Section LXXVIII - Subhadra Laments for Slain Son Abhimanyu: Heartfelt Grief
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXVIII 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:
Subhadra, grieving the loss of her son Abhimanyu in battle, laments his death and mourns his untimely demise, expressing sorrow at the sight of his lifeless body covered in battle wounds. She fondly remembers his handsome features and valiant spirit, unable to comprehend why he had to meet such a fate despite having powerful protectors like Krishna and the Pandavas. Subhadra expresses her anguish at the sight of her son lying lifeless on the battlefield, surrounded by dust and devoid of the luxuries and comforts he once enjoyed, now left to the mercy of scavengers and wild animals.
She reflects on Abhimanyu's noble lineage and heroic deeds, lamenting the loss of a promising young warrior who had a bright future ahead of him, and bemoans the transitory nature of life and the unpredictability of fate. Despite her grief, Subhadra wishes for Abhimanyu's soul to attain a noble and righteous end, invoking various virtuous qualities and actions that would ensure a peaceful afterlife for him. She expresses her desire to be reunited with her beloved son in the afterlife, longing to see his face and relive the moments they shared together.
Subhadra's sorrow is further compounded by the grief of Abhimanyu's widow and her companions, who join her in mourning the loss of a brave and valiant warrior. They are overwhelmed by emotions and fall unconscious, prompting Krishna to intervene and offer comfort and solace to the grieving women. He reassures them that Abhimanyu has attained a noble end and urges them to find strength in the knowledge that he is in a better place now.
Krishna consoles Subhadra by reminding her of the valor and achievements of Abhimanyu in battle, assuring her that he has achieved a commendable goal through his bravery and sacrifice. He encourages the women to honor Abhimanyu's memory by continuing to support the war effort and striving for victory, inspired by his example. With his comforting words, Krishna eases the pain of Subhadra and her companions, helping them find the strength to cope with their loss and carry on with their duties.
Finally, Krishna bids farewell to the grieving women and returns to Arjuna's side, expressing his solidarity and support for the ongoing battle. The kings and warriors present also depart, leaving the women to mourn their loss and come to terms with the reality of war and sacrifice. Subhadra, Draupadi, and Uttara are left to grapple with their grief and the harsh realities of mortality, finding solace in each other's company and the memory of Abhimanyu's bravery and sacrifice.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXVIII, 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 LXXVIII:
What were Subhadra's lamentations upon seeing her son Abhimanyu's body?
Subhadra expressed deep sorrow and grief at the sight of her fallen son, mourning his beauty and bravery in battle.
How did Krishna console Subhadra, Princess Draupadi, and Uttara?
Krishna sprinkled water on them, comforted them, and assured them that Abhimanyu had attained a laudable goal in death.
What did Krishna suggest for the remaining warriors after Abhimanyu's death?
Krishna encouraged them to strive for the same feat achieved by Abhimanyu in battle, emphasizing valor and achievement in warfare.
How did the story conclude after Krishna's comforting words?
After Krishna consoled Subhadra, Draupadi, and Uttara, he returned to Partha's side, saluting kings and entering Arjuna's tent as the others went to their abodes.
Daily life: Subhadra Laments for Slain Son Abhimanyu: Heartfelt Grief:
This story, steeped in grief and loss, carries profound lessons applicable to everyday life. At its core, it reflects on the transient nature of existence and the inevitability of separation from loved ones, urging individuals to cherish each moment with those dear to them. The lament of Subhadra, amid her inconsolable sorrow, teaches that regardless of one's strength, prowess, or alliances, life's outcomes are often beyond control. This underscores the importance of humility, recognizing that despite one's capabilities or efforts, unforeseen circumstances can lead to unexpected results.
The narrative also highlights the value of expressing grief and supporting each other in times of loss. Subhadra's mourning, accompanied by Draupadi and Uttara's shared sorrow, shows the healing power of communal grieving, suggesting that sharing one's pain within a supportive community can offer solace. Krishna's response to the grief of these women, offering consolation and perspective, reminds us that even in the darkest moments, it's crucial to find strength in hope and the belief that loved ones achieve peace.
Furthermore, the story emphasizes the importance of living a life filled with virtue, kindness, and adherence to one's duties. Through Subhadra's prayer for her son to attain a noble end—a reward for a life well-lived—it teaches that actions grounded in righteousness and compassion pave the way toward a fulfilling existence. In essence, this tale encourages living with purpose, love, and moral integrity, honoring the transient yet precious nature of life and relationships.