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 V

"Vaisampayana said, 'Desirous of living in the forest, those bulls of the Bharata race, the Pandavas, with their followers, setting out from the banks of the Ganges went to the field of Kurukshetra. And performing their ablutions in the Sarasvati, the Drisadwati and the Yamuna, they went from one forest to another, travelling in an westernly direction. And at length they saw before them the woods, Kamyaka, the favourite haunt of Munis, situated by a level and wild plain on the banks of the Sarasvati. And in those woods, O Bharata, abounding in birds and deer, those heroes began to dwell, entertained and comforted by the Munis. And Vidura always longing to see the Pandavas, went in a single car to the Kamyaka woods abounding in every good thing. And arriving at Kamyaka on a car drawn by swift steeds, he saw Yudhishthira the just, sitting with Draupadi at a retired spot, surrounded by his brothers and the Brahmanas.

And seeing Vidura approach from a distance with swift steps, the virtuous king addressed brother, Bhimasena, saying,

'With what message does Kshatta come to us? Does he come hither, despatched by Sakuni, to invite us again to a game of dice? Does the little-minded Sakuni intend to win again our weapons at dice? O Bhimasena, challenged by any one addressing me,—Come, I am unable to stay. And if our possession of the Gandiva becomes doubtful, will not the acquisition of our kingdom also be so.'

"Vaisampayana said, 'O king, the Pandavas then rose up and welcomed Vidura. And received by them, that descendant of the Ajamida line (Vidura) sat in their midst and made the usual enquiries. And after Vidura had rested awhile, those bulls among men asked him the reason of his coming. And Vidura began to relate unto them in detail everything connected with the bearing of Dhritarashtra the son of Amvika.'

"Vidura said,

'O Ajatasatru, Dhritarashtra called me, his dependant, before him and honouring me duly said,

'Things have fared thus. Now, do you tell me what is good for the Pandavas as well as for me. I pointed out what was beneficial to both the Kauravas and Dhritarashtra. But what I said was not relished by him, nor could I hit upon any other course. What I advised was, O Pandavas, highly beneficial, but the son of Amvika heeded me not. Even as medicine recommends itself not to one that is ill, so my words failed to please the king.

And, O you without a foe, as all unchaste wile in the family of a man of pure descent cannot be brought back to the path of virtue, so I failed to bring Dhritarashtra back. Indeed, as a young damsel does not like a husband of three score, even so Dhritarashtra did not like my words. Surely, destruction will overtake the Kuru race, surely Dhritarashtra will never acquire good fortune. For, as water dropped on a lotus-leaf does not remain there, my counsels will fail to produce any effect to Dhritarashtra.

The incensed Dhritarashtra told me, O Bharata, go you thither where you likest Never more shall I seek your aid in ruling the earth or my capital,—O best of monarchs, forsaken by king Dhritarashtra, I come to you for tendering good counsel. What I had said in the open court, I will now repeat unto you. Listen, and bear my words in mind,—that wise man who bearing all the gross wrong heaped upon him by his enemies, patiently bides his time, and multiplies his resources "even as men by degrees turn a small fire: into a large one, rules alone this entire earth.

He that (in prosperity) enjoys his substance with his adherents finds in them sharers of his adversity,—this is the best means of securing adherents, and it is said that he that has adherents, wins the sovereignty of the world! And, O Pandava, divided your prosperity with your adherents, behave truthfully towards them, and converse with them agreeably! Share also your food with them! And never boast thyself in their presence! This behaviour increases the prosperity of kings!'

"Yudhishthira said,

'Having recourse to such high intelligence, undisturbed by passion, I will do as you counsellest! And whatever else you mayst counsel in respect of time and place, I will carefully follow entirely.'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section V of Book 3 (Vana 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 3 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section V of Book 3 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Dhritarashtra, Vidura, Pandava, Pandavas, Bharata, Kamyaka; since these occur the most in Book 3, Section V. There are a total of 22 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 55 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section V of Book 3?

Section V is part of the Aranyaka Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 3 (Vana Parva). The Aranyaka Parva contains a total of 10 sections while Book 3 contains a total of 13 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section V as contained in Book 3?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section V of Book 3 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section V) is from 2012.

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