Section CCLXVIII - Prowess of the Sons of Pandu in Battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCLXVIII 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 hostile Kshatriyas, led by King Jayadratha, sent up a loud shout upon seeing Bhimasena and Arjuna. Draupadi, recognizing her husbands, described each one in detail to Jayadratha, starting with Yudhishthira, known for his morality and mercy towards foes. She then identified Bhima, with his superhuman strength and relentless vengeance against his enemies. Arjuna, renowned for his bowmanship, intelligence, and reverence for elders, was the third brother she pointed out. Nakula, the handsome and wise youth skilled in sword fighting, and Sahadeva, the intelligent and eloquent youngest brother, were also described by Draupadi.
The five sons of Pritha, filled with wrath, left the infantry imploring for mercy and attacked the charioteers with a relentless shower of arrows. The Kshatriyas, including Jayadratha, found themselves in a dire situation as the Pandava brothers displayed their prowess on the battlefield. Yudhishthira's mercy, Bhima's strength, Arjuna's bowmanship, Nakula's sword fighting skills, and Sahadeva's intelligence overwhelmed the enemy forces. Draupadi's words proved true as the sons of Pandu proved their might and determination in battle. Ultimately, Jayadratha and his warriors faced defeat at the hands of the heroic Pandavas.
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 CCLXVIII - Prowess of the Sons of Pandu in Battle, have a look at the following articles:
Section CCLXVIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCLXVIII:
Who were the five great warriors described by Draupadi in the story?
Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva were the warriors described by Draupadi. Each had unique qualities and skills in battle.
What was Jayadratha's reaction upon seeing the standards of the Pandavas?
Jayadratha lost his courage and asked Draupadi to describe each warrior. Despite her warning, he chose to face the Pandavas in battle.
How did the Pandavas react upon encountering the hostile Kshatriyas?
The Pandavas, filled with wrath, left the infantry and attacked the charioteers furiously. They showered arrows upon their enemies without mercy.
Daily life: Prowess of the Sons of Pandu in Battle:
From the story where Draupadi vividly describes the Pandavas' virtues and prowess to Jayadratha, we can draw inspiration on the importance of recognizing and upholding core values such as justice, courage, self-discipline, wisdom, and loyalty in our daily lives. Just as Draupadi takes pride in her husbands' integrity and strength, highlighting their unique qualities and deeds, we too should take pride in our own virtues and those around us. It teaches us to stand by our principles and the people we value, even in the face of adversity.
In our interactions with others, it's crucial to act with compassion and understanding, yet be firm and resolute when our core values are challenged, much like how the Pandavas did not tolerate injustice. The story encourages us to approach challenges with a calm and focused mind, leveraging our strengths and wisdom to navigate through difficult situations. By embodying these values and acting with purpose and determination, we can inspire those around us and make a positive impact on our community, much like the Pandavas' enduring legacy in facing adversity without losing sight of dharma (righteousness).
Embracing the ethos of the Pandavas means living a life of principle, where valor, wisdom, and loyalty guide our actions. Such a life not only earns respect but also enriches our relationships and communities with positive virtues.