महाभारत
The Mahabharata
The Mahabharata, composed by sage Vyasa, is not just the world's longest epic poem but an encyclopedia of human knowledge, dharma, and spiritual wisdom. It chronicles the great war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, but more importantly, it explores the complex nature of dharma through the divine teachings of Lord Krishna, culminating in the immortal Bhagavad Gita.
"यद्यात्र अस्ति तत्त्वत्र यन्नेहास्ति न कुत्रचित् - What is here is found elsewhere, what is not here is found nowhere else"
Epic Overview
Author
Maharshi Vyasa
Verses
100,000 Shlokas (verses)
Books
18 Parvas (Books)
Period
Approximately 400 BCE - 400 CE
Universal Significance
Contains the complete knowledge of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha through divine teachings and complex moral dilemmas
The Eighteen Parvas (Books)
Each Parva represents a different aspect of the great epic, from origins to the ultimate spiritual teachings
Adi Parva
236 chaptersThe Book of Beginning
Chronicles the origins of the Bharata dynasty, birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas, their childhood, and the burning of the lac house.
Key Events:
- •Birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura
- •Birth of the Pandavas through divine intervention
- •Birth of the Kauravas and the curse of hundred sons
- •Training under Dronacharya and Kripacharya
- •The tournament and Karna's entry
Sabha Parva
81 chaptersThe Book of the Assembly Hall
The game of dice, Draupadi's humiliation, and the exile of the Pandavas for thirteen years.
Key Events:
- •Yudhishthira's Rajasuya sacrifice
- •Building of Maya Sabha (Crystal Palace)
- •The fateful game of dice with Shakuni
- •Draupadi's disrobing and humiliation
- •Thirteen years of exile pronounced
Vana Parva
324 chaptersThe Book of the Forest
The twelve years of forest exile, spiritual teachings, and encounters with sages and divine beings.
Key Events:
- •Life in the forests and encounters with sages
- •Arjuna's penance and acquisition of divine weapons
- •Bhima's encounter with Hanuman
- •The Yaksha Prashna (Questions of the Yaksha)
- •Various philosophical discourses and stories
Virata Parva
72 chaptersThe Book of Virata
The thirteenth year of exile spent incognito in the kingdom of Virata.
Key Events:
- •Pandavas assume false identities in Virata's court
- •Arjuna as Brihannala teaches dance and music
- •Bhima as Ballava works in the kitchen
- •Kichaka's death and near discovery
- •Battle against the Kauravas and revelation
Udyoga Parva
199 chaptersThe Book of Preparation
Diplomatic efforts for peace, Krishna's embassy to Hastinapur, and preparations for war.
Key Events:
- •Krishna's peace mission to Duryodhana
- •Failure of negotiations and inevitability of war
- •Formation of alliances and gathering of armies
- •Bhishma appointed as commander of Kaurava forces
- •Final preparations and omens of war
Bhishma Parva
124 chaptersThe Book of Bhishma
The first ten days of war under Bhishma's command, including the immortal Bhagavad Gita.
Key Events:
- •The Bhagavad Gita - Krishna's divine discourse
- •Arjuna's initial reluctance to fight
- •First ten days of the great war
- •Bhishma's incredible prowess in battle
- •Shikhandi and Bhishma's fall
Drona Parva
204 chaptersThe Book of Drona
Five days of war under Dronacharya's command, Abhimanyu's death, and great heroic deeds.
Key Events:
- •Dronacharya becomes supreme commander
- •Formation of various military arrays (vyuhas)
- •Abhimanyu's entry into Chakravyuha and heroic death
- •Arjuna's vow to kill Jayadratha
- •Death of Dronacharya through deception
Karna Parva
96 chaptersThe Book of Karna
Two days of war under Karna's leadership and his final battle with Arjuna.
Key Events:
- •Karna becomes the supreme commander
- •Revelation of Karna's true parentage
- •Epic duel between Karna and Arjuna
- •Karna's curses come to fruition
- •Death of the great warrior Karna
Shalya Parva
70 chaptersThe Book of Shalya
The final day of war, death of Duryodhana, and the end of the great battle.
Key Events:
- •Shalya becomes the final commander
- •Death of Shalya and collapse of Kaurava forces
- •Duryodhana's final battle with Bhima
- •Breaking of Duryodhana's thigh and his death
- •End of the eighteen-day war
The Bhagavad Gita
The crown jewel of the Mahabharata - Krishna's divine discourse to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, containing the essence of all spiritual wisdom and the solution to all human dilemmas.
18 Chapters
Each chapter reveals different aspects of yoga and spiritual wisdom
700 Verses
Divine shlokas containing the complete spiritual philosophy
Universal Truth
Timeless teachings applicable to all humanity across all ages
Immortal Characters
Meet the complex characters whose struggles, victories, and wisdom continue to guide humanity
Lord Krishna
Yogeshwar
The supreme divine incarnation, guide, philosopher, and charioteer who delivers the Bhagavad Gita
Arjuna
Partha
The greatest archer, Krishna's devotee, and recipient of the Bhagavad Gita teachings
Yudhishthira
Dharmaraja
The eldest Pandava, king of righteousness, known for his unwavering commitment to dharma
Bhima
Vrikodara
The mighty warrior with the strength of ten thousand elephants, protector of the family
Draupadi
Panchali
The fire-born princess, wife of the five Pandavas, symbol of strength and virtue
Karna
Suryaputra
The tragic hero, son of Surya, greatest warrior cursed by birth and circumstances
Bhishma
Pitamaha
The grand uncle, greatest warrior bound by terrible vows, embodiment of sacrifice
Duryodhana
Suyodhana
The eldest Kaurava, skilled warrior blinded by jealousy and ambition
Eternal Teachings
The profound spiritual and philosophical teachings that emerge from the complex narrative
Dharma (Righteous Duty)
The complex nature of dharma shown through various characters facing moral dilemmas in different situations.
Example:
Yudhishthira's struggles with truth vs. compassion, Krishna's guidance on contextual dharma
Karma (Action & Consequence)
Every action has consequences that manifest across lifetimes, as demonstrated by various characters' fates.
Example:
Karna's curses manifesting at crucial moments, Duryodhana's actions leading to destruction
Devotion (Bhakti)
Complete surrender to the divine as shown through Arjuna's relationship with Krishna.
Example:
Arjuna's acceptance of Krishna as his guide and surrendering to divine will
Detachment (Vairagya)
Performing one's duty without attachment to results, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita.
Example:
Krishna's teaching to fight without attachment to victory or defeat
Sacrifice (Yajna)
Life itself as a sacrifice for the greater good, demonstrated by various characters.
Example:
Bhishma's lifelong sacrifice for the throne, Abhimanyu's sacrifice in battle
Knowledge (Jnana)
Different types of knowledge - material, spiritual, and divine - and their applications.
Example:
The Bhagavad Gita's discourse on various yogas and paths to liberation
Visual Epic
Experience the grandeur and depth of the Mahabharata through visual representations
Lord Krishna and Arjuna
The divine charioteer delivering the eternal teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
The Pandava Brothers
The five brothers united in their quest for dharma and justice
Draupadi
The fire-born princess who suffered yet maintained her dignity and virtue
Forest Exile
The thirteen years of exile that transformed the Pandavas spiritually
Battle of Kurukshetra
The great eighteen-day war that changed the course of history
Bhishma on Bed of Arrows
The grand patriarch choosing his time of death, teaching final wisdom
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