Section CLVIII - Yudhishthira Appoints Leaders for Pandava Army
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLVIII 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:
Yudhishthira, upon hearing that Bhishma had been installed as the commander of the Kuru army, summoned his brothers and Krishna to his presence and instructed them to prepare for battle. He appointed seven leaders for his army, including Drupada, Virata, and Arjuna. Dhrishtadyumna, born from fire for the destruction of Drona, was placed in command of all troops, with Arjuna as the leader of the leaders. Krishna advised Yudhishthira to choose these leaders and supported his decision.
Halayudha, accompanied by other warriors of the Vrishni race, arrived at the Pandava encampment, and Yudhishthira and the others greeted and worshipped him. Halayudha expressed his belief that a fierce battle was inevitable and hoped for the safety of all those involved. He urged Vasudeva to support both the Pandavas and Duryodhana equally, but Krishna's allegiance to the Pandavas was unwavering. Halayudha then decided to leave for the tirtha of the Sarasvati for ablutions before the impending battle.
After expressing his sentiments, Halayudha obtained the Pandavas' permission and departed for the sacred waters. He respected Krishna's decision in supporting the Pandavas and could not bear to witness the destruction that would occur in the battle. Halayudha's departure highlighted the approaching calamity and the unease felt by those involved in the conflict. The impending battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas was set to be fierce, with each side ready to face the inevitable carnage.
Halayudha's departure signified the gravity of the situation and the inevitability of the impending battle. The presence of powerful warriors, such as Arjuna and Krishna, underscored the intensity of the conflict and the strategic preparations made by the Pandavas. The alliances and loyalties among the warriors further emphasized the complexity and emotional weight of the impending battle. As the forces gathered for the decisive showdown, the stage was set for a monumental clash that would shape the destiny of all involved in the war.
Full English translation:
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Section CLVIII, 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 CLVIII:
What did Yudhishthira instruct his brothers and Krishna to do before the impending battle?
Yudhishthira told them to prepare for combat and select leaders for their army.
Who did Yudhishthira appoint as leaders for his seven divisions before the battle?
Drupada, Virata, Shikhandi, Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna, Dhrishtaketu, and Dhrishtadyumna were chosen.
Why did Rama, accompanied by the Vrishni warriors, visit the Pandava encampment before the battle?
Rama visited to offer support and express hope for their safety in the upcoming war.
Daily life: Yudhishthira Appoints Leaders for Pandava Army:
The story illustrates the importance of preparing for challenges, making strategic decisions, and the value of neutrality in conflicts involving loved ones. In daily life, this can be mirrored by always being prepared for potential challenges. This means being proactive, gathering all necessary information, and making informed decisions based on available data and advice from trusted individuals.
When faced with tough decisions, especially those involving close friends or family members where emotions can cloud judgment, striving for fairness and neutrality is crucial. It's essential to listen to all sides, weigh the consequences of any action, and aim for a solution that, even if not perfect, respects the interests of everyone involved as much as possible.
Additionally, recognizing when to step back from a situation that's beyond one's control, as shown by Rama's departure to avoid witnessing the conflict, is vital. Knowing one's limits and when involvement could do more harm than good is a sign of wisdom. Instead, focusing on personal peace and contributing positively where possible can lead to better outcomes for oneself and others involved.
Lastly, the story underscores the significance of having a supportive network and aligning with individuals who share similar values and visions, which can be crucial in facing any life's battles.