Mahabharata (English)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 2,566,952 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

The English translation of the Mahabharata is a large text describing ancient India. It is authored by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa and contains the records of ancient humans. Also, it documents the fate of the Kauravas and the Pandavas family. Another part of the large contents, deal with many philosophical dialogues such as the goals of life. Book...

Section LXXX

"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Kavya, the foremost of Bhrigu’s line, became angry himself. And approaching Vrishaparvan where the latter was seated, began to address him without weighing his words,

'O king,'

he said,

’sinful acts do not, like the Earth, bear fruit immediately! But gradually and secretly do they extirpate their doers. Such fruit visits either in one’s own self, one’s son, or one’s grandson. Sins must bear their fruit. Like rich food they can never be digested.

And because you slew the Brahmana Kacha, the grandson of Angiras, who was virtuous, acquainted with the precepts of religion, and attentive to his duties, while residing in my abode, even for this act of slaughter—and for the mal-treatment of my daughter too, know, O Vrishaparvan, I shall leave you and your relatives!

Indeed, O king, for this, I can no longer stay with you! Dost you, O Asura chief, think that I am a raving liar? You makest light of your offence without seeking to correct it!'.

"Vrishaparvan then said,

'O son of Bhrigu, never have I attributed want of virtue, of falsehood, to you. Indeed, virtue and truth ever dwell in you. Be kind to me!

O Bhargava, if, leaving us, you really goest hence, we shall then go into the depths of the ocean. Indeed, there is nothing else for us to do.'

"Sukra then replied,

'You Asuras, whether you go into the depths of the ocean or fly away to all directions. I care little. I am unable to bear my daughter’s grief. My daughter is ever dear to me. My life depends on her. Seek you to please her. As Vrihaspati ever seeks the good of Indra, so do I always seek thine by my ascetic merits.'

"Vrishaparvan then said,

'O Bhargava, you are the absolute master of whatever is possessed by the Asura chiefs in this world-their elephants, kine and horses, and even my humble self!'

"Sukra then answered,

'If it is true, O great Asura, that I am the lord of all the wealth of the Asuras, then go and gratify Devayani.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'when the great Kavya was so addressed by Vrishaparvan, he then went to Devayani and told her all. Devayani, however, quickly replied,

'O Bhargava, if you are truly the lord of the Asura king himself and of all his wealth, then let the king himself come to me and say so in my presence.'

Vrishaparvan then approached Devayani and told her,

'O Devayani of sweet smiles, whatever you desirest I am willing to give you, however difficult it may be to grant the same.'

Devayani answered,

'I desire Sarmishtha with a thousand maids to wait on me! She must also follow me to where my father may give me away.'

"Vrishaparvan then commanded a maid-servant in attendance on him, saying,

'Go and quickly bring Sarmishtha hither. Let her also accomplish what Devayani wishes.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'The maid-servant then repaired to Sarmishtha and told her,

'O amiable Sarmishtha, rise and follow me. Accomplish the good of your relatives. Urged by Devayani, the Brahmana (Sukra) is on the point of leaving his disciples (the Asuras). O sinless one, you must do what Devayani wishes.'

Sarmishtha replied,

'I shall cheerfully do what Devayani wishes. Urged by Devayani Sukra is calling me. Both Sukra and Devayani must not leave the Asuras through my fault.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Commanded by her father, then, Sarmishtha, accompanied by a thousand maidens, soon came, in a palanquin, out of her father’s excellent mansion. And approaching Devayani she said,

'With my thousand maids, I am your waiting-maid! And I shall follow you where your father may give you away.'

Devayani replied,

'I am the daughter of one who chants the praises of your father, and who begs and accepts alms; you, on the other hand, art the daughter of one who is adored. How canst you be my waiting-maid?'

"Sarmishtha answered,

'One must by all means contribute to the happiness of one’s afflicted relatives. Therefore shall I follow you wherever your father may give you away.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'When Sarmishtha thus promised to be Devayani’s waiting-maid the latter, O king, then spoke unto her father thus,

'O best of all excellent Brahmanas, I am gratified. I shall now enter the Asura capital! I now know that your science and power of knowledge are not futile!'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'That best of Brahmanas, of great reputation, thus addressed by his daughter, then, entered the Asura capital in the gladness of his heart. And the Danavas worshipped him with great reverence.'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section LXXX of Book 1 (Adi Parva) of the Mahabharata, of which an English translation is presented on this page. This book is famous as one of the Itihasa, similair in content to the eighteen Puranas. Book 1 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section LXXX of Book 1 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Devayani, Asura, Sarmishtha, Vrishaparvan, Vaisampayana, Sukra; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section LXXX. There are a total of 16 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 72 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section LXXX of Book 1?

Section LXXX is part of the Sambhava Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 1 (Adi Parva). The Sambhava Parva contains a total of 78 sections while Book 1 contains a total of 19 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section LXXX as contained in Book 1?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section LXXX of Book 1 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section LXXX) is from 2012.

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