Section 29 - Battle between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana: Detailed Description of Afternoon Combat
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 29 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:
Dhritarashtra, eager to know the details of the battle, asks Sanjaya about the encounter between his son, Duryodhana, and Yudhishthira. Duryodhana, filled with rage, cuts Yudhishthira's bow in twain with a broad-headed arrow. Enraged by this insult, Yudhishthira retaliates by cutting off Duryodhana's standard and bow. The two warriors exchange fierce blows, with Yudhishthira eventually piercing Duryodhana with three thunderous arrows.
As the battle intensifies, both warriors continue to exchange powerful attacks, each aiming to vanquish the other. Duryodhana pierces Yudhishthira with sharp arrows, while the latter retaliates with his own onslaught of five arrows. Yudhishthira then counters Duryodhana's dart, cutting it into three fragments before striking him with five more arrows. Eventually, Duryodhana, in a last attempt to end the hostilities, rushes at Yudhishthira with an uplifted mace.
Before Duryodhana can strike, Yudhishthira hurls a mighty dart at him, piercing his chest and causing him to fall and swoon away. Bhima intervenes, reminding Yudhishthira of his vow not to kill Duryodhana. Kritavarma then comes to Duryodhana's aid, prompting Bhima to engage him with a mace adorned with gold and flaxen chords. The battle between the two sides rages on that afternoon, with each combatant fighting fiercely for victory.
Full English translation:
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Section 29, 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 29:
How did the battle between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana unfold?
In a fierce encounter, the two brothers mangled each other with arrows and darts, leaving Duryodhana wounded and defeating him.
How did Yudhishthira and Duryodhana show their valor in battle?
Yudhishthira and Duryodhana displayed immense rage, skill, and courage in their fierce combat, exchanging powerful strikes and enduring wounds.
What led to Duryodhana's defeat in the battle?
Yudhishthira ultimately overcame Duryodhana with a mighty dart that pierced and stupefied him, causing the Kuru prince to fall and swoon away.
Daily life: Battle between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana: Detailed Description of Afternoon Combat:
The epic clash between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana, described in the narrative, manifests the profound truths of resilience, strategy, and restraint in the face of adversity. In our daily lives, these virtues can guide us to confront challenges with courage and wisdom. Just like the warriors equipped themselves with different weapons for the battle, we too can arm ourselves with knowledge, skills, and patience to tackle the various obstacles we encounter.
The moment when Yudhishthira and Duryodhana exchanged blows with rage yet with strategic precision mirrors how we should handle conflicts—not impulsively but with careful thought and consideration for the consequences. Their ability to swiftly change tactics and adapt to the situation teaches the importance of being flexible and open to adjusting our plans according to the circumstances.
Moreover, Yudhishthira’s restraint in not delivering the final blow to Duryodhana, upon Bhima's reminder, underscores the critical value of compassion and adhering to one’s principles even in heated moments. This aspect of the story is a potent reminder that in pursuing our goals or in the heat of confrontation, maintaining our moral compass and treating others with respect is paramount.
Incorporating the essence of this tale into our lives means facing our battles with determination, adapting to challenges with grace, and always acting in alignment with our deepest values and the greater good. Despite the turbulence we face, the story teaches us that victory lies not just in conquering the external world but in mastering ourselves and upholding our integrity.