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Mahabharata

January 6, 2009  Last updated: 1 hour ago
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Mahabharata

 1. Contents of Subject


One day when the great sages of hard austerities, who were present at the twelve years' sacrifice of Kulapati Shaunaka, were comfortably sitting in the Naimisharanya, Rishi Lomaharshana's son, Ugrashrava, popularly known as Sauti, well-read in the Puranas, came to them with all humility. (Thereupon) desirous of hearing his wonderful stories, the ascetics addressed him who had come to their hermitage of Naimisharanya.

2. Brief Introduction to the Story of Mahabharata


At the end of Treta and in the beginning of Dwapara Yuga, the greatest of all that ever wielded arms, Parashurama, being impatient of wrongs, repeatedly destroyed all the Kshatriya races of the world. That fiery Rama, after destroying the Kshatriyas by his own prowess, made five lakes of blood at Samantapanchaka.

3. Curse of Janamejaya by Sarama, Story of the Aruni, Upamanyu, Veda and Uttanka


His mother, seeing him weep, asked him, "Why are you weeping, who has beaten you?" Being thus questioned, he replied to his mother, "I have been beaten by the brothers of Janamejaya." And then his mother said, "You must have committed some fault, for which you have been beaten." He replied, " I committed no fault. I did not drink the sacrificial ghee, I did not cast even a look at it."

4. Introduction of the Story


So be it. When the noble Rishi will be seated, I shall relate sacred stories relating to variety of subjects as I shall be asked by him. The best of Brahmanas (Shaunaka) after having performed all his Prayers and the Pitris by offering water, came back to the place of sacrifice where Sauti was seated before the assembly of Rishis of rigid vows.

5. Dialogue Between Pauloma and Agni


Sauti replied : Bhrigu had a very beloved wife, (named Pauloma) who became quick with child by him. When the virtuous and chaste Pauloma was in that condition, one day the greatly famous and virtuous Bhrigu, leaving her at home, went to perform his ablutions. And it was then that a Rakshasa, named Pauloma, came to the Rishi's hermitage. He, having entered into the hermitage, saw the irreproachable wife of Bhrigu. Seeing her he was filled with lust and lost his reason.

6. Birth of Chyavana, Bhrigu's curse on Agni


The child, of Bhrigu, who was in her womb, was very much enraged at this violence and he dropped down from his mother's womb, For this reason he got the name of Chyavana. On seeing that the child had dropped from her mother's womb as shinning as the sun, he quitted the grasp of the lady. But he fell down and was burnt to ashes.

7. Agni Freed from Curse


Sauti said: Thus being cursed by Bhrigu. Agni said in anger, "What do you mean, Brahmana, by this rashness that you have shown towards me." What transgression is committed by me, who tried to do justice and to speak the truth impartially? Being asked, I told the truth. A witness, who being asked about a thing which he knows, says something else than what it (really) is, ruins his ancestors and descendants, both to the seventh generations.

8. Story of Ruru (I)


In the days of yore, there was a Rishi, named Sthulakesha, who was possessed of ascetic powers and learning and engaged in doing good to all creatures. At this time, Brahmana Rishi, Menaka became quick with child by the king of the Gandharvas, named Vishvavasu.

9. Story of Ruru (II)


Sauti replied: While the noble Brahmanas were sitting round the dead body, Ruru, much aggrieved, retired into a deep forest and swept aloud. Overwhelmed with grief, he indulged in much piteous lamentations.

10. Dialogue Between Ruru and Dundubha


Ruru said: My wife, who was as dear to me as my life, was stung by a snake; on which I took, O snake, a fearful vow; Namely that I would kill every snake that I might meet with. Therefore I shall strike you and you shall be deprived of your life. The Dundubha said: O Brahmana, there are other snakes which bite man. The Dundubhas are only snakes in name. Therefore, you should not kill the Dundubhas.

11. Story of Dundubha


In time gone by, I had a friend, a Brahmana, by name Khagama. He was truthful and possessed spiritual powers by penances. When he was engaged in Agnihotra, out of boyish frivolity, I made a snake of the blades of grass and tried to frighten him. He fainted away (when he saw this mock snake).
MOST POPULAR IN MAHABHARATA:
  1. 2. Brief Introduction to the Story of Mahabharata
  2. 3. Curse of Janamejaya by Sarama, Story of the Aruni, Upamanyu, Veda and Uttanka
  3. 1. Contents of Subject
  4. 5. Dialogue Between Pauloma and Agni
  5. 6. Birth of Chyavana, Bhrigu's curse on Agni
  6. 7. Agni Freed from Curse
  7. 4. Introduction of the Story
  8. 8. Story of Ruru (I)
  9. 9. Story of Ruru (II)
  10. 10. Dialogue Between Ruru and Dundubha

• Sanatsugatiya

 • Bhagavad Gita

 • Anugita