Section CLXXII - Arjuna's Destruction of Hiranyapura: Epic Battle Story
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:
Arjuna recounts his encounter with an unearthly city, Hiranyapura, inhabited by the powerful Danavas, Pulama, and Kalaka, who were blessed with immunity from destruction by gods and demons by Brahma. He takes on the challenge to destroy the city with the help of Matali, using celestial weapons and his own skill in warfare. Despite being initially overwhelmed by the Danavas' might, Arjuna ultimately harnesses the destructive power of the Raudra weapon and annihilates the city along with its inhabitants.
With the city destroyed, the Danavas' wives come out mourning their losses, creating a scene of sorrow and distress. The once magnificent city of Hiranyapura, now devoid of its powerful inhabitants, disappears like a fleeting illusion. Arjuna is praised by Matali for accomplishing a feat beyond even the gods, pleasing Indra and the celestials. They commend him for his courage and skill in battle, ensuring that he will face all challenges with calmness and precision in the future.
Arjuna's victory over the Danavas and the destruction of Hiranyapura earn him admiration from Devendra and the Marutas. He is hailed for his bravery and prowess, and his actions are seen as a significant payment for the preceptor’s fee. Indra predicts that Arjuna will continue to excel in battle, facing various adversaries without fear or hesitation. His success in defeating the Danavas paves the way for Yudhishthira to rule the earth as a just and powerful king.
Overall, Arjuna's encounter with Hiranyapura showcases his determination and strength as a warrior, overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges with the help of divine weapons. His victory not only brings relief to the gods but also sets the stage for the eventual triumph of the Pandavas in their quest for sovereignty. The destruction of the city signifies the defeat of evil forces and the restoration of balance and order in the celestial realms. Arjuna's actions are lauded as remarkable and exceptional, establishing him as a formidable champion in the epic narrative.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXII, 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 CLXXII:
How did Arjuna destroy the unearthly city of the Daityas?
Arjuna destroyed the city by using the powerful Raudra weapon given by Lord Brahma. He slew the Danavas and their allies in a fierce battle to achieve this feat.
What was the boon granted to the Daitya's daughter Pulama and Kalaka?
They received the boon of an invincible aerial city filled with gems, guarded by Asuras. Their offspring were protected from harm by gods, Rakshasas, and Pannagas.
Why did Arjuna require the help of the Raudra weapon in battle?
Arjuna used the Raudra weapon against the Daityas as they could not be vanquished by other means. The weapon summoned diverse beings to aid in the destruction of the enemy forces.
What was the reaction of Lord Indra to Arjuna's victory in battle?
Indra was pleased with Arjuna's feat of destroying the unearthly city and defeating the powerful Danavas. He applauded Arjuna's bravery and prowess in the battle, affirming his success.
Daily life: Arjuna's Destruction of Hiranyapura: Epic Battle Story:
The tale of Arjuna's encounter with the mighty aerial city of the Daityas teaches us valuable lessons about perseverance, confidence, and the power of seeking help and blessing from higher powers when faced with insurmountable challenges. In our everyday lives, we often come across obstacles that seem too daunting to overcome. Like Arjuna, we should approach these challenges with confidence and not shy away from seeking guidance and assistance, be it from mentors, friends, or a higher spiritual source, according to one's beliefs.
The story also highlights the importance of resilience. Arjuna did not win the battle against the Daityas in his first attempt; he had to adapt his strategies, invoke celestial weapons, and remain undeterred despite the fearsome illusionary techniques employed by his adversaries. Similarly, when we face setbacks, it's crucial to remain steadfast, learn from the experience, and try again with reinforced vigor and informed strategies.
Lastly, the narrative underscores the power of dedication and the fulfillment of duties. Arjuna's focus was on fulfilling his obligation to the gods and achieving his goal, irrespective of the obstacles. This level of dedication towards our personal and professional commitments can inspire us to continue pushing forward, even when the odds seem heavily stacked against us.
By embodying resilience, seeking support, being adaptable, and remaining dedicated to our goals, we can navigate the complexities of daily life more effectively. These timeless principles drawn from Arjuna's adventure can guide us toward overcoming our personal "aerial cities"—the seemingly insurmountable challenges in our lives.