Section CCXXV - The Birth of Skanda: Markandeya's Tale of Power and Intrigue
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXXV 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:
The birth of Skanda, the son of Agni and the six wives of the seven Rishis, caused chaos and fearful phenomena in the universe. The Rishis, believing that their wives were responsible for this, divorced them except for Arundhati. Svaha, the mother of Skanda, revealed herself to him and defended her innocence to the Rishis, who were eventually informed of the truth by Visvamitra. The celestials, fearing Skanda's power, urged Sakra to kill him, but the great Mothers of the Universe, unable to defeat him, offered him protection and care.
When the Mothers saw Skanda's immense strength, they became disheartened and asked him to become their adopted son, offering him their milk. Skanda accepted their offer and was also tended to by his father, Agni, who took on the form of a trader with numerous children. One of the Mothers, born of Anger, watched over Skanda with a spike in hand, while the red-coloured daughter of the Sea nursed him like a mother. Agni, in his trader form, provided Skanda with toys in their mountain abode.
The Rishis, realizing their mistake, accepted their wives back except for the one who had truly borne Skanda. Skanda, protected by the Mothers and Agni, grew strong under their care and attention. The celestials, who had initially feared him, came to respect and revere Skanda for his immense power and strength. Skanda, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him, grew into a mighty being who would go on to accomplish great feats and protect the universe.
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 CCXXV - The Birth of Skanda: Markandeya's Tale of Power and Intrigue, have a look at the following articles:
Section CCXXV, 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 CCXXV:
Who were the main characters in the story of Skanda's birth?
The main characters in the story are Skanda, Agni, Svaha, Rishis, and Mahasena. Celestial beings such as the gods and the Mothers of the Universe also play important roles.
What were some of the extraordinary events that occurred during Skanda's birth?
Fearful phenomena, reversal of natural laws, earthquakes, and celestial radiance were seen. Planets shone brightly, and Rishis sought to restore tranquility in the universe.
Why did the celestials want Skanda to be killed, and who protected him?
The celestials feared Skanda's power and wanted him killed. However, the Mothers of the Universe, including a daughter of Anger and Agni, protected Skanda.
Daily life: The Birth of Skanda: Markandeya's Tale of Power and Intrigue:
The story from Markandeya narrates the birth of a powerful being, Skanda, and the tumultuous events that followed. It touches on themes such as misunderstanding, innocence, reconciliation, and the recognition of strength and compassion. In our daily lives, we can take away the importance of not jumping to conclusions or blaming others without understanding the full story, as the six wives of the Rishis were wrongfully accused. This teaches us to seek the truth and understand situations deeply before making judgments.
Furthermore, the story illustrates the power of acknowledging and accepting one's own strengths and the strengths of others, as exemplified by the gods' recognition of Skanda's might and their subsequent respect towards him. It shows us the value of embracing one’s capabilities while also being open to forming alliances and accepting support, as Skanda did with the Mothers.
Additionally, the narrative demonstrates compassion and the power of forgiveness. Despite the initial intent of harm towards him, Skanda welcomes the affection of the Mothers and Agni, showing us the importance of choosing understanding and unity over conflict. This can be applied in our lives by fostering a spirit of cooperation and compassion, even in difficult or competitive situations. Embracing these values helps to create a more harmonious and supportive environment in both personal and professional settings.