Section CI - Indra's Battle with Vritra: Celestial Victory and Danava Conspiracy
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CI 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:
Indra, armed with the mighty Vajra and supported by powerful celestials, faced off against Vritra and his Kalakeya army. The battle was fierce and terrifying, with severed heads falling like fruit and gods fleeing in fear. Seeing Indra's distress, Vishnu and other gods imparted their energy to him, making him even more powerful. With this newfound strength, Indra managed to defeat Vritra, causing the Danavas to flee to the depths of the sea.
In the depths of the sea, the Danavas conspired to destroy all those possessed of knowledge and ascetic virtue, believing that by doing so, they could bring about the destruction of the universe. They made the ocean their stronghold and planned to target those on earth who were moral, knowledgeable about Brahma, and virtuous. The Danavas were determined to carry out their destructive plan and were pleased with the resolution they had reached.
Their ultimate goal was to eradicate asceticism and virtuous beings, as they believed this would lead to the downfall of the universe. With the ocean as their fortress, the Danavas plotted to unleash chaos and destruction upon the world. The conspiring sons of Diti were united in their mission to bring about the end of those who upheld knowledge, morality, and ascetic virtues.
Despite their sinister intentions, the Danavas encountered resistance from the gods and celestial beings who stood in their way. The Danavas faced a formidable opposition as they sought to carry out their plan for universal destruction. The gods and Rishis, filled with joy at Indra's victory over Vritra, prepared to defend the universe against the impending threat posed by the Danavas. The stage was set for a fierce confrontation between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of the universe hanging in the balance.
Full English translation:
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Section CI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 31,635 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CI:
What was the outcome of the battle between Indra and Vritra?
Indra, with the support of Vishnu and other gods, defeated Vritra with his Vajra. The Danavas fled to the depths of the sea after their leader's death.
What was the Danavas' plan after their defeat?
The Danavas decided to destroy all those possessing knowledge and ascetic virtue to destabilize the universe. They made the ocean their base for launching their attacks.
Daily life: Indra's Battle with Vritra: Celestial Victory and Danava Conspiracy:
This story teaches us the importance of seeking help and uniting in the face of adversity, much like Indra did when he faced Vritra, by seeking strength from Vishnu and other deities. In our daily lives, we can apply this lesson by not hesitating to ask for support from friends, family, or professionals when challenges arise. Another key point is the power of collective effort and how it can amplify our abilities to overcome obstacles, as seen when the gods and Brahmarshis united their energies to bolster Indra.
Moreover, the narrative underscores the significance of facing our fears, just as Indra eventually mustered the courage to confront Vritra despite initial fear. We should remember that fear often appears larger than it truly is and confronting it can lead to our triumphs.
Additionally, the Danavas' retreat and conspiracy from the depths remind us that setbacks are temporary and plotting a careful comeback can lead to success. However, their resolution to destroy knowledge and ascetic virtue warns us against undermining the value of wisdom and moral integrity in pursuit of our goals.
In essence, seeking support, joining forces for a common cause, confronting our fears, learning from setbacks, and valuing wisdom and morality are paramount lessons we can draw from this tale for our daily lives.