Section XLVII - Abhimanyu's Brave Battle and Sacrifice: A Heartwrenching Moment in Epic War
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XLVII 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:
Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Arjuna and Subhadra, displayed extraordinary skill and bravery on the battlefield, resembling Vishnu himself with his prowess. In a fierce battle, he faced multiple adversaries and fought fiercely, but was eventually overwhelmed by the combined forces of the Kauravas. Despite being deprived of his weapons and chariot, Abhimanyu continued to fight with a mighty mace, slaying many prominent warriors of the enemy army.
Ultimately, Abhimanyu was defeated by Duryodhana's son, Duhsasana, who struck him on the head with a mace, causing him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground. The Pandava warriors were filled with grief at the loss of such a skilled and courageous comrade, while the Kauravas rejoiced at their victory. The battlefield was strewn with the bodies of fallen soldiers, elephants, and shattered weapons, presenting a grim and terrifying sight.
Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, tried to rally his troops and inspire them to continue the fight, acknowledging Abhimanyu's heroic deeds and assuring them of eventual victory. Despite the setback of losing Abhimanyu, Yudhishthira urged his soldiers to stand firm and not lose hope in the face of adversity. He reminded them that Abhimanyu had performed extraordinary feats in battle and had surely ascended to a glorious afterlife for his bravery and sacrifice.
The death of Abhimanyu marked a turning point in the battle, as the Pandava forces suffered a significant blow to their morale with the loss of such a skilled warrior. The Kauravas, emboldened by their success in defeating Abhimanyu, launched a fierce attack on the Pandava army, causing them to retreat in disarray. Despite their grief and shock at the loss of Abhimanyu, Yudhishthira tried to instill courage and determination in his soldiers, urging them to continue fighting in honor of their fallen comrade.
In the aftermath of Abhimanyu's death, the battlefield was filled with sorrow and devastation, as both sides mourned the loss of a young hero who had fought with unmatched bravery and skill. The earth was littered with the bodies of fallen warriors, broken weapons, and shattered chariots, presenting a haunting and somber scene of the cost of war. The Pandavas, reeling from the loss of Abhimanyu, faced an uphill battle against their enemies, knowing that they had lost a formidable ally in the fight for righteousness and justice.
Full English translation:
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Section XLVII, 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 XLVII:
What were Abhimanyu’s notable feats during the battle?
Abhimanyu fought valiantly, slaying many warriors and destroying countless enemy forces. His mastery with the mace was particularly impressive, as he exhibited unmatched skill and courage on the battlefield.
How did Abhimanyu eventually meet his demise?
Despite his formidable abilities, Abhimanyu was overwhelmed by multiple adversaries and ultimately fell in combat. He fought bravely against superior numbers, enduring numerous wounds before being struck down by Duhsasana’s son.
How did Abhimanyu’s death impact the battlefield and those involved?
Abhimanyu's death brought both joy to the enemy troops and sorrow to the Pandava warriors. His loss led to a temporary retreat of the Pandava forces, but Yudhishthira's words of encouragement inspired them to continue fighting in his memory.
Daily life: Abhimanyu's Brave Battle and Sacrifice: A Heartwrenching Moment in Epic War:
The story of Abhimanyu's valiant yet tragic end in the Mahabharata offers profound lessons applicable to modern life. At its core, the narrative exemplifies the virtue of courage and the inevitable nature of challenges. Like Abhimanyu, we often find ourselves besieged by difficulties that seem insurmountable. However, the key takeaway is the essence of facing problems head-on, with a brave heart, much like how Abhimanyu ventured into the battle, undeterred by the overwhelming odds against him.
Moreover, the tale underscores the reality of life's uncertainties and the fact that outcomes, regardless of our efforts, might not always align with our desires. This teaches us resilience, illustrating the importance of standing back up, even when life knocks us down through unforeseen circumstances or outcomes.
Lastly, Abhimanyu’s story emphasizes the value of righteousness and the integrity with which we should lead our lives. Though outnumbered and ultimately meeting his end, Abhimanyu's valor and adherence to his duty left an indelible mark, serving as a reminder that it's not just success but the process and integrity towards our goals that truly define us. This encourages us to undertake our endeavors with diligence and ethical conduct, aiming not just for success but for a legacy that inspires.