Mahabharata

Introduction The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being the Ramayana. Traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa, the Mahabharata is an extensive narrative that encompasses around 100,000 shlokas (verses), making it one of the longest epic poems in the world. The Mahabharata is not just a … Read more

Introduction The Adi Parva, the first book of the Mahabharata, serves as the prologue to this monumental epic of ancient Indian literature. Spanning 19 sub-books (upaparvas) and approximately 2,500 verses, the Adi Parva sets the stage for the grand narrative that follows. It introduces the primary characters, establishes their lineages, and outlines the cosmic, social, … Read more

Introduction The Sabha Parva, the second book of the Mahabharata, is a pivotal section that delves into the events surrounding the royal assembly halls of the Kuru dynasty. This book, also known as the “Book of the Assembly Hall,” recounts the construction of the magnificent court at Indraprastha, the grand Rajasuya Yajna (royal consecration) conducted … Read more

Introduction The Vana Parva, also known as the “Book of the Forest,” is the third book of the Mahabharata. It details the twelve-year exile of the Pandavas in the forest following their defeat in the infamous dice game. Comprising 21 sub-books (upaparvas) and approximately 11,000 verses, the Vana Parva provides a rich tapestry of narratives, … Read more

Introduction The Virata Parva, the fourth book of the Mahabharata, narrates the year of incognito exile that the Pandavas spend in the kingdom of Virata. Following their twelve-year forest exile, the Pandavas must live in disguise for a year to fulfill the conditions of their exile without being discovered. This parva, consisting of 4 sub-books … Read more

Introduction The Udyoga Parva, the fifth book of the Mahabharata, chronicles the events leading up to the great Kurukshetra War. Comprising 10 sub-books (upaparvas) and approximately 11,000 verses, this parva details the preparations for war, the diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict, and the moral and strategic deliberations of the key characters. The Udyoga Parva is … Read more

Introduction The Bhishma Parva, the sixth book of the Mahabharata, marks the beginning of the epic Kurukshetra War. This parva is named after Bhishma, the grand patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, who serves as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. The Bhishma Parva comprises 4 sub-books (upaparvas) and approximately 5,000 verses, detailing the first ten … Read more

Introduction The Drona Parva, the seventh book of the Mahabharata, details the intense and pivotal battles that occur under the leadership of Dronacharya, the second commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army, following Bhishma’s fall. This parva is crucial as it describes some of the most significant and dramatic events of the Kurukshetra War, including the death … Read more

Introduction The Karna Parva, the eighth book of the Mahabharata, centers on the leadership of Karna as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army after Drona’s fall. This parva, comprising one sub-book (upaparva) and approximately 6,000 verses, details the ferocious battles that take place under Karna’s command, his strategies, and his ultimate confrontation with Arjuna. The … Read more

Introduction The Shalya Parva, the ninth book of the Mahabharata, recounts the events of the final days of the Kurukshetra War under the command of Shalya, the last commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. Comprising 4 sub-books (upaparvas) and approximately 3,500 verses, this parva captures the intense battles, strategies, and tragic deaths as the war reaches … Read more