Mahabharat

Mahabharat

First Episode

1.       King Shantanu belonged to Chandra dynasty. Once when he was out on hunting, he saw Ganga at the bank of the river. He married her and brought her to Hastinapur.

2.       Ganga Devi gave birth to a son in due time. He was named Debabrata. Leaving him Ganga Devi after his birth.

3.       Debabrata became expert in operation of different weapons in his youth itself.

4.       Yet another day when king Shantanu was out on hunting, he saw a very beautiful maiden named Satyabati rowing a boat in the river Jamuna. She was the daughter of Das Raj.

5.       Shantanu met Das Raj and proposed to marry his daughter.

6.       Dasraj gave a condition, “If you promise to make Satyabati’s son the king instead of Debabrata, then only I shall give my consent to this marriage. Being hurt Shantanu returned with heavy heart.

7.       When Debabrata came to know of Shantanu’s desire, he met Dasraj and said to him, “I promise I shall never sit on the throne of Hastinapur and shall never marry either”. He was named Vishma for making such a promise.

8.       After this there was no hindrance in the marriage. Shantanu brought Satyabati as queen. Two sons were born of them - Chitrangad and Bichitrabirjya.

9.       Chitrangad enteroned after Shantanu’s death. Within a short period he too died. Consequently, Bichitrabirjya become the king.

10.     Bichitrabirjya had two sons - Dhritarashtra and Pandu. Dhitrashtra was by birth blind, so Pandu became the king.

11.     Gandhari was the name of the wife of Dhritarasthra. They had one hundred sons and a daughter. They were called the Kouravas. The eldest son was Duryadhan and the name of the daughter was Dushyala.

12.     On the other hand Pandu’s two wives Kunti and Madri gave birth to five sons named Yudhistira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul and Sahadev. They were called the Pandabas. Pandu died an early death. The younger queen having burnt herself to death on her husband’s funeral prayer, Bhishma on behalf of the minor princess shouldered the burden of the kingdom.

13.     The Kourabas and the Pandabas began to learn the art of using weapons from Kripachariya, master in the art. Later, Dranachariya, brother-in-law of Kripachariya took the responsibility of teaching the art of using weapons under his teaching the princess became expert in using different weapons.

14.     One day Dronacharya took test of the princess. He kept a wooden bird in a distant tree and told them to pierce the eye of the bird. All the princes tried.

15.     But none other than Arjun could hit the target. Being pleased with Arjuna, Dronachariya took more care to teach Arjun.

16.     Among the Kourabas and the Pandabas Judhistir was the eldest. He was a great soul. People would call him God-son. He would sit on the throne when jealous of the Pandabas and tied many tricks to put them into trouble.

17.     When the teaching of the art of using weapons was complete, Dranachariya made arrangement for the Kourabas and the Pandabas to perform their art before the public. Bhima and Duryadhana performed the art of playing with club.

18.     And Arjuna showed performance of bow and arrows. Everyone present highly appreciated his performance.

19.     Suddenly there came a boy named Karna, son of a charioteer named Adhirath and challenged Arjun to a duel fight.

20.     Dronachariya said that according to the rule no Vishya could fight against a prince. Duryadhana said, “Then I gift Karna a state. From today Karna is a king and is my friend.”

21.     Duryadhan had a maternal uncle named Shakuni. He was an expert dice player and was very shrewd. As per his bad counsel plan was made to send the Pandabas to Baranabata village to kill them by setting fire.

22.     Avery beautiful palace was built at Baranabat with easily combustible things like lace, animal fat, candle, wood etc. At the conspiracy of Duryadhan the Pandabas with Kunti took shelter there.

23.     But the Pandabas came to know of Duryadhan’s plan threw spy. One dead of night they themselves set fire to the building and ran away to the forest.

24.     In the disguise of brahmins they lived on begging. They kept on moving and once reached Panchal.

25.     At Panchal Droupadi’s self-choosing of her bridegroom, was going on then. A fish was hung behind going on then. A fish was hung behind a wheel at a place high up. It was announced that Droupadi would garland the valiant who seeing the shadow of the fish in the water below would pierce it.

26.     Princes of many kingdoms came forward one by one but none could achieve success.

27.     Arjuna in the disguise of a brahmin took part in the competition and only he succeeded.

28.     The Pandabas returned to the cottage along with Droupadi. From outside of the cottage Yudisthir said, “Mother, come and see what we have brought for you.” Kunti in reply said, “Divide among yourselves the thing that you have brought.” To honour mother’s order they all decided to marry Droupadi.

29.     King Drupad was very glad to know the identity of the Pandabas. He brought them to the kingdom of Panchal and performed Droupadi’s marriage with poma.

30.     Gradually the news reached Dhitarastra. He could realise that the Pandabas did not die in the Jutugriha. For fear of public disgress he called them to Hastinapur and equally divided the kingdom. The capital of the Pandabas was named Indraprstha.

31.     After this Arjun went out on pilgrimage for twelve years. Once he reached Manipur. There he was married to the princess of Manipur, Chitrangada.

32.     From there he went to pravas Tirtha. Friend Sri Krishna’s capital Dwaraka was nearby. Having heard the news of Arjuna’s arrival, Sri Krishan brought him to Dwaraka.

33.     Sri Krishna’s Sister Subhadra was married to Arjun. He then came back to Indraprastha taking Subhadra with him.

34.     Few days later Sri Krishna went there. Once day when Arjun and Sri Krishna were talking sitting on the bank of the Jumuna, there appeared a valorous person. He said, “I am Agnidev. I have been suffering from indigestion. My disease will cure if I could eat all the animals and birds of the forest Khandab in roasted form. You arrange for that.”

35.     They carried out instruction of Agnidev by setting fire to the Khandab forest. Being pleased Agnidev gifted Gandib Bow and Akshyatun to Arjun.

36.     Best of the demon artisans Moidanab lived in that forest. During burning of the forest he came running and begged of his life before Arjun. All except he died burnt.

Meeting Episode

1.       Having been saved from Khandab forest, Moidanab was deeply thinking as to how to express his gratitude. Sri Krishna said to him, “You are an expert artisan. You prepare and excellent court for the Pandabas.” Moi carried out his order.

2.       One day Debarshi Narod came from the heaven and told Yudisthir that he should perform ‘Rajsuya Yagna’.

3.       All the other king of the country accept one as the monarch who can perform  Rajsya Yagna. The king of Magadha Yarasandha was a powerful king. He opposed to it. As a result, there was a fight between him and the Pandabas. In wrestting fight vima killed him.

4.       No other king dared oppose the Pandabas. After conquering the whole country, the Pandabas returned to the kingdom with huge amount of money, jewellery etc.

5.       Rajsuya Yagna was performed with great pomp. All the kings of India accepted Yudisthir as the samat and offered him great amount of wealth, jewellery etc.

6.       According to the custom of Kajsuya Yagna the best person is given homage. Grandfather Vishma chose Sri Krishna as the best person. He was given homage at the feet.

7.       King of Chedi Shishupal always dislike Sri Krishna. Standing in the court itself he severely  insulted Sri Krishna.

8.       Sri Krishna with his Sudarshan Chakra separated Shishupal’s head from his body.

9.       The power and wealth of the Pandabas made Duryadhan jealous. he conspired with Shakuni and invited Yudisthir to play dice game.

10.     In those days refusal to play dice game was considered to be cowardice. So, Yudisthir despite reluctance agreed to play. In the opponent side Shakuni played on behalf of Duryadhan. In the game as bet Yudisthir lost one by one his kingdom, capital, wealth, his four brothers, Droupadi even himself.

11.     Dushashan dragged to the court and humiliated her extremely.

12.     As a result, Pandabas were greatly infuriated. In great excitement Bhim shouted and promised to finish Kourabs.

13.     Being afraid Dhitarastra returned Pandabas their lost property and freed them from bondage.

14.     Pandabas thus having escaped, Duryadhan after some days again invited Yudisthir to play dice. This time the bet was that whoever coses would live in forest for twelve years and one year in hiding unfortunately, this time too Yudisthir lost.

15.     Bidur was the step brother of Dhritarastra and Pandu. He was honest and pious. They left mother Kunti to him and leaving the royal dresses they wore simple dresses and went to the forest. Their family priest Dhoumyo went with them.

Forest Episode

1.       In the early party of Forest Episode the Pandabas lived in a forest named Kamyak for some days. Many says came to meet them there everyday. Their time advanced on honest words, honest discussion and on discussions on scriptures.

2.       There lived a demon named Kirmir in that forest. One day suddenly he attacked the Pandabas. Bhima came forward and killed him.

3.       Byasdev came to see them during their stay in the forest. He advised Arjun to worship Lord Shiva.

4.       Following the advice of Byasdev, Arjun with great pain reached the Himalayas. Keaching there he began to perform hard religious austerities to get Lord Shiva’s blessings.

5.       One day suddenly a wild boar chased Arjun. Being compelled he had to cast arrow aiming at the boar. Just then a gigantic kirat came out of the forest and simultaneously cast arrow at the boar. He said, “I have killed this, it is mine.”

6.       Arjun protested and said that the animal belonged to him because it was he who had cast the arrow the first. Then a fight began between the two. The kirat swallowed all the arrows Arjun cast at him.

7.       Arjun then realised that the kirat was no other than Lord Shiva himself who in disguise, was testing him. He sat down at his feet and begged him. Lord Shiva then came out of disguise and presented Arjun a deadly weapon called ‘Pashupath’.

8.       At that time in the heaven a fieree fight was going on between the good and the connibals. Indra, the king of Gods sent his charioter Matli with the chariot to bring Arjun.

9.       After reaching heaven Arjun fought on behalf of the Gods. While fighting with Arjun the king of the cannibals Nibatkabach died. He defeated the cannibals and saved the Gods.

10.     The Gods were pleases with Arjun and presented him with various weapons. Arjun offered pronams to the Gods namely Indra, Barun, Yama, Kuber etc.

11.     Music and dance were Arjun’s very favourite subjects. In the heaven he got ample opportunity to practice these.

12.     After a long period of time Arjun returned from heaven. Brothers embraced him with great affection.

13.     Once Duryadhan, Karna, Shakuni and others came together to kamyak forest. With them there were many servant and maid-servant, male and female members.

14.     On the other side of the forest there was Gandharbaraj Chitrasen’s luxury garden and palace.

15.     Duryadhan’s attendants were in quarried with Chitrasen’s followers and fight began.

16.     Chitrasen himself came to the battlefield. He defeated Duryadhan. He captivated him and along with female members of his family, Chitrasen took them away. Shakuni and Karna run away.

17.     When the news reached Yudhisthir, he sent Bhima and Arjun for their rescue. They came to Chitrasen and requested him to free Duryadhan and their sisters-in-law Chitrasen was surprised at their magnanimity.

18.     Twelve years’ stay in the forest gradually ended. Now it was time for one year’s hidden living. They decided that they would spend the time in Biratnagar in disguise.

Birat Episode

1.       At the end of Birat nagar there was a very big Shamik tree. The Pandabas wrapped their weapons in a cloth and kept them behind the leaves of that tall tree.

2.       Yudisthir came to the king of Birat and said, “My Lord I am Kanka. Once I was a courier in Yudisthir’s court. I can play dice. Would you kindly give me shelter in your court?” king  Birat gave him shelter.

3.       Droupadi went to queen Sudeshna and said to her, “Once I was a companion of Droupadi. They have gone to forest on exile. Now I am jobless. I beg shelter of you.” The queen accepted her heartily.

4.       Bhima had experience in cooking and so he accepted the job of a cook in the kitchen of the king as Ballav by name.

5.       Arjun was expert in dance and music. As Brihannala in the disguise of a woman, he went to the court and king appointed him as the dance and music teacher of Princess Uttara.

6.       On the other hand Nakul and Sahadev took charge of stable and cowshed. They took names as Granthikand Tantipal respectively.

7.       Kichak, the brother-in-law of the king Birat was a valorous person. He was the commander-in-chief of the country. He saw Droupadi and wanted to marry her.

8.       But Droupadi turned down his proposal. As a result, one day at an opportune moment he insulted her severely.

9.       At mid-night Droupadi stealthily went to Bhima and told him about the misdemeanour of Kichak. Bhima said that he would very soon be given just punishment.

10.     After this suddenly one day at dead of night Bhima killed Kichak. Nobody could know how and why kichak was killed in that way.

11.     Hearing that Kichak, the commander-in-chief of the king of Birat diedm Susharma, the king of the neighbouring country Trigartaraj attacked the kingdom f Birat. The king of Birat went war field and with him went disguished Yudisthir, Bhima, Nakul and Sahadev.

12.     Taking advantage of the opportunity Kourabas attacked the Birat kingdom. The king of Birat had one lakh milk-yielding cows. Kourabas took palace there was none but the Prince Uttar there.

13.     Prince Uttar was telling the ladies of the family, “What do I do know? If I could get a charioteer now, I could teach the mischievous Kourabas a good lesson”. Droupadi said, “You can take Brihannala as charioteer. He drives chariest very well.”

14.     Taking Brihannala Uttar reached the battlefield. Seeing the very large number of Kourab’s soldiers, he was afraid and ran in the opposite direction. Brihannala brought him back and disclosed his identity. He asked uttar to bring down the weapons from the Shamik tree. The period of hide-living almost ended. Uttar did not fear any more. He sat in the charioteer’s seat and drove the chariest.

15.     Disguised Arjun fought a fierce fight. Kourabs soldier leaving the cows behind flew from the battle field.

16.     On the other hand, king of Birat defeating Trigarttaraj neturned to the palace. He was very pleased to hear about his son’s  win in the battle it was not his credit.

17.     On an auspicious day and time Pandabas disclosed their identities. King Birat was very pleased. He gave Uttara’s marriage proposal to Arjun. Arjun said, “Uttara is my disciple. She is like my daughter. It is better that Uttara be married to my son Abhimanyu.”

18.     With great pomp marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara was performed. In that marriage ceremony many brave fighters including Sri Krishna were present.

Udyog Episode

1.       After the marriage ceremony was performed well, the friends of the Pandabas like Sri Krishna, Balaram, king Birat, Drupad, Dhristdumna etc. met to discuss as to how the pandabas would get back their lost kingdom.

2.       Dhaumya came to the Kuru court with request to return the kingdom of the pandabas to them. In reply, Duryadhan said that he would return nothing to the Pandabas without war.

3.       Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, Dron, Bidur etc. advised Duryadhan to refrain from war but he stuck to his stubbornness.

4.       There being no other alternative but to accept war, Pandabas sent messengers to all the kings of India with request to join them in the war. Duryadhan also tried in the same way.

5.       In a bid to have Sri Krishna in his side, Arjun and Duryadhan went to Dwaraka at the same time. He was sleeping them. Duryadhan sat on a throne kept near Sri Krishna’s head. And Arjun sat near his feet.

6.       When Sri Krishna woke up, he saw Arjun first. So he gave him the chance to submit his prayer. At the prayer of Arjun he joined Pandabas. And gave ten lakhs Narayani soldiers to Duryadhan in lieu.

7.       Soon a fierce fight would start. Lamentation could be heard from every house for losing the beloved ones. Sri Krishna and Yudhisthir were hurt to think of this. As a last attempt Sri Krishna decided to go to Duryadhan as messenger.

8.       Sri Krishna along with Satyaki went to the court of the Kourab’s and requested Duryadhan to give only five villages to the Pandabas. Duryadhan said, “Without fight I shall not give even the quantity of land that the tip of a needle can hold”.

9.       Sri Krishna returned with rejection. On his way back he came across Karna. He said to Karna, “you are not a carpenter’s son. Kunti is your mother and you are eldest among the Pandabas. You join the Pandabas. If the war is won by the Pandabas, it is you who will become the king.” But Karna did not accept the proposal.

10.     After this, tents of both sides were pitched in Kurukshetra. Total number of Soldiers came to eighteen Akshauhini. Bhishma was the commander-inchief of the Kourabas.

11.     Commanders-in-chief for the Pandabas were Bhima and Arjun. Sri Krishna told that he would not use weapons; he would be the charioteer of Arjun’s charist.

12.     Bhishma said to Duryadhan, “Pandabas are as dear to my as you. So I cannot take their lives. But I promised to kill about ten thousands soldiers of the Pandabas everyday.

Bhishma Episode

1.       He lined up the army in a special way and prepared for the war. He fought for ten days.

2.       Before the start of the war Yudhistir got down from the charist and went respectable persons like Bhishma, Dron, Kripacharya etc. and bowed before them to seek their blessings. They blessed him heartily.

3.       When Arjun’s charist appeared at the war front, he saw that the people in the opponent said were all his relatives. He threw away his bow and said, “I do not wish to gain kingdom by killing these relatives. I shall not fight this war.”

4.       Sri Krishna then tried to convince him in various ways. Those speeches of his gathered together formed Sri Madbhagwat Gita.

5.       At last at the intrnetion of Sri Krishna Arjun agreed to figtht. A fieree fight Between him and Bhishma began. The sky with covered with arrows.

6.       Droupadi’s brother Dhristadumna fought against Dron. People like Shatrudev, Satyadv, Kalingraj etc. belonging to Kourabas’ said died at the hands of Bhima.

7.       There was a fierce fight between Shalya, the king of Madra and Arjun’s son Abhimanyu. On the other hand a deceitful cannibal named Alambush died at the hands of Satyaki belongs to the Pandabas.

8.       Duryadhana and his brother attacked Yudhisthir to gether fiereefully. Seeing Yudhisthir pestered condition Arjun came forward. Kouraba-soldiers seemed to be in a confused condition before the arrows of Arjun and ran away. Bhim killed fourteen brothers of Kourabas.

9.       Duryadhan got angry and said to Bhishma, “Grandfather, you fight carefully. Despite your presence should we be defeated at the hands of the Pandabas.” Bhishma replied, “Lord Sri Krishna himself being by the side of the Pandabas, it is not possible to defeat them.”

10.     Next day Bhishma put up such a fieree fight that the condition of the Pandabas became pathetic. Sri Krishna got so angry that he tooh off one wheel and was about to kill Bhishma, when Arjun reminded him of his promise ‘not to use weapon’.

11.     Drupadi’s soa a shikhandi neither a man nor a woman, was a female in the previous life. Valorous Bhishma cannot hit a female, keeping the Shikhandi in front Arjun covered Bhishma’s body with wounds by casting thousands of arrows.

12.     At last he foll down from the chariot. He tay on bed of arrows. He advised Duryadhan to stop war but Duryadhan paid no leed to that. In the battlefield a cenotap was spread over his head but he did not die.

Drone Episode

1.       After this Dron was made the commander-in-chief of the kourabs. Duryadhan said to him, “You arrest Yudhisthir and bring him here. I shall play dice game with him and send him to forest again.”

2.       Dron said that it was not passible if Sri Krishna and Arjun were nearby. They should be kept busy elsewhere. They formed a special army with fifty valous fighters called ‘Sansaptak’ and fifty thousand soldiers.

3.       Arjun was busy fighting the Sansaptak. Co-fighters of Yudhisthir were all killed at the hands of Dron. Arjun soon killed the Sansaptak and came rushing for protection of Yudhisthir.

4.       When Bhagdatta, the king of Kamrup came to the battelfield with thousand elephants, none such as Bhima, Satyaki etc. could mathc him. At last Arjun with half-moon arrow killed him.

5.       Next day Dron prepared a wheet shaped area. Arjun got busy fighting with the narayani soldiers. None but Abhimanyu could enter the wheel-shaped hattle area. Bhima said, “You enter. We are following you.”

6.       Abhimanyu entered into the wheel-shaped area but Bhima despite repeated attempt could not. Joyadratha was guarding the entrance. With the blessings of Lord Shiva he was that day unconguerable. As a result Bhima’s all efforts were fruitless.

7.       Entering into the area Abhimanyu began to fight fiercefully. The valorous people like Dronachariya, Kripachariya, Karna, Ashwatthama looked helpeless before him. Then at the advice of Shakuni seven great fighters attacked boy Abhimanyu together. He fought to the last and died.

8.       Returning to the tent angry and grief striken Arjun took oath, “I must finish Joyadratha before sunset tomorrow; other wise I shall suicide.” At the spell of illusion of Sri Krishna, next day Arjun was able to keep his promise.

9.       Bhima had a cannibal wife name Hirimba. Her son’s name was Ghatotkach. He killed the cannibal named Alayudh belonging to the kourab’s side and began a fieree fight with Karna.

10.     Karna became helpless before the deceitful cannibal Ghototkach. Being compleld he used ‘man-killing’ weapon which he got from Indra. Ghatotkach died. At the time of death he expanded his body so largely that under the pressure of his body a few thousands of Kourab fighters died.

11.     Bhima killed on elephant named Ashwatthama and spread rumour ‘Ashwatthama died.’ As soon as Ashwatthama’s death news reached Dron, he threw away his bow and arrows. At this moment Dhristadumna beheaded him.

12.     Aswatthama at the death news of his father was infuriated with anger and for killing the Pandabas he said ‘Narayan weapon’ tohis bow. At the influence of the dreadful weapon the whoe world shook. When he cast the weapon Sri Krishna stood before it which hitting his chest turned into a garland.

Karna Episode

1.       After this Karna became the commonder-in-chief of the Kourabas. He said, “I wish Shalya to be my charioteer.” At this Shalya felt insulted and when he was about to quit the team, Duryadhan pacified him.

2.       Karna with intention to captivate Yudhisthir, started fighting furiously. He foutht for a long period of time with Karna and not being able to fight any more, he retreated from the battlefield. Duryadhan’s brothers chased him.

3.       Condition being beyond control, Bhima came running. Duryadhan is brothers thought it to be safe to run away from Bhima. But they could not. That day too about a dozen a Duryadhan’s brothers died.

4.       When the brothers thus died at the head of Bhima, Dushashan came running. Seeing him Bhima remembered the humiliation suffered by Droupadi at his hand. He got down from the chariot and with the stroke of club hedestroyed Dushashan’s chariot, kill his charioteer and finally killed cruelly.

5.       Seeing the end of Dushashan, Karna came running. With thousands of arrows he drove Bhima to a corner. At this time Satyaki and Dhristadumna came forward.

6.       Ashwatthama of Kourabas was a very skilled worrier. He had many battle weapons. A fieree fight took place between Arjun and ashwatthama that day. At last Arjun cast ‘Indrastra’ and killed him.

7.       Karna’s son Brishasen defeating Nakul went to fight with Arjun. Arjun called Karna and said, “That day you seven tagether killed my son. Today in your front I shall kill your son, resist if you can.” He killed Brishasen.

8.       Angry Karna attacked Arjun furiously. As a result of fight between the two great worriors, the whole world shook. The sky was covered with arrows.

9.       Karna has preserved a special arrow for a long time to kill Arjun. When he cast that arrow Sri Krishna at the right moment lowered Arjuna’s chariot. Karna’s arow hit the helmet of Arjun and he narrowly escaped.

10.     Parashuram was Karna’s teacher. Once he cursed him that at the time of death the wheel of his chariot would enter the earth. His curse came true. The wheels of the chariot of Karna went dip into the earth. Despite numerous attempt he could not bring it out.

11.     Karna said to Arjun, “Don’s you know that a weapon is not cast at a helpless person? Wait and allow me to draw out the wheels.”

12.     At this Sri Krishna said, “Abhimanyu was killed unlawfully. You kill him immediately.” Immediately Arjun with a deadly weapon called ‘Anchalik’ beheaded Karna.

Shalya Episode

1.       Duryadhan broke down at the death of Karna. He then gave the responsibility of commander-in-chief of Shalya.

2.       Fight was going on between Shakuni and Sahadev. At last, Sahadev with a special weapon cut the head of the devil Shakuni.

3.       Shalya was expert in club fighting. A fieree fight took place between him and Bhima. At one time Bhima became senseless at the stroke of Shalya’s club. Then Yudhisthir came forward. Finally, Yudhisthir casting a weapon called ‘Shakti’ killed Shalya.

4.       At the death of Shalya the Kourab soldiers left the bettlefield and ran away to various direction. Other brothers of Duryadhan died at the hand of Bhima.

5.       Proud Duryadhan became restless at the defeat. He left the battlefield and hid himself in a rest room in the lake called Dwaipayan.

6.       Three heroes named Ashwatthama, Kripachariya and Kritabarma belonging to the Kourab, were still alive. They assured Duryadhan said to him, “Maharaj, please come out. We are still by you. We are ready to fight.” But tired Duryadhan said, “No more today. I shall think over this tomorrow”.

Club Episode

1.       Getting information from spy Pandabas went to Dwaipayan lake and said to Duryadhan, “You devil, throwing the brothers into jaw of death, you have come here to save your life. Aren’t you ashmed of it? If you are a man then come out and fight.”

2.       Proud Duryadhan could not sustain the insutting words of the Pandabas and came out. It was decided that he would fight with Bhima with club. Then their teacher Balaram appeared there and said, “If you want to fight, then go to the holly girlf og Kurukshtra.”

3.       At Kurukshetra ‘do or die’ club fight between Bhima and Daryadhan began. The fight continued for a long peirod of time and at one time Bhima with the stroke of his club broke the thingks of Duryadhan. Helpless Duryadhan fell flat on the ground. Victorious Pandabas did not return to teh tent that night. They rested on the bank of the Jamuna.

4.       At dead of night when the Pandabas had gone away Ashwatthama, Kripachariya and Kritabarma came to Duryadhan.

5.       Ashwatthama said, “Maharaj, I take oath that we must finish the Pandabas.”

6.       Dying Duryadha somehow got up and announced Ashwatthama as the commander-in-chief. Ashwatthama moved towards the tent of the Pandabas.

Souptik Episode

1.       The three walked on. It was dead of night then. They set under a banyan tree to rest. Kritabarma and Kripachariya slept of tiredness. Ashwatthama could not sleep. On the branches of the tree crows were then fast asleep. Suddenly a vident came and killed the sleeping crows one by one. It occured to Ashwatthama’s mind, “So thus we can kill the Pandabas.”

2.       Ashwatthama then woke Kripachariya and Kritabarma up and told them about his plan.They refused his proposal with hotered. But on his insistence they argueed and reached the tent of the Pandabas stealthily.

3.       Kripachariya and Kritabarma guarded the entrance. Ashwatthama entered into the tent and with cruelty killed five sons of the Pandabas, Dhristadumna, Shikandi etc.

4.       Next day when this heart breaaking news reached the Pandabas, Sri Krishna, Bhima and Arjun when out in search of Ashwatthama. At one time they met face to face. Ashwatthama then cast a dangerous weapon named ‘Brahmasir’ towards them.

5.       Arjun cast a dangerous weapon in return. At this the whole world began to shake. Meteor began to fall on earth from the sky. Seeing that the earth was on the point of destruction, all the Gods assembled and told the two valorous persons to take back their weapons.

6.       According to the advice of the Gods, Ashwatthama handed over the precious stone of his head  to the Pandabas. This destroyed all his powers.

Female Episode

1.       The dreadful war at Kurukshetra lasted for  eighteen days. Having lost hundred sons Gandhari and Dhritarashtra were overwhelmed with grief. Byasdev or Bidur no one’s consolation was enough for them.

2.       To perform funeral rits of the deceased sons and relatives Dhritarashtra along with his daughers-in-law shedding tearm, moved towards Kwrukshetra. People of Hastinapur took pity on them.

3.       At that time Pandabas were going towards Kurukshetra. When they met Dhritorashtra face to face, they touched his feet and offered their regards. Dhritarashtra did not do any conversation with them.

4.       Pandabas always had high esteem for Gandhari as her husband was blind, she always tied her eyes with cloth. She was a very great chaste and a pious lady. Yudhisthir touched her feet and begged to be excuse. She pardon the Pandabas.

5.       When Pandabas went to see Kunti, she began to cry so see the wounds in the bodies of her sons.

6.       After this one found out one’s dead relatives and put them on funeral pyre. Thousands of pyres burned. The air of Kurukshetra was filled wit heart breaking cry of mothers and widows.

Peace Episode

1.       After funeral rites were over, Yudhisthir was moved with grief. He did not want to rule the kingdom any more. He wanted to go to the forest and pass his days on religious austerities.

2.       Droupadi and his four brothers made great efforts to convince him but his ming did not settle down. At last at the words of Sri Krishna and Byasdev he agreed to go back to Hastinapur.

3.       Yudhisthir along with Dhritarastra and other boarder the charist and reached Hastinapur. People were delighted with joy and gave them warm reception.

4.       On an auspicious day and time Yudhisthir became  the king. Bhima was made the Yubraj, Arjun  the commender-in-chief, Nakul was given the charge of gravary and Sahadev was made the Protector of the king and Bidur was made the Prime Minister, above all was Dhritarashtra.

5.       After making arrangment for the administration of the kingdom Pandabas along with Sri Krishna went to Bhishma. Innumerable number of sages were discussing about scriptures there.

6.       Sri Krishna said to Bhishma, “Oh, the greatest person of Kurukul there is no wise and just person like you in this world. Please give Yudhisthir some advice. His mind is filled with grief for lost relatives.” Bhishma was pleased and from the arrow-bed he gave him many good advice.

Administration Episode

1.       Bhishma’s advice brought relief to Yudhisthir. He offered him pranam and set out. At the time of going away Bhishma said to him, “Yudhisthir, come with all when the summer solstice.”

2.       When the summer solstice started Yudhisthir set out for Kurukshetra. His comparions were his brothers. Dhritarashtra, Bidur and family wives.

3.       Bhishma was very glad to see them together. He consoled Dhritarashtra dn advised him to love Pandabas considering them his sons. At the end he said, “There is nothing greater in this world than the truth. You nevr deviate from the path of honesty. Now I take leave.”

4.       After this, holly-hearted Bhishma began to utter the names of Gods. The arraws fell down from his body. There was no sigh of wounds in his body. Gradually his sole merged into oblivion. From the sky the Gods began to throw flowers like rain.

5.       Bhishma’s dead body was then covered with costly cloth and was well equipped with flowers and sandals. Gandhari, Kunit, Dropadi and other ladies began to fan him with chamor.

6. Bhishma’s dead body was placed on the pyre prepared with sandal wood and was cremated. Sages began to sing som-song. All returned to the capital with heavy heart.

Ashwamedh Yagna

1.       One day Byasdev came and adivsed Yudhisthir to perform Ashwamedh Yagna. When he informed Byasdev of the diffecit in royal treasury because of war, Byasdev said to him, “Long long ago Maharaja Marutta performed Yagna at the foot hills of the himalayas. At the end of the Yagna he gave brahmins huge quantity of gold which they could not carry and left there. You arrange to bring that gold.

2.       According to his instruction Yudhisthir sent many elephants, horses, people and recovered the gold.

3.       After this a horse ws released under the control of Arjun. According to the rule, the king of the countries through which it would pass would surrender to it. Whoever would stop the horse would have to fight with Arjun.

4.       After travelling many countries the horse reached Manipur where Babrubahan stopped it. A fieree fight started.

5.       Arjun was defeated at the hands of Babrubahan. Identity revealed that Babrubahan was the son of Arjun himself. Manipur Princes Chitrangada was his mother. Arjun embraced his son and the son returned him his horse.

6.       At the end of one year the horse returned to Hastinapur. The yagna was completed with pomp and reverance. Yudhisthir gifted the sages many jewellery and wealth.

Ashramik Episode

1.       After about fifteen years of Kurukshetra war, Dhritarashtra called Yudhistthir and said to him, “My son, so long we have lived very happily with you. We have grown old now. Now alow us to go to the forest and spend the remaining days reciting the name of gods.”

2.       His words hurt Yudhisthir. But since it was not just to stop someone from reciting the name of God, he agreed.

3.       On an auspicious Kartik full moon day, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Bidur in minimum simple dress left Hastinapur for forest. People of the country went a far distance with them.

4.       Seeing that Kunti was also going with them, the Pandabas broke down in sorrow. They tried much but could not convince her.

5.       Reaching the forest they began to live a very simple life worsipping the God.

6.       After about three years one day saga Narad came and informed them that Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti had gone to heavenly abode being burnt in forest fire. Bidur died before by means of maditation. The Pandabas completing the ritual rites returned to the city with heavy heart.

Mushal Episode

1.       Gradually Yudhisthir’s reign passed thirty six years. There were signs of well being all around. One day some boys belonging to Yada family with iron rods in their hands frightened some sages. They cast that with the strokes of iron rods their family would be ruined.

2.       Sri Krishna was angry at the tyrannical behaviour of some people of Yadu family for quite a long period of time. He came and said, “Break the iron rod and crush it to powder and throw that into the sea.”

3.       According to his instruction when the iron rod was thrown near Pravash, there emerged a forest of tube like substance.

4.       After quite a period of time, people belonging to Yadu family went to Pravash for a picnic. By chance for reason unknown quarrel began among them and gradually it turned to fighting. They then broke the tube-like substance and began to fight. It was a matter of great surprise that as soon as they touched the tubes those tuned into iron rods. They fought among themselves with the rods and all died.

5.       One day Sri Krishna went to sea shore in search of Balaram where he found that by Yogas he was given up life. He saw that a snake having thousands of hoods was coming out of his mouth and was moving towards the sea in a zig-zag way.

6.       One day sorrowful Sri Krishna sat on the branch of a tree in the forest. Suddenly a hunter looking his feet for bird, cast arrow from a distance place. He came near and begged pardon. Sri Krishna assured him. After this giving up his life he went to heaven.

Swargarohan Episode

1.       Sri Krishna having left, Yudhisthir realised that time for them to leave had also come. He enthroned Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu and set out for heaven. Droupadi and four brothers accompanied him. Though the citizens went a far distance with them, a dog did not leave their company.

2.       Gradually Pandabas reached a very difficult place in the Himalayas. Being tired of walking and because of indecent weather, Droupadi, Nakul, Sahadev, Bhima and Arjun died one by one.

3.       Yudhisthir did not look back. Worshipping the God he moved forward when also the dog was his companion.

4.       After he walked a long distance Indra, the king of Gods boarding the chariot appeared and said, “Come my boy, your brothers and Dropadi have all gone to the heaven. You are the only one worth of reaching there in the mortal body. But you have to leave the dog and board alone.” Yudhisthir said, “He is under my protection and I cannot go the heaven without him.”

5.       Then the dog took his real appearance. It was seen that he was the Lord of Justice himself. He blessed and said, “My son you are really a holy person. You are not ready to leave just under any circumstances. Go my son to the heaven with happy mind.”

6.       Yudhisthir bathed in the water of the heaven’s river Mandakini and met his own relatives.