Section 33 - Duryodhana recounts the battle between gods and Asuras
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 33 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:
The story narrates a battle between the gods and the Asuras fought with the evil Taraka as the root cause. Three sons of Taraka, Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyunmalin, seeking immunity from death from all creatures, were granted a boon by the Creator. They built three cities of gold, silver, and black iron, each ruled by one of them, and terrorized the three worlds along with other wicked Danavas. The gods, unable to penetrate the cities, sought the help of Lord Shiva, who advised them to choose Sthanu to destroy the Asuras.
The gods, led by Indra, praised and sought the help of Lord Shiva, addressing him by various names and acknowledging his supreme power. They approached Lord Shiva, who was accompanied by rishis and praised him as the Universal Soul and the Supreme Soul. Lord Shiva, known as Ishana and Jishnu, was sought for his assistance in destroying the three cities created by the Asuras. The gods worshipped Lord Shiva with hymns and prayers, seeking his aid in defeating the wicked Asuras who were causing chaos and destruction in the world.
The gods, having stilled their minds and approached Lord Shiva with devotion, beheld him in various forms as per their individual perceptions. Lord Shiva, the embodiment of all creatures, greeted the gods warmly and enquired about the purpose of their visit. The gods praised Lord Shiva with reverence, acknowledging him as the source of all creation, the destroyer of evil, and the ultimate controller of the universe. Lord Shiva, pleased with their adoration, assured the gods of his support and asked them to share their concerns.
The gods continued to praise Lord Shiva's various attributes, such as his destructive power, fierce appearance, and supreme control over all beings. They sought his blessings and protection, acknowledging him as the relentless destroyer of all obstacles and the one who upholds righteousness. Lord Shiva, the three-eyed god armed with a trident, listened to their prayers with a compassionate smile, ready to assist them in their battle against the Asuras. The gods expressed their devotion to Lord Shiva, recognizing him as the ultimate source of strength and the supreme authority in the universe.
Gratified by the gods' adoration and devotion, Lord Shiva assured them of his assistance and asked them to reveal their concerns. The gods, relieved by Lord Shiva's presence and divine grace, explained their predicament and sought his guidance in destroying the three cities of the Asuras. Lord Shiva, the embodiment of power and destruction, pledged to aid the gods in their battle against the wicked Asuras and bring an end to the chaos and tyranny unleashed by them. The gods, filled with faith and gratitude, prepared for the impending battle, knowing that with Lord Shiva's blessings, victory was assured.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section 33 - Duryodhana recounts the battle between gods and Asuras, have a look at the following articles:
Section 33, 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 33:
How did the Asuras obtain immunity from death in the battle?
They performed austerest penances, leading to a boon from the Grandsire.
What were the three cities constructed by the Asuras Maya?
One city of gold, one of silver, and one of black iron.
What special boon did Hari, son of Tarakaksha, obtain?
He created a lake in his city capable of reviving the dead.
Who was chosen by the gods to destroy the triple city of Asuras?
Sthanu, also known as Ishana or Jishnu, was selected for this task.
Daily life: Duryodhana recounts the battle between gods and Asuras:
The story narrated from the Mahabharata involves gods, asuras, invincible cities, and celestial boons, culminating in a powerful message: the significance of humility, the pursuit of righteousness, and seeking guidance from a higher power. It highlights how even the mightiest beings, endowed with great strength and boons, are not beyond the reach of moral and ethical decay when consumed by pride and a disregard for the natural order. These asuras, despite their power, eventually succumb to their hubris, affecting the harmony of the universe and prompting the gods to seek help from Shiva, a manifestation of a higher, balancing force.
In daily life, this story serves as a metaphor for the importance of humility and the dangers of letting ego and arrogance guide one’s actions. It suggests that even when individuals amass power, wealth, or knowledge, they should not lose sight of their limitations and their responsibilities towards others and the world at large. The narrative encourages seeking wisdom and support from those who embody virtues and wisdom greater than ours, much like the gods turning to Shiva for assistance.
Moreover, it underscores the principle that actions guided by malice, greed, or arrogance can have wide-reaching consequences, affecting not only the perpetrator but the broader community. Therefore, it's essential to reflect on one's intentions and seek balance, fairness, and righteousness in one's endeavors. Ultimately, the tale reminds us of the power of unity, respect for higher wisdom, and the inevitable downfall that follows disregard for moral and ethical boundaries. It teaches that in every challenge, turning towards inner reflection and reaching out for guidance from wiser, more grounded sources can lead to solutions that restore balance and harmony.