well as the importance of wise counsel and conciliation in resolving conflicts. The impending battle at Kurukshetra symbolizes the culmination of years of rivalry and animosity within the Kuru family, setting the stage for a climactic showdown between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The tragedy of the situation lies in the inability of the warring parties to find a peaceful resolution, leading to a devastating conflict with far-reaching consequences for all involved.
Full English translation:
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Section CXLX, 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 CXLX:
What were the attempts made to avoid conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas?
Conciliation, producing dissensions, assembling kings, and offering gifts were attempted.
Why did Duryodhana refuse to give the Pandavas their share of the kingdom?
Despite various attempts at reconciliation and offers, Duryodhana's greed and arrogance led him to refuse to give up power.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Duryodhana Defies All, War Inevitable:
The story highlights the importance of trying all peaceful means to resolve conflicts, such as negotiation and mediation, before resorting to harsher actions. It teaches us to attempt to understand and reconcile differences with others, emphasizing communication and compromise. When facing a dispute, it's crucial to approach it with patience and to exhaust all possible peaceful solutions, reflecting on the views and advice of wise and experienced individuals around us.
However, the story also acknowledges that there are situations where, despite our best efforts, resolution seems impossible due to the unwillingness or hostility of the other party. In such cases, it becomes necessary to stand firm and take decisive action to protect one's interest and ensure justice. Yet, this should be done with a sense of responsibility and awareness of the consequences, striving to minimize harm and conflict wherever possible.
Through this narrative, we learn the value of persistence in seeking peace, the significance of wisdom and counsel, and the importance of acting justly and courageously when faced with intractable challenges.