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 CIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'The unfortunate Satyavati then became plunged in grief on account of her son. And after performing with her daughters-in-law the funeral rites of the deceased, consoled, as best she could, her weeping daughters-in-law and Bhishma, that foremost of all wielders of weapons.

And turning her eyes to religion, and to the paternal and maternal lines (of the Kurus), she addressed Bhishma and said

'The funeral cake, the achievements, and the perpetuation of the line of the virtuous and celebrated Santanu of Kuru’s race, all now depend on you. As the attainment of heaven is inseparable from good deeds, as long life is inseparable from truth and faith, so is virtue inseparable from you.

O virtuous one, you are well-acquainted, in detail and in the abstract, with the dictates of virtue, with various Srutis, and with all the branches of the Vedas; know very well that you are equal unto Sukra and Angiras as regards firmness in virtue, knowledge of the particular customs of families, and readiness of inventions under difficulties.

Therefore, O foremost of virtuous men, relying on you greatly, I shall appoint you in a certain matter. Hearing me, it behoves you to do my bidding.

O bull among men, my son and your brother, endued with energy and dear unto you, has gone childless to heaven while still a boy. These wives of your brother, the amiable daughters of the ruler of Kasi, possessing beauty and youth, have become desirous of children. Therefore, O you of mighty arms, at my command, raise offspring on them for the perpetuation of our line. It behoves you to guard virtue against loss.

Install thyself on the throne and rule the kingdom of the Bharatas. Wed you duly a wife. Plunge not your ancestors into hell.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by his mother and friends and relatives, that oppressor of foes, the virtuous Bhishma, gave this reply conformable to the dictates of virtue,

'O mother, what you sayest is certainly sanctioned by virtue. But you knowest what my vow is in the matter of begetting children. You knowest also all that transpired in connection with your dower.

O Satyavati, I repeat the pledge I once gave, viz., I would renounce three worlds, the empire of heaven, anything that may be greater than that, but truth I would never renounce.

The earth may renounce its scent, water may renounce its moisture, light may renounce its attribute of exhibiting forms, air may renounce its attribute of touch, the sun may renounce his glory, fire, its heat, the moon, his cooling rays, space, its capacity of generating sound, the slayer of Vritra, his prowess, the god of justice, his impartiality; but I cannot renounce truth.'

Thus addressed by her son endued with wealth of energy, Satyavati said unto Bhishma,

'O you whose prowess is truth, I know of your firmness in truth. You canst, if so minded, create, by the help of your energy, three worlds other than those that exist.

I know what your vow was on my account. But considering this emergency, bear you the burden of the duty that one owes to his ancestors.

O punisher of foes, act in such a way that the lineal link may not be broken and our friends and relatives may not grieve.'

Thus urged by the miserable and weeping Satyavati speaking such words inconsistent with virtue from grief at the loss of her son, Bhishma addressed her again and said,

'O Queen, turn not your eyes away from virtue. O, destroy us not. Breach of truth by a Kshatriya is never applauded in our treatises on religion.

I shall soon tell you, O Queen, what the established Kshatriya usage is to which recourse may be had to prevent Santanu’s line becoming extinct on earth.

Hearing me, reflect on what should be done in consultation with learned priests and those that are acquainted with practices allowable in times of emergency and distress, forgetting not at the same time what the ordinary course of social conduct is.'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section CIII 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 CIII of Book 1 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Bhishma, Satyavati, Vaisampayana, Santanu, Kuru, three worlds; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section CIII. There are a total of 15 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 27 times.

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

Section CIII 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 CIII as contained in Book 1?

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

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