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 CCXXVI

"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Havyavahana (Agni) in anger and disappointment, with his ailment uncured, went back to the Grandsire. And he represented unto Brahman all that had happened: The illustrious deity, reflecting for a moment, said unto him,

'O sinless one. I see a way by which you mayest consume the forest of Khandava today in the very sight of Indra. Those old deities, Nara and Narayana, have become incarnate in the world of men to accomplish the business of the celestials. They are called on earth Arjuna and Vasudeva.

They are even now staying in the forest of Khandava. Solicit them for aiding you in consuming that forest. You shalt then consume the forest even if it be protected by the celestials. They will certainly prevent the population of Khandava from escaping, and thwart Indra also (in aiding any one in the escape). I have no doubt of this!'

Hearing these words, Agni came in haste unto Krishna and Partha.

O king, I have already told you what he said, having approached the illustrious pair. O tiger among kings, hearing those words of Agni who was desirous of consuming the forest of Khandava against the will of Indra, Vibhatsu said unto him these words well-suited to the occasion, I have numberless excellent celestial weapons with which I can fight even many wielders of the thunderbolt.

But, O exalted one, I have no bow suited to the strength of my arms, and capable of bearing the might I may put forth in battle. In consequence of the lightness of my hands also I require arrows that must never be exhausted. My car also is scarcely able to bear load of arrows that I would desire to keep by me.

I desire celestial steeds of pure white, possessing the speed of the wind; and a car possessing the splendour of the sun and the clatter of whose wheels should resemble the roar of the clouds. Then, there is no weapon suited to Krishna’s energy and with which Madhava can slay Nagas and Pisachas.

O exalted one, it behoves you to give us the means by which success may be achieved and by which we may thwart Indra in pouring his showers upon that extensive forest. O Pavaka, we are ready to do all that manliness and prowess can do.

But, O exalted one, it behoves you to give us the adequate means.'"

Conclusion:

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

The most relevant definitions are: Khandava, Indra, Agni, Krishna, Vaisampayana, Havyavahana; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section CCXXVI. There are a total of 16 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 25 times.

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

Section CCXXVI is part of the Khandava-daha Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 1 (Adi Parva). The Khandava-daha Parva contains a total of 13 sections while Book 1 contains a total of 19 such Parvas.

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

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

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