Section CXXXVII - Kunti's Instructions to Krishna: Message for Arjuna and Bhima

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXXVII 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:
Kunti recalls the prophecy about her son Arjuna's greatness and instructs Krishna to convey her message to him, emphasizing his destiny to conquer the earth with his brothers. She also urges Krishna to remind Bhima and Arjuna to protect Draupadi and take revenge for the insults she endured at the Kuru assembly. Krishna, after receiving Kunti's instructions, leaves the Pandavas' abode with Karna and Satyaki, causing the Kurus to worry about the impending destruction due to Duryodhana's folly. The Kurus reflect on the gravity of the situation as they watch Krishna leave, realizing that the earth is in the grips of ignorance and death.

Krishna and Karna travel together, deep in conversation, as they leave the Kuru city, with Krishna eventually dismissing Karna and speeding off towards Upaplavya with Daruka. The swift coursers driven by Daruka dash towards their destination like hawks flying through the skies, carrying the wielder of Saranga towards his next destination. The people of the city watch in awe as Krishna departs, knowing that his presence brings both hope and fear for the future, as the prophecy regarding Arjuna's greatness looms over them.

Upon his arrival in Upaplavya, Krishna is greeted with anticipation and respect by the residents, as they understand the significance of his visit and the role he plays in shaping the destiny of the Pandavas. The people of Upaplavya listen eagerly to Krishna's words, knowing that his guidance and wisdom can potentially alter the course of the ongoing conflict and bring justice to the oppressed Pandavas. As Krishna prepares to meet with the Pandavas in their time of need, the atmosphere in Upaplavya is charged with anticipation and hope for a better future under his guidance.

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 CXXXVII - Kunti's Instructions to Krishna: Message for Arjuna and Bhima, have a look at the following articles:

Section CXXXVII, 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 CXXXVII:

What was the celestial prophecy about Arjuna and his brothers?

A celestial voice predicted Arjuna's victories, with Bhima by his side. The voice also mentioned their sacrifices and reclaiming their kingdom.

What message did Kunti want Krishna to deliver to her sons?

Kunti wanted Krishna to remind Arjuna of his prowess, encourage Bhima's determination, and praise Draupadi's virtues to the Pandavas.

How did Krishna respond to Kunti's requests and what happened next?

Krishna saluted Kunti, spoke with the Kurus, departed with Karna, and reached Upaplavya. The Kurus discussed the marvel of Krishna's actions.

Daily life: Kunti's Instructions to Krishna: Message for Arjuna and Bhima:

In this story, Kunti implores Krishna to remind her sons of their virtues, righteousness, and the hardships they've endured, especially focusing on the importance of protecting their wife Draupadi and reclaiming their kingdom. This heartfelt plea underscores the value of remembering one's duties and moral compass in times of difficulty, and the power of righteousness to sustain and guide individuals toward achieving justice and fulfilling their destinies.

Applying this narrative to daily life involves standing by one's core values and principles, especially when faced with challenges or injustices. It's about remembering the importance of family, the strength found in unity, and the need to stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult. The significance of seeking wise counsel and the support of friends who embody virtuous qualities can also be an essential element in overcoming obstacles.

Moreover, facing life's battles requires remembering past struggles and using them as motivation to push forward, not just for personal gain but for the betterment of those around us. Living according to these principles helps cultivate a life filled with purpose, courage, and an unwavering commitment to righteousness, ensuring that one's actions align with their highest ideals and contribute positively to the world around them.

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