Mahabharata Companion

Sage Durvasa

Part 1 / Chapter 32 / 83 chapters

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Part 1Chapter 32

Sage Durvasa

urges to make peace after the Gandharva humiliation, but ignores him and sets out to prove himself by conquering kings for the Kauravas. returns with tribute, enabling to perform the Vaisnava sacrifice when the Rajasuya is denied to him. then vows to kill , which leaves anxious until comforts him with teachings on asceticism and charity. next sends to the Pandavas after has eaten, but prays to , who satisfies the sages with a single remaining particle of food and saves the Pandavas from the intended curse.

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This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.

Krishna Dharma keeps the chapter practical by pairing two kinds of dependence: Duryodhana depends on Karna and schemes, while the Pandavas depend on Krsna and devotion when ordinary resources fail.
Key Events
  1. 1

    urges peace

    After hearing of Dwaitavana, tells that failed before the Gandharvas and that peace with the Pandavas is best for the Kuru race.

  2. 2

    dismisses the warning

    Remembering the Danavas' words, laughs inwardly and walks away without answering .

  3. 3

    asks to conquer the world

    Stung by 's criticism, asks for an army so he can subdue kings for the Kauravas as the Pandavas once did before the Rajasuya.

  4. 4

    gathers tribute

    With Dhrtarastra's permission, defeats Drupada, Bhagadatta, Himalayan kings, and rulers in every direction, returning to with great wealth.

  5. 5

    trusts more deeply

    and Dhrtarastra welcome , and begins to think the Pandavas are already defeated because of 's success.

  6. 6

    The Rajasuya is refused

    asks to perform the Rajasuya, but his priest says it is impossible while lives and while Dhrtarastra is still present.

  7. 7

    performs the Vaisnava sacrifice

    The priest offers the Vaisnava sacrifice as an alternative, and prepares it with a golden plow and tribute from conquered kings.

  8. 8

    The Pandavas decline the invitation

    invites the Pandavas to the sacrifice. refuses because his vow is unfinished, while sends a battle warning for the end of exile.

  9. 9

    vows to kill

    After citizens compare 's sacrifice unfavorably with 's Rajasuya, vows to avoid meat and luxuries and never refuse charity until he kills .

  10. 10

    broods over

    Hearing 's vow and remembering his natural armor, becomes anxious about the coming battle and the burdens his brothers bear for him.

  11. 11

    comforts the Pandavas

    visits in the final months of exile, teaches about asceticism and charity, and assures him he will regain his father's kingdom.

  12. 12

    serves

    comes to with ten thousand disciples, and carefully serves him until the sage offers a boon.

  13. 13

    sends to the Pandavas

    asks to visit after the family has eaten, hoping the Pandavas will be unable to feed the sages and will be cursed.

  14. 14

    prays to

    arrives after has eaten, leaving the plate unable to produce more food. prays to for protection from the danger.

  15. 15

    satisfies the sages

    eats a single particle left in the vessel, and and his disciples suddenly feel full at the river and flee before returning to the Pandavas.