Section VI - Geography of Bharata Varsha: Land, Mountains, Rivers
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section VI 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:
In this story, King Dhritarashtra seeks a detailed description from his charioteer Sanjaya about the island that resembles a hare. Sanjaya explains that the island is divided into six mountains stretching from east to west, with each mountain measuring a thousand Yojanas in length. These mountains are the abodes of Siddhas, Charanas, and various creatures of different species. He further describes the Varshas and islands surrounding the mountains, detailing their unique characteristics and the types of beings that inhabit them.
Sanjaya goes on to explain that the mountain Meru, made of gold and standing at eighty-four thousand Yojanas high, is the central point of the island resembling a hare. It is where celestial beings like the gods, Gandharvas, Asuras, Rakshasas, and Apsaras gather to perform sacrifices and enjoy themselves. The mountain is surrounded by four islands—Bhadrasva, Ketumala, Jamvudvipa (Bharata), and Uttar-Kuru—each with its own distinct features and inhabitants, including Kuvera and his Guhyakas on Gandhamadana.
The story continues with Sanjaya describing the various Varshas in the region, such as Sveta, Hiranyaka, and Elavrita, each with unique characteristics and durations of human life. He also mentions the presence of divine beings like Brahma, Rudra, and Sakra, as well as the sacred river Ganga, which originates from the summit of Meru and flows into the lake of Candramas. The narration highlights the celestial beauty and richness of the region, with mountains, forests, and lakes teeming with life and divine presence.
Sanjaya further elaborates on the different inhabitants of the Varshas, from golden-complexioned men and lotus-like women to the joyful and strong beings living on the mountains. He describes the celestial splendor of the various regions, including the abodes of Vaisravana, Mahesvara, and the celestial stream Ganga. The intricate details of the landscape, the divine beings residing there, and the mythological significance of the mountains and rivers paint a vivid picture of a fantastical and mystical realm in the world resembling a hare.
In conclusion, Sanjaya provides King Dhritarashtra with a comprehensive overview of the island resembling a hare, detailing its geographical features, divine inhabitants, and unique characteristics. The story depicts a land of beauty, abundance, and spiritual significance, where gods, celestial beings, and humans coexist in harmony within the enchanting landscapes of mountains, rivers, and forests. The narration illuminates the richness and diversity of this mystical realm, inviting the listener to marvel at its wonders and contemplate its deeper meanings.
Full English translation:
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Section VI, 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 VI:
What are the seven Varshas in the world according to the story?
The seven Varshas mentioned in the story are Bharata, Himavat, Nila, Sringavat, Harivarsha, Ketumala, and Jamvudvipa.
Which mountains are considered the resorts of different beings in the story?
Himavat for Rakshasas, Hemakuta for Guhyakas, and Nishadha for serpents and Nagas.
What is the significance of the celestial stream Ganga mentioned in the story?
The Ganga stream has divine origins and has seven branches flowing through different regions.
Where do celestial beings, humans, and creatures reside as per the story?
Celestials reside in Sveta and Sringavat, humans in Bharata, and diverse creatures are spread across all Varshas.
Daily life: Geography of Bharata Varsha: Land, Mountains, Rivers:
The tale narrated by Sanjaya about the detailed geography and the diversity of life and terrain in different regions of the mythical Earth presents several allegorical themes that can be applied to daily living. From this rich tapestry of mythological landscapes, one can distill the importance of recognizing and appreciating diversity in life forms, cultures, and geographies. The story reflects how different environments, symbolized by various mythical mountains and lands, harbor unique forms of life and modes of existence, emphasizing the beauty and necessity of ecological and cultural diversity.
The narrative also underscores the significance of harmony and balance. Just as the Sun, the Moon, and the Wind god circumambulate Meru, maintaining cosmic order, individuals should strive to live in harmony with nature and with each other. This balance is crucial for sustaining life and ensuring the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. The story, with its vast and varied landscapes, from the gold-laden Mount Meru to the serene banks of the Ganges, illustrates the richness that comes from such harmony and balance, urging us to seek the same in our lives.
Moreover, tales of gods, celestial rivers, and eternally youthful beings serve as metaphors for the timeless values of righteousness, purity, and the pursuit of spiritual goals. These narratives encourage individuals to aim for higher virtues in their daily lives, such as integrity, compassion, and a sense of justice, which are essential for personal growth and societal welfare.
Ultimately, the myth invites us to embrace diversity, seek balance, and aspire to higher virtues, reminding us that despite the apparent differences, there is a fundamental interconnectedness among all living beings and the world they inhabit. In daily life, this translates to living with awareness and respect for the natural world, practicing kindness towards all, and pursuing personal and communal well-being in a manner that uplifts and sustains the intricate web of life.