Section XVIII - Arjuna vs. Samsaptakas: Battle of the Trigartas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XVIII 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:
The Samsaptakas, filled with joy, formed an array in the shape of a half-moon on a level field when Arjuna approached them. Arjuna observed their delight and remarked to Krishna about their impending defeat in battle. He then blew his conch Devadatta, striking fear in the enemy ranks and causing them to momentarily freeze in terror. In the ensuing battle, Arjuna displayed his unmatched skill, deflecting and countering their arrows with ease.
The Trigartas, undeterred, continued to shower Arjuna with arrows, but he retaliated swiftly, piercing them with his own arrows and cutting off their standards and weapons. Arjuna's prowess was further highlighted as he adorned himself with the fallen enemy's decorations, shining like the sun amidst the chaos of battle. The Trigartas, witnessing the carnage, tried to retreat, but their king urged them to stand their ground and fight courageously, avoiding disgrace in the eyes of Duryodhana's army.
Despite their fear and confusion, the Samsaptakas rallied once more, blowing their conchs and encouraging each other to fight with all their might. In a renewed surge, they charged back into battle alongside the cowherd warriors, determined to face Death itself rather than retreat in cowardice. Arjuna, fueled by his wrath, continued to decimate the enemy ranks with relentless arrows, instilling fear and awe in his adversaries with his unmatched martial skills and valor on the battlefield. In the end, the Trigartas and the Samsaptakas, though brave, were no match for Arjuna's prowess and were left to face defeat at his hands.
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 XVIII - Arjuna vs. Samsaptakas: Battle of the Trigartas, have a look at the following articles:
Section XVIII, 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 XVIII:
Who did Arjuna face in battle and what was the outcome?
Arjuna faced the Samsaptakas and the Trigartas in battle. He defeated them, causing terror among their troops and ultimately forcing them to flee.
What strategies did Arjuna employ against his enemies?
Arjuna used his skills in archery to cut off their bows, kill their leaders, and instill fear in their ranks, ultimately leading to their defeat.
Daily life: Arjuna vs. Samsaptakas: Battle of the Trigartas:
In this story, Arjuna's encounter with the Samsaptakas demonstrates resilience, strategic thinking, and courage, offering valuable lessons for daily life. From Arjuna's behavior, we learn the importance of facing challenges head-on with a calm and composed attitude, no matter how daunting they seem. His strategic approach in combat, where he assesses the situation and responds with precision, teaches us the significance of planning and the effective management of resources in overcoming obstacles. Furthermore, Arjuna's courage and determination, especially in moments of intense pressure, highlight the value of perseverance and self-belief in achieving goals. The story also emphasizes the power of teamwork and leadership, as seen in Arjuna's interaction with Krishna and their joint effort to confront the enemy, suggesting that collaboration and effective communication are key to tackling difficult situations. Overall, this narrative encourages embracing challenges with optimism, planning, and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that determination and strategic action are fundamental to overcoming adversity and achieving success.