Section CCVIII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCVIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Dhritarashtra acknowledges the truth in the words of Bhishma, Drona, and Vidura, recognizing the Pandavas as his own children and rightful heirs to the kingdom. Vidura is sent to bring the Pandavas and Draupadi back to Hastinapur, bearing gifts and good wishes from the Kauravas. He meets with Drupada and the Pandavas, expressing Dhritarashtra's joy over the alliance with the Pancalas and his eagerness to see the Pandavas and Draupadi return to their kingdom. Drupada is pleased with the message and grants permission for the Pandavas to return with their wife. Vidura assures that he will inform Dhritarashtra of the decision, and the Pandavas prepare to reunite with their family in Hastinapur.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CCVIII, have a look at the following articles:
Section CCVIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Section CCVIII:
What did Dhritarashtra ask Vidura to do regarding the Pandavas and Draupadi?
Dhritarashtra asked Vidura to bring the Pandavas, their mother, and Draupadi back with affection. He sent jewels and wealth for them.
How did Vidura express the Kauravas' happiness with the Pandava alliance?
Vidura informed Drupada that Dhritarashtra and the Kurus were delighted with the alliance. They eagerly awaited the Pandavas' return and reunion with Krishna.
What was Vidura's suggestion to Drupada regarding the Pandavas' return?
Vidura advised Drupada to permit the Pandavas to re-visit their ancestral kingdom. He assured that the Kuru kingdom eagerly awaited their arrival with Krishna.
Mahabharata Section CCVIII in daily life:
The story from the Mahabharata, where Dhritarashtra sends Vidura to invite the Pandavas back to the kingdom after their period of adversity, teaches important life lessons about reconciliation, forgiveness, and the value of family bonds. In daily life, this can be applied by embracing the idea of letting go of past grievances and misunderstandings with family or friends. When conflicts arise, as they inevitably do, it's beneficial to communicate openly, with a heartfelt intention to understand and forgive, much like Dhritarashtra did despite the complex family dynamics at play.
The emphasis on welcoming the Pandavas and Draupadi with gifts and warm inquiries about their welfare demonstrates the importance of showing appreciation and kindness to those we care about, signaling a fresh start. Just as Vidura acted as a mediator to convey good intentions and facilitate the reunion, we too can sometimes bridge gaps between estranged friends or family members by encouraging dialogue and expressing genuine concern for their well-being.
This story also highlights how celebrating the good fortune of others, such as welcoming them with gifts and kind words, can strengthen relationships and bring joy to everyone involved. By applying these ancient wisdoms in our lives—forgiving past wrongs, encouraging open communication, and celebrating each other’s successes—we can foster a more harmonious and loving environment in our personal and communal relationships.