01.056 (Core) Significance of Mahabharata as Artha-shastra, Dharma-shastra, and also Mokhsa-shastra
Janamejaya said,
You have narrated, O foremost among Brahmins, the great epic of the Mahabharata, which contains the history of the Kurus.
You narrate this fascinating story to me, O sinless one. My curiosity has greatly increased to hear it in detail.
You, please elaborate and narrate this story once again. I am not satisfied with hearing the previous one in brief.
O knower of righteousness, the reason for which the Pandavas, who were well-versed in Dharma, were not satisfied is not insignificant. They slew all the invincible warriors and were praised by people.
Why were those tigers among men, capable as they were, not able to overcome the difficulties that befell them, while even snakes, when provoked, can be pacified? (Verse 5)
How is it that the mighty Bhimasena, who has the strength of a thousand elephants, did not give in to anger even when provoked? (Verse 6)
How was it that Draupadi, Krishna incarnate, who was tormented by the wicked-hearted, did not incinerate the Dhartarashtras with her fierce gaze, being capable to do so? (Verse 7)
How did the sons of Madri, Partha (Arjuna) and the others, manage to escape the deceit of the wicked-hearted, when they played at dice and were being cheated? (Verse 8)
How did Yudhishthira, the best among upholders of Dharma, the knower of righteousness and the virtuous son of Dharma, allow himself to be subjected to such great suffering, which he did not deserve? (Verse 9)
How did Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow and the charioteer Krishna, manage to single-handedly bring all those mighty armies to the abode of their ancestors? (Verse 10)
Please tell me everything exactly as it happened, O wealth of penance. Also, narrate the exploits performed by the great charioteers wherever they took place. (Verse 11)
Vaishampayana said,
I shall narrate the comprehensive doctrine of the great soul Vyasa, who is revered in all the worlds, endowed with immeasurable brilliance. (Verse 12)
This composition, consisting of one hundred thousand verses, narrated by the son of Satyavati, possesses immeasurable brilliance. (Verse 13)
One who recites this or listens to it with wisdom, attains a status equal to that of Brahma, the divine. (Verse 14)
Indeed, this is the most sacred offering, even among the Vedas. It is the best of the puranas, revered by the sages, and the finest among what is worth listening to. (Verse 15)
In this glorious narrative, righteousness in its entirety is expounded. It is an immensely virtuous epic, and imparts steadfast wisdom. (Verse 16)
The one who imparts this Veda, filled with non-violence, charity, truthfulness, and faith, to those who are non-envious and virtuous, will surely attain the desired objective. (Verse 17)
One should definitely renounce the sin of causing abortion. There is no doubt about it. Upon hearing this narrative, even a person of cruel disposition will mend his ways. (Verse 18)
This narrative, known as "Victory," should be heard by those desiring triumph. It bestows victory upon the listener, causing the defeat of all adversaries. (Verse 19)
This is the most excellent means of purification, this great recitation. It is also an auspicious rite. It should be heard by queens, princes, and kings, as well as by the common people, numerous times. (Verse 20)
This is a virtuous treatise on economic principles, the supreme scripture on righteousness, and it is also considered as a scripture for liberation. This has been expounded by Vyasa, who possesses immeasurable wisdom. (Verse 21)
Even now, some proclaim and others will declare in the future that those who have sons, those who are devoted to their well-being, and those who are pleasing to their loved ones, are truly wealthy. (Verse 22)
Whatever sins one commits through the body, speech, or mind, a person can quickly abandon them by constantly hearing this narrative. (Verse 23)
For those who are born in the land of Bharata and who listen to this with a pure heart, there is no fear of diseases, let alone the fear of the next world. (Verse 24)
By the desire for virtue, this auspicious, glorious, long-lasting, heavenly and meritorious composition has been created by Krishna Dvaipayana (Vyasa). (Verse 25)
This great epic extols the fame of the Pandavas in the world. It also enhances the splendor of other mighty warriors among the Kshatriyas. (Verse 26)
Just as the ocean is considered supreme among bodies of water, and the Himalayas are considered the foremost among mountains, similarly, the Mahabharata is renowned as the treasure trove of jewels among epics. (Verse 27)
The one who recites this to the learned Brahmins during the Parva (sacrificial ceremony), having purified themselves of sins, attains the heavenly abode and ultimately becomes one with Brahman. (Verse 28)
If one were to recite this during a sacred ritual in the presence of Brahmins, the imperishable merit of that ritual would also extend to their ancestors. (Verse 29)
A person, due to ignorance, may commit misdeeds during the day and night. However, upon hearing the narrative of the Mahabharata, they are instantly cleansed of their sins. (Verse 30)
The great birth among the Bharatas is known as the Mahabharata. One who understands its meaning is absolved of all sins through it, just as one is absolved of all sins through the Nirukta (etymology). (Verse 31)
Sage Krishna Dvaipayana, also known as Vyasa, composed this excellent Mahabharata narrative, which spans three years. (Verse 32)
O foremost among the Bharatas! Whatever is found here in this Mahabharata concerning dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation), can be found elsewhere. Whatever is not found here is not found anywhere. (Verse 33)
