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 XXVI

Vaisampayana said, "While the illustrious son of Pandu continued to dwell in the Dvaita woods, that great forest became filled with Brahmanas. And the lake within that forest, ever resounding with Vedic recitations, became sacred like a second region of Brahma. And the sounds of the Yajus, the Riks, the Samas, and other words uttered by the Brahmanas, were exceedingly delightful to hear. And the Vedic recitations of the Brahmanas mingling with the twang of bows of the sons of Pritha, produced a union of the Brahmana and Kshatriya customs that was highly beautiful.

And one evening the Rishi Vaka of the Dalvya family addressed Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti seated in the midst of the Rishis, saying,

'Behold, O chief of the Kurus, O son of Pritha, the homa time is come of these Brahmanas devoted to ascetic austerities, the time when the (sacred) fires have all been lit up! These all, of rigid vows, protected by you, are performing the rites of religion in this sacred region! The descendants of Bhrigu and Angiras, along with those of Vasishta and Kasyapa, the illustrious sons of Agastya, the offspring of Atri all of excellent vows, in fact, all the foremost Brahmanas of the whole, are now united with you!

Listen, O son of the Kuru race born of Kunti, thyself with your brothers, to the words I speak to you! As are aided by the wind consumes the forest, so Brahma energy mingling with Kshatriya energy, and Kshatriya might mingling with Brahma power, might, when they gathered force, consume all enemies!

O child, he should never desire to be without Brahmanas who wishes to subdue this and the other world for length of days! Indeed, a king slays his enemies having obtained a Brahmana conversant, with religion and worldly affairs and freed from passion and folly. King Vali cherishing his subjects practised those duties that lead to salvation, and knew not of any other means in this world than Brahmanas. It was for this that all the desires of Virocana’s son, the Asura (Vali), were ever gratified, and his wealth was ever inexhaustible.

Having obtained the whole earth through the aid of the Brahmanas, he met with destruction when he began to practise wrong on them! This earth with her wealth never adores long as her lord a Kshatriya living without a Brahmana! The earth, however, girt by the sea, bows unto him who is ruled by a Brahmana and taught his duties by him! Like an elephant in battle without his driver, a Kshatriya destitute of Brahmanas decreases in strength! The Brahmana’s sight is without compare, and the Kshatriya’s might also is unparalleled. When these combine, the whole earth itself cheerfully yields to such a combination.

As fire becoming mightier with the wind consumes straw and wood, so kings with Brahmanas consume all foes! An intelligent Kshatriya, in order to gain what he has not, and increase what he has, should take counsel of Brahmanas! Therefore, O son of Kunti, for obtaining what you have not and increasing what you have, and spending what you have on proper objects and persons, keep you with you a Brahmana of reputation, of a knowledge of the Vedas, of wisdom and experience! O Yudhishthira. You have ever highly regarded the Brahmanas. It is for this that your fame is great and blazes in the three worlds!"

Vaisampayana continued, "Then all those Brahmanas who were with Yudhishthira worshipped Vaka of the Dalvya race, and having heard him praise Yudhishthira became highly pleased. And Dvaipayana and Narada and Jamadagnya and Prithusravas; and Indradyumna and Bhalaki and Kritacetas and Sahasrapat; and Karnasravas and Munja and Lavanasva and Kasyapa; and Harita and Sthulakarana and Agnivesya and Saunaka; and Kritavak and Suvakana Vrihadasva and Vibhavasu; and Urdharetas and Vrishamitra and Suhotra and Hotravahana; these and many other Brahmanas of rigid vows then adored Yudhishthira like Rishis adoring Purandara in heaven!"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section XXVI 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 XXVI of Book 3 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Brahmana, Brahmanas, Kshatriya, Yudhishthira, Brahma, Rishi; since these occur the most in Book 3, Section XXVI. There are a total of 45 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 100 times.

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

Section XXVI is part of the Arjunabhigamana Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 3 (Vana Parva). The Arjunabhigamana Parva contains a total of 26 sections while Book 3 contains a total of 13 such Parvas.

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

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

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