Section XCVIII - Duryodhana seeks Bhishma's help to defeat Pandavas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XCVIII 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:
King Duryodhana, along with Sakuni and Karna, conspired to defeat the Pandavas in battle by strategizing on how to overcome their formidable foes. They planned to convince Bhishma to withdraw from the fight, believing that he showed mercy towards the Pandavas and was unable to vanquish them. Duryodhana ordered his troops to prepare for battle and mounted his horse, adorned with regal attire and surrounded by his brothers and supporters. He approached Bhishma's quarters with the intention of persuading him to step aside so that Karna could take on the Pandavas.
Upon reaching Bhishma, Duryodhana humbly requested his support in defeating the Pandavas, expressing his desire for victory in the battle. He urged Bhishma to fulfill his previous promise of helping him vanquish the Pandavas and offered to have Karna take on the task. Duryodhana pleaded for Bhishma to act in their favor, emphasizing the importance of defeating their enemies for the sake of their kingdom and honor. He implored Bhishma to make his words true by allowing Karna to fight and emerge victorious against the Pandavas.
Duryodhana, accompanied by his brothers and supporters, approached Bhishma with reverence and entreated him to grant them his assistance in the battle against the Pandavas. He expressed his concerns about the strength and skill of their enemies, seeking Bhishma's guidance and support in overcoming the formidable warriors. Duryodhana's plea for Bhishma's intervention was fueled by his desire to emerge victorious in the impending conflict and secure his position as the ruler of their kingdom. He laid out his plans to have Karna take on the Pandavas in battle and achieve success with Bhishma's help.
Despite his fears and uncertainties, Duryodhana remained determined to defeat the Pandavas and secure his reign as the ruler of their kingdom. He sought the assistance of Bhishma, believing that his guidance and support would be crucial in achieving victory in the upcoming battle. Duryodhana's resolve to overcome his enemies was strengthened by his faith in Karna's abilities and his strategic planning to outmaneuver the Pandavas. He remained focused on his goal of emerging triumphant in the conflict and was willing to go to great lengths to ensure the defeat of his adversaries.
Overall, the story highlights the complex political maneuvering and strategic planning undertaken by Duryodhana and his allies in their quest to defeat the Pandavas in battle. The conversation between Duryodhana, Karna, and Bhishma underscores the tensions and ambitions driving the conflict, with each character playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the impending war. Duryodhana's determination to emerge victorious, coupled with Karna's promise to defeat the Pandavas, sets the stage for the unfolding drama and the ensuing battle between the two sides.
Full English translation:
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Section XCVIII, 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 XCVIII:
What was the plan devised by Duryodhana and his allies to defeat the Pandavas?
They planned to convince Bhishma to withdraw from battle, allowing Karna to defeat the Pandavas.
Why did Duryodhana seek Bhishma's help in defeating the Pandavas?
Duryodhana felt overwhelmed by the Pandavas' strength and believed Bhishma's absence would turn the tide.
What role did Karna play in the strategy to defeat the Pandavas?
Karna pledged to slay the Parthas once Bhishma retired from battle.
Daily life: Duryodhana seeks Bhishma's help to defeat Pandavas:
The story teaches us valuable lessons about seeking support and communication, which can be implemented in our daily lives. Just like Duryodhana approached advisor figures like Bhishma for assistance in a time of need, we should not hesitate to seek help from those who are more experienced or knowledgeable when we face difficulties. This highlights the importance of acknowledging our vulnerabilities and actively seeking guidance to overcome challenges.
Moreover, the story demonstrates the significance of open communication and expressing our concerns clearly to those around us, much like Duryodhana vocalizing his worries and requesting support. It's essential to articulate our needs and feelings to foster understanding and collaboration among peers, friends, and family.
Additionally, it teaches us the importance of being resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity, as shown by Duryodhana's strategy to change tactics when faced with challenges. This resilience can inspire us to be flexible and adaptable, finding new ways to approach our problems when initial plans don’t work out.
Overall, the narrative encourages us to seek guidance, communicate openly, and remain resilient, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and that by reaching out and adapting, we can navigate through challenges more effectively.