Section CXCVII - Yudhishthira Seeks Arjuna's Help to Defeat Foes
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXCVII 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:
Yudhishthira learns from his spies that Duryodhana and other leaders of the Kuru army believe they can defeat Pandu's sons within a month. In response, Yudhishthira seeks the counsel of his brothers, particularly Arjuna, on how quickly they can defeat their enemies. Arjuna reveals that with the help of Lord Mahadeva's powerful weapon given to him in a battle, he can annihilate the enemy forces in an instant. Arjuna assures Yudhishthira that he has powerful allies on their side who are capable of defeating even celestial beings in battle.
Arjuna acknowledges the strength and skills of their enemies, including Bhishma, Drona, and Karna, but expresses his confidence in his own abilities and the support of Vasudeva (Lord Krishna). He emphasizes that he possesses a formidable celestial weapon given to him by Lord Mahadeva, which none of their enemies are aware of or capable of countering. Arjuna assures Yudhishthira that he and their allies are well-prepared and trained in warfare, with the ability to defeat even the most powerful opponents in a fair battle.
Arjuna lists the formidable allies on their side, such as Sikhandin, Yuyudhana, Bhimasena, the twins, and other powerful warriors. He mentions their capabilities and equal strength to renowned warriors like Bhishma and Drona. Arjuna assures Yudhishthira that with such formidable allies by their side, they have the strength and skills to overcome any obstacle and emerge victorious in battle. He also reiterates his own extraordinary abilities, supported by the powerful celestial weapon at his disposal.
Yudhishthira is reassured by Arjuna's words and the strength of their allies, feeling confident in their ability to face the Kuru army in battle. He recognizes the support and guidance of Lord Krishna (Vasudeva) and the immense power of Arjuna's celestial weapon. Yudhishthira is ready to lead his brothers and allies into battle, trusting in their skills and strength to overcome the formidable foes and emerge victorious in their quest for justice and reclaiming their kingdom.
Full English translation:
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Section CXCVII, 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 CXCVII:
Who did Yudhishthira ask about annihilating the enemy troops?
Yudhishthira asked Arjuna how quickly he could exterminate the enemy forces.
Why did Arjuna believe he could annihilate the foes quickly?
Arjuna possessed a powerful weapon given by Lord Shiva, unknown to the enemy. With his skilled allies, he could defeat any opponent fairly.
Daily life: Yudhishthira Seeks Arjuna's Help to Defeat Foes:
In the story, when faced with a daunting challenge, Yudhishthira turns to his allies for support and openly discusses the situation, demonstrating the power of seeking advice and rallying those around him. Arjuna, showing confidence and optimism, emphasizes the strength and capabilities of their side, reassuring Yudhishthira that together they can overcome any obstacle. This teaches the importance of confidence and the value of having a supportive community in difficult times. Arjuna’s mention of celestial weapons but his choice not to use them against ordinary men underscores the principle of fairness and ethical conduct, indicating that even in adversity, one should adhere to their principles.
In daily life, this can translate to facing challenges with courage, consulting with those we trust, and rallying our resources. It reminds us to believe in our capabilities and those of our team, approach problems ethically, and maintain a positive outlook. Building a supportive network and valuing their contributions can empower us to overcome obstacles, while integrity guides our actions towards just outcomes. This story, therefore, encapsulates the essence of teamwork, ethical behavior, and the importance of a positive attitude in overcoming challenges.