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 CLXXI

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then Kunti spoke unto Bhimasena and Arjuna and the twins regarding the journey to Pancala. They all said, ’so be it.'  Then, O king, Kunti with her sons saluted the Brahmana (in whose house they had dwelt) and set out for the delightful town of the illustrious Drupada.'

"Vaisampayana said, 'While the illustrious Pandavas were living disguised in the abode of the Brahmana, Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, once went to see them. Those chastisers of foes, beholding him coming rose up and stepped onward to receive him. Saluting him reverentially and worshipping him also the Pandavas stood in silence with joined hands. Thus worshipped by them the sage became gratified.

He asked them to be seated, and cheerfully addressing them said,

'You slayers of foes, are you living in the path of virtue and according to the scriptures?
Do you worship the Brahmanas?
You are not, I hope, backward in paying homage unto those that deserve your homage?'

The illustrious Rishi, after this, spoke many words of virtuous import, and after discoursing upon many topics of great interest, he said,

'An illustrious Rishi, living in a certain hermitage, had a daughter of tender waist, fair lips, and fine eye-brows, and possessing every accomplishment. As a consequence of her own acts (in a past life) the fair maid became very unfortunate. Though chaste and beautiful, the damsel obtained not a husband.

With a sorrowful heart she thereupon began to practise ascetic penances with the object of obtaining a husband. She soon gratified by her severe asceticism the god Sankara (Mahadeva), who became propitious unto her and said unto that illustrious damsel,

'Ask you the boon you desirest! Blest be you! I am Sankara prepared to give you what you will ask.'

Desirous of benefiting herself, the maid repeatedly said unto the supreme lord,

'O give me, a husband endued with every accomplishment.'

Then Isana (Mahadeva), that foremost of all speakers, replied unto her, saying,

'O blessed one, you shall have five husbands from among the Bharata princes.'

Thus told, the maiden said unto the god who had given her that boon,

'O lord, I desire to have only one husband through your grace.'

The god then addressed her again and said these excellent words,

'You have, O girl, said full five times,

'Give me (a) husband.'

You shalt, therefore, in another life have five husbands!'

You princes of Bharata’s line, that damsel of celestial beauty has been born in the line of Drupada. The faultless Krishna of Prishata’s line has been appointed to be the wife of you all. You mighty ones, go therefore, to the capital of the Pancalas and dwell you there. There is no doubt that having obtained her as wife you shall be very happy.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Having said so unto the Pandavas, the illustrious and blessed grandsire then bade them farewell. The great ascetic then left them and went to the place whence he had come.'"

Conclusion:

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

The most relevant definitions are: Vaisampayana, Brahmana, Pandavas, Mahadeva, Pancala, Drupada; since these occur the most in Book 1, Section CLXXI. There are a total of 19 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 32 times.

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

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

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

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

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