Section LXIV - Battle of Bhima and Bhagadatta: Pandavas victorious over Kauravas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXIV 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:
During the battle, Bhurisravas and Satyaki exchanged fierce arrow attacks, with Bhurisravas piercing Satyaki nine times, and Satyaki retaliating with the same number of arrows. Duryodhana and his brothers then surrounded Satyaki, prompting the Pandavas to come to his aid. Bhima faced off against Duryodhana, and a fierce battle ensued between the two. Duryodhana's sons also joined the fight against Bhima, but Bhima displayed incredible prowess and managed to defeat many of them.
Bhima, in a fit of rage, vowed to defeat all of Duryodhana's sons in battle. He launched a series of powerful attacks, slaying Senapati, Sushena, Jalasandha, Ugra, Bhima, Viravahu, Sulocana, and other Kaurava warriors. Bhima's relentless assault caused fear among the Kaurava army, with many of them fleeing the battlefield. Ghatotkacha, witnessing Bhima's prowess, entered the battle and created an illusion to help him defeat Bhagadatta, who was threatening Bhima with his elephant.
Ghatotkacha summoned powerful Dik-elephants and engaged in a fierce battle with Bhagadatta and his elephant. Bhishma, realizing the danger Bhagadatta was in, called for reinforcements to rescue the king. The Kaurava army rushed to Bhagadatta's aid, while the Pandavas followed closely behind. Bhishma, concerned about facing Ghatotkacha's ferocity, advised a temporary retreat to regroup for the next day's battle. The Kauravas, heeding Bhishma's advice, withdrew from the battlefield as the Pandavas celebrated their victory.
The Pandavas, led by Bhima and Ghatotkacha, returned to their camp victorious, rejoicing in their triumph over the Kauravas. Duryodhana, mourning the loss of his brothers and contemplating his next move, remained in his camp filled with grief and sorrow. The night brought a temporary lull in the conflict, as both sides recuperated and prepared for the battles to come. Despite the challenges and losses faced in the day's battle, the Pandavas emerged stronger and more determined to achieve victory. The fierce fighting and strategic maneuvers on both sides set the stage for the intense battles that would follow in the days ahead.
Full English translation:
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Section LXIV, 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 LXIV:
Who were the main warriors mentioned in the battle described by Sanjaya?
Bhurisravas, Satyaki, Duryodhana, Bhima, Ghatotkacha, Bhagadatta were the main warriors.
How did Bhima show his prowess in the battle against the Kauravas?
Bhima slew many of Duryodhana's sons and other warriors with his arrows.
Why did Bhishma suggest rescuing King Bhagadatta in the battle?
Bhishma saw Bhagadatta in distress and wanted to rescue him to prevent his death.
What was the outcome of the battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas?
The Pandavas, led by Ghatotkacha, were victorious, causing the Kauravas to retreat.
Daily life: Battle of Bhima and Bhagadatta: Pandavas victorious over Kauravas:
The epic battle from the Mahabharata embodies deep lessons about resilience, courage, and the consequences of war. Translating these ancient narratives into daily life, one can embrace resilience much like Bhimasena who, despite facing a formidable enemy and even experiencing moments of physical collapse, re-gathers his strength and morale to continue the fight. This teaches us the value of perseverance in our own challenges, encouraging us to confront adversities instead of avoiding them, embodying resilience and courage by standing up after every falter.
In life, just as in the battle where both sides experienced loss and triumph, we encounter situations laden with mixed outcomes. What's pivotal is learning from each experience, using it to embolden our spirit and refine our strategies moving forward. The support among the Pandavas and their allies underscores the importance of having a support system, showing that success and recovery are often the results of collective effort rather than solitary endeavors.
Moreover, the idea of withdrawing from battle as a tactical decision, rather than a sign of defeat, can be applied to our lives as a reminder that sometimes, taking a step back, evaluating our strategies, and conserving our energies for a more opportune moment is the wisest action. This teaches the significance of strategic planning and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Finally, despite the valiance and victories, the narrative doesn't shy away from the sorrow and contemplation that follow conflict, reminding us that our actions have consequences. It encourages introspection about the paths we choose and their impact on ourselves and others, urging a mindful approach to our aspirations and conflicts.