Puranic encyclopaedia

by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222

This page describes the Story of Daruka included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).

Story of Dāruka

Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s charioteer.

In the Mahābhārata, we come across few persons who excel Dāruka in their skill as charioteers. We find the following details about him in the Mahābhārata:—

1) When Śrī Kṛṣṇa fought against King Śālva, Dāruka was over-whelmed by Śālva’s arrows. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 21, Verse 5).

2) At the time of the battle at Kurukṣetra, hearing the sound of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s conch-shell, Dāruka drove his chariot and brought it before Śrī Kṛṣṇa. (Mahābhārata Droṇa Parva, Chapter 147, Verse 45).

3) When Sātyaki fought with Karṇa, Dāruka drove Sātyaki’s chariot. At that time he proved his extraordinary skill in charioteering. (Mahābhārata Droṇa Parva, Chapter 147, Verse 54).

4) After being attended by Dāruka, Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s chariot horses flew up into the Heavens. (Mahābhārata Mausala Parva, Chapter 3, Verse 5).

5) It was Dāruka who informed the Pāṇḍavas that the Yaduvaṃśa had perished. On his return, he accompanied Arjuna in his journey to Dvārakā. (Mahābhārata Mausala Parva, Chapter 5).

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