Section LVII - King Paurava's Generosity: Sacrificial Gifts and Glory
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LVII 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 Paurava was known for his generosity and grand sacrifices, where he gave away valuable gifts to Brahmanas and performers, and thousands of animals and maidens. He performed numerous auspicious sacrifices, each more elaborate than the last, earning him a great reputation among his subjects and the Brahmanas. Despite his superior virtues and sacrificial deeds, he too eventually succumbed to death, as all mortals must. When he passed away, his son, who did not follow in his father's footsteps in performing sacrifices or making sacrificial presents, inherited the kingdom. The wise counsel of Narada reminds Srinjaya not to overly mourn for his son's death, as he did not possess the same virtues and sacrificial merit as his illustrious ancestor, King Paurava.
Full English translation:
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Section LVII, 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 LVII:
Was king Paurava known for his generosity in sacrificial offerings?
King Paurava was renowned for giving away countless gifts at his sacrifices, including horses, elephants, maidens, and precious gems.
How did Narada advise Srinjaya to cope with his grief?
Narada reminded Srinjaya of the generous sacrifices performed by King Paurava and suggested not to grieve excessively for his son.
Daily life: King Paurava's Generosity: Sacrificial Gifts and Glory:
The story narrates the tale of King Paurava, who was celebrated for his generosity and the performance of noble sacrifices, enriching not just those directly involved but also the larger community. From this narrative, we can derive a powerful lesson about the importance of giving and contributing to the well-being of others. Implementing this in daily life means finding ways to support and uplift those around us, whether through acts of kindness, sharing resources, or offering our time and skills to benefit the community.
By embodying generosity, we create a positive impact that goes beyond the immediate gesture, fostering a culture of kindness and support. This doesn't necessarily require grand sacrifices but can be as simple as being attentive to the needs of others and responding with empathy and compassion. In doing so, we not only improve the lives of the recipients but also enrich our own lives, gaining fulfillment from the act of giving itself. In essence, the story encourages us to look beyond our individual desires and to consider how we can contribute to the greater good, inspiring a more connected and compassionate world.