The Mahabharata (महाभारत) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, Traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa, the Mahabharata is not just an epic tale of war but a comprehensive philosophical and moral guide, exploring deep themes of dharma (righteousness), karma (action), justice, and the human condition.
It is the longest epic in world literature, containing about 100,000 verses (or 1,00,000 shlokas), divided into 18 parvas (books or sections).
Plot Summary of the Mahabharata
The central story of the Mahabharata revolves around the conflict between two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, who battle for control of the kingdom of Hastinapura. This epic includes numerous subplots, stories, and characters, but its core is the Kurukshetra War and the philosophical teachings that unfold during the conflict.
Key Characters:
- Pandavas: The five sons of King Pandu:
- Yudhishthira (eldest)
- Bhima
- Arjuna
- Nakula
- Sahadeva
- Kauravas: The hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra, with the eldest being Duryodhana. They are the primary antagonists in the epic.
- Krishna: A key figure in the Mahabharata, who serves as a charioteer and advisor to the Pandavas. He is an incarnation of Vishnu and imparts the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield.
- Draupadi: The common wife of the five Pandavas, whose disrobing in the Kaurava court is one of the pivotal events leading to the war.
- Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and Shakuni: Key warriors and advisors who shape the war and its moral dilemmas.
Here is a list of the 18 Parvas of the Mahabharata::
- Adiparva (Book of the Beginning)
- The story begins with the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas. The Pandavas are born to King Pandu’s queens, and the Kauravas are born to Dhritarashtra’s wives. The rivalry between the two families begins early, marked by jealousy, favoritism, and deceit.
- Sabha Parva (Book of the Assembly Hall)
- The Kauravas, through the deceitful actions of Shakuni, manage to win the Pandavas’ kingdom in a game of dice. As a result, the Pandavas are forced into exile for 13 years, with the final year to be spent in disguise.
- Vana Parva (Book of the Forest)
- The Pandavas go into exile in the forest. During this time, they encounter various sages, demons, and divine beings. The Mahabharata weaves many stories during this phase, such as the tale of Nala and Damayanti, and the Pandavas’ meeting with Krishna.
- Virata Parva (Book of Virata)
- The Pandavas spend their final year of exile in disguise in the kingdom of Virata. During this time, they perform various tasks in secrecy, leading to the eventual revelation of their identities.
- Udyoga Parva (Book of the Effort)
- The war is imminent, and both sides begin preparations. Diplomacy is attempted, with Krishna offering to negotiate peace, but Duryodhana rejects all offers. This section sets the stage for the war.
- Bhishma Parva (Book of Bhishma)
- The Kurukshetra War begins. Bhishma, the commander of the Kaurava forces, leads them into battle. On the battlefield, Krishna serves as the charioteer for Arjuna. This is where the Bhagavad Gita is revealed, in which Krishna imparts profound spiritual and ethical wisdom to Arjuna, who is filled with doubt and moral confusion about fighting his own relatives and teachers.
- Drona Parva (Book of Drona)
- The battle continues, with Drona taking command of the Kaurava forces after Bhishma’s fall. In this section, the Pandavas face several challenges, including the moral dilemma of killing their teachers and mentors.
- Karna Parva (Book of Karna)
- Karna, a loyal friend to Duryodhana, leads the Kaurava army in this phase. Karna’s loyalty, bravery, and tragic backstory are explored, making him one of the epic’s most complex characters. The death of Karna marks a major turning point in the war.
- Shalya Parva (Book of Shalya)
- The final stages of the war. The Kauravas are defeated, but the Pandavas face immense losses as well. Shalya is appointed as the commander of the Kaurava forces during this phase.
- Sauptika Parva (Book of the Night Attack)
- Following the main battle, the Kauravas launch a night attack, leading to the deaths of many key characters, including Dhrishtadyumna, the commander of the Pandava forces.
- Stri Parva (Book of the Women)
- The aftermath of the war, focusing on the grief of the women who have lost their husbands, brothers, and sons. The widows of the Kauravas mourn their loss, and the moral consequences of the war are reflected upon.
- Shanti Parva (Book of Peace)
- This section is concerned with the moral dilemmas and the establishment of a just rule. It contains the teachings of Bhishma, who, though lying on his deathbed, advises Yudhishthira on governance, ethics, and dharma.
- Anushasana Parva (Book of Instructions)
- Bhishma continues his advice to Yudhishthira and the Pandavas, including teachings on politics, law, and governance.
- Ashvamedha Parva (Book of the Horse Sacrifice)
- After the war, the Pandavas perform a horse sacrifice (Ashvamedha Yajna) to consolidate their kingdom and establish peace.
- Mausala Parva (Book of the Clubs)
- This section describes the downfall of the Pandavas. Krishna’s clan is destroyed due to internal conflicts, and the Pandavas retire to the mountains.
- Mahaprasthanika Parva (Book of the Great Journey)
- The Pandavas embark on their final journey to the Himalayas in search of heaven, accompanied by a dog (which symbolizes dharma). This marks their ascension to the heavenly realms.
- Swargarohanika Parva (Book of the Ascension to Heaven)
- The Pandavas, along with Krishna, attain moksha (liberation). The epic concludes with their final journey and spiritual liberation.
- Harivamsa Parva (The Book of the Genealogy of the Gods)
- A supplementary section to the Mahabharata, detailing the lineage of the Yadavas (Krishna’s family), the story of Krishna’s life and his works, and the conclusion of the epic.