Section CCXVIII - Vrishaspati's Sons and Their Powers in Hindu Mythology
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXVIII 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:
Vrishaspati, a sage, had six sons and one daughter with his wife Tara from the lunar world. One of his sons, Sanju, was a powerful fire associated with various sacrifices. Sanju's son, Bharadvaja, was honored at sacrifices with the first oblations, while his other son, Bharata, was praised with offerings of clarified butter. Bharata's son, Vira, was worshipped like Soma and considered to be sinless and pure, with the ability to regulate time.
Another son of Sanju, named Niscyavana, was known for praising the earth and relieving the sufferings of creatures. His son, Swana, was believed to generate diseases and inflict suffering on people. Vrihaspati had a third son called Visvajit and a fourth son, Visvabhuk, who was associated with digesting the food of all creatures. Vrihaspati's fifth son, Vadava, was a water-drinking sea fire that tended to move upwards, while his sixth son, Swishtakrit, was honored with excellent oblations.
Vrihaspati's daughter, Svaha, had three sons reflecting the qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas. The first son was known for his unparalleled beauty and was called the Kama-fire. The second son, called Amogha, was invincible in battle and wore wreaths of flowers. The third son, Uktha, was praised for being the means of salvation, originating the great word and known as Samasvasa, the means of rest.
Full English translation:
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Section CCXVIII, 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 Mahabharata, Section CCXVIII:
Who are the sons of Vrihaspati and what are their characteristics?
Vrihaspati had six sons, including Sanju, Bharadvaja, Bharata, and others. They represent different aspects of fire and are known for their religious merit and unique abilities.
What are the names and qualities of the daughters of Vrihaspati's family?
Vrihaspati had three daughters, including Bharati. They are known for their religious merit and associations with different aspects of fire.
Daily life: Vrishaspati's Sons and Their Powers in Hindu Mythology:
The story is a rich tapestry of mythological figures and concepts, weaving together the importance of fire, righteousness, and the virtues inherent in familial relationships and responsibilities. To apply its essence in our daily lives, one could focus on the significance of nurturing our inner qualities, such as truthfulness, self-control, and dedication to our duties, symbolized by the various characters and their attributes. Emulating the righteousness and purity represented by Sanju and his offspring could involve practicing honesty in our interactions and striving for personal improvement.
The reverence shown to fire in sacrifices highlights the role of respect and gratitude towards the elements and forces that sustain us, encouraging us to acknowledge and appreciate the natural world and its gifts. Like the characters who embody specific virtues and roles, recognizing and cultivating our unique talents and qualities can contribute to a harmonious and fulfilling life. The narrative also underscores the power of actions and their consequences, reminding us of the importance of performing our duties with care and consideration for their impact on ourselves and others.
By embracing the underlying values portrayed in the story, such as dedication, respect, and righteousness, we can navigate life's challenges with strength and integrity, fostering well-being for ourselves and contributing to the welfare of the community.