Section 11 - Dhritarashtra meets surviving warriors after battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 11 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 of Kurukshetra, Dhritarashtra left the battlefield and met with Kripa, Ashvatthama, and Kritavarma, the three surviving warriors from Duryodhana's army. They informed him of the death of his sons and the carnage they had caused in the Pandava camp while they were asleep. Despite their actions, they expressed sympathy for Dhritarashtra's loss and urged him not to grieve, advising him to uphold his Kshatriya duties.
Kripa, Kritavarma, and Ashvatthama then left Dhritarashtra and went their separate ways, with Kripa returning to Hastinapura, Kritavarma to his kingdom, and Ashvatthama seeking refuge with Vyasa. They were filled with anxiety and fear of the Pandavas seeking vengeance for the slaughter of their sons. Despite their guilt over their actions, they had no choice but to move forward and find solace in their decisions.
The story highlights the aftermath of the great battle, with the survivors grappling with the consequences of their actions and facing the inevitable wrath of the Pandavas. The warriors, though skilled and formidable, were ultimately driven by fear and guilt, leading to their separation and pursuit of refuge or safety in different places.
Dhritarashtra, grieving for his lost sons, was left to ponder the tragic events that had unfolded and the fateful choices made by his allies. Despite the assurances and advice given to him, he was unable to escape the sorrow and remorse that weighed heavily on his heart.
Overall, the story encapsulates the complexities of war and its aftermath, where even the victors are left to reckon with the consequences of their actions and the toll it takes on their conscience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the price paid for power and victory, and the lasting impact of decisions made in the heat of battle.
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 11 - Dhritarashtra meets surviving warriors after battle, have a look at the following articles:
Section 11, 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 11:
What happened to the three great car-warriors who met Dhritarashtra after the battle?
They informed him of his sons' deaths and their own escape from battle.
Where did Kripa, Kritavarma, and Ashvatthama go after meeting Dhritarashtra?
Kripa went to Hastinapura, Kritavarma returned to his kingdom, and Ashvatthama went to the asylum of Vyasa.
Daily life: Dhritarashtra meets surviving warriors after battle:
From the story above, we learn about the aftermath of a great battle, illustrating the weight of actions and the importance of facing consequences. In daily life, this can translate to understanding the impact of our decisions and actions on those around us. It's vital to take responsibility for what we do and to recognize that every action, whether good or bad, will have repercussions.
The story also underscores the importance of moving forward, despite the difficulties we might face. The characters, after discussing their dire situation, make decisions on what to do next, showing the significance of resilience and the ability to continue even when the future seems uncertain.
In life, we might find ourselves in situations where we've made mistakes or are dealing with the aftermath of difficult decisions. It's crucial to learn from these experiences, make amends where possible, and then move forward with a clearer understanding and a commitment to do better. This not only helps us grow as individuals but also allows us to handle future challenges with greater wisdom and strength.