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Mahabharata
Author: Vyasadeva
Year: cerca 2900 to 3000 B.C.
Language: Sanskrit
The
Mahabharata, “the story of the Great India”, is one of the most appreciated
literatures in the world for both academic scholars and spiritual enthusiasts.
The Mahabharata is accepted to be the world’s longest epic, having 1,500,000
verses describing the history of India and the fall of civilization right
before the onset of the present age of quarrel and hypocrisy, known as Kali
Yuga. The Mahabharata is divided into eighteen sections known as parvanas.
Vyasadeva
also included a supplementary text called the Harivamsa Parvana (also known as
Harivamsa Purana). This portion contains the pastimes of Lord Krsna not covered
in the main text of the Mahabharata.
Prelude to the
Current Events of the Mahabharata
Many
millennia ago, in
As
Dvapara Yuga, the third cosmic era where vice and sinful actions are on the
rise, came by, the lineage of king Bharata started to put more emphasis on
birth rather than deeds and true democratic thinking. This lay the foundations
of the Mahabharata war.
King Santanu’s Reign
Towards
the middle of Dvapara Yuga, the king of Hastinapura (
Devavrata
was soon to be declared the new crowned prince of Hastinapura. To celebrate
this event, King Santanu took a hunting trip to the forest. As he was in search
for his prey, he found a beautiful girl who was paddling passengers across the
river on her boat. This beautiful girl is Satyavati, the daughter of a nearby
fisherman. Santanu took frequent rides with Satyavati as they both fell in
love. Satyavati requested that he request her father for marriage. Santanu met
with the fisherman to discuss potential marriage planning. The fisherman would
allow Satyavati to marry Santanu if Santanu declares Satyavati’s children to be
heir apparent to the throne. Santanu was immediately upset, as he promised
Devavrata to be the new king of Hastinapura. Santanu was dejected and upset and
would not come home until very late in the night. Devavrata, being a devoted
son, would often wonder what the cause of his father’s sadness could be.
Devavrata decided to find out for himself. He found the fisherman and found out
the real cause of his father’s distress. Devavrata, in order to please his
father and act in favor of what fate has determined, made a terrible vow not to
be accept the throne, remain a bachelor (as being a bachelor would prevent him
from having any children), and serve the king of the throne seeing the father’s
image. When Santanu learned of his son’s terrible vow and powerful sacrifice,
he renamed his son, Bhisma (“the terrible one”). In addition, Santanu gave
Bhisma a boon that he will live forever. He will not die unless he is willing
to die. Santanu and Satyavati were married. Even though Santanu had married the
person of his dreams, his heart was filled with grief and discontent, as his
son was the victim of injustice. Even the citizens of Hastinapura were upset at
Bhisma’s vow. Santanu and Satyavati had two children, Citrangada and
Vicitravirya. Santanu, still, lived the remainder of his life in grief. Toward
his last days, he entrusted the care of Satyavati, Citrangada, and Vicitravirya
to Bhisma and passed away. Santanu’s final rites were conducted per scriptural
injunction. In addition, a new family priest, named Krpacarya, was hired as the
royal priest of the Bharatas.
King Citrangada and
Vicitravirya’s Reign
When
Satyavati’s eldest son, Citrangada, came to age, Bhisma coronated him as the
new king of Hastinapura. However, his rule was short-lived as he was killed in
a battle with tribal people by a person who happened to have the same name as
him. The next successor was his younger brother, Vicitravirya.
While
the political status and rule of King Vicitravirya in Hastinapura was stable,
his need to appoint a successor was still in question. His mother, Satyavati,
suggested finding a good wife for Vicitravirya. Bhisma suggested that the
teenage princess-daughters of the King of Kashi would be the most apt choice,
as traditionally, princes from the Kuru Dynasty would marry princesses from the
The
King of Kashi had different views. He refused to invite anyone from Hastinapura
or the Kuru Dynasty, since Santanu rejected to proposal in marrying Bhisma and
the king’s daughter. Bhisma, upon knowing that the king of Kashi not inviting
the Kuru clan, was very angry and felt that the king insulted Hastinapura.
Bhisma stormed to the
King Vicitravirya’s
Three Representative Sons
Despite
this episode, Ambika and Ambalika married Vicitravirya and enjoyed a blissful marriage.
However, their marital bliss remained short and Vicitravirya had an early
death. More issues came up than before, as Hastinapura is without a king, and
Vicitravirya did not leave any progeny behind. As Hastinapura was in this great
political dilemma, Bhisma could not become king or impregnate his late
brother’s wives. So, Satyavati summoned her distant son, Vyasadeva. Vyasadeva
was the spiritualized son of Satyavati and Parasara. Vyasadeva, in actuality is
the literary form of Krsna. Since Vyasadeva was the son of Satyavati, this
would make Vyasadeva and Vicitravirya as half-brothers. In ancient Vedic
injunctions, if a man is unable to impregnate his wife, then his older brother
would have the right to impregnate his wife. Of course, this practice is
considered unacceptable in Kali Yuga. Satyavati requested Vyasadeva to
impregnate the wives of Vicitravirya. Vyasadeva humbly requested that her
request wait, as he was in a hideous form. Satyavati insisted on completing
this task. Vyasadeva carried out his mother’s order, reluctantly.
Ambika
was sent to Vyasadeva first. She was immensely frightened by his hideous form
that she closed her eyes. Ambalika was sent next to Vyasadeva, and she was so
frightened that her body became very pale and she was felt very ill. Ambika was
requested to go to Vyasadeva again, but in fear of being put through her
torturous experience again, she sent her maid. Her maid was very humble to
Vyasadeva and this purpose.
Due
to the reactions of the princesses, Ambika (who closed her eyes) will bear a
child who is blind. Ambalika (who became ill and pale) will have an unhealthy
child. Ambika’s maid (who was humble to Vyasadeva) will be an intelligent
child. It was ironic that the two children of the princesses were physically impaired,
while the knowledgeable and wise one would be born to a maid. The children were
born in due time and were trained by Bhisma, the fields of arts, military
science and warfare, political sciences, ethics, philosophy, and royal dharma.
The eldest child, the son of Ambika, was Dhrtarastra. As predicted, he was born
blind. Ambalika’s son, Pandu, was unusually pale looking. Ambika’s maid,
Vidura, was a very humble and learned person. Even though he was the son of a
maid, he was never reminded of that fact due to the love of his two older
brothers. Even though it was truly the mercy of Vyasadeva that these three were
born, they are accepted as the sons of Vicitravirya.
It
was time to discuss the new ruler of Hastinapura. Per tradition, the oldest
child would be the new king of Hastinapura. As Dhrtarastra was about to be
nominated as the new king of Hastinpura, Vidura objected to this, as Vidura
pointed out that a king who cannot take care of himself cannot rule the nation
properly. Dhrtarastra’s disability prevented him from ascending the throne.
Therefore, Pandu was the only acceptable ruler who was able to rule
Hastinapura. Bhisma, Satyavati, and family priest, Krpacarya, accepted Pandu to
be the new king of Hastinpura. While his coronation ceremony and celebration
was filled joy, Dhrtarastra’s heart was filled with upset and feelings of
anger, due to this injustice.
Marriages of
Dhrtarastra and Pandu
Satyavati
suggested that it was time Dhrtarastra and Pandu search other kingdoms in
search for their wives. Bhisma felt that the princess of the
After
Dhrtarastra’s wedding, eyes were on Pandu, as the citizens and the Kuru family,
were awaiting for a new queen of Hastinapura. Bhisma suggested that Pandu
attend the wedding ceremony of the princess of King Kuntibhoja, Kunti. Kunti,
who was originally named Prtha, was a descendant of the cobra dynasty. She was
brought up in the Vrsni dynasty, the same dynasty where Lord Krsna was soon to
take appearance. She was adopted by King Kuntibhoja was renamed Kunti. She was
a very virtuous and intelligent princess, as well as very beautiful. King Pandu
went to the marriage ceremony. Kunti selected Pandu to be her husband and their
marriage ceremony was celebrated from Kuntibhoja’s kingdom to Hastinapura. On
their wedding night, Pandu went off to a victory conquest in order to conquer
neighboring lands and extend the borders his kingdom. He returned successfully
after extending his borders. While he was returning, he was encountered by the
King of Madra (nearby
During
the rule of King Pandu, the citizens and his ministers suggested that he take a
vacation, due to his hard work and successes brought upon Hastinapura. Pandu
accepted the vacation offer with his two wives. Before his leaving, he declared
Dhrtarastra as the substitute ruler. Dhrtarastra, even though he knew he was
not the real king, felt very happy being able to wear the king’s crown and
being called the king. His wise and intelligent wife, Gandhari, warned him not
to be too attached to the crown, as this is really Pandu’s.
Pandu,
Kunti, and Madri stayed in the cottage in the forest on the outskirts of
Hastinapura. They served nearby brahmana Kindam Muni and his wife. They had
imbibed knowledge from the rsi and his wife. They were given many blessings to
be blessed with virtuous children. Ironically, they were blessing Pandu, Kunti,
and Madri with such a blessing, even though Kindam Muni and his wife are
childless. In order to fulfill their duty on earth as parents, they had to
disguise themselves as deer to remain anonymous in their intercourse. Pandu
heard some strange animal in the forest. As his ksatriya sporty nature, he
decided to hunt it. Without actually seeing the animal and relying only on the
sound, he shot a very powerful arrow. This arrow pierced both deer, who were
really Kindam Muni and his wife. Unable to fulfill their final duty to produce
progeny on earth made Kindam Muni very angry that he cursed Pandu that the
moment he begins to embrace his wife, he will die. Kindam Muni and his wife
both died after cursing Pandu. Pandu, being depressed about his sinful act, informed
his wives. They returned to Hastinapura and informed the public of this
decision. While everyone agreed that Pandu’s act, itself, was a sinful one,
Bhisma encouraged everyone that Pandu should be applauded that as he was a
king, he respected the law and admitted this to everyone. Pandu and his wives
decided to see repentance by retiring from the royal duties. He declared
Dhrtarastra as the new king of Hastinapura. Dhrtarastra was happy as he was not
merely the representative, but a new king. The citizens of Hastinapura and
Pandu’s family were very upset at his leaving.
Children of
Dhrtarastra (Kauravas) and Pandu (Pandavas)
Pandu
had one problem to worry about. The problem was how to produce children. He was
unable to produce children with his wives. Kunti found a solution to the
problem. Kunti remembered a special mantra she received from Durvasa Muni, when
she served him when she was a young girl. The special mantra allows any demigod
of her choice to give her a child. Pandu, overjoyed with new rays of hope,
requested Kunti to summon the Yamaraja, the demigod of death and justice, for a
son. A son was born to Kunti and was named Yudhisthira (“Firm in War”). Pandu
requested Kunti to summon the demigod of wind, Vayu. Vayu gave a son to Kunti.
When Kunti received the son, Kunti accidentally dropped him, as his cry sounded
like that of a lion’s! The baby broke a big slab of stone in which he fell on.
They decided to name him Bhima (“Terror of Foes.”) In this way, Indra, king of
demigods, gave Kunti a son, who was named Arjuna. Kunti gave this mantra to
Madri, as she summoned the two Asvina Kumara (twin demigods), and she received
twin boys, who were named Nakula and Sahadeva. These five sons of Pandu were
known as the Pandavas.
Upon
receiving the great name of Yudhisthira’s birth, the entire city of
While
in the forest, the five sons of Pandu served the forest ascetics and sought
knowledge from them. Yudhisthira being the eldest was very wise and had the
knowledge of ethics and morals since childhood. Bhima was a very hungry person
would try to get the most food, yet he was naturally strong. Arjuna, Nakula,
and Sahadeva were very bright children too. When they in their late childhood,
Pandu was meditating one day. Madri had just completed her bath and she was
going leaving the waters to change into her clothes. Pandu saw the form of
Madri and he was enamored by her. Madri, who longed to be in the arms of Pandu,
was afraid of getting near him, because of the curse. However, Pandu embraced her
tightly. While doing this, Pandu immediately died. As Madri felt she was at
fault for the death of her and Kunti’s husband, Madri decided to be burned
alive with Pandu. Madri entrusted her two children, Nakula and Sahadeva to
Kunti’s care and died on the pyre of her husband. Kunti with her five children,
having no shelter, went back to Hastinapura. While Hastinapura, along with the
Satyavati, Bhisma, Ambika, and Ambalika gave them a warm welcome back,
Dhrtarastra and Gandhari worried of their return back. Furthermore, Duryodhana
and his ninety-nine younger brothers were already envious of their cousins.
They already showed signs of anger and hate from the day they met. One day,
when all of the children were playing, Duryodhana and Duhsasana gave Bhima poisoned
porridge and through his unconscious body in the river, where cobras
neutralizes the effect of the poison and Bhima came back to life stronger than
before.
Vidura
and Bhisma realized that these children needed to be formally educated. They summoned
family priest, Krpacarya, to teach Kauravas and Pandavas. When Dhrtarastra knew
of their priest aiding his young enemies, he distracted Krpacarya for trivial
matters, just to disrupt class. The children would play whenever there is no
teacher. Once, the children threw a ball down a well accidentally. A brahmana,
using a special technique of combining stalks of straw together, got the ball
out. That brahmana was Dronacarya, the disciple of Parasurama and son of
Bharadvaja Muni. When Bhisma learned of this event, Bhisma and Vidura hired him
as the teacher of the Kuru princes. Dronacarya taught these Kuru princes
military science. Dronacarya found Arjuna the most keen and diligent student.
He impressed Dronacarya with his determination to learn so much that Dronacarya
made it his own resolve to teach Arjuna everything he learned and make Arjuna
the world’s greatest archer. He even denied this opportunity to his own son,
Asvatthama, who felt jealous of Arjuna.
For
many years until late youth, the Pandava and Kaurava princes studied military
science and warfare through Dronacarya. He displayed their skill and strength
through a public arena. When Arjuna showed off his skill, an unknown man came
to the field and challenged Arjuna. That unknown personality was Karna, who had
a very upsetting birth story. Karna is actually the son of Kunti. When Kunti,
first, received her mantra to invoke a demigod, she decided to try it out to
see if it works. She invoked the demigod of the sun, Vivasvan (or Suryadeva).
She didn’t know of the consequence of her having a baby with Suryadeva. As she
was not married to Pandu at the time, she couldn’t keep that baby boy, in fear
of her reputation. The beautiful boy, whose chest skin was golden, and was born
with golden in his body, was placed in a box and sent away through a river.
Down the river, Dhrtarastra’s charioteer, Adiratha, and his wife, Radha, saw
the boy and accepted him as their own. They named him Karna. Despite his true
birth as a ksatriya, his “adopted” title was regarded as a low-class, as he was
“born” as the “son of a charioteer.” As a result, he was denied admission in
Dronacarya’s school. He had to pretend to be a brahmana to seek instruction of
Parasurama. However, his instruction became fruitless, as Parasurama found out
the truth and cursed Karna that he will forget his knowledge when his life
depends on it. Carrying the stigma of his unknown birth and curse, Karna
challenges Arjuna. In an arena, only a prince could fight a prince. Since Karna
was not a prince or a “ksatriya”, he was disqualified. Duryodhana objected to
this and immediately crowned Karna as the king of the
Early Signs of
Tension Between Pandavas and Kauravas
After
the tournament at the arena was completed, the Pandavas and Kauravas had to
offer a fee to Dronacarya. Dronacarya requested that the Kauravas capture the
king of Pancala, Dhrupada, and bring him to Dronacarya. Kauravas, were very
egotistical about this task so they went off trying to capture Dhrupada, but
Dhrupada’s army was so vast that the army, that after hours of fighting, the
Kauravas were tired away to flee back home. Dronacarya accepted their effort as
an offering, despite their defeat. Dronacarya challenged the Pandavas to this
task. The Pandavas, even though they were five people alone without an army,
conquered the army and captured Dhrupada very quickly. Dhrupada was sent to
Dronacarya. The reason why Dhrupada was captured, was because Dronacarya wanted
to take revenge. Dronacarya and Dhrupada were very close childhood friends.
When they moved apart, Dhrupada became a king. Dronacarya was very poor, and
there was no cow to get milk for his child, Asvatthama. Even though he was an
exalted brahmana, he went to beg for a cow from Dhrupada, but Dhrupada insulted
him and said that “friendship only happens between equals.” Since they were not
equals, they could not be friends. Dronacarya was very insulted and remembered
the hardships faced because of this. Dronacarya made the conquered Dhrupada
realize how the tables have turned. Dronacarya announced his decision to take a
cow for himself, so he can finally give milk to his grown son, Asvatthama.
Dhrtarastra’s
heart was impeding with fear as he wants to nominate his son, Duryodhana, as
the new crowned prince. However, the people of Hastinapura, the ministers,
Vidura, and Bhisma wanted Yudhisthira as the crowned prince, as he was not only
the oldest but the wisest and most worthy person to be next successor.
Dhrtarastra, in fear of public response, was forced to select Yudhisthira.
Duryodhana was very upset and wanted to find a way to kill the Pandavas.
Duryodhana, Duhsasana, Sakuni, and Karna would conspire ways to kill the
Pandavas and find ways to make Duryodhana the new king of Hastinapura. There
was a special Siva festival that was taking place at a nearby city of
Marriage of Draupadi
While
in the forest, they learned of the marriage ceremony of Draupadi. King Dhrupada
created a test that the suitor must pass. The suitor must be able to lift a
very heavy bow and attack the target by looking at the water reflection of the
target. This test would only be passed by Arjuna, thought Dhrupada. Many kings
and princes from lands all over
After
the burning of the wax home, Dhrtarastra, Sakuni, Duryodhana, Duhsasana, and
Karna were all elated to known that the Pandavas supposedly died. Bhisma and
Vidura knew the actual truth that they were alive. However, Arjuna’s winning
Draupadi gave word out everyone that the Pandavas are very much alive. This
struck a chord of fear to the Kauravas, while this played a chord of joy to the
citizens of Hastinapura who loved them very much. They were awaiting to see
their new bride, Draupadi.
Partitioning
Hastinapura
Duryodhana
and his assembly of his supporters were not happy of Pandavas’ returning of
Hastinapura. He knew they would come back to reclaim their place in the
assembly of Hastinapura’s court. Dhrtarastra understood this potential outbreak
take place. As much as the wise ministers, Bhisma, Vidura, Dronacarya, and
Krpacarya persuaded and explained to Duryodhana and Dhrtarastra that
Yudhisthira is the rightful and most deserving heir apparent. As Dhrtarastra,
being a foolish king, disregarded the opinions of the elders and the wise,
Bhisma was forced to take the most extreme decision to partition the nation.
Dhrtarastra decided to give Hastinapura to Duryodhana and a barren and deserted
place called Khandavaprastha. Even though the four younger Pandava brothers
felt cheated, Yudhisthira accepted this land as a token of love from his second
father-figure. Even though he knew very well that this was injustice, for the
sake of peace, he was willing to accept that much. Lord Krsna and His dear
brother, Balarama, gave help to their cousins and friends, the Pandavas, in
rebuiling Khandavaprastha to an amazing land known as Indraprastha. To
establish new rule, Yudhisthira had to complete a special yajna, or a
sacrificial fire ceremony, called the Rajasuya Yajna. Events such as killing
the demoniac king, Jarasandha, took place. When the ceremony began, all kings
from
The
Kauravas from Hastinapura visited Indraprastha, as a formality. Duryodhana
could not stand to see the victory of Yudhisthira. In anger, he decided to blow
off his steam by visiting The Palace of Illusions in Indraprastha, created by a
demon named Maya, who was protected by Lord Krsna and the Pandavas. While
visiting the
The Gambling
Tournament
Sakuni,
Duryodhana’s evil-minded maternal uncle, realized how Duryodhana was suffering
in the heat of anger and envy, as the Pandavas were quick to success. Sakuni
suggested that there was one ray of hope to make the rich and opulent Pandavas
become paupers. Sakuni invited the Pandavas for a gambling tournament. Even
though it is forbidden to gamble by religious principles, Yudhisthira had to
accept the challenge, as it was considered to be adhering to the duty of a
ksatriya. Yudhisthira, his brothers, and Draupadi came back to Hastinapura’s
court, where Bhisma, Vidura, Dronacarya, Krpacarya, and King Dhrtarastra were present.
The gambling tournament took place with two sides: the Pandava brothers and the
Kaurava side with Duryodhana, Duhsasana, Sakuni, and Karna. There was one big
catch to the tournament; Sakuni was using haunted dice. Sakuni’s family were
known to be expert gamblers, as their dice was made from the bones of the
ancestors. The soul of the ancestors of Gandhara would subject the dice to roll
in whichever way the mind wants. Hence, Sakuni was in full control with these
dice. The first round of play was very simple, although the Pandavas were
losing, as expected. The second round of play started to become more costly, as
stakes were higher. Yudhisthira, initially, put his wealth and personal
material possessions in stake. After losing those, he started putting
Indraprastha’s wealth, people, and his land in stake. Due to Sakuni’s deceitful
ways, the dice obeyed Sakuni and Duryodhana now has the other half of the
kingdom he wanted. Yudhisthira still kept playing, despite losing his kingdom.
He staked his younger brothers, one after one. From princes, Sahadeva, Nakula,
Arjuna, and then Bhima, became servants and slaves of Duryodhana. Then
Yudhisthira staked himself and as expected, he was dethroned from the position
of the king of Hastinapura and became a slave of Duryodhana. When Yudhisthira
thought he had no other possessions left, the evil minded Kauravas reminded
Yudhisthira of the fact that Draupadi is still up from grabs. Despite having
lost to Duryodhana, he found the power to put Drapuadi on stake. Draupadi was
won by Duryodhana’s sinful camp.
While
this commotion was taking place, Draupadi was changing into the proper attire
to take a bath. Duhsasana went into her room when she was half dressed and
dragged her by her hair. When she appeared in court in such a state, the
Pandavas were not able to rescue her, as they were enslaved by Duryodhana. When
Draupadi was in the court, everyone lowered their eyes and did nothing.
Draupadi asked poignant questions to people who she used to admire as “wise
people.” Bhisma, Vidura, Krpacarya, Dronacarya, and Dhrtarastra did not give
any answer. While crying for justice, Karna and Duryodhana called her a whore,
as she had five husbands. Immediately, without wasting any time, Duhsasana was
ordered to strip Draupadi. Immediately, having no real person to get help from,
she prayed to Lord Krsna to protect her honor and modesty. Immediately, Lord
Krsna appeared to her providing extra cloth to add on to Draupadi’s clothing.
Duhsasana got tired pulling this cloth of great lengths, by Krsna’s mercy.
Immediately, when Duhsasana fainted and Draupadi crying, Bhima made a vengeful
vow that he will not know any peace if he does not break Duryodhana’s thigh and
rip Duhsasana’s chest and drink his blood. Arjuna also vowed to kill Karna. In
fear of hearing these awesome vows, Dhrtarastra immediately returned any losses
through the gambling tournament back to the Pandavas.
The
Pandavas received another gambling tournament invitation. The four younger Pandava
brothers and Draupadi were worried, but Yudhisthira vowed not put them at
stake. This time, Dhrtarastra ordered the Pandavas to tournament. Bound their
“second father figure”, they accepted the invitation and took part. This time,
the stakes were raised that the loser will have to spend twelve years in the
forest and one year living in anonymity. Another condition to the exile is that
if anyone recognizes them in their final year, they will have to redo their
exile in its entirety. Sakuni used his haunted dice and controlled the game in
such a way that the Pandavas lost again.
The Thirteen Years of
Exile
Dhrtarastra
was extremely happy of seeing the Pandavas suffer in the forest. He put on a
fake act on being sympathetic to the Pandavas. Even though the Pandavas
accepted the exile, the Kauravas found no peace. Their interactions throughout
the first twelve years included sending demons and people to torture them,
creating unnecessary problems with the Gandharva tribes. Despite those
attempts, they passed each test. Krsna visited them to give them solace. Krsna
saw a forthcoming war which was destined to take place. He requested Arjuna to
worship Lord Siva in order to get divine weapons. He won the blessings of Lord
Siva and received divine weapons and a course in the art of dancing. Twelve
years passed very quickly by the blessings of Lord Krsna.
In
the final year, they took disguise as servants or people offering service to
the
Years Before The War
The
Pandavas returned to Indraprastha after the marriage ceremony. The Kauravas
were not interested in allowing the Pandavas to return to their kingdom, as
during the exile, there was one episode when Arjuna, as Brhanalla, conquered
the army of the Kauravas. The elders of Hastinapura refute the allegation, as
mathetmatically, the year was technically over when Brhanalla fired upon the
Kaurava army while in disguise at the Matsya kingdom. All of
Right
before the onset of the war, Kunti revealed to Karna that she was his
biological mother. Karna, after hearing the painful confession and realization
of who his true brothers are, decided that he will spare the other four
Pandavas and attack Arjuna. Whether Arjuna dies or Karna dies, there will be
five sons remaining. Krsna, too, persuaded Karna to join the Pandavas. He even
assured that Yudhisthira will give up any aspiration to seize any kingdom if
Karna joined the Pandavas. However, considering his loyalty and his debt to his
friend, Duryodhana, to be most important, Karna rejected the offer of Lord
Krsna.
Every
peace proposal was rejected and one thing was certain: war was inevitable.
Vidura was upset on this situation that he resigned as minister. Having no one
by his side, Dhrtarastra was alone. By the command and the mercy of Vyasadeva,
Sanjaya (disciple of Vyasadeva) obtained divine vision to be able to see the
events of the war, even though they were at the court of Hastinapura. This way,
Sanjaya was able to narrate the happenings of the war to Dhrtarastra.
The Start of the War
The
Pandavas and Kauravas were fully energized in the war. Both sides had a great
number of allies.
The
side of the Pandavas consisted of Lord Krsna, the five Pandava brothers, the
army of King Dhrupada, and the army of King Matsya. Only one Kaurava, Yuyutsu,
joined the forces of the Pandavas. In addition, Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu (son of
Subhadra and nephew and disciple of Lord Krsna), Ghatotkaca (the son of Bhima
and Hidimba, born of the demon race), and the sons of Draupadi took part in
this war. Hanuman was the blessing of the war, as he was serving Lord Krsna in
the image of Lord Rama. The brother of Draupadi, Drstadyumna, was the
commander-in-chief.
The
side of the Kauravas consisted of the one-hundred Kaurava brothers, their
sister-in-law (Dusala’s husband) Jayadratha (the king of Sindhu [presently
known as
Just
before the start of war, Arjuna saw his relatives and family friends on the
opposite army and he began to feel fear and compassion for them. He lost the
ability to fight. Lord Krsna advised him to give up these feelings of
compassion and follow his duty as a warrior of dharma. The conversation between
Lord Krsna and Arjuna became what is known as the Bhagavad-Gita. (Bhagavad-Gita can be read here
on KKSongs.org).
The
war started and from the start, the Pandavas made a powerful blow to the
Kaurava army. For the first nine days of war, the Kauravas kept loosing many of
the one-hundred brothers, but the war headed in no real direction. The Pandavas
were powerful, however, Bhisma could not die, unless he wanted it; Bhisma had
the boon of wishful death. In addition, Dronacarya, Krpacarya, and Bhisma, who
were the real well-wishers of the Pandavas, did not kill them or make any
attempt to kill them. This compassionate attitude made Duryodhana and the other
Kaurava brothers very angry. On a secret meeting with the Pandavas, Bhisma gave
the powerful hint that he will lay down his arms if a woman joins the
battlefield. There was one solution to this problem: inviting Sikhandi.
Sikhandi is the half-brother of Draupadi. Sikhandi is a male who took a female
body, for this very moment. He was actually Amba, the princess who Bhisma
refused to marry many generations ago. She cursed Bhisma that she would be the
cause of his death. Bhisma realized who Sikhandi was and immediately, Bhisma
threw his weapons on the ground. Arjuna, by the order of Krsna and Bhisma, shot
Bhisma repeatedly until his body, full of arrows, collapsed on the ground.
Bhisma was still alive despite this pain and weakness. He retired from fighting
the war, but he laid there on this bed of arrows, and he will not leave his
unsuitable bodily condition until Hastinapura is safe.
Immediately,
Dronacarya was the new commander-in-chief of the war. Karna was allowed to join
in and the consequences of the war became very powerful. King Dhrupada, King of
Matsya, and his son, Uttar-kumara, were killed by Dronacarya and the Pandava
army was taking a powerful blow. The Kauravas designed a special plan to
capture Yudhisthira, by sending Krsna and Arjuna off to the other end of the
battlefield. Abhimanyu, finding his duty to protect his uncle Yudhisthira,
decided to take on the Kauravas and try to break this powerful trap. He was
successful getting into this obscure formation. Getting out was the problem.
Sakuni, Dronacarya, Krpacarya, Duryodhana, Duhsasana, Karna, and Krtavarma
surrounded Abhimanyu and removed him of any weapons. When Abhimanyu was severly
wounded and unarmed, all seven warriors attacked him at once and killed him using
unethical means. This became the point in war where unethical tactics took
place.
When
war was traditionally stopped at sunset, war would still go on in the night
causing more casualties. Ghatotkaca, Bhima’s demon son, destroyed a significant
part of the Kaurava army. Karna killed Ghatotkaca the next day using the Sakti
spear, the invincible spear Karna saved for killing Arjuna.
Lord
Krsna encouraged Yudhisthira to tell a lie to Dronacarya that Asvatthama is
dead. Asvatthama is the name of Dronacarya’s son, as well as another elephant
in the war. The elephant was dead, but Yudhisthira reluctantly lied that his
son was dead. Dronacarya, immersed in grief, disarmed himself and sat in the
battlefield with his eyes closed. Drstadyumna took a sword and killed him.
Karna was named the new commander-in-chief.
Karna,
unlike Dronacarya and Bhisma, was not a well-wisher of the Pandavas, although
known to Krsna, Kunti, the Suryadeva, he will spare the lives of Yudhisthira,
Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva. However, Arjuna is his prime target. Karna was
indeed, a powerful match for Arjuna. On this day, the Pandava’s casualties were
their allies, except for Drstadyumna and Krsna, Abhimanyu, and Ghatotkaca. The
Kaurava’s causalties were Bhisma retiring from the war, Dronacarya, the
Trigarta army, Jayadratha, and the ninety-eight brothers of Duryodhana. Bhima
and Duhsasana wear having their fierce duel. This resulted in Bhima ripping off
Duhsasana’s left army, ripping his chest, and drinking his blood. He also took
some blood of Duhsasana and smeared it on Draupadi’s open hair to pacify her
insult.
The
duel for Arjuna and Karna lasted for two days. When Karna was on the verge of
defeating Arjuna, Karna’s charioteer’s got stuck within the earth. Arjuna,
being an ethical warrior, waited until Karna fixed his chariot. Krsna suggested
Arjuna shoot Karna in that position, as Karna never obeyed any ethics of war
and dharma throughout his life. Even though he was loyal as a friend to
Duryodhana, he was unloyal to the side of dharma and used unethical means of
killing Abhimanyu. While Karna realizes his death was coming, he tried to
invoke a missle to kill Arjuna, but his memory deceived him. Parasurama’s curse
did not go in vain. Arjuna sent a powerful arrow which killed Karna. The loss
of Duhsasana and Karna made a powerful blow to Duryodhana. It was at this
night, Kunti revealed the truth of Karna. Yudhisthira was very upset at this
that he cursed womanhood of being incapable of keeping such secrets.
Final Three Days of
War
The
last three days of war ended up with the Pandavas on the streak of victory and
the Kauravas suffering losses. On the sixteenth day of war, Sakuni was killed
by Sahadeva, and the king of Madra (the new commander-in-chief after Karna) was
killed by Yudhisthira. The army of Hastinapura was vanquished by the sixteenth
day. The Pandavas and their army was very much in strength, while the Kaurava
side had only four people left: Duryodhana, Krpacarya, Asvatthama, and
Krtavarma.
The
seventeenth day involved the duel of Bhima and Duryodhana. Duryodhana was given
a special boon of strength which made all of his body, except for his lower
body, metallic. Bhima and Duryodhana engaged in mace warfare. This duel took a
great amount of time. However, Bhima was getting tired as Duryodhana was nearly
invincible that day. Krsna suggested that Bhima strike Duryodhana on the thigh,
as Bhima made this promise. Such a tactic is unethical and violates the code of
war. Duryodhana’s metallic boon was taken away and he had fallen. Duryodhana
was holding onto his life as long as he could, nearly on the verge of death.
That night, Krpacarya, Krtavarma, and Asvatthama were very upset to see their
leader fallen. Asvatthama decided to take vengeance in his own hands. While
everyone was asleep in the Pandava side, Asvatthama decided to use unethical
means to kill Drstadyumna and Draupadi’s five sons while they were asleep and
defenseless. When Asvatthama returned to Duryodhana to deliver the news,
Duryodhana scolded such an act and disapproved of Asvatthama’s behavior. In
frustration, Duryodhana died and Asvatthama decided to seek repentance.
When
the Pandavas woke up the next day, they were shocked to see their five sons all
dead. They recognized the arrows of Asvatthama. Arjuna made a vow that he will
take a bath upon Asvatthama’s head, in order to pacify Draupadi’s grief.
Asvatthama sought shelter at Vyasadeva’s hermitage. Krsna took the Pandavas to
where Asvatthama was hiding. Asvatthama made an attempt to kill the Pandavas
with a powerful nuclear weapon of Brahma. When this failed, he took that very
weapon and attacked the embryo of the unborn child of Uttara and Abhimanyu,
which is the seed of the Pandava’s future generation. Krsna protected the
unborn child from the attack of Asvatthama. Krsna ordered that Arjuna kill
Asvatthama, but Draupadi requested that he be released free, as she does not
want his mother to weep like her. Such exemplary compassion by Draupadi forced
Krsna to curse Asvatthama that he roam throughout the earth throughout the
duration of Earth being disfigured and rejected by society. This eighteenth day
ended the Mahabharata war. All five Pandavas survived, but all of the allies,
except Lord Krsna, and all of the Pandava’s sons were killed. The entire clan
of the Kauravas were killed except for Krtavarma, who surrendered to Lord
Krsna, and Krpacarya. Such were the terrible consequences of this war.
King Yudhisthira and
Passing of Bhisma
Dhrtarastra
and Gandhari still had some feelings of anger towards the Pandavas. Gandhari
even cursed Krsna that his race meets destruction, as Gandhari felt Krsna was
the source of the war. However, after the war and proper realizations,
Dhrtarastra had a change of heart and accepted the Pandavas. Yudhisthira was
the new king of Hasintapura and he ensured a new rule under the law of dharma
and religion. Before officially ruling the
Epilogue of the
Mahabharata
Many
years passed by and Yudhisthira’s rule was still exemplary with dharma and
religious principles. Krsna’s race of the Yadus, by the will of the Lord,
became drunk and started to commit sinful acts. In this manner, the Yadu
dynasty was destroyed. Lord Krsna’s desire and Gandhari’s curse have both been
fulfilled. Lord Krsna’s elder brother, Balarama, and Krsna were the two
survivors. Knowing that dharma is on the verge of destruction and knowing that
the dark age is about to come, Balarama and Krsna found it suitable to end
Their earthly pastimes. Balarama left before Krsna did. Krsna decided to relax
on a tree. A hunter, named Jara, thought that Krsna’s foot was the head of a
deer, so he shot the Lord’s foot. Even though Krsna cannot die, Krsna did this
pastime to leave this world. Krsna’s departure sent bad omens to the Pandavas
as their beloved friend had left the world.
Kali
Yuga had started from that point onwards. The five Pandava brothers and
Draupadi decided to retire from their hectic and turbulent political lives and
go to the
On
the way, a strange dog accompanied the Pandavas and Draupadi. First, Draupadi
died on the way. Then, Sahadeva passed away. Nakula and Arjuna passed away on
the middle of walking up the mountain. Near the top, Bhima began feeling weak
and then gave up his life. Yudhisthira was all alone with the dog and made it
to the top, where an aerial car was awaiting him. Indra, the king of demigods,
wanted to take Yudhisthira to the heavenly planets. Yudhisthira insisted the
dog come too, as he has accompanied them. Indra scoffed at that idea;
Yudhisthira decided to stay on earth and keep the dog company. The dog was
actually the demigod of the death and the father of Yudhisthira, Yamaraja.
Yudhisthira took many tests of his character before ascending the heavenly
planets, which is beyond the effects of time, and material illness and
suffering.
UPDATED: July 24, 2010