Section 30 - Duryodhana Concealed in Lake by Powers of Illusion
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 30 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:
After the battle in which the Kaurava troops were slain by the sons of Pandu, survivors like Kritavarma and Kripa, along with Duryodhana, were filled with anxiety and sought refuge in a lake. Yudhishthira and his brothers, victorious and filled with joy, searched for Duryodhana but could not find him. The Kaurava warriors, Kripa, Drona's son, and Kritavarma, urged Duryodhana to rise and fight alongside them against the Pandavas, but Duryodhana hesitated, wanting to rest before battle.
Duryodhana eventually agreed to rise and fight the next day, but the son of Drona swore to slay the Pandavas before then, not willing to put off his armor until victory was achieved. Meanwhile, hunters overhearing Duryodhana's conversation with his warriors about staying hidden in the lake, decided to inform the Pandavas of his whereabouts for a reward. They approached Bhimasena with this information, and Bhima informed Yudhishthira, who then proceeded with his brothers and allies to the lake where Duryodhana was.
Upon arriving at the lake, the Pandavas made a loud noise that caused the earth to tremble, announcing their presence to Duryodhana. Kritavarma, Kripa, and the son of Drona, feeling anxious about the upcoming battle, took leave of Duryodhana and went to rest under a banyan tree. Duryodhana, using his powers of illusion, had solidified the waters of the lake and remained hidden at the bottom. The Pandavas, determined to confront Duryodhana, awaited the battle with eagerness, while Duryodhana remained within the waters, preparing for the impending conflict.
Despite the solidified waters, the Pandavas were able to locate Duryodhana in the lake and approached with the intention of slaying him in battle. Kritavarma, Kripa, and the son of Drona anxiously awaited the outcome of the battle under the shade of the banyan tree. The stage was set for a fierce confrontation between the Pandavas and Duryodhana, as both sides prepared for a final, decisive showdown to determine the fate of the kingdom. The tension was palpable as the warriors braced themselves for the inevitable clash that would decide the ultimate victor in the long-standing feud between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
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 30 - Duryodhana Concealed in Lake by Powers of Illusion, have a look at the following articles:
Section 30, 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 30:
What happened to Duryodhana and his army after the battle?
Duryodhana fled to a lake solidified by his powers while his army dispersed. Survivors abandoned him, leaving him concealed underwater.
How did the Pandavas discover Duryodhana's whereabouts?
Huntsmen accidentally overheard Duryodhana's conversation with his warriors, then informed the Pandavas. They revealed his location inside a lake.
What did the Pandavas do after learning Duryodhana's location?
Yudhishthira and his brothers, along with their army, rushed to the lake. Duryodhana's few remaining allies left, leaving Duryodhana hidden in the water.
What did Duryodhana plan to do next during the battle?
Duryodhana, exhausted and unwilling to fight immediately, promised to join the battle on the morrow. His loyal warriors tried to convince him to fight, but he remained hidden in the lake.
Daily life: Duryodhana Concealed in Lake by Powers of Illusion:
The story from the Mahabharata where Duryodhana conceals himself in a lake and is eventually discovered by hunters who inform the Pandavas, teaches us several lessons that can be applied in daily life. It underscores the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness. Just like the Pandavas, who kept searching for Duryodhana despite initial failures, we too should persist in our endeavors and not give up easily. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but with determination and the right strategies, we can overcome them.
This narrative also highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration. The Pandavas, with their allies, were able to locate Duryodhana because they worked together towards a common goal. Similarly, in our lives, working effectively with others, sharing knowledge, and pooling our strengths can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
Moreover, the story warns against the dangers of pride and revenge. Duryodhana's refusal to emerge from the lake and confront his fate was partly due to pride, which ultimately led to his downfall. This teaches us to be humble and to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than letting our egos drive us towards destructive choices.
Lastly, it showcases the concept of unexpected consequences. The hunters, initially just seeking to quench their thirst, ended up altering the course of the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas. This reminds us that our actions, even those that seem insignificant, can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others.
Therefore, by embracing perseverance, teamwork, humility, and being mindful of our actions, we can navigate the complexities of life more effectively.