Mahabharata (English)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 2,566,952 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

The English translation of the Mahabharata is a large text describing ancient India. It is authored by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa and contains the records of ancient humans. Also, it documents the fate of the Kauravas and the Pandavas family. Another part of the large contents, deal with many philosophical dialogues such as the goals of life. Book...

Section XXXVIII

"Sauti said, 'Hearing the respective speeches of all the snakes, and hearing also the words of Vasuki, Elapatra began to address them, saying,

'That sacrifice is not one that can be prevented. Nor is king Janamejaya of the Pandava race from whom this fear proceeds, such that he can be hindered. The person, O king, who is afflicted by fate has recourse to fate alone; nothing else can be his refuge. You best of snakes, this fear of ours has fate for its root. Fate alone must be our refuge in this. Listen to what I say. When that curse was uttered, you best of snakes, in fear I lay crouching on the lap of our mother.

You best of snakes, and O lord (Vasuki) of great splendour, from that place I heard the words the sorrowing gods spake unto the Grandsire.

The gods said,

'O Grandsire, you god of gods who else than the cruel Kadru could thus, after getting such dear children, curse them so, even in your presence? And, O Grandsire, by you also has been spoken, with reference to those words of hers,

'Be it so.'

We wish to know the reason why you didst not prevent her.'

Brahman replied,

'The snakes have multiplied. They are cruel, terrible in form and highly poisonous. From desire of the good of my creatures, I did not prevent Kadru then. Those poisonous serpents and others who are sinful, biting others for no faults, shall, indeed, be destroyed, but not they who are harmless and virtuous. And hear also, how, when the hour comes, the snakes may escape this dreadful calamity.

There shall be born in the race of the Yayavaras a great Rishi known by the name of Jaratkaru, intelligent, with passions under complete control. That Jaratkaru shall have a son of the name of Astika. He shall put a stop to that sacrifice. And those snakes who shall be virtuous shall escape therefrom.

The gods said,

'O you truth-knowing one, on whom will Jaratkaru, that foremost Muni, gifted with great energy and asceticism, beget that illustrious son?'

Brahma answered,

'Gifted with great energy, that best Brahmana shall beget a son possessed of great energy on a wife of the same name as his. Vasuki, the king of the snakes, has a sister of the name of Jaratkaru; the son, of whom I speak, shall be born of her, and he shall liberate the snakes.'

"Elapatra continued,

'The gods then said unto the Grandsire,

'Be it so.'

And the lord Brahman, having said so unto the gods, went to heaven. O Vasuki, I see before me that sister of thine known by the name of Jaratkaru. For relieving us from fear, give her as alms unto him (i.e., the Rishi), Jaratkaru, of excellent vows, who shall roam abegging for a bride. This means of release has been heard of by me!'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section XXXVIII of Book 1 (Adi Parva) of the Mahabharata, of which an English translation is presented on this page. This book is famous as one of the Itihasa, similair in content to the eighteen Puranas. Book 1 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section XXXVIII of Book 1 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Jaratkaru, Vasuki, Elapatra, Kadru, Brahman, Rishi; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section XXXVIII. There are a total of 14 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 26 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section XXXVIII of Book 1?

Section XXXVIII is part of the Astika Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 1 (Adi Parva). The Astika Parva contains a total of 46 sections while Book 1 contains a total of 19 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section XXXVIII as contained in Book 1?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section XXXVIII of Book 1 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section XXXVIII) is from 2012.

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