The Mahabharata

The epic Mahabharata is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. Vyasa, also known as Veda Vyasa or Krishna Dvaipayana  ,  is considered one of the seven Chiranjivi (immortal beings) in Hindu tradition. He is revered as a wise sage and is credited with composing the Mahabharata, along with several other significant texts, including the Puranas and the Vedas.The Mahabharata itself narrates that Vyasa composed the epic and dictated it to Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, who served as his scribe. This collaboration between Vyasa and Ganesha is a well-known part of the epic's lore. Vyasa is also a character within the Mahabharata, playing a crucial role in the lineage of the Kuru dynasty and acting as a spiritual guide and advisor.The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature ,  the other being the Ramayana. It is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa and is the longest epic poem in the world, with over 100,000 verses. The epic narrates the struggle for sovereignty between two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and is set in the ancient kingdom of Hastinapura.

 

Major Plot Points:

 

1. The Lineage and Early Events:

The epic begins with the lineage of the Kuru dynasty. King

Shantanu marries Ganga and later Satyavati. Bhishma, the son of Shantanu and Ganga, vows celibacy to ensure his father can marry Satyavati. Satyavati’s sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, die young, leaving the throne without a direct heir.

 

 

2. Birth of Pandavas and Kauravas:

Vyasa fathers Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. Dhritarashtra ,born blind, is bypassed for kingship, which goes to Pandu. Pandu’s wives, Kunti and Madri, bear five sons (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva) through divine intervention.Dhritarashtra’s wife, Gandhari, gives birth to 100 sons (the Kauravas), with Duryodhana as the eldest.

 

3. Conflict and Exile:

The rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas intensifies. The Pandavas are tricked into a dice game by Duryodhana and Shakuni, resulting in their loss of kingdom and 13-year exile, including one year incognito.

 

4. Kurukshetra War:

Upon their return, the Pandavas demand their share of the

Kingdom , but Duryodhana refuses. This leads to the great war of Kurukshetra. Krishna, serving as Arjuna’s charioteer, delivers the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text discussing duty and righteousness. The war lasts 18 days, resulting in the death of many key warriors, including Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and all the Kauravas.

 

5. Aftermath and Ashwamedha Yajna:

Yudhishthira is crowned king. The epic concludes with the

Pandavas’ eventual renunciation of the world and their journey towards the Himalayas seeking heaven. Along the way, they face trials that test their virtues and adherence to dharma (righteousness).

 

 

6. Swargarohanika Parva:

This section narrates the final journey of the Pandavas and their entry into heaven. Yudhishthira, the only one to complete the journey, is tested one last time before being reunited with his brothers and Draupadi.

 

Themes and Teachings:

 

The Mahabharata explores complex themes such as duty, righteousness, the nature of reality, the importance of dharma, and the consequences of personal and political actions. The Bhagavad Gita, embedded within the epic, is a

philosophical and spiritual guide that has had a profound influence on Sanatan (Hindu) thought and practice.The Mahabharata, with its intricate narrative and multifaceted characters, serves not only as a historical and mythological epic but also as a source of spiritual guidance and moral instruction. It remains a cornerstone of Indian culture and literature.The Mahabharata is divided into 18 Parvas (books), each detailing different parts of the epic’s extensive narrative. Here is a summary of each Parva:

 

1. Adi Parva (The Book of the Beginning):

 

Introduction of the Mahabharata, including the lineage of the

Kuru dynasty and the births of the Pandavas and Kauravas. It

covers early incidents like the poisoning of Bhima, the burning of the House of Lac, and the marriage of Draupadi.

 

 

 

2. Sabha Parva (The Book of the Assembly Hall):

 

Describes the royal court (Sabha) at Indraprastha, the Rajasuya Yajna of Yudhishthira, and the deceitful dice game orchestrated by Shakuni that leads to the Pandavas' exile.

 

3. Vana Parva (The Book of the Forest):

 

The Pandavas’ twelve years of exile in the forest. It includes

various stories, teachings, and the experiences of the Pandavas during their exile.

 

4. Virata Parva (The Book of Virata):

 

The Pandavas' thirteenth year of exile spent incognito in the

kingdom of Virata. This book details their disguises and the

eventual revelation of their true identities.

 

5. Udyoga Parva (The Book of Effort):

 

Preparations for the Kurukshetra War. It includes the failed peace negotiations and the gathering of armies by both the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

 

6. Bhishma Parva (The Book of Bhishma):

 

The first part of the Kurukshetra War, focusing on the leadership of Bhishma. This Parva also includes the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna’s counsel to Arjuna.

 

7. Drona Parva (The Book of Drona):

The continuation of the war under Drona’s command. Key events include the death of Abhimanyu and the killing of Drona by Dhrishtadyumna.

 

8. Karna Parva (The Book of Karna):

 

The war with Karna as the commander of the Kaurava forces.

Arjuna ultimately kills Karna in this book.

 

9. Shalya Parva (The Book of Shalya):

 

The final days of the war with Shalya as the Kaurava commander.It ends with the death of Duryodhana and the conclusion of the war.

 

10.Sauptika Parva (The Book of the Sleeping Warriors):

 

Describes the night raid by Ashwatthama on the Pandava camp,leading to the massacre of the sleeping warriors and the death of the sons of Draupadi.

 

11.Stri Parva (The Book of the Women):

 

The lamentations of the women of the Kuru dynasty over the dead warriors. It reflects on the sorrow and devastation caused by the war.

 

12.Shanti Parva (The Book of Peace):

 

Yudhishthira’s ascension to the throne and the instructions of

Bhishma on governance, ethics, and duty while lying on his  deathbed of arrows.

 

13.Anushasana Parva (The Book of Instructions):

 

Continuation of Bhishma’s teachings, focusing on moral and

ethical duties, charity, and the responsibilities of a king.

 

14.Ashvamedhika Parva (The Book of the Horse Sacrifice):

 

Describes the Ashvamedha Yajna performed by Yudhishthira to consolidate his rule. It includes the adventures of Arjuna as he follows the sacrificial horse.

 

15.Ashramavasika Parva (The Book of the Hermitage):

 

The later life of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti, and Vidura as they retire to the forest and eventually perish in a forest fire.

 

16.Mausala Parva (The Book of the Clubs):

 

The downfall of the Yadava dynasty, leading to the death of

Krishna and Balarama and the eventual destruction of Dwaraka.

 

17.Mahaprasthanika Parva (The Book of the Great Journey):

 

The Pandavas renounce their kingdom and begin their final

journey towards the Himalayas, seeking heaven.

 

18.Swargarohanika Parva (The Book of the Ascent to Heaven):

 

The Pandavas’ ascent to heaven and Yudhishthira’s final test,

culminating in their reunion in the afterlife.

 

These Parvas collectively narrate the comprehensive and intricate story of the Mahabharata, encompassing the themes of duty, righteousness, devotion, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.

 

Here is a comprehensive list of characters from the Mahabharata, arranged alphabetically from A to Z, with brief descriptions for each:

 

1. Abhimanyu: The son of Arjuna and Subhadra, known for his exceptional bravery and tragic death in the Kurukshetra War.

2. Agni: The god of fire, who plays a role in the burning of the Khandava forest.

3. Amba: The princess of Kashi, who was reborn as Shikhandi to avenge her humiliation by Bhishma.

4. Ambalika: One of Vichitravirya's queens and mother of Pandu.

5. Ambika: Another of Vichitravirya's queens and mother of Dhritarashtra.

6. Arjuna: The third Pandava, renowned for his archery skills and close relationship with Krishna.

7. Ashwatthama: The son of Drona, known for his loyalty to the Kauravas and his fierce desire for revenge.

8. Bhagadatta: The king of Pragjyotisha, who fought on the Kaurava side with his formidable war elephant.

9. Bhima: The second Pandava, noted for his immense strength and loyalty to his brothers.

10.Bhishma: The granduncle of the Pandavas and Kauravas, known for his vow of celibacy and exceptional martial prowess.

11.Chitrangada: The elder son of Shantanu and Satyavati, who died young in battle.

12.Dhananjaya: Another name for Arjuna, highlighting his prowess in winning wealth.

13.Dhritarashtra: The blind king of Hastinapura, father of the Kauravas.

14.Draupadi: The wife of the Pandavas, known for her beauty, strength, and devotion.

15.Drona (Dronacharya): The royal teacher of the Kuru princes and a

master of military arts.

16.Drupada: The king of Panchala and father of Draupadi and

Dhrishtadyumna.

17.Duhshala: The only sister of the Kauravas and Pandavas, married to Jayadratha.

18.Duryodhana: The eldest Kaurava, whose envy and ambition were central to the conflict leading to the Kurukshetra War.

19.Dushasana: The second Kaurava, infamous for his role in the disrobing of Draupadi.

20.Gandhari: The wife of Dhritarashtra, who blindfolded herself for life out of loyalty to her husband.

21.Ganga: The river goddess and mother of Bhishma.

22.Ghatotkacha: The son of Bhima and Hidimbi, known for his valor and magical powers.

23.Hidimbi: A Rakshasi (demoness) who married Bhima and bore him a son, Ghatotkacha.

24.Indra: The king of the gods and father of Arjuna.

25.Janamejaya: The son of Parikshit, who conducted the Sarpasatra (snake sacrifice) and listened to the Mahabharata.

26.Jayadratha: The husband of Duhshala and a key antagonist who caused the death of Abhimanyu.

27.Karna: The son of Kunti and Surya, raised by a charioteer, and a formidable warrior loyal to Duryodhana.

28.Kichaka: The commander of the Matsya army, killed by Bhima for his misdeeds towards Draupadi.

29.Kripa (Kripacharya): The royal teacher and a loyal supporter of the Kuru dynasty.

30.Krishna: The incarnation of Lord Vishnu, a key ally of the Pandavas, and Arjuna's charioteer and guide.

31.Kritavarma: A Yadava warrior and ally of the Kauravas.

32.Kunti: The mother of the Pandavas, known for her wisdom and devotion.

33.Madri: The second wife of Pandu and mother of Nakula and Sahadeva.

34.Nakula: The fourth Pandava, known for his beauty and skill with horses.

35.Parikshit: The grandson of Arjuna, who became the king after the Pandavas.

36.Pandu: The father of the Pandavas and former king of Hastinapura, who abdicated due to a curse.

37.Radha: The foster mother of Karna, who raised him with love and care.

38.Rishi Vyasa (Veda Vyasa): The sage who composed the Mahabharata and fathered Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura.

39.Rukmini: The chief wife of Krishna, known for her beauty and devotion.

40.Sahadeva: The youngest Pandava, known for his wisdom and expertise in astrology.

41.Sanjaya: The charioteer and advisor to Dhritarashtra, who narrated the events of the Kurukshetra War.

42.Satyaki: A Yadava warrior and a key ally of the Pandavas.

43.Satyavati: The queen mother of Hastinapura, mother of Vyasa, and grandmother to Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura.

44.Shakuni: The brother of Gandhari, known for his cunning and deceit, and the mastermind behind the dice game.

45.Shalya: The king of Madra, who was tricked into fighting for the Kauravas but internally supported the Pandavas.

46.Shikhandi: Born as Shikhandini, she was Amba reborn and played a crucial role in Bhishma's death.

47.Subhadra: The sister of Krishna and Balarama, married to Arjuna and mother of Abhimanyu.

48.Ulupi: A Naga princess who married Arjuna and bore him a son named Iravan.

49.Urvashi: An apsara (celestial nymph) who fell in love with Arjuna.

50.Uttara: The princess of Matsya who married Abhimanyu and mother of Parikshit.

51.Uttara Kumara: A prince of Matsya who accompanied Arjuna in battle during their exile.

52.Vidura: A wise and just advisor in the Kuru court, born to the sage Vyasa and a maid, making him half-brother to Dhritarashtra and Pandu.

53.Yudhishthira: The eldest Pandava, known for his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

54.Yuyudhana (Satyaki): A Vrishni hero and a devoted disciple of Arjuna, who played a key role in the Kurukshetra War.

55.Yuyutsu: A son of Dhritarashtra by a maid, he fought for the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.

 

This list includes many of the major and some minor characters from the epic, though the Mahabharata features a vast number of additional characters and subplots