Section CLII - Bhima at Lotus Lake: Encounter with Rakshasas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLII 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:
Bhimasena, one of Kunti's sons, came across a stunning lotus lake guarded by Rakshasas near the Kailasa cliff. The lake was described as beautiful and otherworldly, with clear and cool ambrosial water surrounded by various trees and golden lotuses. The lake was a favorite spot of Kuvera, the king of the Yakshas, and frequented by celestial beings, sages, and other magical creatures. As Bhimasena approached the lake to gather lotus flowers, the Rakshasas, named Krodhavasas, became alert and questioned him about his identity and purpose in a courteous yet cautious manner. Bhimasena, undeterred by the Rakshasas, continued on his mission, showing his strength and fearlessness in the face of potential danger. Despite the potential conflict with the Rakshasas, Bhimasena found great delight in discovering the magical and serene lake.
Full English translation:
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Section CLII, 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 CLII:
What was the beautiful lake that Bhimasena encountered near the Kailasa cliff?
Bhimasena encountered a lotus lake surrounded by lovely woods near the Kailasa cliff. It was filled with golden and Saugandhika lotuses, frequented by celestial beings, and guarded by Rakshasas.
Who were the Rakshasas guarding the lotus lake, and how did they react to Bhimasena's presence?
The Rakshasas guarding the lotus lake were known as Krodhavasas. Upon seeing Bhimasena clad in deer-skins and armed, they approached him and questioned his intentions, demanding to know the reason for his visit.
Daily life: Bhima at Lotus Lake: Encounter with Rakshasas:
The tale of Bhimasena's encounter near Kailasa reveals the importance of curiosity and respect for the unknown while pursuing our goals. In our lives, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar territories, much like Bhimasena discovered the beautiful, but guarded, lotus lake. This story teaches us to approach new experiences with a sense of wonder and openness, but also with preparedness, as Bhimasena was, equipped with his weapons.
It's crucial to respect the protectors and rules of any new place or culture we encounter. Bhimasena's respectful engagement with the guardians of the lake serves as a reminder that understanding and respecting boundaries is essential. The guardians' request for Bhimasena to state his intention shows the importance of clear communication and transparency in our actions.
In summary, as we navigate through life's adventures, let's remain curious and respectful, prepared for challenges, and always willing to communicate our intentions clearly. Such attitudes can make the journey more enriching and the goals more attainable, just as Bhimasena's respectful approach allowed him to delight in the beauty of the lake and pursue his quest.