Section CXCIV - Sikhandini Seeks the Yaksha's Help to Save Her Family
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXCIV 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:
Sikhandini's mother confessed to her husband, King Drupada, that their daughter was born a girl but was raised as a boy due to fear of her co-wives. Despite this revelation, Drupada had already arranged for Sikhandini to marry the daughter of the king of the Dasarnakas. Upon hearing this, Drupada consulted his ministers to protect his kingdom from the impending invasion by his brother. Meanwhile, Sikhandini, feeling responsible for her parents' distress, decided to end her own life and sought refuge in a forest inhabited by a Yaksha named Sthunakarna.
In the forest, Sikhandini encountered Sthunakarna who offered to help her achieve her desires. She expressed her wish to become a man to save her family from the impending war. The Yaksha, being a follower of the Lord of treasures, granted her boon and promised to fulfill her request. Sikhandini revealed her plight to the Yaksha, seeking his assistance in saving her city and family from the wrath of the king of the Dasarnakas.
Upon hearing Sikhandini's plea, the Yaksha assured her of his help and granted her the boon to become a man. He pledged to use his powers to ensure her transformation and help her protect her family and kingdom. With the Yaksha's assurance, Sikhandini gained hope and strength to face the challenges ahead. She prepared herself for the battles to come, determined to fulfill her destiny as a warrior and protector of her loved ones. Through the grace of the Yaksha, Sikhandini's transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life as she embraced her identity and purpose with courage and determination.
Full English translation:
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Section CXCIV, 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 CXCIV:
What was Sikhandini's plan to save her father from destruction?
Sikhandini decided to end her life, going to a dangerous forest. A Yaksha offered help.
How did the Yaksha, Sthunakarna, respond to Sikhandini's plea for help?
The Yaksha, known for granting boons, promised to help Sikhandini. He offered assistance.
What was Sikhandini's ultimate request from the Yaksha, Sthunakarna?
Sikhandini asked to become a man to protect her family from danger.
Daily life: Sikhandini Seeks the Yaksha's Help to Save Her Family:
The story of Sikhandini and the Yaksha teaches us about the importance of honesty, courage, and seeking help when facing dire circumstances. It highlights that concealing the truth, as done by Sikhandini's parents, might offer a temporary solution but eventually leads to more significant issues that could affect not just an individual but an entire kingdom. This suggests that in our lives, being truthful, even when it's challenging, is crucial for avoiding complications later on.
The narrative also underscores the importance of seeking help in times of need. Sikhandini, realizing the gravity of her situation and its impact on her parents, decides to take a bold step by seeking assistance from a feared Yaksha. This action demonstrates that sometimes, finding a resolution to our problems requires us to step out of our comfort zones and seek help, even from unlikely sources. Whether it's personal struggles or professional challenges, reaching out for support can lead to unexpected and transformative solutions.
Moreover, the story reflects on the power of determination. Sikhandini's determination to protect her family and kingdom leads her to a path of self-sacrifice. This teaches us that our determination to overcome obstacles can sometimes lead us to make tough decisions, but it's our commitment to resolving the issues that can ultimately bring about positive change.
In daily life, implementing these lessons means embracing honesty, courageously facing our difficulties, and not hesitating to seek help when needed. It encourages us to be open to unconventional solutions and reminds us of the strength that lies in determination and the pursuit of transformation for the betterment of ourselves and those around us.