Section CLXXXIX - Bhishma defeated Rama in battle: Princess of Kasi's vow
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXXIX 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:
A maiden, seeking revenge against Bhishma for defeating Rama in battle, performed extreme ascetic practices for twelve years, living on air, standing in water, and eating only one leaf per day. Despite the warnings of her relatives and the advice of sages, she continued her rigorous penances, visiting various sacred retreats and performing difficult vows. Eventually, the river Ganga revealed to her that her wish to destroy Bhishma would not be fulfilled, and she would instead be reborn as a crooked river with a fearsome appearance, difficult to approach and dry for most of the year. Undeterred, the girl persisted in her austerities and ultimately transformed into the river, with half of her body becoming the crooked, fearsome waterway in Vatsabhumi.
The maiden's unwavering determination and sacrifice for her goal of revenge against Bhishma exemplify her relentless pursuit of justice and the lengths she was willing to go to achieve it. Despite the warnings and obstacles she faced along the way, she remained steadfast in her resolve to see her mission through to the end, even at the cost of her own comfort and well-being. The transformation into a river with half her body retained as a human form symbolizes the consequences of her actions and the lasting impact of her deeds on her existence. This tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of seeking vengeance and the importance of accepting the limitations of individual power in the face of destiny. It also highlights the power of ascetic practices and the influence of divine forces in shaping the course of one's life and actions.
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 CLXXXIX - Bhishma defeated Rama in battle: Princess of Kasi's vow, have a look at the following articles:
Section CLXXXIX, 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 CLXXXIX:
What did the daughter of the king of Kasi do to try and defeat Bhishma?
She performed intense austerities for twelve years to gain strength.
What did Ganga warn the princess of Kasi about during her penances?
She warned her that she would become a crooked river if unsuccessful.
Why did the princess of Kasi become a river only during the rainy seasons?
It was a result of her intense penances and desire to defeat Bhishma.
Daily life: Bhishma defeated Rama in battle: Princess of Kasi's vow:
This tale imparts the lesson that obsessively pursuing a single goal, especially one rooted in revenge or harm towards another, can lead to self-destructive outcomes and unintended consequences. It conveys the importance of understanding one's limitations and the power of destiny, suggesting that some things are beyond our control, no matter how much effort or determination we apply. The story of the Kasi princess who turned into a river as a result of her extreme ascetic practices aimed at harming Bhishma illustrates how a narrow focus on vengeance can lead to a tragic transformation, impacting not just the individual but the environment around them.
In everyday life, this narrative can inspire us to approach our goals with flexibility and a broader perspective, recognizing when to let go of pursuits that lead us away from wellbeing and harmony. It encourages us to seek wise counsel and listen to the advice of those who may have more experience or insight, as illustrated by the counsel the Kasi princess received, which she ultimately ignored to her detriment. The tale also underscores the value of pursuing objectives that contribute to personal growth and the betterment of society, rather than being consumed by desires for retribution or proving one's superiority. By embodying these lessons, we can navigate our lives with greater wisdom, balance, and foresight, avoiding paths that lead to self-harm or the harm of others.