Section CLXXII - Characters of Pandava Army: Atirathas and Maharathas

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXII 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:
Bhishma gives a detailed account of the various warriors from both sides of the battle, highlighting their skills and prowess. He identifies Sikhandin, Dhrishtadyumna, Dhrishtaketu, Kshattradharman, and others as Atirathas or Maharathas, indicating their ability to single-handedly sweep the battlefield. Bhishma also recognizes the strength and potential of warriors like Aja, Bhoja, Jayanta, and Satyajit, who are said to fight like furious elephants, possessing great might and skill in warfare. King Citrayudha, Chekitana, Satyadhriti, Vyaghradatta, and Candrasena are also singled out for their prowess in battle, being labeled as the best Rathas of the Pandavas.

The Pancala brothers, the five Kshatriya brothers with blood red banners, are identified as the foremost Rathas, possessing every qualification for battle and a high soul. Bhishma also praises Senavindu, Kasya, and Satyajit, highlighting their abilities as great warriors who will contend with great prowess against the Kauravas in battle. He mentions Drupada's son, Satyajit, as an Atiratha equal to eight Rathas, showcasing his potential to spread the fame of the Pandavas through his great feats in battle. Bhishma also acknowledges the bravery and skill of warriors like king Pandya, Dhridadhanvan, Srenimat, and king Vasudeva, labeling them as Atirathas and acknowledging their importance in the upcoming battles.

Full English translation:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CLXXII - Characters of Pandava Army: Atirathas and Maharathas, have a look at the following articles:

Section CLXXII, 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 CLXXII:

Who are some of the prominent Rathas among the Pandavas mentioned by Bhishma?

Bhishma mentions Sikhandin, Dhrishtadyumna, Dhrishtaketu, Jayanta, Chekitana, and others as notable Rathas among the Pandavas who will achieve great feats in battle.

What qualities do the prominent Rathas possess according to Bhishma's narration?

The prominent Rathas among the Pandavas are described as skilled in warfare, possessed of great might, valorous, devoted to Kshatriya virtues, and capable of achieving difficult feats in battle.

Daily life: Characters of Pandava Army: Atirathas and Maharathas:

Drawing inspiration from Bhishma's detailed assessment of warriors in the epic Mahabharata, we learn the importance of recognizing and appreciating diverse skills and strengths in everyday life, just as Bhishma pointed out each warrior's unique abilities and contributions. It teaches us to value the different talents and potentials of people around us, whether in our professional environments, community settings, or within our family circles. By acknowledging the unique contributions each person can make, we foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that leverages a variety of strengths for collective success.

Furthermore, Bhishma’s narration encourages us to undertake self-reflection to understand our own capabilities deeply and to continuously strive for personal improvement and learning, much like the warriors geared up for their roles in the battle. Just as each warrior had a specific role and strength, identifying and honing our skills can significantly impact our personal and professional lives. Embracing diversity in abilities and encouraging continuous growth based on self-awareness can lead to more harmonious and productive interactions in our daily lives.

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