Section XVII - Arjuna Challenges Trigartas, Vows to Protect Yudhishthira
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XVII 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 the Mahabharata, after the troops of both the Pandavas and Kauravas took up their quarters, Drona lamented the difficulty of defeating Arjuna while he was by Yudhishthira's side. He devised a plan to draw Arjuna away from Yudhishthira so that he could capture the Pandava king. The Trigartas, led by Susarman, vowed to slay Arjuna in battle, seeking revenge for past humiliations by the wielder of Gandiva.
The Trigartas, along with other allies, took a solemn oath to defeat Arjuna on the battlefield, invoking the wrath of various deities and swearing to achieve victory or die trying. They prepared for battle, clad in armor, robes of Kusa grass, and with bowstrings serving as girdles, and ignited fires as a symbol of their vow. Arjuna accepted the challenge, seeking permission from Yudhishthira to face the Trigartas in combat and vowing to protect the king from Drona's attempt to seize him.
Yudhishthira granted Arjuna permission to confront the Trigartas and embraced him warmly, offering blessings and words of encouragement. Arjuna, confident in his abilities and determined to protect his brother, set out to face the Trigartas on the battlefield like a hungry lion seeking its prey. As Arjuna engaged the Trigartas in battle, the Kaurava troops, emboldened by his absence from Yudhishthira's side, intensified their efforts to capture the Pandava king.
The two armies clashed with great fury, resembling swollen rivers meeting in the rainy season. Arjuna's skill and valor were put to the test as he fought against the Trigartas and their allies, determined to thwart their plans and ensure the safety of Yudhishthira. The outcome of this battle would have far-reaching consequences for both sides, as the fate of the Pandavas hung in the balance amidst the chaos of war. Despite the challenges and dangers they faced, Arjuna and Yudhishthira remained resolute in their determination to overcome their enemies and emerge victorious in the conflict.
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 XVII - Arjuna Challenges Trigartas, Vows to Protect Yudhishthira, have a look at the following articles:
Section XVII, 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 XVII:
How did Drona plan to seize Yudhishthira in battle?
Drona planned to draw Arjuna away from Yudhishthira, allowing him to seize the king. He believed Arjuna and Krishna were invincible together.
What oath did the Trigartas and other warriors take?
The Trigartas and their allies took an oath to slay Arjuna in battle. They vowed to achieve this goal or perish trying.
Why did Yudhishthira give Arjuna permission to fight?
Yudhishthira knew Drona had resolved to seize him, so he allowed Arjuna to protect him by engaging the Trigartas in battle.
How did Arjuna plan to protect Yudhishthira?
Arjuna sought permission from Yudhishthira to face the Trigartas, with Satyajit assigned to protect the king in his absence.
Daily life: Arjuna Challenges Trigartas, Vows to Protect Yudhishthira:
The story, drawn from the epic Mahabharata, illustrates the crucial lessons of strategy, commitment, and the importance of support systems in facing challenges. In everyday life, this narrative encourages individuals to strategize effectively, similar to how warriors in the tale plan their battles. Proper planning before facing any challenge, whether it's a job interview, managing tasks, or resolving conflicts, can significantly enhance the chances of success.
Commitment is another vital takeaway, as demonstrated through the warriors' vows and Arjuna's determination to face his challengers despite the risks. This teaches us to stay committed to our goals and responsibilities, even in the face of adversities. A committed approach ensures persistence and consistency, which are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving objectives.
The story also underscores the importance of having a support system, akin to Yudhishthira’s reliance on Arjuna and his protectors. In real life, building a network of supportive peers, family, and mentors can provide the necessary encouragement and assistance to navigate difficult times. These individuals can offer advice, share experiences, and provide emotional support, proving invaluable in personal growth and achievement.
Incorporating these lessons into daily life involves recognizing the value of preparing ahead, staying true to one's commitments, and fostering strong support networks. By doing so, individuals can tackle their challenges more effectively, leading to personal and professional development. This story, thus, serves as a motivational guide for navigating life's battles with strategy, determination, and the backing of a supportive community.