Section XIX - Arjuna's Fierce Battle: Slaying the Samsaptakas

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XIX 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 and Krishna faced the Samsaptakas in battle, with Arjuna displaying his prowess and determination to slay them all. Krishna, smiling, guided Arjuna towards the enemy, and their chariot moved with incredible speed and agility. Arjuna used a powerful weapon that created multiple images of himself and Krishna, confusing the enemy troops and causing them to attack each other in a frenzy. Despite being overwhelmed by arrows, Arjuna and Krishna continued to fight with great skill and determination.

The Narayanas surrounded Arjuna, but he retaliated by crushing them with his arrows and causing chaos among their ranks. The enemy troops, deceived by the illusions created by Arjuna's weapon, ended up attacking each other instead of Arjuna and Krishna. The battle intensified as Arjuna and Krishna fought fiercely against the Samsaptakas, with Arjuna using his skills to cut off limbs, heads, and inflict great damage on the enemy forces. The battlefield was filled with fallen soldiers, horses, and elephants, as Arjuna's arrows brought devastation upon his foes.

Despite the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, Arjuna used his skills and weapons to inflict heavy casualties on the Samsaptakas. He cut off heads, arms, and legs, causing chaos and destruction on the battlefield. The enemy troops were no match for Arjuna's skill and determination, as he continued to overpower them with his relentless attacks and precise aim. The battlefield became a scene of carnage, with the air filled with the sounds of battle and the ground littered with fallen soldiers and broken weapons.

Arjuna's chariot shone fiercely in the midst of the battle, as he fought with the strength and ferocity of a god of destruction. The Samsaptakas, despite their efforts, could not withstand Arjuna's onslaught and fell one by one on the battlefield. The field was covered with headless bodies, severed limbs, and broken weapons, as Arjuna's arrows brought a swift end to his enemies. The battle raged on, with Arjuna standing firm and resolute against all who dared to oppose him.

As Arjuna continued to fight bravely against the Samsaptakas, Drona led his forces against Yudhishthira in a fierce and intense battle. The battlefield became a scene of chaos and destruction, with warriors on both sides fighting with all their might. The battle between Drona and Yudhishthira added a new dimension to the conflict, as the two sides clashed with equal ferocity and determination. Despite the challenges they faced, Arjuna and his allies remained steadfast in their resolve to emerge victorious in the face of adversity.

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 XIX - Arjuna's Fierce Battle: Slaying the Samsaptakas, have a look at the following articles:

Section XIX, 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 XIX:

What weapon did Arjuna use to create multiple forms of himself?

Arjuna used the weapon called Tvashtra to create thousands of separate forms in battle.

What was the reaction of the troops to Arjuna's illusionary tactic?

The troops became confused and started striking each other, thinking they were attacking Arjuna.

How did Dhananjaya's actions on the battlefield impact his enemies?

Arjuna inflicted heavy casualties, cutting off limbs and decimating the enemy forces.

Daily life: Arjuna's Fierce Battle: Slaying the Samsaptakas:

The passage vividly depicts a scenario from the epic Mahabharata, where Arjuna, aided by Krishna, faces a great challenge on the battlefield but remains determined to overcome his adversaries through skill, strategy, and mental strength. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the battles we face in our own lives, suggesting that no matter how formidable our challenges, we possess the inner strength and capabilities to confront them.

In daily life, this can be interpreted as encouragement to face our personal and professional challenges with courage and resilience, drawing upon our skills, wisdom, and the support of those around us. Just as Arjuna communicated with Krishna to strategize and navigate through the battlefield, we too can seek guidance and collaborate with others to overcome obstacles. The story also emphasizes the importance of staying focused and using our abilities to their fullest potential, regardless of the confusion and challenges that may surround us.

Moreover, the passage underscores the idea that difficulties and opposition can often lead to personal growth, helping us to discover strengths we might not have recognized we possessed. By remaining steadfast in our efforts and maintaining a clear vision of our goals, we can navigate through life's challenges with grace and determination, much like Arjuna did on the battlefield.

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