Section CXXV - Cyavana Frees Indra from Demon Mada's Clutches
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXV 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:
In the story, the demon Mada threatened to devour the god Indra, causing him to fear for his life and seek help from the sage Cyavana. Cyavana, in order to spread his fame and honor the father of Sukanya, granted the Asvins the right to drink the Soma juice. Indra was freed by Cyavana's mercy and the demon Mada was subdued and dispersed by the sage. Cyavana then lived happily in the forest with his wife Sukanya.
Cyavana directed King Yudhishthira to perform rituals at a holy lake and visit the Saindhava wood and the Archika hill. The Archika hill was a sacred place where fruits grew abundantly and eternal streams flowed, and it was frequented by sages and celestial beings. Yudhishthira was advised to walk around the three peaks and springs at the hill and perform ablutions for the removal of sins. The hill was associated with the attainment of everlasting regions by revered figures like King Santanu and the sages Nara and Narayana.
The holy spot also had a spring belonging to the god Indra, where Krishna and other divine beings engaged in penances. The hill had served as a place for the gods, forefathers, and saints to carry out austerities and rituals in a spirit of forbearance and faith. The Yamuna river at the hill was considered propitious, frequented by mighty saints and a place where Mandhata and Somaka performed sacrificial rites. The story highlighted the significance of rituals, penances, and acts of devotion in attaining spiritual merit and blessings from divine beings.
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 CXXV - Cyavana Frees Indra from Demon Mada's Clutches, have a look at the following articles:
Section CXXV, 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 CXXV:
Are the Asvins entitled to drink the Soma juice according to the story?
Yes, the Asvins are entitled to the Soma juice as granted by Cyavana.
What did Cyavana do to appease Indra and spread his fame?
Cyavana distributed the demon Mada in drinks, women, gambling, and field sports.
What can visitors do at the Archika hill according to the story?
Visitors can perform ablutions to remove sins, visit holy cairns, and view eternal streams.
Daily life: Cyavana Frees Indra from Demon Mada's Clutches:
The story narrates a powerful message of forgiveness, humility, and the importance of fulfilling promises. In daily life, this can be translated into taking responsibility for our actions and making amends where we have wronged others. It illustrates the power of mercy in resolving conflicts and the significance of committing to one's word for harmony to prevail.
Indra's plea to Cyavana showcases the importance of acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking forgiveness. Similarly, in our lives, admitting faults and asking for mercy can pave the way for reconciliation and healing. Cyavana's response emphasizes the strength found in forgiveness and the ability it has to transform relationships and situations positively.
Furthermore, the distribution of Mada into various aspects of life serves as a reminder of the importance of moderation and balance. It teaches us to enjoy life's pleasures without letting them consume us, ensuring that we lead a balanced and righteous lifestyle.
Lastly, the pilgrimage advised to Yudhishthira at the end of the tale underscores the significance of self-reflection and spiritual cleansing in pursuing a virtuous life. This journey symbolizes the path each individual can take to reflect on their actions, purify their intentions, and strive for a life of virtue and righteousness.