Section CLIX - Rukmi's Offer to Aid Pandavas in Battle: Drona, Kripa, Bhishma, Karna
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLIX 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:
Rukmi, the son of Bhishmaka and a disciple of Drona, arrived at the Pandava camp offering his assistance in the upcoming battle. He boasted of his prowess and offered to slay their enemies, including Drona, Kripa, Bhishma, and Karna. Arjuna, responding confidently, recounted past battles where he had emerged victorious with the help of his allies and weapons. He declined Rukmi's offer of assistance, stating that he had no fear and did not require any additional help.
Rukmi then approached Duryodhana with the same offer of assistance, but was rejected by the proud king. Both Rukmi and Rama of Vrishni's race withdrew from the impending battle, leaving the Pandavas to strategize amongst themselves. Yudhishthira presided over a council with numerous monarchs present, ready to discuss their plans for the upcoming conflict. The Pandavas, despite the departure of Rukmi and Rama, remained determined and focused on their goal of victory.
The confrontation between Rukmi and Arjuna highlighted the determination and confidence of the Pandavas as they prepared for battle. Rukmi's offer of assistance and subsequent rejection mirrored the alliances and rivalries that would shape the course of the upcoming war. The presence of various monarchs at the council underscored the significance of the impending conflict and the need for strategic planning. The Pandavas' resolve remained steady, even in the face of setbacks and challenges. Overall, the story sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the Kurukshetra war.
Full English translation:
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Section CLIX, 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 CLIX:
What was the bow obtained by Rukmi and its significance in the story?
Rukmi obtained the bow called Vijaya from his preceptor Drona. It was equal to Gandiva in energy and belonged to Indra, inspiring dread.
Who was Rukmi and what was his relation to the Pandavas?
Rukmi was Bhishmaka's son, known as a person of truthful resolution. He entered the Pandava camp to offer assistance in battle against their foes.
Why did Rukmi offer his assistance to the Pandavas in battle?
Rukmi had previously been vanquished by Krishna and sought to redeem himself. He offered to slay the Pandavas' enemies, including Drona, Kripa, Bhishma, and Karna.
Daily life: Rukmi's Offer to Aid Pandavas in Battle: Drona, Kripa, Bhishma, Karna:
From the epic tale shared above, several life lessons can be distilled into practical advice for daily living. The narrative centers around valor, self-confidence, and the importance of knowing one’s own strength and value. Firstly, it exemplifies the significance of self-reliance and the belief in one's capabilities, as demonstrated by Arjuna's refusal to seek aid in battle despite the offers from a powerful ally. This teaches us the value of trusting in our abilities and facing challenges head-on, relying on our inner strength and resources.
Moreover, the story highlights the consequences of arrogance and the importance of humility. Rukmi, despite his prowess, faces rejection due to his overconfidence and inability to see the strengths in others. This serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of overestimating one’s importance and underestimating others, reminding us to remain humble and open to collaboration.
Lastly, the narrative underscores the significance of perseverance and dedication to one’s goals, as illustrated by the characters' commitment to their paths despite setbacks. It encourages us to stay focused on our objectives, persist through difficulties, and maintain our resolve in the pursuit of our goals, teaching us that with determination and hard work, we can overcome obstacles and achieve success.