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 LV

"Astika said,

soma and Varuna and Prajapati performed sacrifices of old in Prayaga. But your sacrifice, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit, is not inferior to any of those. Let those dear unto us be blessed!

Sakra performed a hundred sacrifices. But this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit, is fully equal to ten thousand sacrifices of Sakra. Let those dear unto us be blessed!

Like the sacrifice of Yama, of Harimedha, or of king Rantideva, is the sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed!

Like the sacrifice of Maya, of king Sasavindu, or of king Vaisravana, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Satyavati, in which he himself was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of Nriga, of Ajamida, of the son of Dasaratha, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed!

Like the sacrifice of king Yudhishthira, the son of a god and belonging to Ajamida race, heard of (even) in the heavens, is this sacrifice of thine.

O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit, let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the sacrifice of Krishna (Dvaipayana), the son of Satyavati, in which he himself was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit Let those dear unto us be blessed! These (Ritwiks and Sadasyas) that are here engaged in making your sacrifice, like unto that of the slayer of Vritra, are of splendour equal to that of the sun. There now remains nothing for them to know, and gifts made to them become inexhaustible (in merit). It is my conviction that there is no Ritwik in all the worlds who is equal to your Ritwik, Dvaipayana. His disciples, becoming Ritwiks, competent for their duties, travel over the earth.

The high-souled bearer of libation (viz., Agni), called also Vibhavasu and Citrabhanu, having gold for his vital seed and having his path, marked by black smoke, blazing up with flames inclined to the right, bears these your libations of clarified butter to the gods. In this world of men there is no other monarch equal to you in the protection of subjects. I am ever well-pleased with your abstinence.

Indeed, you are either Varuna, or Yama, the god of Justice. Like Sakra himself, thunderbolt in hand, you are, in this world, the protector of all creatures. In this earth there is no man so great as you and no monarch who is your equal in sacrifice.

You are like Khatwanga, Nabhaga, and Dilipa. In prowess you are like Yayati and Mandhatri. In splendour equal to the sun, and of excellent vows, you are O monarch, like Bhishma! Like Valmiki you are of energy concealed.

Like Vasishtha you have controlled your wrath. Like Indra is your lordship. Your splendour also shines like that of Narayana. Like Yama art you conversant with the dispensation of justice. You are like Krishna adorned with every virtue. You are the home of the good fortune that belongs to the Vasus. You are also the refuge of the sacrifices. In strength you are equal to Damvodbhava.

Like Rama (the son of Jamadagni) you are conversant with the scriptures and arms. In energy you are equal to Aurva and Trita. You inspirest terror by your looks like Bhagiratha.'

"Sauti said, 'Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all, viz., the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritwiks and the sacrificial fire. And king Janamejaya beholding the signs and indications manifested all around, addressed them as follows.'"

Conclusion:

This concludes Section LV 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 LV of Book 1 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Bharata, Parikshit, Sakra, Yama, Astika, Varuna; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section LV. There are a total of 40 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 60 times.

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

Section LV 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 LV as contained in Book 1?

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

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