Chinu's Notes Know Answers To 108 Questions in Mahabharata

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KNOW ANSWERS TO
108 QUESTIONS
IN MAHABHARATHA
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COMPILED BY
S.SRINIVASAN
Retired Bank Unionst
The Story of Mahabharata

Mahabharata begins with a Yagna to kill all snake-people as a revenge by King Janmejaya for the
death of his father King Parikshit by a snake named Takshaka. Takshaka acted out of revenge for
murder of his people by Pandavas when they created their own state of Indraprastha.
Mid-occassion, they are stopped by half-human and half-snake Astika. Who suggests the king to
listen to the History of his family and this land, so that he gets true perspective and based on this
understanding he should then decide whether the course of his action is right or not.
A storyteller sage named Vaishampayana is summoned. He is seated on a high seat and

respectfully worshipped. He was the Keeper of the story of Mahabharata and also a student of
original creator of story VedVyasa who organised all Vedic Knowledge for the masses.
Story begins from creation and legends of how chandravanshi kings came to be. Lunar dynasty
kings are the major characters of this story. Their main characteristic is to act more out of
emotions and feelings rather than rationality unlike their counterparts the solar dynasty kings
discussed in another Indian Epic of Ramayana.
Then comes a hero named Bharata who conquers and unites this whole land, subcontinent, of India
into one single entity. It was known as Jambudwipa. Means an island in the shape of Jambu or the
heart shaped fruit.
Bharata establishes his capital in Hastinapura, the city of elephants. He has put a tradition of
keeping a right person as king rather than a person who is born to a king. Priority was not given to
birth, but to right qualities in a king or a leader.
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But, after many generations, birth decides the person on Throne. Story takes up with King
Shantanu who falls in deep passion for a river goddess Ganga. She agrees to mate with him on the
condition that he never questions her decisions and actions. Out of lust, he agrees. They love each
other a lot and are deep into the pleasures of love-making. She gives birth to 07 children. But, each
child is drowned into river by her. Shantanu maintains the condition of the contract till she
murders seven children, but stops her at the eighth child. She explains that these were the divine
entities or spirits known as Vasus, who were cursed by sage Vasishtha to be born as mortals.
Vasus had requested her to be their mother and free them from this mortal life soon. But this 8th
child, she says will have a terrible long life akin to a curse though this child will live like a god
among men. She leaves Shantanu heartbroken with the child. She says she will raise the child and
will return him when he is ready.
Shantanu adopts two infants who are abandoned in forest and names as Kripa and Kripi, means
grace from sage, as these children were placed on some sage's seat.
The 08th child grows up as Devratta and is returned by Ganga to Shantanu. Shantanu is happy
again and moves about in his realm. He gets infatuated passionately by a daughter of a fisherman
who emanates a strong and hypnotising fragrance.
Shantanu wants to marry her but her cunning father puts a condition that children from her should
be heirs to the throne. But, Shantanu is saddened as he doesn't want his son Devratta to not sit on
Throne as he is the best person, a perfect embodiment of virtues desirable of Kingship. When
Devratta knows of this situation of his father, he meets the father of fisherwoman, Satyavati, and
requests him to agree to marriage. When that person is not agreeing, Devratta takes a terrible vow
of lifelong celibacy to ensure that neither he himself nor any possible progeny of his comes in
between to claim the Throne.
Shantanu and Satyavati have two children: Chitrangada, and Vichitravirya. Chitrangada is killed in
a battle by Gandharva with same name. Vichitravirya, as name suggests, was either impotent or
with unusual sexual orientation making it questionable of future heirs.
Devratta now known as Bhishma, the terrible one, due to his great fighting prowess and the vow of
lifelong celibacy, wins three queens or princesses for King Vichitravirya. One princess discloses
that she has already someone else in her heart. Bhishma allows her to go to her beloved who
rejects her as he feels humiliated by Bhishma whom he could not defeat and now he has to accept
her as an alm from Bhishma. She again approaches Bhishma and requests him to marry her so that
he who has won her can be her husband. But Bhishma points out his vow and honour and rejects
her proposal. Embittered she leaves swearing Vengeance on Bhishma. She searches all places for a
strong warrior who can have her justice by ending Bhishma. Bhishma's teacher in warfare,
Parshuram agrees to help her get justice. Bhishma and his teacher fight, but are equally matched
with only recourse to use weapons that may destroy life on earth. So they decide to stop fighting.
Amba, the princess, goes through a terrible Tapashya to find an answer to her question. Shiva, the
God, appears and says that in next birth she will avenge her pain. She kills herself immediately to
come into next birth. She is again born a woman in next birth and angrily takes to Tapashya, which
transforms her into a man named as Shikhandi, born into the house of another strong king of
Panchala, by the name of Drupada.
Vichitravirya couldn't impregnate the queens. Satyavati, requests her son from Sage Parashara, to
help her. She commands him to impregnate the queens on behalf of King. VedVyasa, son of
Satyavati, requests some time to be approachable, as he was involved in heavy austerities in forest.
But, Satyavati does not want to leave throne heir-less. The first queen, when approached for
mating, is so scared by form of VedVyasa that she closes her eyes during mating to avoid seeing
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the sage. Sage explains to his mother, Queen Satyavati, that the child will be born blind. Second
Queen is explained to not close her eyes while mating with Sage even if she finds him not pleasant
to look upon. Second Queen manages to keep her eyes open but she is scared immensely making
her very frigid in the act, causing her child to be born with weak health. Satyavati decides to give
the maid of the Queens a chance too, so that some child is there to protect the dynasty. Maid goes
through the act with deep love and reverence and sage explains that the child from the Maid will
be healthy and very wise too.
First child is Dhrithrashtra, father of Kauravas.
Second child is Pandu , the father of Pandavas.
Third child is Vidura, the wise minister of the King on Throne.
When there is time for seating the heir on Throne, Vidura through is rationale suggests to put the
younger brother Pandu on Throne as the older brother is not fully healthy due to the defect of
blindness. Though, Dhrithrashtra shows his gladness, deep down he is full of anger towards
Vidura and also his Fate and God, too.
Pandu, out to hunt, kills by mistake a mating couple of a sage and his consort who have taken
forms of beast (antelopes) to experience deep pleasure of love making. Sage Kindama curses
Pandu that he will die the day he tries to mate with a woman. Shaken, Pandu decides to retire to
forest with Dhrithrashtra as his Steward on Throne. Both wives of Pandu, Kunti and Madri,
accompany him to forest. Pandu is worried about creating his progeny and heirs. Kunti reveals a
secret that once Sage Durvasa, pleased with her hospitality gifted her a secret mantra which can
summon divine beings. Pandu says that let's summon the divine beings to obtain progeny. Kunti
summons three beings one after the other on request of Pandu. First is Dharmaraja, a being of
righteousness, in some accounts known as God of Death. Child born of this is Yudhishthira.
Second being on request of Pandu is Vayu, the wind god, which bestows a child of immense
strength that can crush stones too. He is known as Bhima. Third being to be summoned is King of
these beings, Indra who bestwos Arjuna - the greatest Archer of their times, an exceptional
warrior.
When Pandu asks for one more child from Kunti, she explains that a woman cannot have more
than four consorts otherwise she is labeled as prostitute. Pandu thinks that four consorts are him
and three beings, but Kunti had a child born from Sun god before marriage. This divine child born
with ear rings and an armour was discarded in a basket in the river to avoid social censure. This
eldest son was Karna, one of the major characters in the story to come.
Kunti suggests that Madri should be taught this mantra too. Madri intelligently summons Ashwini
twins and receives two children: Sahadeva and Nakula.
Now, I remember this is a summary, so I shall quicken my pace to conclude this Story. This was
groundwork for the main narrative.
Pandu, one day, feels a sexual urge when Madri is bathing. When he tries to mate and touch her,
he dies. Madri dies on his funeral. Kunti returns to the capital with all 5 children known combined
as Pandavas. Dhrithrashtra and his wife Gandhari, from present day Afghanistan (Gandhar), give
birth to 100 children after prolonged pregnancy and through some ritual. But Kunti's son
Yudhishthira was the eldest before Dhrithrashtra's son called as Duryodhana, in the epic with
original name as Suyodhana.
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There is intense rivalry between these two sets of cousins which leads to division of Kingdom to
prevent all out war. Pandavas are given Khandavaprastha, a forest area as their domain. Through
Krishna's help, who is cousin to Pandavas, they transform the terrain into a highly advanced state
with great infrastructure. They also take help of celestial architect or some demonic being to build
a great Palace.
Yudhishthira desires to conduct a Rajasuya Yagna to establish himself a sovereign ruler in his own
right and not a vassal to Capital of Hastinapura. Krishna advises the Pandavas to defeat the most
powerful king of the land, Jarasandha, so that their authority is unchallenged throughout the land.
They defeat Jarasandha and place his son, who agrees to their authority, on throne.
Two ominous incidents happen during Yagna. Krishna kills Shishupala, son in law of Jarasandha.
And, Duryodhana, eldest Kaurava, is mocked by Draupadi, the common Queen of Pandavas.
Duryodhana leaves for his capital of Hastinapura in fury and decides to end his life as he cannot
bear this humiliation. Karna assures that he will have revenge on the arrogant Draupadi.
Duryodhana's maternal uncle, Shakuni, devises a plot to trap Pandavas and take away their
Kingdom through deceit.
Shakuni is a master player of a game of dice, popular in those times. He knows Yudhishthira is a
poor player but loves to gamble with the game as a sport.
On Shakuni's advice, Duryodhana invites Yudhishthira for a game with a message of apology for
his behaviour till this day and showing his desire to make amends. Krishna is occupied with
defense of his state of Dwarka, so he is unable to intervene at this juncture in story. Yudhishthira
happily agrees as a way of peace finally between both factions.
In the game, Yudhishthira is so much lured inside that he keeps on losing his real life assets with a
desire to win everything in the next move. By his play, Yudhishthira looses his whole kingdom in
gambling along with his brothers along with his own self and their Queen Draupadi. When this
happens, Duryodhana summons Draupadi to take his revenge of his humiliation. When Draupadi
who is in menstrual periods declines to appear in court, Duryodhana commands his younger
brother to bring her in court. Dushasana, drags Draupadi by her hair into court. Duryodhana asks
her to be disrobed. She begs for help from everyone in court, no one can raise a voice, not even the
elders. The whole game had gone terribly wrong assuming a bad form. According to legend,
Draupadi prays to God while being disrobed. And invisible god protects her honour when no
human does. Her robes remain intact. Duryodhana taunts her and Pandavas, and asks Draupadi to
sit on his thighs, now that she is a maid and not a queen. Now, Draupadi about to curse Kaurava
clan is stopped by King Dhrithrashtra and he rectifies everything by undoing all that was done in
game. He returns all assets back to Yudhishthira. Bhima takes a vow to break those thighs of
Duryodhana which he patted as gesture for Draupadi. Each brother takes vows to take revenge.
Again, Kauravas insist on a game played fairly. Again Yudhishthira agrees and almost wins,
before loosing the game with a condition that Pandavas will go in exile for 12 years and one year
incognito. If they are discovered during this one year, they have to repeat 12 years in exile.
While in forest, Krishna comes and asks them to prepare for battle after exile And incognito year.
Arjuna, as per advise, obtains deep knowledge of celestial weapons for war.
Yudhishthira goes introvert to understand things of life and philosophy more clearly. He meditates
and contemplates on Life deeply.
Draupadi serves her husbands while also nursing her desire for Vengeance.
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After incognito year Pandavas claims their Kingdom which Duryodhana denies. Krishna tries to
convince Kauravas and court for peace between these two factions which will result in overall
prosperity of the entire land of Jambudwipa. But, Duryodhana desires an all out final war to settle
the matters of power and Kingdom.
An 18 day War takes place with great casualties on both sides. Very few survive this war on both
sides though Pandavas have emerged victorious. Yudhishthira experiences a moral crisis due to
bloodshed in war. Everybody soothes him, especially Krishna who tells him that they are not pure
good, but through them, civilisation will get a direction towards Pure Good which will one day
manifest in future. Yudhishthira tries to rule well, as well as possible. Krishna's clan is destroyed
within 36 years of the war. Only some people , especially womenfolk survive due to Arjuna's help.
Krishna, the hero of the epic, dies a lonely death in a forest through a hunter's arrow.
Disillusioned Pandavas take up a journey to reach Amravati, the city of divine beings, after giving
throne to their last living descendant, Parikshit. While the climb to the mountains with a way to
this city of divine beings, one by one Pandavas start falling due to the shortcomings in their
personality. Finally a dog companion and Yudhishthira are able to reach this city. Gods ask to
leave the dog. Yudhishthira says that he cannot as dog is equally having a right to enter as it has
too reached with him till the gates.
Gods approve of this, and open up the gates.
Yudhishthira beholds Kauravas shining in glorious aura and living with peace and joy on their
faces. He cannot see his brothers and wife and his people. When he asks, Gods reply they are at
other place (Hell). He asks to be taken there. He sees them in immense pain. He cannot take it
anymore and cries out at the injustice of the whole thing. Gods point out that though he has left
everything, his life, he has not given up his hurt and hatred for his enemies, Kauravas.
Then, Yudhishthira sees vision of life where all possibilities are experienced and observed. He
then finds wisdom which helps him dissolve his anger towards Kauravas and embrace them also as
part of life and part of himself.
That is when all the divine beings shout out cries of joy claiming victory to Yudhishthira who has
won over himself. The Gates of Vaikuntha, which is the Abode of The God, open up. Yudhishthira
is freed from cycle of birth and death and is part of Godhood now attaining to the highest ideal of
life, i.e. Moksha.
After this Astika asks King Janmejaya to consider the narrative deeply. After consideration,
Janmejaya realises himself also a part of the circle of revenge and decides to put a stop to this
endless cycle and yearn and move towards Peace. He also relieves himself of the desire for
revenge.
Thus, whole narrative helps human beings to reflect on Action and consequences of Action which
reveals to them the wisdom which helps us to live life in a better way aiming towards creating
Paradise on Earth. I have collated from various sources mostly from web answers to 108 questions
which one may have in this e-book. Since I have typed he manuscripts myself there may be some
spelling , syntax /factual errors for which I seek your kind forbearance .
I hope this e- book reading will good for all.
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S.Srinivasan
Retired Bank Unionist
7 life lessons we all can learn from the Mahabharata

Centuries later, Mahabharata still teaches us a lot of life-
saving lessons.
7 life lessons we all can learn from the Mahabharata
A revengeful instinct can only lead to one's doom.
Stand by what's right; even fight for it.
The eternal bond of friendship.
Half knowledge can be dangerous.
Don't be swayed by greed.
We cannot give up on life despite all hurdles.
Being a woman does not make you a lesser individual
INDEX
S.NO QUESTION
1 What are 100 names of Kauravas?
2 What were the names of the 100

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Kauravas, also why only Duryodhana and
Dushasasan are famous? And were all the
Kauravas killed in the battle?
3 How biologically possible is it that
Gandhari gave birth to 100 children
(Kauravas)?
4 Why did Gandhari agree to marry
Dhritarashtra even though the later is
blind?
5 Was Duryodhana really that bad?
6 How were all 100 Kauravas born together?

7 What is the significance of Gandhari's 100
sons in the story of Mahabharat?
8 Was it gandharis bad karma that all of her
100 sons died?
9 What were the names of the 100 Kauravas,

also why only Duryodhana and
Dushasasan are famous? And were all the
10 Why only Duryodhana and Dushasasan are
famous? And were all the Kauravas killed
in the battle?
11 Why did Shiva's boon (100 Sons) to
Gandhari turn out to be evil?
12 How was Duryodhanan considered as the
first son of Gandhari?
13 How did Gandhari in Mahabharata feed her
100 babies at the same time? How can she
breast feed 100 babies or was there
formula milk during those days?
14 And were all the Kauravas killed in the
battle?
15 What are the strongest evidences that
suggest the battle of Mahabharata actually
happened?
16 If Mahabharata is real, then why can't we
find any bones of the 4 million soldiers in
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Kurukshetra?
17 What are the top 10 most powerful
weapons in Mahabharata?
18 Do you guys believe in Mahabharath?
19 What happened to the Pandava and Shri
Krishna after Mahabharata?
20 What was happening in South India during

Mahabharata?
21 To what extent is the text of Mahabharata
corroborated by archaeological evidence?
22 Where was America and other countries

when Ramayana and Mahabharata were
happening in India?
23 Did the Pandavas or Kauravas have any

daughters? If yes, does anyone know their
names?
24 What is the name of the Kaurava wives?
25 What happened to the Kaurava’s wife after
Kaurava’s defeat in the Kurukshetra War
26 What happened
to Dushala, Kauravas’ sister, after the
Mahabharata?
27 It is said that at the end of the great war
Mahabharat, 18 people survived. Who
were they?
28 According to the Indian epic poem
Mahabharata, what happened after the
Kurukshetra war, e.g., for how long was
there peace, how did Krishna die, and
what finally happened to the Pandavas?
29 Why didn't Balram (brother of Krishna)
participate in the Mahabharat War?
30 How long did Pandavas rule?
31 How did the Pandavas die and did their
clan continue?
32 What happened to the Pandava and Shri
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Krishna after Mahabharata?
33 Who was the dog that followed Pandava to
the Himalayas?
34 What are the main characters of the
Mahabharata like?
35 Who is the worst character of

mahabharat?
35 Who is the most interesting character in
the Mahabharata?
36 What are the famous characters in
Mahabharata who didn't keep their word?
37 Who were Subhadra's parents?
38 Were Arjun and Subhadra cousins? If so,
how was their marriage possible?
39 What is the birth story of Subhadra

Krishna's sister?
40 How was Subhadra, on the advice from
Krishna, able to trick Draupadi into sharing
the household at Indraprastha?
41 How did Subhadra die in Mahabharat?
42 How did Krishna and Balarama came to
know that Subhadra was their sister?
43 If Draupadi's hair was said to be golden,
was she a blonde?
44 How would one explain the endless Saree
(Robe) of Draupadi?
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45 Why did Sadhus ask Draupadi for alms in

Mahabharata although she never bore kids
untll then
46 Was Draupadi in love with Karna in
Mahabharata (Hindu epic)?
47 Why Draupadi was also known as
'Agnijyotsna'?
48 Do you think Draupadi was the main
reason of Mahabharata?
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49 Draupadi had five sons with each of the
Five Pandavas. Questions is, How would
anyone have known who is whose son?
50 What are some lesser known facts about
Draupadi?
51 How is the sexual life of Draupadi
described in the Mahabharata, and how
was polyandry perceived during that
period?
52 How intense was Draupadi's beauty?
53 Did Draupadi sleep with all five Pandavas
in Mahabharata? If so, how can we say
that she was a woman of good character?
54 When did Draupadi have her children?

Where did the children live when the
Pandavas were in exile?
55 Why did Draupadi die first?
55 Why did Draupadi marry all Pandavas?
56 Why did Pandavas do Vanvas? And why

was it split into Vanvas and Agyatvas?
57 Where did Pandavas hide during the
Agyatvas?
58 How did the Pandavas calculate 12 years
of Vanvas? How did Rama do the same?
59 How many years did Pandavas do Vanvas?

60 Did the Kauravas find pandavas before the
end of Anayana Vasa? What really
happened?
61 Have the Pandavas killed anybody from
the Kauravas side without any tricks or
con?
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62 What would happen if Kauravas were as
righteous as Pandavas?
63 Who among Pandavas and Kauravas are
unselfish?
64 Why did Arjuna had empathy for the
Kaurava brothers where as other Pandavas
hated the Kauravas?
65 In the Mahabharata, is Arjuna the best
warrior among the Pandavas and
Kauravas?
66 What would have happened if the
Kauravas had won the war against the
Pandavas?
67 How is it possible that none of the

Kauravas or Pandavas had a daughter?
68 What lesson did Krishna give Arjuna
before the start of the war between
Pandavas and Kauravas in Mahabharata?
69 Why did Drona take sides with Kauravas
and not Pandavas, though he taught both
and Arjuna being his favorite student?
70 Why did Bheeshma choose Kauravas side
in the battle?
71 What made Bhishma Pitamaha to fight on
the side of Kauravas against Pandavas in
the Mahabharat War, when he knew that
they were wrong all along?
72 Why did Lord Krishna cried at the death of
Bhishma even if he was on the side of
Adharma?
73 How do the Pandavas win the battle of

Mahabharatha even though there were
only 5 of them and there were hundreds of
Kauravas and they had a huge army?
74 Why did Kauravas lose the Mahabharatha
war despite having the best-in-class
warriors and a larger army?
75 Who was the most dangerous warrior in
the Kauravas camp during the
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Mahabharata War?
76 Who was the most powerful warrior in the
Mahabharata? Krishna was the most
skilled at war strategy; but who tipped the
scales when it came to might, Bheeshma,
Arjuna, Karna or someone else?
77 In the Mahabharata (Hindu epic), who is
better, Arjun or Karna?
78 what was the reaction of Arjuna after
knowing Karna was his brother?
79 How did Karna die?
80 In the Mahabharata, why did Karna go to
Hell after he died fighting the battle in
Kurukshetra?
81 Why did the Pandavas (except Yuthishtra)
go to hell? And why did the Kauravas go to
heaven?
82 What are the main characters of the
Mahabharata like?
What are interesting facts in
Mahabharat?
84 What are some mind-blowing facts about
Mahabharat?
S.NO QUESTION
84 What are some mind-blowing facts about
Mahabharat?
85 What are some lesser known/interesting
stories in Mahabharata
stories in Mahabharata?
87 What are some of the rare and hidden
facts about the Great Karnan of
Mahabharata?
88 What are most interesting facts about
Mahabharat?
89 What are some unknown facts about

Draupadi (Hindu mythology Mahabharat)?
90 What are the facts many do not know
about Mahabharata ?
91
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What are some interesting statistics of
Mahabharat?
92 What are the some unknown or lesser
known facts about the Mahabharata and
the Ramayana?
93 What are the basic facts one should know
about Mahabharata?
94 What are some unknown facts about Karna
in Mahabharata?
stories in Mahabharata?
96 What are some amazing facts about Karn
of Mahabharat?
97 What are some of the dark truths of
Mahabharat?
98 What are the most disturbing facts in the
Mahabharata you wished that should have
and not have happened?
99 What are some amazing facts about
Mahabharat (2013 TV series)?
100 What are the strongest evidences that
suggest the battle of Mahabharata actually
happened?
101 What is Mahabharat’s dirty secret?
102 What are some unknown facts about
Arjuna's son Abhimanyu (Hindu mythology
Mahabharat)?
103 What are few interesting stories from
Mahabharata?
104 What are the scientific explanations
behind the events in the Mahabharata?
105 What are some lesser known facts about

Satyaki in Mahabharata?
106 The foreign reader...is at once struck by

two features: in the first place its unity in
complexity; and, in the second, its
constant efforts to impress on its hearers
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the idea of a single centralized India, with
a heroic tradition of her own as formative
and uniting impulse." Who wrote this
about the Mahabharata?
107 Which are the long unanswered questions
on Mahabharata in this forum as per your
knowledge? Can they be listed at one place
so that some one/ a few may attempt to
answer them?
108
Some Questions I Asked Myself
ADDENDUM
S.N Subject
0
a) 108 Mahabharata Quotes
b) . List Of 50 Bhagavad Gita Quotes On

Karma, Life, And Death
c) Some of the important life lessons from
Mahabharata
d) Collection of Best conversation between two

characters from Mahabharat
e) Some of your favorite dialogues from the Epic

Mahabharata serial
f) Karna’s Love Letter To Draupadi: It Is You Who

Defines Me The Most
g) Good picture Quotes From The Mahabharata
That’ll Give You Fresh New Perspective On Life
which you can put in your wall or screen saver
h About the author

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1)What are 100 names of Kauravas?
Duryodhana
Dushasana
Vikarna
Vivinsati
Durmukha
Duhsalan
Jalagandha
Sama
Saha
Vindha
Anuvindha
Chitrasena
Durdarsha
Durmarsha
Dussaha
Durmada
Dushkarna
Durdhara
Durmarshana
Durvishaha
Durvimochana
Dushpradharsha
Durjaya
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Dushparajaya
Jaitra
Bhurivala
Ravi
Jayatsena
Sujata
Srutavan
Srutanta
Jaya
Chitra
Upachitra
Charuchitra
Chitraksha
Sarasana
Chitrayudha
Chitravarman
Suvarma
Sudarsana
Dhanurgraha
Vivitsu
Subaahu
Nanda
Upananda
Kratha
Vatavega
Nishagin
Kavashin
Paasi
Vikata
Soma
Suvarchasas
Dhanurdhara
Ayobaahu
Mahabaahu
Chithraamga
Chithrakundala
Bheemaratha
Bheemavega
Bheemabela
Ugraayudha
Kundhaadhara
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Vrindaaraka
Dridhavarma
Dridhakshathra
Dridhasandha
Jaraasandha
Sathyasandha
Sadaasuvaak
Ugrasravas
Ugrasena
Senaany
Aparaajitha
Kundhasaai
Dridhahastha
Suhastha
Suvarcha
Aadithyakethu
Ugrasaai
Kavachy
Kradhana
Kundhy
Bheemavikra
Alolupa
Abhaya
Dhridhakarmaavu
Dhridharathaasraya
Anaadhrushya
Kundhabhedy
Viraavy
Pradhama
Amapramaadhy
Deerkharoma
Suveeryavaan
Dheerkhabaahu
Kaanchanadhwaja
Kundhaasy
Virajass
Dussala(Daughter)
Yuyutsu
Source:Wikipedia
19
2) What were the names of the 100 Kauravas, also why only
Duryodhana and Dushasasan are famous? And were all the
There were only Duryudhana and Dusashana Vikarana and

Chitrasena as the real Kaurava brothers and Yuyutsu as the step
brother.
If you take others for example Sulochana has four mentions in
the original Mahabharata and all of them were in the context when
someone was being told the names of the 100 sons of Gandhari
Vivitsu was mentioned five times, twice when Vaisampayana
narrates the names of 100 brothers, and 3 times when he was
killed in battle.
Ayovahu-twice both when the names were narrated
Vikata-Six times- four out of which were in conjunction with tens

of other names.
Suvarchasa-Four times- Twice while narrating names and Twice
in battle.
If you take any other name randomly result would be almost the
same. Now, as brothers of the crown prince, son of the King, don't
you think they would have played a more significant role if actually
they existed? Besides they were mentioned as Atiratha, just below
the rank of Karna (a maharathi). So much for Atirathas?
Just to give a comparison
Sahadeva, the Pandava whose name was mentioned the least,

was mentioned 429 times.
In case you still want to know the names, I am copy pasting the
text from Mahabharata by Kishori Mohan Ganguly.
"Vaisampayana said, 'Their names, O king, according to the order
of birth, are Duryodhana, Yuyutsu,
Duhsasana, Duhsaha, Duhsala, Jalasandha, Sama, Saha, Vinda
and Anuvinda, Durdharsha, Suvahu,
Dushpradharshana, Durmarshana and Durmukha, Dushkarna, and
Karna; Vivinsati and Vikarna, Sala,
Satwa, Sulochana, Chitra and Upachitra, Chitraksha, Charuchitra,
Sarasana, Durmada and Durvigaha,
Vivitsu, Vikatanana; Urnanabha and Sunabha, then Nandaka and
Upanandaka; Chitravana,
Chitravarman, Suvarman, Durvimochana; Ayovahu, Mahavahu,
20
Chitranga, Chitrakundala, Bhimavega,
Bhimavala, Balaki, Balavardhana, Ugrayudha; Bhima, Karna,
Kanakaya, Dridhayudha, Dridhavarman,
Dridhakshatra, Somakitri, Anudara; Dridhasandha, Jarasandha,
Satyasandha, Sada, Suvak, Ugrasravas,
Ugrasena, Senani, Dushparajaya, Aparajita, Kundasayin,
Visalaksha, Duradhara; Dridhahasta, Suhasta,
Vatavega, and Suvarchas; Adityaketu, Vahvashin, Nagadatta,
Agrayayin; Kavachin, Krathana, Kunda,
Kundadhara, Dhanurdhara; the heroes, Ugra and Bhimaratha,
Viravahu, Alolupa; Abhaya, and
Raudrakarman, and Dridharatha; Anadhrishya, Kundabhedin,
Viravi, Dhirghalochana Pramatha, and
Pramathi and the powerful Dhirgharoma; Dirghavahu, Mahavahu,
Vyudhoru, Kanakadhvaja; Kundasi
and Virajas. Besides these hundred sons, there was a daughter
named Duhsala. All were heroes and
Atirathas, and were well-skilled in warfare. All were learned in the
Vedas, and all kinds of weapons.
And, O, king, worthy wives were in time selected for all of them by
Dhritarashtra after proper
examination. And king Dhritarashtra, O monarch, also bestowed
Duhsala, in proper time and with
proper rites, upon Jayadratha (the king of Sindhu).'
3)How biologically possible is it that Gandhari gave birth to

100 children (Kauravas)?
A)In the true sense Gandhari didn't give birth to 100 children. It
was at the time when Kunti and Gandhari were both pregnant but
Gandhari's pregnancy continued for a very long time which was
unnatural. Meanwhile Yudhishthira was born to Kunti and Gandhari
was furious as Kunti's son would now be the heir to the throne. In
frustration she started beating her womb; the side effects of
which, she gave birth to a lump of flesh. All were disappointed.
Then Vyasa cut the flesh into 100 pieces and kept each one in a
pot(immersed in ghee as mostly said). these pots were buried
underground and after an year each piece was born as a son.
If viewed under scientific light, all this does make sense!!
B) It is possible . Ill show you in a minute. I will use the most

conservative numbers.
21
The end of Mahabharata . The death of Sri Krishna ushered the
start of Kalyuga.
Which means Mahabharaat took place in the Dwapara Yuga.
According to Vedas the Life span of Man in Kalyuga is 100 years.

In Dwapara Yuga it 200 years, In Treta - it is 300 and In Satuyug
it is 400 years.
Since Mahabharat took place in the Dwapara Yuga. This means

man and woman could live a life ideally for 200 years. Which
means Kunti could live for 200 years.
In todays times (Kalyug ) the fertility period of a woman is from

age 15 to age 45.
A period of 30 years. (45–15 =30)
Though pregnancy is possible before 15 and after 45 too. But ill

stick to these figures.
Since the life expectancy in DwaparaYug is double of Kalyug. Then

the Pregnancy period should be double too.
Now lets double this number . The fertility period of women should
be 15 to 90 years in Dwapara Yug. which is 75 years. (75–15 = 60
years) Again I am not considering age before 15 and age after 90.
They very well lived upto 200 years of age. They could have been
fertile for much more longer period. but lets keep it 75 years of
fertiliy.
How many months in 75 years? 75 x 12 = 900 months.
How much time does a baby need to take birth? 9 months.
Therefore in 900 months . A woman can give upto 100 babies.

(900/9 = 100)
100 babies back to back. I am not even considering twins and

triplets.
I haven’t considered age beyond 90 and before 15 . I had an extra

110 years still left after 90.
22
i have taken most conservative numbers. Yet i could hit 100
babies.
4)Why did Gandhari agree to marry Dhritarashtra even

though the later is blind?
Have a look at the geographical location of Gandhar and

Hastinapur
23
24
It is clear that Gandhar was smaller than Hastinapur in area.
Bheeshma wanted Gandhari to marry Dhritarashtra because she

had a boon to be a mother of 100 sons. ( the Kuru clan had a
problem of heirs)
He gave this proposal to the king of Gandhar, Subal.
Subal knew that Dhritarashtra was blind. But he also knew that his
kingdom was smaller than Hastinapur not only in area but also in
the strength of Armed Forces. Moreover, there was no mighty
warrior than Bheeshma.
Hence rejecting him was an open invitation to death.
For the sake of her father’s kingdom, Gandhari had to marry

Dhritarashtra.
5) Was Duryodhana really that bad?
In order to understand Duryodhan, we have to get into his skin

and understand the situation he was in. His father Dhritarastra
was the eldest Kuru son and the rightful heir to the throne of
Hastinapur. But due to his blindness the throne was given to his
younger step brother Pandu. Dhritarastra neither forgot nor
forgave Chief Minister Vidur(who was also his step brother) and
Gangaputra Bheesma for their action. Pandu went hunting in the
forest and accidentally killed Sage Kindam and his wife during their
intimacy. Before dying the angry sage cursed Pandu with lifelong
impotency. He was destined to die childless. A shattered Pandu
returned to Hastinapur and narrated everything to the others. He
decided to renounce the throne in favour of Dhritarastra and lead a
saintly life in the forest as a self imposed punishment. His two
wives Kunti and Madri accompanied him. So everyone knew that
Pandu could never father a child. But Kunti begot three sons
Yudhisthir, Bheem and Arjun from the three Gods, Dharma, Pawan
and Indra, and Madri got twin sons Nakul and Sahdev from the
twin Gods Ashwini Kumars. So none of the Pandava princes were
in reality Pandu's sons. Duryodhan or Suyodhan was the eldest son
of king Dhritarastra. He grew up with the knowledge that being the
eldest prince he was rightful heir to the throne of Hastinapur.
Pandu died when Yudhisthir was 16. At that time both Bheem and
25
Duryodhan were 15 years old. Pitamah Bheesma brought back the
Pandavas along with their mother Kunti from the forest to live in
the palace of Hastinapur.
Imagine how shocked Duryodhan must have felt when at the age
of fifteen he came to know that Yudhisthir and not he would
become the Crown Prince of Hastinapur. It must have been a bolt
from the blue for the poor adolescent boy (as such adolescence is
a very trying period for any child). The Pandavas were not even
his blood relatives and yet he was expected to sacrifice his
inheritance with a smile on his face. Is it possible? Can we
ourselves do it? The answer is a big NO! It was naturally
impossible for Duryodhan to like the Pandava brothers. To top it all
he and his brothers were continuously bullied by Bheem who was
stronger than all of them. Then there was the vengeful Shakuni
Mama who resided in Hastinapur with the sole purpose of
destroying the Kuru clan. Duryodhan was mentally disturbed and
soon became an easy pawn in the hands of Shakuni. Like every
adolescent he craved for love and sympathy. Instead he received
constant criticism from his elders. Dhritarastra blindly loved his
son but could not always support him in front of Bheesma and
Vidur. But Shakuni always openly supported Duryodhan and
promised to make him the king in future. Under the circumstances
it was only natural that Duryodhan developed complete faith in
Shakuni and did exactly as he(Shakuni) said. It was Shakuni's plan
to give poison to Bheem and burn the Pandavas in the lac
palace(laksha griha). It was again he who planned and played the
unfair dice game that led to the devastating Kurukshetra War.
Duryodhan was the mere handle that carried out Shakuni's
poisonous plans. Shakuni might not have had such complete
control over Duryodhan if his elders like Bheesma and Vidur had
been a little bit more sympathetic and understanding towards him.
Even his own mother Gandhari failed to understand his plight.
Shakuni took complete advantage of the situation and sacrificed
Duryodhan and his brothers to achieve his revenge on the Kuru
clan.
Let us discuss the positive traits of Duryodhan. He did not believe

in caste system and had no qualms about making “Sutputra”
Karna his best friend. He was a good ruler and his subjects loved
him(ref: Stree Parva of Ved Vyas' “Mahabharat”). He was not
polygamous like the other kings of that time and had only one wife
26
Bhanumati. He was a great warrior and the best mace fighter of
his time. Bheem could never beat him in a fair combat. In the
original Mahabharat by Ved Vyas, there is no mention of Gandhari
giving him a “kavach” or impregnable shield by looking at his
body. So such stories are mere fabrications. He attained heavenly
abode(Swarg) for courageously dying in the religious battlefield of
Kurukshetra.
His negative traits:- 1.His lack of diplomacy and failure of

understanding people. Had he been a sharp witted diplomat like
Sri Krishna he would have easily seen through Shakuni's ploy and
might have refused to be a pawn, rather dice in his hands. 2. He
tried to disrobe Draupadi and insulted her publicly. (In Ved Vyas'
Mahabharat there is no mention of Draupadi laughing at
Duryodhan and calling her a blind man's son in the Maya Mahal in
Indraprasth. So this is another fabrication.) But actually it was
Yudhisthir's fault to stake her in the dice game in the first place.
3.He was one of the seven Maharathis or great warriors who most
unfairly killed Abhimanyu. But before that, Abhimanyu had killed
Duryodhan's only son Lakshman and Karna's son as well. This
must have infuriated both the aggrieved fathers and they did not
hesitate to take their revenge even though in a most unfair
manner.
So Duryodhan can be termed as a grey character like most of us.

He was more human and less ‘godly’ like the Pandava brothers. At
least he did not stake his wife and younger brothers in a dice
game. Anyway, without Sree Krishna's help, it would have been
impossible for the Pandavas to win the Kurukshetra War.
Bheesma, Dronacharya, Karna and Duryodhan himself were all
killed most unfairly. All of these cowardly acts were glorified in the
name of ‘Dharma'.
If you think that Duryodhana is a bad person ( some even tend to

exaggerate him as the worst person at that time) , then which
may be the reason for you to justify:
Because he hated the Pandavas and tried various methods to

kill them and also patronised to send them for a 14 years of
exile.
Duryodhana was rude and egoistic.
Duryodhana insulted Draupadi.
27
These are sufficient reason, aren't they? Now let's talk about the
Pandavas.
Bheema, the second Pandava was the strongest human at that

time. He often tortured and humiliated the brothers of
Duryodhana. He kicked them, plummeted them from tree,
crushed them up with his knuckles just for the sake of
merriment . But when Duryodhana complained, Kunti and
Vidura defended Bheema as his childish games. His games
posed threats to the lives of his cousins, but that was not
addressed.
Shakuni belonged from Gandhar or the modern they Kandahar,
which was mainly bordered by hills.
Only for this reason, they laughed at him calling him a “Kirat” .
They often looked down at people hailing from a lower caste. They
insulted Karna because of his caste, they insisted Drona to cut
down the thumb of Arjuna's “competitor” Eklavya who belonged
from a lower caste.
When Duryodhana was born, the time ( kaal ) was against the
will of God. So Vidura , Kunti and Yudhisthira prescribed to
Dhritarashta to abandon his son. Can you justify this?
If you were in the shoes of Duryodhana, what you would have
done? Worshipped the Pandavas ?So if you believe that
Duryodhana was a cursed chap , then do accept the fact
that Pandavas were not also God-Gifted . Duryodhana was
against castism. We all know only he judged Karna on the basis of
his merit, not on the basis of his caste. When he was on the
quest of Pandavas , he reached a certain place called Malanada in
Uttarakhand. He was thirsty and he asked help from a woman who
hailed from a lower caste(shudra). When she offered him toddy ( a
traditional opium made from coconut ) , he merrily accepted that.
At that time, if any person from higher caste ate something from a
lower caste person, that lower caste person is punished. Pandavas
advocated these rules but Duryodhana opposed them. On the
contrary, he gifted them 101 yojanas of land to worship a
unnamed god and to built unity amongst themselves. Since then,
Duryodhana is worshipped there.
28
But I do agree, the biggest mistake Duryodhana ever commited
was to disrespect Draupadi. That was something , ages can never
forgive. He was also an egoistic person at the same time. None
can be a perfect human being . Even our Pitamaha Bheesma was
not correct when he forced Gandhar-raj Suvala to offer her
daughter to blind Dhritarashta against her will. She was blessed
with a boon of conceiving 100 sons and Bheesma was lured to
save his clan. Bheesma did something Don Vito Corleone did, he
made an offer no one dared to refuse.
So, if we are going to term Duryodhana as a “ bad person” ,

remember all what others did. We do agree he was an antagonist.
But he do possessed something admirable and respectful.
Are you a wanderer? In search of wisdom?
We can be great friends now, let us live and breathe discussing

facts and figures
6)How were all 100 Kauravas born together?
Birth of Kauravas
After Gandhari was married to Dhritasashtra, she wrapped a

bandage over her eyes and vowed to share the darkness that her
husband lived in. Gandhari's brother Shakuni came to live with
them to look after the interests of Gandhari. Once Sage Vyasa
came to visit Gandhari in Hastinapur . She took great care of the
comforts of the great saint and saw that he had a pleasant stay in
Hastinapur. The saint was pleased with Gandhari and granted her
a boon. Gandhari wished for one hundred sons who would be as
powerful as her husband. Vyasa granted her the boon and in due
course of time Gandhari found herself to be pregnant. But two
years passed and still the baby was not born. Meanwhile, Kunti
received a son from god Yama whom she called Yudhishthira. After
two years of pregnancy, Gandhari gave birth to a hard piece of
29
lifeless flesh that was not a baby at all. Gandhari was devastated
as she had expected a hundred sons according to the blessing of
Rishi Vyas. She was about to throw away the piece of flesh when
Rishi Vyas appeared and told her that his blessings could not have
been in vain and asked Gandhari to arrange for one hundred jars
to be filled with Ghee. He told Gandhari that he would cut the
piece of flesh into a hundred pieces and place them in the jars,
which would then develop into the one hundred sons that she so
desired. Gandhari told Vyas then that she also wanted to have a
daughter. Vyas agreed, cut the piece of flesh into one hundred and
one pieces, and placed them each into a jar. After two more years
of patient waiting the jars were ready to be opened.
When the first jar was opened the first baby was born and was
named Suyodhana who was later called Duryodhana (for his bad
deeds) which means "the unconquerable one" or "difficult to fight
with". As soon as the baby started crying all the beasts of the
jungle started howling and many signs of ill omen were seen.
Vidura warned that the child would have to be abandoned as the
omens at his birth augured doom for the Kuru clan. He said, "The
scriptures clearly state that for the good of the clan an individual
can be sacrificed, for the good of the village a clan can be
sacrificed, for the good of the country a village can be sacrificed;
and for the development of the soul, even the earth can be
sacrificed. So for the good of the clan and of the country and of
humanity, please sacrifice this son of yours." But both Gandhari
and Dhritrashtra were adamant that a baby could not cause any
harm, and much against Vidura's wishes kept the baby. At the
same time Bhima was born to Kunti in the forest. Another son of
Dhritarashtra was from a Vaishya servant Sukhada named Yuyutsu
was born on the same day as Bhima and Duryodhana. The other
children of Gandhari were taken out of the jars; now Gandhari had
one hundred sons and a daughter named Dhusala. All the children
grew up to be strong and powerful.
This story should be read in view of the dispute over the

succession to the throne of the kingdom. It attributes a late birth
to Duryodhna, the eldest son of Dhritarashtra, despite his father's
early marriage. This legitimises Yudhishthira's claim to the throne,
since he was the eldest of his generation.
30
We have seen cases in these modern times eight (and even 12, I
think) babies coming out of the same womb in the same delivery.
Zygote splitting into two or three, and again splitting into, etc. So,
formation of 100 zygotes in a womb is not a big deal; some special
herbs might have been given by Vyas to Gandhari for this. How did
she carry all these 100 in her womb when they started growing?
Probably, they all came out highly pre-matured but matured
enough to survive; it is said that Vyas put them all in different
vessels filled with some liquid (something like an incubator,
perhaps) where they all grew. … Entirely possible I would say.
7) What is the significance of Gandhari's 100 sons in the

story of Mahabharat?
I had to go through some texts to come up with an answer.
Gandhari had grown jealous of Kunti on hearing the news that

Kunti had become a mother before her. Gandhari was naturally
expecting to deliver before Kunti because she had conceived
before her. It is said that Gandhari stayed pregnant for almost two
years. Unable to take it anymore, she asked one of her maids to
strike her belly with an iron bar in order to force the fetus out. But
much to her dismay, a ball of cold flesh popped out.
Saddened by the inability to bear a child, she reminded Sage

Vyasa about his promise to her that she would one day deliver one
hundred sons. In order to fulfill her wish, Vyasa cut the flesh into a
hundred and one parts and stored it in a container full of pure
ghee. This resulted in the birth of one hundred sons and one
daughter after incubation.
Now coming to your question, it was common in those days for

sages to confer a blessing of "May you be the mother of a
hundred sons" upon women. This is on similar lines to the
blessing of "AshtaPutra Saubhagyavati Bhava" conferred these
days by the elders upon the newly married brides. The reason for
granting these blessings is to wish the newly weds a happy and
fertile married life. Vyasa had to abide by his words and hence had
to gift Gandhari one hundred sons.
31
Some people believe that the concept of one hundred sons was
solely the imagination of Sage Vyasa as he was the poet of the
song of Mahabharata.
Experts also claim that Gandhari had only two sons: Duryodhana
and Dusshasana. This is because out of all the Kauravas, they
were the only ones who played a major role in Mahabharata. Thus,
the phrase of "Gandhari's two-year pregnancy" is often
interpreted as "Gandhari's twin pregnancy" by them
According to Lord Krishna, long back, while cooking rice, she had
poured hot water of the boiled rice on the ground outside her
kitchen. This hot water killed all the hundred eggs laid by an
insect. This act of hers had earned the wrath of the mother insect
who is supposed to have cursed her that she too would have to
endure the deaths of her sons, as she had. (In many villages
women are advised not to pour hot water from the rice on the
ground; they should pour it after it has cooled down or mix cold
water before draining it off!). According another local rendition of
Mahabharata from the East, she was cursed by the mother turtle
whose eggs, Gandhari had once crushed one by one.
The scientific technique of Invitro-fertilization must have existed

during that time although we don't have any records of all
those they used in those times. What was mentioned as pots
could be specialized culture flasks, similar to what we use in
laboratory and the ghee could be the required nutrient solutions to
sustain. The reason why I feel this is it took 10 months for them to
open such pots to get those babies. That means it would have
been somatic cell cloning technique or something similar to
that which could have been a more advanced science in
those days itself. Vyasa being a genius would have handled
it."
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used

to treat fertility or genetic problems and assist with the conception
of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from
your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab.
8)Was it gandharis bad karma that all of her 100 sons died?
Real Karma that all the 100 Gauravs died in the Kurukshektra War
was because of Dhirthirashtra action in prior birth.
32
Dhirthirashtra about 100 births before went for hunting and tried
to shoot down one of the male bird and but failed with his arrow
and in frustration he killed several female/sibling birds at that
time. According to puranas it took 50 births to gain enough good
Karma to give birth to 100 sons during Mahabharat period and lost
all his sons during War as Sanchita/Prarbtha karma.
Karma has to be fulfilled in almost similar measure without specific

time period (depending on type of birth and period) in this birth or
in future birth without fail. Dharma in mind, speech and action
is a must especially for a human form
It says so in folk-lore. Folklore are stories meant for people to

understand the complex philosophies of Vedas. It's where Karma,
Avatara, Punarjanma, Dharma, Kama etc obtain shape.
Sometimes stories are created while sometimes popular legends

are meddled to highlight these notions. For example the Shiva-
Nandi eat once bath thrice story ( Mashankar's Lord Shiva had
asked humans to, “Eat Once & Bath Thrice”. He mostly resided in
the Himalayan Region, so it's not technically possible to follow the
latter part, so what exactly did he mean?)
One day, Gandhari, after utilising the boiled water for cooking, was
left with some amount of same hot water. Having the food ready,
the water now was of no use to her, so she threw it out of the
window. Unfortunately, a family of 100 ants and their mother was
passing by and all of the hot water fell on them. In pain, agony, fit
of rage and on the verge of death, the ants cursed her that her
sons shall as well meet the same fate one day and she shall suffer
the same pain as a mother. And, we all know what happened after
the Mahabharata war ended. Not one son of Gandhari lived
9)What were the names of the 100 Kauravas, also why only
Duryodhana and Dushasasan are famous? And were all the
I strongly believe that there were only Duryudhana and Dusashana
Vikarana and Chitrasena as the real Kaurava brothers and Yuyutsu
as the step brother.
33
killed in battle.

of other names.
in battle.

34
10)Why only Duryodhana and Dushasasan are famous? And

were all the Kauravas killed in the battle?
I strongly believe that there were only Duryudhana and Dusashana

Vikarana and Chitrasena as the real Kaurava brothers and Yuyutsu
as the step brother.
killed in battle.

of other names.
in battle.

35
Ref- Mahabharata by Kishori Mohan Ganguli.
11)Why did Shiva's boon (100 Sons) to Gandhari turn out to

be evil?
36
It was vyasa's boon not shiva's and not all 100 were evil ,even
duryodhana wasn't evil as portrayed in the serials ,he only hated
and did wrong to the pandavas ,he was a great ruler ever intent on
the welfare of the people as per vyasa mb ,all that he did wrong
was snatch his bros kingdom which was necessary because the
war was important as Vishnu had given te boon to Dharti ma that
her burden will be reduced by destroying all the powerful
kshatriyas before kali Yuga ,Krishna came for it and so was
duryodhana as his rivalry caused a huge war that reduced the
kshatriya population to minimum. Just like how Urvashi's curse
that Arjuna will turn a Eunuch becomes his boon as it aides him
live an year of anonymity. The whole question of Good or Evil is
perceptual. What matters is what one makes of the opportunity be
it good or bad. Gandhri got 100 illustrious sons but choose to be
blind and therefore could never see their upbringing resulting in
their lives.
12)How was Duryodhanan considered as the first son of

Gandhari?
On the same day Bhim was born, Duryodhana came out of the
ghee pots buried at gandhari mandir. But he was born at night. It
is mentioned in Mahabharat that after his birth, Dritarastra heard
sounds of owls, donkeys and fox houl (Bad signs). Vidura advised
to kill his first son and save the other 100 as he may end up kuru
clan completely (said as per the time of birth). But both Gandhari
and Dritarastra disagreed. And it is said that Bhimasen,
Duryodhan, Bakasur, Keechak, Jarasandh are born in same lagna
(zodiac sign) and same stars(Nakshtra). So, they were equally
strengthened and equally talented. How ever their death is also
pre-encrypted. Who ever first kills any other among other four will
eventually kill the remaining three. Thus, while living at Ekachakra
nagri Bhem was first to kill Bakasur. Later on Jarasandh(in
wresling) , keechak (while incognito) and finally Duryodhan (in
mace fight Mahabharat) followed!
37
13)How did Gandhari in Mahabharata feed her 100 babies
at the same time? How can she breast feed 100 babies or
was there formula milk during those days?
In order to breastfeed a 101 children (she also had a daughter

Dusshala, apart from a hundred sons) Gandhari would have had to
be a Goddess, which she wasn't. Instead Gandhari was the queen
of a rich and powerful kingdom, which means she had a lot of
resources at her disposal.
Before there were baby formulae and powdered milk, people used
two things:
Wet nurses: these were women who breast fed other people's
children. The practice of having wet nurses has decreased but
is still prevalent today. Once, royal families were famous for
employing a lot of wet nurses.
Cows: cattle was wealth in olden times. A king's wealth was
measured primarily in the number of cows he owned. Cows,
obviously, produce milk for human consumption.
Therefore, Queen Gandhari would have used cow's milk or hired a
horde of wet nurses and nannies for managing her 101 princelings.
Not that hard if you are a rich Queen.
Aside from all this, this is a ridiculous question to pose about a

woman who had 101 children by supernatural means. If she can
gestate her children in pots filled with ghee, she could easily have
nursed them through magical means.
Addendum:
To all those folks who are taking exception to the “had 101
children through supernatural means” and suggesting that it was
cloning or some other advanced scientific way of producing viable
progeny:
Then Satyavati would have used it to produce healthy

grandsons from her widowed daughters-in-law, instead of
asking Vyasa to perform niyoga and produce grandsons one of
whom was blind and the other a weakling.
Then Pandu would have used the same advanced technology to
beget children instead of retiring to the forest with his wives.
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Then Gandhari would have used a similar technology to feed
her princelings. Are you telling me that they had advanced
technology to feed a foetus and develop it into an infant but
after that they would be stumped about how they would feed
those infants? Really? Does producing milk powder require
more advances in technology than cloning or test tube babies?
Addendum 2:
Please understand that the Mahabharata is a grand narrative of a

war which many believe happened in reality. I also treat
Mahabharata as itihas (history) whose story has been
augmented/adorned to make it grander.
One of the most common plot devices to add more drama and
grandeur is the supernatural birth of the principal characters.
Notice that the Pandavas were born of Devas and Queens, thus
making them better than other mere mortals. Draupadi and her
brother Drishtadyumna were born fully adult in a Yagna. The
antagonists of the story also need to be more than mortals since
conflict really can be amongst equals. Therefore notice the
Kaurava line up :
Bhishma was born to the goddess Ganga.

Guru Drona was born in a basket.
Guru Kripacharya (and his twin sister Kripi) were the progeny
of a Rishi and an Apsara.
Karna was the child of a Deva (Surya) and a princess
(Pritha/Kunti)
Kauravas were born after a two year gestation in Pots of Ghee.
The Pandavas were not mere men fighting other men for a mere
kingdom. They were demi-devas fighting other equals for Dhrama.
And this is what takes the Mahabharata from a simple tale of
property dispute and turns it into the soul of India's ethos.
14)And were all the Kauravas killed in the battle?
Yes, all the kauravas were killed in the battle. In fact, at the the
end of the War, only ten warriors had survived. They were the five
Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and
Kritvarma. Everybody else died.
And Duryodhan was the eldest Kaurava and Duhshasana was the
second in line. They were the leaders of the pack, and as a result,
39
most of the decisions that were taken by the Kauravas were in fact
those taken by these two (along with Karna). Another reason why
these two are more famous is their active and direct role in
the Vastraharan of Draupadi. It is said that Duryodhan had not an
iota of goodness in him (other than his love for Karna). This makes
him the very antithesis of the Pandavas. And Duhshasana was
extremely loyal to Duryodhan and loved him intensely. These facts
kept these two in the constant limelight.
15)What are the strongest evidences that suggest the

battle of Mahabharata actually happened?
ven before I write the answer, you need to reconsider people

giving astronomical references and people who date the war to
3000 BCE or sometime that back. You know why? Because none of
the towns mentioned in the Mahabharata existed in that period.
None of the people existed. That was the period when Indus Valley
Civilisation was coming up and Mahabharata/Aryan saga happened
after the Indus Valley Civilisation’s fall.
There is no way that Mahabharata happened around 3000 BCE.

The astronomical evidence points out to that time but is there any
way that that saga would have happened without Mathura,
Hastinapura, Dwarika and other towns which were not founded till
as late as around 1000 BCE? I will leave it for you to decide.
I will answer the question now.
Yes, I believe in the historicity of Mahabharata.
I answered a similar question a while ago and I guess that is the

reason why I am getting so many Mahabharata related questions
these days. Anyway, I will answer this as well.
The thing is that we have things all around us telling of the epic.
Literary? Yes. Artistic? Yes. Geographic? Yes. Material? Yes.
You name it and the evidence is there.
And yet we have sceptics around us who discredit it because well,

their orientation does not allow acceptance of an ancient Indian
past. As the most eminent archaeologist of our age points out, it is
40
the fundamental flaw of Marxist historiography to discredit Indian
past of anything remotely Hindu.
The thing is that Mahabharata evolved through the ages. It had

several additions and interpolations and when it was first
composed, it was a text named Jaya, a text of 8000-something
verses. Then over the years, several stories and backstories got
added and it became Bharata, a text with 24,000-something
verses. The present epic has around 100,000 verses and
is Mahabharata, and it came in early centuries of the Common Era.
You see? The epic saw such huge additions.
And I will here quote the Indian archaeologist BB Lal, who is the
one to excavate Hastinapura, the centre of the epic, and later the
other sites associated with the epic. He also excavated Ayodhya
and has worked on almost the entire Mahabharata and Ramayana
circuits. He is also a former Director General of Archaeological
Survey of India.
He writes - ‘To the faithful, everything mentioned in the

Mahabharata is true to the very letter, whereas the skeptic holds
that the epic is nothing more than a mere figment of imagination.’
BB Lal in his book Historicity of the Mahabhrata, Evidence of

Literature, Art and Archaeology, examines the historicity of the
epic and presents a very concise and rational argument based on
historical findings. If you are genuinely interested in learning about
the historicity of the epic, you should read the book.
Remnants of the epic are all around us. It is just that we are not
open enough to see and believe those remnants who seek our
attention lest they fade into oblivion
16)If Mahabharata is real, then why can't we find any

bones of the 4 million soldiers in Kurukshetra?
There existed. But even before it could be made public, the ASI
under anti - Hindu government (congress) cleared out all the
evidences. Most of them finding their way to labs of international
universities. Imagine if all the Hindu population one day waking up
from their bed found out that their culture is not some artistic
painting and mythology but an ancient advanced civilisation, then
41
the very back breaking tool of “ cultural superiority of western
civilisation” employed by the British would come to an end.
There were giant skeletons unearthed, site with nuclear radiations

found ( which shows Brahmastra was a nuclear weapon).
SriKrishna’s swavdvedi vaan which is actually a sound seeking
missile that destroyed an invisible enemy spacecraft by tracking its
engine noise. All astras were some sort of advanced weapons.
Some artists painting them as arrows doesnt mean they were
arrows.
If you think all these are nonsense. Ask yourself a few questions.
Why does NASA or ISRO publish only one or two low definition
pictures of moon and other planets whereas they are getting
back gigs and gigs of data?
Why is the north pole under severe military restriction? Bal
Gangadhar Tilak had written a book “Arctic: The Home of
Ancient Indian Gods”. Sanskrit documents were available back
then which are now burnt, destroyed and the remaining
grabbed by the British and the Americans.
Why did the west suddenly exploded with scientific ideas at the
time India was under British rule?
Why is it that Germany during 2nd WW suddenly became
interested on Indian and Tibetan artifacts?
What is there in the back side of the moon?
There is a recent incident back in 2013 that’s pretty good evidence
you may think of. All of a sudden all the NATO leaders gathered in
Afganistaan. The reason was an Vimana was found in one of the
caves and 8 US soldiers tried to excavate it but were vanished by
that space craft. The spacecraft was later recovered and
transported to NASA for reverse engineering. But the moment they
started it in a NASA lab, swarns of UFOs gathered over that lab
and destroyed everything with beam weapon. Estimated 400–500
engineers and soldiers killed. There are reports that the US
government received warnings about this from UFOs in the
International Space Station. The place where Mahabharat is
believed to have happened is still inhabited by people today (i.e
Kurukshetra). Over a period of 5500 years (when Mahabharat
happened - as per modern scientific estimates), many layers of
soil, sand, etc. would have gathered over that place, so to do any
meaningful discovery, a lot of ground may be required to be dug
42
up (which is not possible considering our Govts find it difficult to
even acquire the land for an underpass or flyover!!)
Secondly, as per our culture, dead bodies are cremated (burnt)

and the ashes and any traces of bones are usually dispersed in
rivers or water bodies. So, there is virtually no possibility of finding
bones of Mahabharat Warriors (as most of them would have been
cremated as per our cultural practices).
A lot of history resides below the ground on which we are living.

However, it is not always possible to forcibly evict the people and
do a detailed archaeological study. Cities like Varanasi that are
considered to be the oldest living city in the world may be hiding
thousands of years of history beneath the surface. Problem is -
who will dig up the ground to find that history?
By the way UFOs and aliens are a common thing amoung NASA
and US Military. But how much do you hear of it??
There are two probable reasons for this-

1) Unlike the wars that are fought today, the dead soldiers were
not looted or mutilated. At the end of every day, the dead bodies
were taken away, and given to their respective family, who would
cremate them with honour.
And as everyone knows, cremation turns bones to ashes.
2) According to Amal Nandan, who studied history in Kurukshetra,

after Bhisma Pitamah took his last breath on the auspicious day of
Uttarayan, the entire battlefield was burnt. This was done in hope
that all the warriors would be granted a place in heaven and the
land would be purified by agni (fire).
In fact, even in Ramayana, the dead were treated with due

respect. After Ravana died in the Lanka war, Lord Rama gave him
the highest honour.
READ ALSO https://daily.bhaskar.com/news/JM-MYTH-

mahabharat-war-dead-soldiers-5552561-PHO.html?seq=2
17)What are the top 10 most powerful weapons in

Mahabharata?
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On Ramayana and Mahabharata, numerous celestial weapons were
used during the course of the story. Among the various weapons
used few had immense power, they could destroy continents, even
planets if desired. Most of them have been stated in the previous
answer, so I will try to do something different in this answer. I will
try to imagine, how they will be if they are present in modern-age.
I know there will be a lot of hatred form people who say it should
not be compared to modern-age, for those I would let them know
this is just an imagination. But remember, for most weapons’
powers in this list, still there is not exactly a weapon that could
match them in this modern age. I could see in few answers that
the most powerful weapon is mind, woman etc. But for this answer
I am just considering weapons alone. Now to answer…
10. Agney Astra/Vayavya Astra/Varuna Astra/Bhauma

Astra /Antardhana Astra
Each weapon represents one of the five elements of Earth. These

weapons can create the respective element on any scale.
Agney - Fire
A weapon of the Fire God, Agni. This weapon can create fire on
any level. Let it be a small splinter of fire or a shower of flaming
balls that could melt the earth's crust based on the will of the user.
Modern-day Analogy –An incendiary device that has the

capacity to produce heatwave which could burn anything on its
path
Varuna – Water
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A weapon of Varuna, the God of water. This water weapon is
known to create massive volumes of water. It could be used to
counter Agni Astra.
Modern-day Analogy – A missile powerful enough which when

launched underwater or on the surface of the water would cause
huge displacement of water or an instrument capable of creating
water in massive volumes form water vapour
Vayavya - Wind
The weapon of Wind which is capable of creating a tornado. It is a

weapon of Wind God, Vayu. It could create a cool breeze or a
furious tornado.
Modern-day analogy – A device or an instrument that is capable

of creating a low-pressure area thereby causing the air to rush in
from high pressure which word create a rapid storm.
Bhauma -Earth
45
This weapon is said to create land. Technically speaking this
weapon had the capability of moving the earth's plates, which
would in-turn create a new land mass. Which implies this weapon
could create earthquakes.
Modern-day analogy – A missile powerful enough to create an

impact on a tectonic level
Antardhana -Space
Antardhana does not directly create space, but it would make

things disappear. Since the object disappear, it would create a
space
Modern-day analogy – A shrink ray of sorts, a weapon that

would act on an atomic level and resize an object to create space.
46
09. Bhargavastra/ Sammohana or Pramohana Astra
/Gandharvastra
Bhargavastra
A weapon that was given to Karna by Lord Parashurama instead of

Bhramhadanda. It is described to create a massive shower of
arrow volley piercing everything it hits
Modern-day analogy – A warhead that would launch a countless

number of small projectiles capable enough of causing destruction
in mass
Sammohana or Pramohana Astra
Sammohana Astra, also referred to as the Pramohana Astra is a

weapon that could put the entire enemy armies into
unconsciousness or collapse in a state of trance.
47
Modern-day analogy – A warhead with a sleeping gas of sorts.
The missile would render 1000s of soldiers unconscious by
affecting their central nervous system in an instance.
Gandharvastra
Lord Rama killed 14,000 asuras using this Astra. This Astra twisted
the minds of the asuras making them think the person next to
them was Rama and thus the fought each other and ultimately
ended up killing each other.
Modern-day analogy – A warhead with some kind of illusive

drug that would cause confusion among enemies. It would create
an illusion like he/she is surrounded by enemies and also would
make them go berserk
Naagpaash
The Nagastra was a weapon that took the form of a snake and
upon impact would bind the target in coils of living venomous
snakes. Certain death for the enemy was always the final result.
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Modern-day analogy – A missile with a venomous warhead
which on impact would contaminate the surrounding with toxic
gases or it would contain biomechanical snakes that constricts its
target and inject venom.
08.TEEN BAAN
The Teen Baan was a signature weapon of Barbarika, the son of

Ghatotkacha and the Grandson of Bheema. It comprised of 3
infailable arrows. One will mark the targets to attack, second will
mark the targets to be saved and the third would destroy the
targets. With this weapon, he had the ability to finish the war in
matters of seconds.
Modern-day analogy – Similar to Bhargavastra, but with inbuilt

trackers. The projectiles would have the ability to track and
destroy its targets in three steps or shots. The first arrow
represents marking of foes. The second represents marking of
friends. The Third denotes the tracking projectiles.
07. Vasavi Shakti
A divine spear possessed by Karna, which was granted to him by

the Indra in the Mahabharata It is described as Spear made of
lightning that can be used only once. This weapon had the ability
to destroy the target irrespective of who or what it was.
49
Modern-day analogy – A Spear that would discharge electricity
at high intensity. It would be too intense that the target should be
destroyed irrespective of its conductive nature. But the problem is
it could be used only once.
06.Vajra
Vajra means “The Divine Lightning Thunderbolt “ in Sanskrit. This

weapon could cut through any mortal defences. Once invoked and
discharged, the weapon brought down a shower of lightning
arrows from the sky. Vajra Astra is considered to be one among
the most fearsome weapons in the battlefield as it would cause
high casualty to the enemy and it would scatter the opposing
army.
50
Modern-day analogy – A Weapon with the capabilities of being
used in close combat and as a projectile at the same time. It
would also have the ability to charge the air thereby producing
lighting.
05.Narayanastra/ Rudrastra
Narayanastra
The personal weapon of Lord Vishnu. The weapon fires a powerful

tirade of millions of deadly missiles simultaneously. The intensity
of the shower increases with the increase in resistance. The only
way of defence towards this missile is to show total submission
before the missile hit. Could be used only once in a lifetime. If the
user were to attempt invoking it a second time, it would rebind on
him, and possibly, his troops
51
Modern-day analogy- It would be a huge circular disc kind of
battle station that fires n number of various missiles on all moving
enemy targets. The only way to escape it to give in by standing
completely still.
Rudrastra
A weapon of Lord Shiva. It described having the destructive power

of Lord Shiva. When launched, this Weapon was ready to kill
enemies in thousands by an intense beam of laser
52
Modern-day analogy- A gun capable of creating a strong beam
of a laser, which vaporises anything that comes in its path
04.Brahmastra/Pashupatastra/Vaishnavastra
These weapons can collectively be called as trinity weapons, as

each one representing one of the three Supreme Gods
Brahmastra
This weapon was created by Lord Brahma. The reign but a weapon
that could destroy multidimensional physical region at once. The
Brahmastra was believed to cause severe environmental damage,
the land where the weapon was used became barren and all life in
and around that area ceased to exist, as both men and women
became infertile.
53
Modern-day analogy – As you guys could have figured from the
image, a freaking atomic bomb….
Pashupatastra
One of the personal weapons of Lord Shiva. Every time it was

summoned, its head would never be the same. It summons a
larger number of monsters and a huge spirit which personifies the
weapon. Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target's
nature. This Astra was capable to destroy the whole world.
54
Modern-day analogy – A missile that would unleash a countless
number of weirdly mutated monsters that goes on a killing spree
or a weapon that cause disturbance to wild creatures that they
become violent and start attacking.
Vaishnavastra
This weapon would destroy target completely, irrespective of

target's nature. Infallible. Had to be obtained from Lord Vishnu
directly. This Astra needs to be launched vertically instead of
targeting its enemies. It reaches a decent height, after locking the
target it launches itself towards the target swiftly at an ultrasonic
rate.
55
Modern-day analogy – The fast-moving missile with no less in
its destructive power similar to today's ICBM’s. Its speed cannot
be matched by other weapons. (Maybe something like the
BrahMos that we have)
03.Bhrahmashira
Brahmashirsha Astra is considered an upgraded version of the

Brahmastra and the second most lethal weapon as described in the
Mahabharata. The Brahmashirsha Astra was considered 4 times
deadlier than the Brahmastra
Modern-day analogy – What is powerful than an atomic

bomb ? .. A 2x powerful hydrogen bomb may be….
02.Trishula/Sudarshana Chakra
These two are the signature weapons of the Supreme Gods Shiva
and Vishnu. Both are unmatched in power by any earthly weapons
and are supreme in their own aspects. Their powers are limitless
and give high manoeuvrability. Both are weapons of will, they act
as their user's desire.
56
Modern-day analogy – Common aspects – Indestructible,
capable of reaching high speed with zero response back time to
user’s will.
Trishula- An energy emitting trident of sorts, that would be able to

destroy its target and return to user's hand on his/her will
Sudarshana Chakra– A circular blade that can be controlled by will

that has the capability to release energy.
01.Bhramhadanda
This Weapon is mentioned as the Weapon superior to any other

weapon in terms of capabilities and the destruction it could cause.
It had the ability to nullify the effects of any weapons. Most
importantly, it can swallow anything that it is targeted on.
Modern-day analogy – A device capable of creating Blackhole. It

would suck all of the universes if operated at full capacity.
Thanks for reading. If you consider that somewhere the analogy is

not more appropriate, please do feel free to comment back. I
would love to hear your ideas.
57
18)Do you guys believe in Mahabharath?
Yes, the Mahabharata happened.

Exactly as described.
The book has detailed descriptions of the positions of various
planets in the sky during major events.
A recent study used computer simulations to try and find a set of
eighteen days with exactly the same planetary alignments as
described during the war, and they discovered that this happened
in 3126 BC- around five thousand years ago, as the book says!
Read this article- it is fascinating.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/2010/09/astronomical-
proof-mahabharata-war-shri-krishna/
Now we have evidence that a war did happen.

Some of the other answers say that maybe the Mahabharata
presented is exaggerated, or fictionalized, and so on.
I disagree.
There is no evidence for such a claim. Nowhere in the
Mahabharata, or anywhere in the entire body of vedic knowledge,
is it stated that the Mahabharata is fictional. In fact, there are
references to it as being the fifth Veda. The Bhagavad Gita is
considered an Upanishad by itself.
The only reason why we would like to call it fictional is our

discomfort with accepting the descriptions of subtle technologies
and metaphysics- which is our limitation and has no bearing at all
on the actual truth value of the Mahabharata. We shouldn't make
baseless comments just out of a need to fit the Mahabharata into
our world view! Such interpretation and 'wise' commentary is
exactly what has obscured and misrepresented so much of our
culture and history.
"This is what they must have meant..."
"Yeah? Why do you say that?"
"Come on. You really think this stuff was meant to be literal? Grow
up, dude."
If I want to invent allegories and metaphors to make the scriptures

convenient for me to accept, that is fine; I must not, however,
make absolute claims and present my inventions as fact.
58
As far as vedic literature is concerned, yes the Mahabharata
happened. We should learn what lessons we can from it, read and
learn from the Bhagavad Gita, and not interpret unnecessarily
19)What happened to the Pandava and Shri Krishna after

Mahabharata?
After Mahabharat they return to their respective kingdoms, rule for
few decades (around 35 years) and then leave this world for ever
having served their purpose of life. . The major events in breif are:
After Mahabharat war is over, Gandahari struck with grief on

the death of his sons curses Shri Krishna that the Yadavas will
also die a same death. Shri Krishna accepts the curse.
After around 35 years the sons of Shri Krishna playfully
misbehaved some rishis and got cursed in return. Samba
dressed as a pregnant woman, along with other Yadavas, went
on asking rishis to predict the gender of her future child. One
rishi gets angry and curses he will give birth to an iron piece
which will destroy their entire race.
Dwarika witnesses bad omens and sinful activites increase. Shri
Krishna instructs others to go on a pilgrimage to Prabhasa.
At Prabhasa, the Yadavas drink wine and get intoxicated. A
fight ensues among them and every Yadava kills one another.
Only Shri Krishna, Daruka, Vabhru and Balarama survive. But
later on Vabhru and Balarama leave this world too.
Shri Krishna sends Daruka to inform Arjuna and bring help.
Meanwhile, a hunter mistakenly shoots an arrow that strikes at
Shri Krishna's foot and leaves Him wounded. Shri Krishna
consoles the hunter and then merges in the image of Vishnu
and leaves this mortal world for His own abode.
Arjuna reaches there. Tries to save widowed queens of Shri
Krishna but loses in fight against the barbarians. Vedavyasa
instructs Arjuna that the Pandavas' purpose of life has been
over.
Yudhisthira coronates Parikshit and the 5 Pandavas along with
Draupadi set out for their journey towards heaven by climbing
the mountain Himalaya. A dog follows them on their way up to
the mountain.
Along their way while climbing the mountain one after another
in the order of Draupadi, Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna and Bhima
fall down and die.
59
Yudhisthira alone survives and Indra comes to welcome to
heaven him with his chariot. Indra asks Yudhisthira to leave the
dog behind and enter into the chariot and go to heaven.
Yudhisthira declines the offer to enter into heaven unless the
dog also goes with him as the dog has befriended him. The dog
then becomes Yama and tells Yudhisthira that he has passed
the test. After that Yudhisthira enters into heaven.
Thus, after many such series of events Shri Krishna and the
Pandavas leave this mortal world. The city of Dwaraka submerges
into the ocean and eventually the present age of Kali begins.
Reasons for which the Pandavas fell down from the

mountain
Below are the reasons, as given by Yudhisthira to Bhima, for which

the Pandava brothers and Draupadi except Yudhisthira fell down
from the mountain:
Draupadi
O best of men, though we were all equal unto her she had great
partiality for Dhananjaya. She obtains the fruit of that conduct
today. [MB - 17.2.6]
Sahadeva
He never thought anybody his equal in wisdom. It is for that fault
that this prince has fallen down. [MB - 17.2.10]
Nakula
He was of righteous soul and the foremost of all persons endued
with intelligence. He, however, thought that there was nobody that
equalled him in beauty of person. Indeed, he regarded himself as
superior to all in that respect. It is for this that Nakula has fallen
down. [MB - 17.2.16]
Arjuna
Arjuna had said that he would consume all our foes in a single day.
Proud of his heroism, he did not, however, accomplish what he
had said. Hence has he fallen down. This Phalguna disregarded all
wielders of bows. One desirous of prosperity should never indulge
in such sentiments. [MB - 17.2.21,22]
Bhima
You were a great eater, and you used to boast of your strength.
You never attended, O Bhima, to the wants of others while eating.
It is for that, O Bhima, that you have fallen down. [MB - 17.2.25]
60
After the Mahabharata war, Pandavas ruled Hastinapur for 36
years. After 36 years a danger came to Dwarka according to the
curse of Gandhari.
One day, Shamba, son of Krishna and Satyabhama, take a mace

and hidden near his belley and dressed like a girl. Then Shamba
and other brothers came near Sage Narada and asked what will
she deliver. Then, sage Narada cursed them that he will deliver a
mace and that mace will destroy their dynasty.
After some day, he deliver a mace. Then the people of Dwarka

smashed them on the sea shore. One day, being drunken near the
sea shore, they beagan to fight with those sea shore's grass which
was mixed with mace. Then all the people died.
After seeing them, Balaram merited and died. After seeing this,
Krishna laid under a tree on a forest. A hunter looked his feet and
thought the ear of deer and shot. Krishna blessed him and died.
After hearing this, Arjun came to Dwarka and took the women and
move toward the Hastinapur. But, on the road, a giant abducted all
of them. And Dwarka emerged on the sea.
After knowing all these, Pandavas along with Draupadi leave the
Hastinapur and journey towards Heaven.
On the way, one by one, Draupadi, Sahadev, Nakul, Arjun and

Bhim fall and died. Only Yudhisthir went to heaven with a dog
(dharma).
On the heaven, Pandavas, Krishna and Draupadi all met their all
relatives and lived their happily.
After that, Yudhisthir merged in Dharma, Bhim in Pawan, Arjun in

Indra, Nakul and Sahadev in Ashwinidev, Draupadi in Durga, Sachi
and Laxmi (actually she was created and born from Fire) and
Krishna in Vishnu.
20)What was happening in South India during

Mahabharata?
Lemuria Home Of Tamils In Ramayana ,Mahabharata
61
IMAGE SOURCE - Lemuria Home Of Tamils In Ramayana
,Mahabharata
Ancient Tamil Literature dating back to 5000 years speak of the

Home of the Tamils Lemuria , ‘குமரிக்கண்டம் .
Please refer ‘History of The Tamils’ By Srinivasa Iyengar,

available in Google Books.
Internal evidence might be found there .
There are references to Tamil Kingdoms in The Ramayana,

Mahabharata.
In Ramayana.
There is also a thought that the Yaksha Kingdom is Ancient Tamil

Nadu, containing the present South Indian States,Kerala,
Karnataka,Andhra and Kerala.
“The probable location of these southern Yakshas is the eastern

Kerala or the western Tamilnadu, where lies the southern parts of
the Western Ghats(Malaya Mountains). The mountain peaks in
these regions are very high, close to 2.5 KM in height, the highest
in India after Himalayan peaks, with temperature dropping to zero
degrees like in Himalayas as well as in the central mountains
(Trikuta) of Lanka. Assuming that the Yakshas and Rakshasas
62
always seek such a climate (high mountains, cold climate) which is
found in all these places (the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, the
Trikuta mountains of Srilanka), we can safely assume that this
(the southern parts of the Western Ghats) was indeed the location
of the territory of Ravana’s step brother Kubera. Besides this, the
description of flora and fauna, of Kuvera’s territories contains
mention of coconut trees and Panasa trees, which are found
abundant in Kerala, but not found in a mountainous Kailasa in the
northern Himalayas.”
These southern Yaksha territories seems to have existed from

Kanyakumari to Palani, probably also extending along the
mountainous Kerala-Tamilnadu boarder to Kerala-Karnataka
boarder reaching as north as Mangalapuram, where Yaksha-Gaana
is attested as popular dance form. They might have had their sea-
port in Kanyakumari allowing them to control Indian Ocean from
there, launching their ships and navy.
In The Mahabharata.
Mahabharata mentions the Chera King ‘Perunchotru Udhiyan

Neduncheralaathan’ during the Epic Mahabharata war fought
between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
He is reported to have fed both the Armies.
Hence his name’Perunchotru Udhiyan, meaning ‘who has fed many

a stomachs’
He is reported to have performed the ‘Tharpana. for all those killed

in the Mahabharata War in Chera Kingdom,the present Kerala.
There are references to the Tusks’ and pearls from Tamil Nadu in
the Vedas.
These references may be found in Srinivasa Iyengar’s Book
It is evident that the Tamils were a highly developed Society

during the Vedic period.
(The book ‘Hindu Manners,Customs and ceremonies by Abbe

A.J.Dubois, in the Epilogue mentions that even as the Hindu
Culture is very ancient, there is equally ancient Culture.
63
Arjuna is also reported to have married a Pandya Princess from
Madurai(probably the Madurai further down South (Then Madurai)
which sunk with Lemuria.
Viswamitra had banished his sons to Dravida and they mingled

with he Tamils,evolved the Agamas and ‘Dravidianised the Vedas a
bit
These references may be found in Pargiter’s Books as well.
Sources:
http://ancientvoice.wikidot.com/article:valmiki-ramayana
Tamil Kings In Mahabharata
Tamil and Sanatana Dharma are so intermingled that one finds

numerous references to The Tamils and Tamil Kings in the Rig
Veda, Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Puranas.
64
IMAGE SOURCE - Tamil Kings In Mahabharata
The Chola Kings trace their ancestry to the Solar Dynasty.
Chera King Udiyan Cheralaathan fed both the Kaurava and Pandya
armies.
Krishna killed a Pandyan King(5:48)
Chera and Chola Kings were defeated by Krishna (7:11)
King Sarangathdwaja wanted to attack Dwaraka to avenge his

father’s Death, the Pandya King, after obtaining weapons from
Bhisma, Drona, Balarama and Kripa.
65
However wiser counsel prevailed and he dropped the idea.
Later he fought alongside the side of the Pandavas against

Drona(7:23).
He was rate as an Athiratha by Bhishma( (5,172)
When the mighty Pandya, that foremost of all wielder of weapons,

has been slain in battle by the Pandavas, what can it be but
destiny?(9:2)
Pandya, who dwelt on the coast-land near the sea, came

accompanied by troops of various kinds to Yudhishthira, the king
of kings (5:19). There hath come Pandya. Remarkably heroic and
endued with prowess and energy that have no parallel, he is
devoted to the Pandava cause. (5:22).
Pandya was in the Rajasuya ceremony of Pandava King

Yudhisthira.
The Kings of Chera and Pandya, brought numberless jars of gold

filled with fragrant sandal juice from the hills of Malaya, and loads
of sandal and aloe wood from the Dardduras hills, and many gems
of great brilliancy and fine cloths inlaid with gold.
Singhalas gave those best of sea-born gems called the lapis lazuli,
and heaps of pearls also, and hundreds of coverlets for elephants
(2:51).(2:36,43).
Draupadi Swayamvara.
Pandya King took part in the event Panchala princess Draupadi’s

Swayamvara (MBh 1:189)
Hope this helps..!!
21) To what extent is the text of Mahabharata corroborated

by archaeological evidence?
Yes, there are archaeological evidences which supports the proof

of Mahabharata.
Kurukshetra is the place where the epic Mahabharata war fought

for 18 days, more than 5000 years ago.
Bhagavadgeetha describes Kurukshetra as ‘Dharmakshetra‘ – a
66
place where ‘Dharma‘ is restored.
The location of the battle was Kurukshetra in the modern state
of Haryana in India.
The battle was fought for throne of Hastinapur, which is now

located between Meerut and Mawana in uttar Pradesh and is
now a forgotten village, but excavations in 1952, revealed
the existence of
vidurka – tilla (vidura’s palace),
Draupadi – ki – rasoi (Draupadi’s Kitchen) and
Draupadi Ghat,
along with copper utensils, iron seals, Ornaments made of
gold and silver, terracotta discs and several oblong shaped
ivory dice used in the game of chauper (ancient game in
which Duryodhana, with help of his maternal uncle Sakuni,
defeated Yudhishtir and sent his brothers along with
Draupadi to forest exile for 13 years).
Hastinapur’s Sankrit name suggests that it embodies the might of

elephants (Hasti = Elephant).
Hastinapur is styled around the elephant motif, a fortified, heavy
ominous dark stoned capital.
In archaeological excavations around hastinapur, about 135

iron objects which included
arrow and spearheads,
shafts,
tongs,
hooks,
axes, and
knives were found, which indicate the existence of a
vigorous iron industry.
There are indications of brick – lined roads and drainage
systems, and an agro – livestock based economy.
The painted grey ware (PGW) of Hastinapura has been
assigned to 2800 BCE and beyond.
Based on astronomy of Saptarishi Mandal (they align in same
nakshatra/constellation every 100 years), kurukshetra war dates
back to 3138 BCE.
67
Ancient Indian Almanacs (Panchangs) have been mentioning
Salivahana Saka and Vikramarka Saka(calendar) and also
mention the year Jaya Nama Samvatsara (2014-15) as
Kaliyuga’s 5116.
So, its been 5115 years since the death of Lord Krishna and if
we subtract 2014 from it, its 3101 BCE when Krishna left this
planet and 36 years prior to that, Kurukshetra war was fought.
These calculations are based on mentionings in Mahabharata.
Krishna was 90 years old during war time and his life ended at
the age of 126 years.
Yudhishtir and Bheema were elder than Krishna, Arjuna was of
same age, Nakul and Sahadev were younger.
This is mentioned in a scene where Pandavas are about to
leave for forest exile, Krishna bows to Elder two brothers, hugs
middle brother Arjuna and blesses the younger two.
According to the Matsya and vayu puranas a heavy flood on
the river Ganga destroyed Hastinapur and Nichakshu, the fifth
king after parikshit (Arjuna’s grand son) who ascended the throne
after kurukshetra war, shifted his capital to kausambi, 50
kilomters from prayagraj.
Evidence of devastation by the Ganga is still visible in the

thick clay soil.
Excavations in Kurukshetra, now in Haryana, yielded iron arrow

and spearheads dated by Thermoluminence Test to 3100 BCE.
Sage Veda Vyas also mentions in Mahabharata about usage of

atomic weapons from both sides killing millions of soldiers and
kings within 18 days.
Present excavations at kurukshetra find that the stones at that
place were exposed to radioactive energy thousands of
years ago.
SOURCE - Archaeological Excavations prove veracity of
Mahabharata War around 3100 BCE - Archeology
The city of Dwaraka
The site of drowned Dwaraka near Gujarat’s seashore (at present

Dwaraka) also has artifacts dating back to 4000-5000 years old.
68
Marine archaeology has also been utilized in India off the coast of
the ancient port city of Dwaraka in Gujarat, uncovering further
evidence in support of statements in the Vedic scriptures. An
entire submerged city at Dvaraka, the ancient port city of Lord
Krishna with its massive fort walls, piers, warfs and jetty has been
found in the ocean as described in the Mahabharata and other
Vedic literatures.
REFERENCES - Archaeological Excavations prove veracity of
Mahabharata War around 3100 BCE - Archeology
Evidences that support Mahabharata actually happened in

the past
Archaeologists find artefacts in UP village that point to

Mahabharata link
15 facts that prove Mahabharata happened for real!
All the above posted evidence has been verified from more than 3
sites, Bhagavad Gita and puranas, it is accurate but I don’t know
why most of the people are neglecting these facts which proves
our epic is TRUE.
22) Where was America and other countries when

Ramayana and Mahabharata were happening in India?
his question is going around the internet from a very long time and
even I was wondering the same. That’s when I realised that we,
actually are not looking for the answer in the right place.
Yes, we do have very clear mentions of other countries in our

vedas and puranas but we are not looking into it.
You can find the reference of other countries in Valmiki’s

Ramayana. This will be a long post but worth reading to know the
answer.
Australia, New Zealand & Paracas Trident in Peru
69
Ramayana describes about 4 teams of Vanaras(humans with tails
who wander in forest) going in 4 different directions to find King
Rama’s kidnapped wife Seetha.
Vanara king Sugreeva describes to team that travelled towards
east, that first they will have to cross sea and would landup in
Yava(Java) island.
Then would cross another island and reach a sea with red/yellow
water (coral sea of australia).
Then they would see the pyramid (today’s Gympie Pyramid near
west coast of Australia).
Through Sugreeva, writer Valmiki further describes that after

crossing this huge island (Shalmali Dwipa/Austalia), they would
see Mount Rishabha (ऋषभ) which looks like a ‘White cloud
with a pearly necklace of waves rippling on the shores
below‘.
Near to that, they would spot the Sudharshana Lake with ‘silvery
lotuses which have fibrils of gold‘ and where ‘kingly swans
scamper around‘.
Valmiki could be referring to Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki of

New Zealand, which match these descriptions.
Sanskrit meaning of ‘Sudarshan‘ (सु दर्शन) is ‘beautiful to look at‘.
Valmiki says that after crossing the island with these lakes, swans
and beautiful mountains, one will have to cross a soft-water ocean
which will be frightening to all beings.
There exists a fantastically refulgent Fire in the form of Horse’s
Face that originated from the anger of Sage Aurasa. The victuals
to that Fire is said to be that highly speedy waves of the ocean,
together with all of the mobile and sessile beings of the world at
the close of each Era. [Ramayana 4-40-48]
Ring of Fire is where a large number of volcanic eruptions occur

in the basin of the Pacific Ocean. In the next verse Valmiki
describes the magnitude of this ‘fantastic fire‘, that at the end of
each epoch (Yuga) or era, that fire emerges forth with even more
70
energy till all things, mobile or immobile, and the entire Creation
becomes the fuel of this fire.
Valmiki must be referring to the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire‘ as its

in between these Australia-New Zealand and South
America.
Also the ‘Soft‘ ocean is the ‘Pacific‘ and Ferdinand Magellan in 1521
must have named it as Mar Pacifico in Portuguese, meaning
‘peaceful sea‘, as he saw the waters still with favorable winds to
sail.
Sugreevas further describes that after crossing this ocean, one

would see Udaya Adri (उदय अद्रि) (‘Udaya’ = ‘Sunrise’ & ‘Aadri’ =
‘Mountain’) .
According to him, day breaks on earth in the Udayaadri.
Today, we consider Japan as the ‘Land of Rising Sun‘. But infact, at

every geographical point on earth, darkness will fade away and
day will break at a certain point of time on every day.
Why was ‘Udayaadri (Mount Sunrise)‘ chosen as eastern

point and why not some other place ?
Ramayana’s Kishkinda Kanda, verses 4-40-57 & 4-40-58 give
reasons why this point is chosen.
tatra yojana vistaaram ucChritam dasha yojanam |

shRî.ngam saumanasam naama jaataruupamayam
dhruvam || 4-40-57
Translation : On the apex of that Mt. Sunrise there is another

pinnacle with one yojana width and ten yojana-s height named
Saumanasa, which is completely golden and very firm.
tatra puurvam padam kRîtvaa puraa viSNuH trivikrame |

dvitiiyam shikharam meroH cakaara puruSottamaH || 4-40-
58
Translation : Earlier while treading the three worlds in the

incarnation of Trivikrama, the Supreme God Vishnu made His first
foothold on that pinnacle Saumanasa, and the second on the
pinnacle of Mt. Meru to tread the heavens.
71
uttareNa parikramya ja.mbuu dviipam divaakaraH |
dRîshyo bhavati bhuuyiSTham shikharam tan
mahocChrayam || 4-40-59
Translation : The Sun is by far discernable in Jambu Dwiipa when

he rises on this zenithal pinnacle Saumanasa, after he had circled
the Jambu Dwiipa in a northerly route.
SOURCE - Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, Siberia, China
in Ramayana - Mysteries
The sunrises in the East on the peak of this Saumanasa which is

on the zenith of Udaya Mountain. Then he traverses above Jambu
Dwipa, Indian Subcontinent, including South-East Asia, and sets in
the West on the mountains called Astagiri, ‘ the Sunset Mountain.’
Then he courses northerly on the other side of the globe via Mt.
Meru in heavens at the other side of Jambu Dwipa, only to rise
again on this Mt. Sunrise.
As Jambu Dwipa, the subcontinent lies southerly to that heavenly
Mt. Meru, and down East-South of Saumanasa, this subcontinent
can happily see the First Sun, daily.
This gives raise to the Indian name of India, that is
Bhaarata, bhaa rataH (Sun, delights)…’ The place where the Sun
delights firstly, that is Bhaarat‘.
Paracas Trident in Peru
Andes could be a distorted version of ‘Adri’ over many years.

Sugreeva further says to Vanaras that, while reaching Udaya-Adri,
they will see Jaat-Shila-Rupa (Golden Rock Peak), etched on which
is a ‘golden pylon resembling a palm tree with three branches with
a golden podium ‘.
Sugreev continues, “That pylon of palm tree is constructed as the
easterly compass by celestial gods, beyond which lies the Udaya
Adri.”
svaadu udasya uttare deshe yojanaani trayodasha |

jaataruupa shilo naama sumahaan kanaka prabhaH || 4-40-
50
Translation : On the northern province of that soft-water ocean

there is a hugely enormous mountain named Jaataruupa-shila
72
(Golden Rock Mountain), which glitters like gold and which spreads
across thirteen yojanas.
tatra candra pratiikaasham pannagam dharaNii dharam |

padma patra vishaalaaksham tato drakshyadha vaanaraaH
|| 4-40-51
aasiinam parvatasya agre sarva bhuuta namaskRîtam |
sahasra shirasam devam ana.ntam niila vaasasam || 4-40-
52
Translation : There you shall see then, oh, vanaras, the lotus-petal
broad-eyed thousand-hooded serpent god in black clothing,
namely Ananta, sitting on the top of that mountain and sustaining
the earth on his head, who will be like moon in his brilliance and
whom all beings hold in reverence.
In ancient Indian texts the southern tip of South America (Chile) is

‘the head of the serpent called Ananta’, on which the earth rests
(see the Ring of Fire starting at tip of South America in above
figure).
trishiraaH kaa.ncanaH ketuH taalaH tasya mahaatmanaH |

sthaapitaH parvatasya agre viraajati sa vedikaH || 4-40-53
Translation : A golden pylon resembling a palm tree with three

branches as its heads is established on the peak of that mountain
as the insignia of that great-souled Ananta, and it will be lustrous
with a golden podium.
puurvasyaam dishi nirmaaNam kRîtam tat

tridasheshvaraiH |
tataH param hemamayaH shriimaan udaya parvataH || 4-
40-54
tasya koTiH divam spRîSTvaa shata yojanam aayataa |
jaataruupamayii divyaa viraajati sa vedikaa || 4-40-55
Translation : That pylon of palm tree is constructed as the easterly

compass by celestials gods, and beyond that a completely golden
mountain is there, namely the august Udaya Mountain, the Mt.
Sunrise, beyond which it is all west. The pinnacles of Mt. Sunrise
will be touching heavens for their height is hundred yojana-s and
that divine mountain greatly glitters for it is completely golden,
and it is pedestalled with suchlike glittering mountains.
73
SOURCE - New Zealand & Paracas Trident in Peru -
Ramayana Connection - Archeology
So, according to Ramayana, Peru is the land of the Rising Sun.
Viracocha, the Creator God
Virochana (Sanskrit: विरोचन), in Hindu mythology, was an

asura, son of Prahlada (Sanskrit: प्रहलाद) and father of Bali. He
is different from Viracocha (Wamana).
Prahlada is son of Hiranyakasipu (who was killed by Vishnu as
incarnation of Narasimha – Lion faced Human).
(This explains partially, why Nazca lines are treated as King Bali’s
ancient Airport.
In the Atharva Veda Virochana was mentioned as the son of
Prahlada.
According to the Chandogya Upanishad , Virochana and Indra (who
74
is said to be carrying Vajrayudha, a thunderbolt weapon) went to
Prajapati (Brahma, the creator) to learn about the atman (self)
and lived there, practising brahmacharya (self control) for thirty-
two years.
But at the end, he misunderstood Brahma’s teachings and
preached the asuras (demons) to worship the sharira (body) as
the atman.
Thus, asuras started adorning the body of a deceased with
perfumes, garlands and ornaments.
SOURCE - Chakravan city in Ramayana must be Ancient
Yerevan or Baghdad - Archeology
Vampires in South America & Mexico
The chapter Kishkindha Kanda describes blood sucking vampires

in south america and mexico.
Sugreeva, the king of Vanaras describe that after crossing the
huge pyramid of Garuda in Shalmali Dwipa (Gympie Pyramid in
Australia), one needs to fly over pacific ocean and then one
encounters a land (South America) where demons called as
‘Mandeha’ as seen.
They are slate colored (similar to Bats) and hang upside down
during daytime, while they suck blood of humans and animals
during nights.
tatra shaila nibhaa bhiimaa mandehaa naama raakSasaaH |

shaila shRî.ngeSu la.mbante naanaa ruupaa
bhayaavahaaH || 4-40-41 (Kishkinda Kanda of Ramayana)
Translation : Thereabout horrifying and merciless demons of

various shapes and similar to mountains in size, called Mandeha-s,
will be dangling upside down from mountain peaks.
te patanti jale nityam suuryasya udayanam prati |

abhitaptaaH ca suuryeNa la.mbante sma punaH punaH || 4-
40-42
nihataa brahma tejobhiH ahani ahani raakshasaaH |
Translation : Every day those demons will be falling in water when

sun always burns them at sunrise and when the impetus of Gayatri
hymn fells them down, yet they will be resurfacing and dangling
on the mountaintops day after day.
75
Azeman, South American Vampire
The Azeman is a type of living vampire almost always described as

being a woman, and in the daytime she can walk about just like
any normal human.
She is indistinguishable from other humans, and there are no
telling signs that at night she turns into a bat and hunts for blood.
This creature exists in the mythology of South America, and had
mendous impact on the vampire lore of European settlers.
There are many similarities between the azeman and the European
vampires, even the concept of the vampire transforming into a
bat.
Taihang Tunnel Road in China – Ramayana Connection
Sugreeva gives them three more mountain peak landmarks. First

mentions Mt. Krauncha with a highly impassable tunnel. Like Shiva
is said to have brought down the Ganges on to earth (plains of
India) from the heavens (Himalayas), his son Skanda is credited
with having chiseled a tunnel through Mt. Krauncha.
One of the best known ancient tunnels in China is the Guolinag
Tunnel in the Taihang Mountains.
Until 1972 only an ancient path chiseled through the rocks of this
mountain linked the villages in the area to the outside world.
In 1972 locals took 5 years to improve the ancient path.
Path that Valmiki chalks out is from Kailash (in the Himalayas) to
Krauncha (in the Taihang Range), and he says there are many
other mountain peaks – namely the ‘treeless‘ Mt. Kaama and the
‘abode of birds‘,Mt. Maanasa, on the way.
76
Sugreeva instructs them to scour these mountains thoroughly for
Seetha. These are the mountains of the Qinling Range which falls
between the Himalayas and the Taihang Mountains as the
‘vanaras‘ move in the north-east direction from Kailash.
The two highest peaks, and therefore most visible, in this chain
are the Tuanjie and the Taibai. It is possible that the Ramayana
was referring to these two (Kaama and Maanasa).
Sugreeva mentions another peak called Mt. Mainaaka, which is

identified by ‘a massive mansion built by demon architect by the
name ‘Maya‘.
Sugreeva mentions the next landmark as he says that after
crossing over a vast province, the ‘vanaras‘ would arrive at a large
lake by the name ‘Vaikhana‘.
Travelling North of China, crossing the Mongolian province or
plateau, one would arrive at the eastern tip of Lake Baikal in
Siberia. This ‘Vaikhana‘ could be the ‘Baikaal‘ lake of Siberia.
77
SOURCE - Vampires in South America described in
Ramayana - Puranas
Siberia (Uttara Kuru in Sanskrit) and China Bamboo Forest

(Keechaka grass)
Next ahead is at the other (Western) end of Lake Vaikhana, is a

river by the name Shailoda, and if the ‘vanaras’ were to follow its
path northward, across many miles ‘they would reach the Northern
Ocean’. This is indeed true. Shailoda has been identified as the
present day Angara.
This River ‘Angara’ flows from the western tip of lake Baikaal and
after many miles falls into the Kara Sea of North Arctic Ocean.
(Like their ancient names ‘Vaikhana‘ and ‘Shailoda‘ mentioned in
the Ramayana, their present names ‘Baikal‘ and ‘Angara‘ too are of
Sanskrit origin.
Ancient Indian texts refer to Siberia as Uttara-Kuru. ‘Uttara‘ means
‘North‘, ‘Kuru‘ is the name of the Indian tribe that had traveled
north from Kuruvapur (on Krishna river in Andhra
Pradesh/Karnataka Border in India) and ruled Indraprastha (near
present Delhi) during Mahabharata era.
‘Kara‘, the name of the Sea into which the Angara River falls, is
most likely a distortion of the ancient Sanskrit name ‘Kuru‘.
78
Sugreev also advises the ‘vanaaras‘ to cross Lake Baikaal with the
help of the ‘keechaka‘ (Bamboo) that grows there. This has
reference to the ‘Siberian Bamboo Grass‘ which was used by the
locals to cross the lakes and water odies in this region.
Finally, Sugreeva mentions the ‘Northern Lights or Aurora

Borealis‘ which will become visible as Vanaras move northwards
from Lake Vaikhana.
In Section 43, Verse 36 of Kishkinda Kand, Valmiki writes :
“Going beyond that expanse of water, you will come upon a

sky, which even when devoid of the stars or the moon or
the sun is illuminated by rays, as if there is light emitting
from the self-luminous, god-like sages who repose there“.
Valmiki equates the light of ‘Northern Lights or Aurora

Borealis‘ to the ‘light that emits from sages who have
attained ‘siddhi‘.
This is not even 50% of the answer and you can find detailed
answers in the below links.
Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, Siberia, China in Ramayana -

Mysteries
Chakravan city in Ramayana must be Ancient Yerevan or Baghdad

- Archeology
79
New Zealand & Paracas Trident in Peru - Ramayana Connection -
Archeology
Vampires in South America described in Ramayana - Puranas
If not happy with the above links, please read Valmiki’s

Ramayana or The Ramayana: Translated Into English Prose
from the Original Sanskrit of Valmiki by forgotten books. Here
you could find the exact conversations between Sugreev and
Vanaras.
23)Did the Pandavas or Kauravas have any daughters? If

yes, does anyone know their names?
Duryodhana and Bhanumathi (Sathiratna) had a daughter. Her

name was Lakshmana. She also had a twin brother
named Lakshman. And a very interesting thing about her is, she
was married to Samba. He was the son of Lord Krishna and his
third wife Jambavati. He was his father's favourite. Samba actually
tried to elope with her, but got caught and imprisoned. So,
Balarama had to come and set things straight. So, Duryodhana
and Lord Krishna are actually in-laws.
Yudhisthira and Draupadi had a daughter called Suthanu, who is

married to Lord Krishna and Satyabhama's son Bhanu. She was
the only living heir of Draupadi.
Even, Nakul and Draupadi have a daughter. Arjun and Draupadi's

daughter is Pragati. Some texts say that Arjun missed the
childhood of his daughter.
24)What is the name of the Kaurava wives?
Thid question is for the Karna fans because right from the
abduction by Duryodhana of Bhanumati, Karna fought all the
warriors.
Now for 99 Kauravas only Karna could have mediated because he

was the only plank by which marriages could have taken place.
When Bhishma died only Dhritrastra cried.
When Dronacharya was killed only Dhritrastra cried.

80
When Karna was killed, all the ladies including Gandhari became
unconscious and bitterly cried.
When Shalya was killed Dhritrastra only was in the tears. And—
-When Duryodhana died no one cried.
Dhritrastra, Vidura and Gandhari and all widows became

unconscious.
Only Sanjaya wept in the streets and the people wept.
25)What happened to the Kaurava’s wife after Kaurava’s

defeat in the Kurukshetra War?
The Kaurava wives stayed in Hastinapur after the war. They lived a
peaceful life along with their in laws Gandhari and Dhritarashtra.
After sometime Dhritarashtra,Gandhari,Kunti,Vidura And

Sanjaya leave for Gangateer to spend their remaining life in
penance.
In Asramavasa Parva, Pandavas along with their wives and

Kaurava women pay a visit to Dhritarashtr,Gandhari and Kunti
Who were living the stage of Vanaprasth ( forest life) at Ganga
teer Asram.
vedavyasa creates miracle.
Veda Vyas Then brings all the Kaurava Pandava heroes killed in
war for one night ,by his power of austerities.
EXcerpt
Then the great ascetic, Vyasa, of mighty energy, bathing in the

sacred waters of the Bhagirathi, summoned all the deceased
warriors, viz., those that had fought on the side of the Pandavas,
those that had fought for the Kauravas, including highly blessed
kings belonging to diverse realms. At this, O Janamejaya, a
deafening uproar was heard to arise from within the waters,
resembling that which had formerly been heard of the forces of the
Kurus and the Pandavas. Then those kings, headed by Bhishma
and Drona, with all their troops, arose by thousands from the
waters of the Bhagirathi. There were Virata and Drupada, with
their sons and forces. There were the sons of Draupadi and the
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son of Subhadra, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha. There were
Karna and Duryodhana, and the mighty car-warrior Sakuni, and
the other children, endued with great strength, of Dhritarashtra,
headed by Dussasana. “
So all the prominent people who died in the war rose from
the river. Karna,Duryothana and his brothers,Bhishma
Drona Abhimanyu,Draupadi’s sons,Lakshmana ..etc.
Kumti met Karna,Gandhari her sons ,Subhadra met Abhimanyu

and Draupadi met her sons ..
There was a celebration of sorts there for every one present.
The Kaurava women met their husbands.
Dhritarashtra was given sight first time to look at his sons..
Point to be noted no animosity or feeling of rivalry existed

among them.
Excerpt
It looked like a high carnival of gladdened men and women. That

wondrous scene looked like a picture painted on the canvas.
Dhritarashtra, beholding all those heroes, with his celestial vision
obtained through the grace of that sage, became full of joy, O
chief of Bharata's race."'
The Kaurava women join their husbands
Excerpt
After all of them had gone away, the great sage, who was standing
in the waters of the sacred stream viz., Vyasa of great
righteousness and energy, that benefactor of the Kurus, then

addressed those Kshatriya ladies who had
become widows, and said these words, 'Let those amongst these
foremost of women that are desirous of
attaining to the regions acquired by their husbands cast away all

sloth and quickly plunge into the sacred
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Bhagirathi.--Hearing these words of his, those foremost ladies,
placing faith in them, took the
permission of their father-in-law, and then plunged into the waters

of the Bhagirathi. Freed from human
bodies, those chaste ladies then proceeded, O king, with their

husbands to the regions acquired by the
latter. Even thus, those ladies of virtuous conduct. devoted to their

husbands entering. the waters of the
Bhagirathi, became freed from their mortal tenements and

attained to the companionship of their
husbands in the regions acquired by them.“
Veda Vyasa asked the Kaurava women to plunge into the

river to reach their husbands in heaven
The Kaurava women took permission of their father in law

and plunged in to the river.
All of them got rid of their human bodies and acquired

celestial bodies.
Those ladies thus reached their husbands in heaven and

lived happily with them.
Hence that was how the story of Kaurava women after the war
was described.
Footnotes
Bori Critical Edition Of Mahabharata
Kisari Mohan Ganguli English Translation
Asrama vasika Parva
Section XXXII,XXXIII.
26)What happened to Dushala, Kauravas’ sister, after the

Mahabharata?
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Duhsala was the only daughter in the long lineage of offsprings
of king Dhritrashtra and queen Gandhari. Her childhood was
fruitful as she was loved and cared by the auspicious king and his
100 sons as well as 5 pandavas.
Her suffering began in the later years of her life, when she got
married to the king of Sindhu and Sauvira, King Jayadratha. Her
husband was a split personality, a disorder, who often became
cruel or uncivil to women. But then Duhsala had to face her
husband anyway as are the oppression of the customs for an
Indian Nari.
Duhsala already had a troubled life due to her husband’s disorder,

but one dayJayadratha tried to abduct Draupadi only to fail
miserably in his attempt. He was caught and as punishment his
head was shaved and pandas stood witness to it and did nothing.
This was quite insulting for Jayadratha but even beyond limit for
Duhsala.
After the incident, Jayadratha did Tapasya to Lord Shiva and

asked for his forgiveness. He did the Tapasya with a lot of hard
work and sacrifice and so he got boon that ‘whoever chops of his
head and it falls on the ground, the killer’s head will burst into 100
pieces’ from Lord Shiva himself in return of his hard work and
worship of the Lord. Duhsala used to get angry and ashamed
whenever she saw Jayadratha. But then when she heard about the
Worship and hard work that Jayadratha had done she forgave him.
Meanwhile, Jayadratha got an invite fromDuryodhan to war

against the Pandavas to which Jayadratha readily accepted to take
revenge of his insult. During the war Jayadratha was the one who
killed Abhimanyu, and as Arjun got the news he vowed to
kill Jayadratha.
Lord Krishna directs Arjun to shoot the arrow in such a way that

it detaches and falls in the lap of his father Vridhakshtra. Next day
during the war Arjun did as he was told and so he was not only
saved by the teachings of Krishna but he also got his revenge.
When Duhsala heard about the incident, she was shocked and
mourned as her world had come crashing down.
Dussala had a son named Suratha. Her grandson challenged

Arjuna to fight, when the latter approached the country of
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Sindhus. This event took place after the Kurukshetra War, when to
collect tribute for Yudhisthira's Aswamedha sacrifice from the king
of the Sindhu was approached. But Arjuna considering
Duryodhana's sister as his own sister, he spared life of Suratha's
son and left the country of Sindhus intact.
27)It is said that at the end of the great war Mahabharat,

18 people survived. Who were they?
In the end of the great war Mahabharata, only 13 people were

survived (not 18).
Shri Krishna,
Satyiki,
Yuddhisthira,
Bheema,
Arjuna,
Shahadeva,
Nakula,
Yuyutsu,
Bhishma,
Kripacharya,
Krutaverma,
Ashwatthama,
Vrishaketu.
Detailed Answer:-
Mahabharat War or Kurukshetra War were started on Mrugashirsha
Shukla Ekadasi BCE 3138 (5153 years before A.D. 2015).
God Shri Krishna narrated the Srimad Bhagavat Geeta on that day
to Arjuna so it's also "Srimad Bhagavat Geeta" Jayanti.
Total 18 Aukshohini Warriors (38,57,142s Warriors) died in only 18

days.
Pandava side survivors:-

Vasudev Sri Krishna (age 89 years)
SatyikiDharmaraja Yuddhisthira (age 91 years)
Gadadhara Bheema (age 90 years)
Dhanurdhara Arjuna (age 89 years)
Intelligent Shahadeva (age 88 years)
Handsome Nakula (age 88 years)
Yuyutsu (age 90 years)
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Yuyutsu :- Yuyutsu was son of King Dritarashtra by his
another wife but he fought on Panadava side.
Once Yuyutsu saved Bheema's life by informing Pandavas about
Duryodhana's scheme to poisoning the water.
Yuyutsu was born on same day as Duryodhana.
He was younger than Duryodhana but older than rest of all 100
Kaurava brothers & Dushila named sister.
Kaurava side survivors:-
Pitamaha Bhishma (age 191 years)

Kulguru Kripacharya (age 150 years)
Krutaverma
Ashwatthama
Vrishaketu (age 56 years, youngest son of Karna)
Vrishaketu :- Vrishaketu was the youngest son of Karna.
Karna had ten sons with his wife Vrushali & Supriya.
Karna's nine sons were participated in Mahabharata War.
Karna married to Vrushali in BCE 3213 at age 32 years.
Karna married Supriya when Duryodhana married Bhanumati,

princess of Kalinga.
Karna's nine sons among ten were participated in Mahabharata

War in BCE 3138.
Karna went to Guru Parashurama for learning Archery at age 32 in

BCE 3213.
Karna learnt archery for 8 years and returned at age 40 in BCE

3205.
Karna's eldest son Sudama was born when Karna was of age 41
years (BCE 3204).
Karna's youngest son Vrishaketu, was born when Karna was of age
51 years (BCE 3194).
Karna's ten sons :-

Sudama,
Chitrasen,
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Satyasena,
Shushena,
Vrishashena,
Shatrunjaya,
Dvipata,
Banasena,
Prasen,
Vrishaketu (only survived after Mahabharata War).
Killed by Arjuna:-
(1). During Draupadi Swayamvara (BCE 3195) :-
Sudama (age 09 years)
(2). During Great War Mahabharata (BCE 3139) :-
Vrishasena
Shatrunjaya
Dvipata
Killed by Nakula:-
Chitrasena
Satyasena
Shushena
Killed by Bheema:-
Banasena
Killed by Satyiki:-
Prasena
Vrishaketu's death :-
Only Vrishaketu survived after Mahabharata War.
Vrishaketu was killed by Babruvahana (son of Arjuna) in

Ashwamedha Yagnya (Horse Sacrifice).
Bhishma's death :-
Pitamah Mahamahimna Bhishma died after completion of the
"Dhanurmasa”.
Dhanurmasa is, when Sun leaves zodiac sign "Dhana" sign and
enters in zodiac sign "Makara".
Pitamah Mahamahimna Bhishma left his mortal body, at the end of

this "Dhanurmasa”.
So, Pitamah Bhishma was alive for somewhere between a week

and a month after the end of the Mahabharata war.
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28)According to the Indian epic poem Mahabharata, what
happened after the Kurukshetra war, e.g., for how long was
there peace, how did Krishna die, and what finally
happened to the Pandavas?
After Kurukshetra war, Aswathamma killed all the

upapandavas(mistaking them to be the pandavas), Crown Prince
Dhristadhyumna, Shikandi and several others. When apprehended
by the Pandavas and Krishna, he launched a Brahmastira and
attempted to kill pandavas and the womb of uttara. Krishna
prevents it, and punishes him by taking destroying the sacred gem
on Aswathamma's forehead and cursed him to be an immortal who
craves to die. His entire body will be full of wounds and blood and
mucous will ooze out of it. He will be stuck with a perpetual pain
and will desperately wander the world to find a way to die. His
body and face will become hideous and he will lose contact of
humans.
Dhritarastra in his anger of losing all this 100 sons plotted to kill
Bheem when the pandavas arrived to Hastinapur. He was hugging
every pandava and granting them his blessing. When it was
Bheem's turn, instead of him going, Krishna placed an Iron statue
of Bheem infront of him. Dhritarastra hugged the statue, believing
it to be bheem and crushed the statue with his arms and brutally
destroyed it. He had the power of 10 or 100 or 1000 or 10000
elephants in his hand(different sources say differently).
Immediately he cried and begged the apparently dead Bheem for
forgiveness as he did it for his fatherly love. Later Bheem told that
he is alive and Dhritarastra had only crushed a statue of him.
Bheem and Dhritarastra mutually forgave each other and later
Yudhistira was crowned as the king.
Yudhistira and the pandavas took very good care of Dhritarastra,

Gandhari, Vidur and their mother Kunti and Dhritarastra realized
that he had mis-judged the Pandavas.
After sometime, Kunti, Gandhari, Vidur and Dhritarastra all went to

a voluntary forest exile becoming too old for the administration
and because of greif and died in a forest fire (Sometime during the
36 period rule of pandavas after the Kurukshetra War, most
possibly, immediately after crowning Yudhistir as the King). After
ruling for 36 years and having heard that Yadavas died along with
Krishna, the Pandavas renounced their throne and Parikshit (Grand
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son of Arjuna and Subathra, son of Abhimanyu and Uttara) was
crowned as the king of Kuru dynasty as none of the Upapandavas
(sons of Pandava brothers with Panchali) or the other sons of
Pandavas survived the war. The Dwapara Yuga was on the verge
of ending and Kali Yuga was about to start. And also, chaos and
adharma slowly started creeping into King Parikshit's reign.
Pandavas and Panchali (or Draupadi) decided to climb the

Himalayas as a final penance/yatra (sort of) to reach heaven. They
climbed the Himalayas and were accompanied by a dog (Lord
Yama in disguise). As they climbed/walked their way to the top,
one by one they started falling and dying, and ending up in hell.
Apparently, the reason for their deaths is because of their desires,
issues and troubles caused by them and their own pride. Panchali
falls first possibly because of her pride and she favoured Arjuna
more among her pandava husbands. (she had a soft corner for
him.). Sahadev and Nakul fall next possibly because they were
prideful about their looks, Arjuna dies next because he was
prideful about his archery skills. Bheem dies last, because many a
times, during the forest exiles of the Pandavas, he was
inconsiderate about food. He used to eat a lot without leaving
anything for others, thereby starving them. So they used to share
the food among themselves before letting him to eat. Yudhistir,
who did not take pride in anything (except for his pride on
following righteousness) nor was biased to anyone and the dog
finally reached the top of the himalayas. The dog revealed it's true
Identity to be Lord Yama. Lord Yama takes him to hell first and
makes him stay there for 1 day, stating that a steady headed
dharmaraj such as Yudhistir should also have the experience of
knowing what is hell like. Yudhistir was later taken to heaven and
was promised that Panchali and his brothers will join him shortly
as they they get the experience (of punishment) of hell.
On Earth, Parikshit was ruling his empire in a noble way and a son
named Janemejaya was born to him. He crowned him the Crown
Prince of Kuru Dynasty. Once Parikshit was adventuring into a
forest, he met a Demon named Kali. This demon requested him to
grant permission to enter kingdom and later the world. He also
added that Kali Yuga should start as per the laws of nature and in
this yuga, righteousness and noble qualities will degrade and the
world will be thrown into imbalance. King Parikshit refused and
said that as long as he lived, he will not allow Kali to occupy this
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kingdom and this world. Since Parikshit was as mighty as
Pandavas (May be more than them, it depends on sources) Demon
Kali requested for a negotiation. After a long negotiation, Kali got
the permission to reside in 5 places in the world. (Places where
(Not in order) 1. Prostitution happens, 2. Animals are slaughtered,
3. People gamble with wealth and property, 4. People consume
Alcohol and other drinks, 5. Where Gold exists. On some sense,
these 5 are great sources of evil even today). By his permission to
reside in places where gold exists, Kali went to reside in the crown
of Parikshit and started to control and corrupt Parikshit's head.
Under the influence of Kali, he in his mentally deranged condition,
took a dead snake, made it similar to a garland and put it on the
neck of a Rishi (Don't know his name) and went away. The Rishi
was insulted, and on seeing this act, the Rishi's son (who,
apparently is an immature (spiritually and righteously) adolescent
or at the maximum a guy in his 20's or 30's) gave a curse to
Parikshit that he will die by a serpent bite within 7 (in some
sources 10) days. But the Rishi was sad and surprised because of
two things. How did such a young immature lad get to power to
grant such devastating curses? (Usually in Dwapara, Treta and
Satya Yuga, only a reasonably old, mature and aesthetically strong
people who have followed righteousness firmly and/or did great
penances like Rishi's, Great Gurus, Exceptionally powerful and
Kings or people, in their extreme anger, who have suffered a great
and terrible loss such as having a member of their family killed,
have the power to grant such curses ). Second, Laws of
judgement/punishment/dharma is failing. (As per the Rishi's
opinion, this is not a great sin that can be punished with death
curse).
The implicit message is that people have started to get very great
powers and are capable of misusing them very easily. Moral values
will fade and materialistic things will gain more importance than
the righteous things. As per the curse, Parkishit was bitten by a
snake and died. (Some sources say that this snake was actually
the serpent king Takshak, who sworn to kill Arjuna or his lineage
because he captured Khandivaprastha by burning down the
magical forest occupied by the snakes. Later the Pandavas with
the aid of Lord Krishna and Lord Indra transformed
Khandivaprastha into the grand city Indraprastha ( present day
New Delhi or atleast close to it.) which was supposed to be more
glorious and economically prosperous than Hastinapur.) And as
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soon as Parikshit died, Kali Yuga prevailed in full dominance.
Parikshit was so mighty that he was able to delay the onset of Kali
Yuga for 7 to 10 days. The angry crown prince Janamejaya, now
became the king and ordered to start a grand yaga to kill all the
snakes in the world. While the yaga was in progress, his fellow
court people advised him that it was a grave decision and pleaded
him to stop the yaga. The yaga was stopped and they all explained
to him about the entire lineage of Kuru Dynasty, right from the
Lunar Dynasty's founder, following down to King Bharat (Who
united our country and gave the name "Bharata"), King Hastin
(Who founded the Hastinapur City), King Kuru, (Who officially
formed the alternate name, Kuru Dynasty) and proceeding down
to King Shantanu and all the way till present day events of
Mahabharat. Janamejaya forgave and continued his reign in the
foot steps of his ancestors. In due course of time, the entire
Kingdom of Kuru was becoming rebellious and restless with chaos
and adharma. King Janamejaya did his best to restore dharma.
Possibly because of Draupati's curse in Hastinapur court when she
was disrobed (only to be saved by Lord Krishna) or because of
some other reason, the Hastinapur city was hit with a massive
flood and sunk into the ground. The capital was shifted to some
city (name not sure) some where south of it. In a situation of
great political and economical unrest, King Janamejaya was forced
to wage a war against some enemy invasion. At the end of the
war, he was dethroned by the enemy king and possibly killed.
Janamejaya had no progeny and hence the Kuru dynasty ended.
After Janamejaya died, the very last survivor who has some power
to stop Kali is gone.
On a parallel note, after Kurukshetra war, the Yadavas, who did

not take part in the war became more and more "adharmic" and
nearly 36 years after the war, some of the Yadavas after getting
drunk, started a fight among each other due to differences of
opinion or mutual hate (It's a complicated set of reason, but as far
as my understanding goes, it happens more or less immediately
when Parikshit was corrupted by Kali). This fight became a serious
one and in the process, all of Lord Krishna's sons including the
noble Pradyuman and several other powerful Yadavas met with
their doom, to such a point that the Yadava clan almost got wiped
out. (Some sources say that the clan and Yadavas died completely
and some say that there were a few survivors who suffered a lot
and existed in Kali Yuga.) Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram did not
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prevent this uprising. Both of them fled to the forests and started
meditating to calm themselves. While doing so, a hunter, who was
hiding in a bush, mistakenly pierces Krishna with an arrow,
thinking him to be a deer. Later the hunter (Who was King Baali,
Bother of King Sugreev of Ramayana time in his previous birth)
begged for forgiveness. Krishna said that this was not his fault and
dies. Later Balram also dies. (Not sure how, but apparently
immediately when Krishna died.) This was because of Queen
Gandhari's curse.
At the ending of Kurukshetra war, possibly, on the 16th or 17th

day evening of the war, Queen Gandhari came to the battle field
and was extremely sad and devastated to have her 99 sons
(except Duryodhan) killed by Bheem. When Lord Krishna went to
offer his condolences, Gandhari in fury asked Lord Krishna why he
did not end the war in a moment's notice though he has the
power, and let it proceed. It was King Dhritarastra's fate to be
born blind and having his 100 sons killed in this life time (There is
a story behind this regarding a tyrant king, a swan and it's 100
cygnets.) But Gandhari did nothing in her past lives nor in her
current life to receive such brutal suffering. Gandhari, in her
desperation and rage, gave a notorious curse to Lord Krishna: To
feel the pain she is facing of having her sons being killed, Krishna
will see the entire of his Yadava clan, die infront of his eyes and
his kingdom will burn to the ashes. He and his brother will be left
with no lineage to rule. All of Krishna's sons will die in a massive
fight that will happen in Dwaraka. Krishna on the other hand will
have no power to stop this war and will flee to the forest without
any weapons. There in the forest, unarmed, he will be killed by a
hunter and later, the entire city of Dwaraka will sink into the sea.
The remaining Yadavas, who survive the war will be suffering a lot
because of chaos and facing all the above misery. Lord Krishna,
though he had the power to nullify the curse, wholeheartedly
accepted the curse.
With Lord Krishna dead and with no saviour to save the world from
evil, Adharma will flourish in the Kali Yuga. As per the Hindu
mythology, we are living in Kali Yuga. Since this is the last yuga in
the current cycle of the cosmos/life decided by Brahma, to cleanse
the world of evil and to end Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu said that he will
take the 10th avatar namely Kalki Avatar when adharma reaches
the pinnacle and end the world to start a new and fresh cycle of
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life. Lord Parashuram, one of the 7 immortals (chiranjeevi) of the
Hindu mythology will be the guru for Kalki Avatar.
.. Different sources of Mahabharat (authors, interpretations,

analysis etc.,) have different views and different set of events
leading to the common end results. I appreciate alternate sources,
views and explanations also. I did my best to give a detailed and
proper answer, but if I am wrong somewhere down the line, I will
correct it.
ANOTHER EXPALNTION Visiting of Battle field and Curse to

Krishna
After the Mahabharata War is won by Pandavs by killing the entire

Kuru clan, Dhrithrashtra and Gandhari Set out to visit the war field
along with Vidura and Sanjaya.
When Pandavs hears the news of them visiting Battlefield they also
visits there to meet them and when Gandhari saw the dead bodies
of her sons and other kuru warriors lying on the battlefield and
was being eaten by carnivorous creatures,wept a lot.
Suddenly lord krishna along with Pandavs reaches there and meet
them with fold handed and starts to console them by explaining
the meaning of death and birth by giving the examples through
stories. But they both couldn't get out of the sorrow of the death
of their entire clan.
Then kunti asks Bheema the reason for such hate that made him
to kill her 100 sons in the battle that too with such cruelty. She
asks him that how could he open the chest of Dushasna and drank
his blood and considered this the most heinous act. Then she asks
that how come he killed Duryodhna with the act of deceit by
hitting him below the waist.
Bheema Explains her with folded hands, It was necessary for me

to open Dushasana’s chest and drink his blood as I had taken the
oath to do so at Dice game where Draupadi was insulted and
Dragged by Dushasan to the assembly.But I haven’t taken his
blood below my throat and Karna knew that.
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I killed Duryodhan by the act of deceit as I was fearing for defeat
so I killed him.
Then Yudhisthra with folded hands said to both of them, that he is

the reason for all this disaster. No one but only he should be
blamed for this slaughter and should be cursed by them.
Gandhari Accuses Lord Krishna for the slaughter of her clan and
Cursed him that he would witness the extinction of his entire clan
with his own eyes.
Cremation of the Deceased and truth of karna’s True

Identity
After Cursing Lord krishna all people Vidura, Sanjaya and lord
krishna Pacify them and afterwards the Pyres were constructed to
cremate the Deceased warriors and proper water purification
rituals are done. then The mother of Pandavs Kunti reveal the
Truth of Karna and says he was the eldest of them and was her
Son.
Hearing the News of Karnas identity Yudhisthra weeps a lot and

curses the entire women that they wont be able to hide any truth
now on wards.
Crowning of Yudhisthra and retiring of Dhritrashtra and

others to wood.
After the cremation is done Yudhisthra is crowned the king of

Hastinapur and he in consultation with Dhrithrashtra is running the
Kingdom and is loved by all people.Thus 15 years have passed
after the Kurukshetra war.
One day while All Pandavs were sitting with Dhrithrashtra and
Gandhari then Bheema Taunts them by saying that how he killed
all sons of Blind man with the might of his Hand.
Afterwards Dhrithrashtra and Gandhari make their mind to retire

to woods and to do penance. So they asked for the permission of
Yudhishtra and Yudhisthra doesn’t want them to retire to woods
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and ask them not to leave them alone. But after pacifying by
Vyasa, Vidura, Yudhisthra is ready to let them retire to woods and
after performing due rituals they are ready to leave for the woods
then Vidura and Sanjaya also wants to accompany them and
seeing this Kunti also Accompanies them to woods.
Pandavs Visiting Kunti and others in Woods and Revival of

All Deceased Warriors for one night
After 2 Years are passed the retiring of Dhritrashtra and Others to

woods Pandavas along with family and other people visits them
and esquire about their welfare. While staying in woods with Kunti
and others they are visited by Sage Vyasa and seeing Dhritrashtra
and Gandhari still inflicted by the death of their Sons, Sage Vyasa
tells them to ask for any boon, and they ask to meet their
deceased sons and other warriors of kuruksetra war.
then with his ascetic powers Sage Vyasa revives all the sons of
Gandhari along with other warriors and People meet their
respective Husbands, Fathers, Brothers and spend times with
them. For staying for over than a month Pandavs come back to
their Kingdom and Dhritrashtra and other starts their penance.
End of The Clan of Lord Krishna and Submerging of Dwarka

under the Sea.
After 35 years have passed after Kurukshetra war the effects of

the curse of Gandhari comes live and it polluted the minds of vrishi
race and they starts to act like mad elephant and this one day
insults a well known sage in disguising a women and resulted in
angering the sage who curses them that a iron rod would be born
out of the person disguised as women which will annihilate the
entire clan.
And this one day when all of them was sitting in assemble and was
discussing the matter starts fighting each other's and killed most
of the clan.
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Lord Krishna and lord Balram seeing the incidence inevitable
Abingdon Dwarka and set out to visit woods.
Lord krishna goes to his adobe and Arjuna escorts the

people left alive on Dwarka to Hastinapur.
Soon after the anhailation of entire clan lord Krishna sends one of
his confidential to Hastinapur and to narrate all incidence to
Pandavas. Lord Krishna asks him to tell Arjuna to help the
women,children and old age people who were left behind in
Dwarka. After this lord Krishna leaving his human form ascends to
vekuntha Loka and kaliyuga starts soon after this incidence.
Hearing the news of lord Krishna’s demise Pandavas are shocked

and wept for Krishna.then Arjuna set out to dwarkA and saves the
people and after escorting people out of DwarkA the whole city
sunk into water.
Arjuna escorts all people to Hastinapur and provide them with all
facilities.
Pandavas leaving kingdom and their savargagaman.
After the Lord Krishna ascends to Vekuthlok Pandavs after the

advise of Ved Vyasa leaves their Kingdom in the hands if Parikshit
and left for the Himalayas. When they were travelling to Himalayas
a Dog accompanies them throughout their journey.
All the Pandavs and Draupadi except Yudhisthtra and Dog Perished
one by one and dies thereafter. Then Yudhisthra is asked to come
to Heaven in a Chariot but had to leave Dog Behind, which he
doesn’t accept and thus Dog comes to his actual form which is of
Dharamraj and he is very pleased with Yudhisthra. Thus he
ascends to Heaven in Human form and to do so he becomes the
1st person to do so.
These are the incidents happens after the mahabharata

war.
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29)Why didn't Balram (brother of Krishna) participate in
the Mahabharat War?
Lets check some facts about Balarama -
Balarama was nephew of Kunti and cousin of Pandavas.

His sister Subhadra was married to Arjuna.
He was Guru of Duryodhana and Bhima.
In fact it was stated Duryodhana was his favorite pupil. Some
times pupil shares very strong bond with their Guru - much like
father-son relationship.
As per Harivamsha Duryodhana’s daughter Lakshmana was
married to Krishna’s son Samba.
This is definitely debatable as such important matter was
not discussed at all in the any where of the main body of
Mahabharata.
Over all Balarama tried to play a neutral card from beginning
by portraying himself as person treating both side equally.
But at the same time he tried to benefit Duryodhana by shifting
the blame of dice game entirely on Yudisthira. He made some
statement in the court of Virata.
He said Yudisthira played on his own and it was he who
chose to play with Shakuni and therefore game was won
fairly by Shakuni.
Satyaki other hand contradicted him saying Yudisthira was
invited to play and it was Shakuni who challenged him.
Later when Duryodhana came for support and took the
Narayanai army of Krishna, he also visited Balarama.
There Balarama claimed that he tried to restrain Krishna to
support him but failed.
He also told him his inability to go against Krishna.
He also declared that he won’t join either Arjuna or
Duryodhana
Before the start of war Balarama again visited Yudisthira and
said to him that he suggested Krishna to treat both sides
equally.
But Krishna didn’t listen and joined Pandavas due to his own
love towards Arjuna.
He didn’t like the idea of war between relatives so he went
to pilgrimage.
Now what my understanding is -
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Balarama was not a heavily political person but known for a
rash acts.
He also killed Rukmi just for mocking him during a dice
game play.
Duryodhana on other hand was a very good politician who
might have influenced him heavily while being his favorite
student of mace fighting.
Krishna shared a very deep relationship with pandavas.
He promised Draupadi to give justice.
He spent many years in IndraPrastha staying away from his
own home which states the exact love and bonding he
shared with pandavas specially with Arjuna without whom
he can’t stay for moment on earth.
Balarama , on the other hand , never shared any such
emotional relationship with Pandavas.
So these are over possible reasons why Balarama stayed away
from war.
Both Bheem and Duryodhana came to seek Balaram's help in war.
Both were His students; He had taught them mace warfare (gada-
yuddh).
Duryodhana was always Balaram’s favourite student. You might
not believe it, but this was indeed the case. Because Duryodhan
had more skill, while Bheem was more inclined to use brute
strength. Teachers always appreciate better students. This is not
to say Balaram detested Bheem, because Balaram was a fair guru.
But Bheem was on the side of Pandavas, who were following
Dharma.
Balaram was peace-loving by nature. He could have a fiery rage
but also cooled down quickly. He looked at the two mighty men in
front of him. He was sorrowful and advised them not to go to war
for a mere piece of land. He also advised them to let bygones be
bygones and live together as brothers should, and to enjoy the
world together.
But neither Bheem nor Duryodhana consented and instead looked
at each other with passionate anger. Balaram lost his cool. He
knew how much Bheem and Duryodhan hated each other and He
didn't approve of feelings of hate at all. “Fools! Such anger and
hatred will breed only vengeance.”
Realizing that neither of them would give up, he took a decision of
not participating in the war and instead, he would go on a
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pilgrimage. Siding totally with any one of them was difficult for
him. He had a reason to support both of them.
In his heart, He knew that Pandavas would win since they were on
the side of Dharma (and they also had Krishna with them). So he
didn't see any point in fighting on Pandava side. They were going
to win anyway. Moreover, He didn't really approve of Yudhishthir
gambling away everything in the game of dice. He felt that being
on Yudhishthir's side won't be that fruitful.
But fighting on Kaurava side would also be incorrect since they
didn't keep their word of returning Indraprastha to the Pandavas
after their exile and clearly were supporting adharma.
Although he was stronger than a herd of elephants and had killed
dangerous demons with bare hands in childhood, war did not really
appeal to Balaram.
Infact, He was not interested in worldly politics. He had only one
task: to engage in Krishna's service despite being the elder
brother. He is shown to take family decisions as the elder, but
otherwise politics and war didn't appeal to Him.
So He saw no point in participating in the war and instead, left on
a pilgrimage.
30)How long did Pandavas rule?
Further to the answer given in Q)28
Aswathamma killed all the upapandavas (children of pandava

brothers with Draupadi), shikandi and dhristadhyumna and several
others in the 18th day night of the war. When confronted by the
pandavas, He launched a Brahmashira to kill Uttara's womb (only
to be saved by Krishna and to be named by him as Parikshit).
Krishna cursed him to be an immortal, who will be filled with
excrutiating pain because of injuries, with blood and pus oozing
out of his injuries, who will find ways to kill himself to relieve the
pain but cannot do so, who will lose contact with humans, after
removing the gem on his forehead.
Pandavas got the blessings of Kunti, Vidura, Dhritarastra and

Gandhari and ruled both Hastinapur and Indraprasta reigns
together. Dhritarastra tried to kill Bheema while offering blessings,
but after demolishing an Iron Statue, mistaking it to be Bheema,
he regained his senses and blessed the pandavas. Yuyutsa became
the guardian for Indraprasta and took charge of it till Karna's 9th
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and last son (the only son of Karna who remained alive) achieves
sufficient age to takeover the reign as the King.
Pandavas ruled the Kingdom for 36 long years. They conducted

several Rajasurya Yagas and Aswamedha Yagas and Yudhistira
became a grand emperor (Chakravarty) for the entire nation. They
took care of Kunti, Vidura, Dhritarastra and Gandhari with great
care. 15 years from the beginning of the reign, these 4 decided to
go to the forests on a voluntary exile (The location is somewhere
in the present day Uttrakand). There, Vidura receives a peaceful
death and passes away. The remaining three died in a forest fire.
In the 37th year of the Pandava rule, The yadavas had a great
rebellion and fight and they nearly wiped themselves out. Krishna
and Balaram also left the world after retreating to the forests and
the city of Dwaraka was submerged into the sea.
By that time, Parikshit (Grand son of Arjuna and Subathra, son of

Abhimanyu and Uttara) was crowned as the king of Kuru dynasty
as none of the Upapandavas (sons of Pandava brothers with
Panchali) or the other sons of Pandavas survived the war, the
Dwapara Yuga was on the verge of ending and Kali Yuga was
about to start. And also, chaos and adharma slowly started
creeping into King Parikshit's reign.
Pandavas and Panchali (or Draupadi) decided to climb the

Himalayas as a final penance/yatra (sort of) to reach heaven. They
climbed the Himalayas and were accompanied by a dog (Lord
Yama in disguise). As they climbed/walked their way to the top,
one by one they started falling and dying, and ending up in hell.
Apparently, the reason for their deaths is because of their desires,
issues and troubles caused by them and their own pride. Panchali
falls first possibly because of her pride and she favoured Arjuna
more among her pandava husbands. (she had a soft corner for
him.). Sahadev and Nakul fall next possibly because they were
prideful about their looks, Arjuna dies next because he was
prideful about his archery skills. Bheem dies last, because many a
times, during the forest exiles of the Pandavas, he was
inconsiderate about food. He used to eat a lot without leaving
anything for others, thereby starving them. So they used to share
the food among themselves before letting him to eat. Yudhistir,
who did not take pride in anything (except for his pride on
following righteousness) nor was biased to anyone and the dog
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finally reached the top of the himalayas. The dog revealed it's true
Identity to be Lord Yama. Lord Yama takes him to hell first and
makes him stay there for 1 day (or 1 minute or 1 second, several
sources say differently), stating that a steady headed dharmaraj
such as Yudhistir should also have the experience of knowing what
is hell like. Yudhistir was later taken to heaven and was promised
that Panchali and his brothers will join him shortly as they they get
the experience (of punishment) of hell.
On Earth, Parikshit was ruling his empire in a noble way and a son
named Janemejaya was born to him. He crowned him the Crown
Prince of Kuru Dynasty. Once Parikshit was adventuring into a
forest, he met a Demon named Kali. This demon requested him to
grant permission to enter kingdom and later the world. He also
added that Kali Yuga should start as per the laws of nature and in
this yuga, righteousness and noble qualities will degrade and the
world will be thrown into imbalance. King Parikshit refused and
said that as long as he lived, he will not allow Kali to occupy this
kingdom and this world. Since Parikshit was as mighty as
Pandavas (May be more than them, it depends on sources) Demon
Kali requested for a negotiation. After a long negotiation, Kali got
the permission to reside in 5 places in the world. (Places where
(Not in order) 1. Prostitution happens, 2. Animals are slaughtered,
3. People gamble with wealth and property, 4. People consume
Alcohol and other drinks, 5. Where Gold exists. On some sense,
these 5 are great sources of evil even today). By his permission to
reside in places where gold exists, Kali went to reside in the crown
of Parikshit and started to control and corrupt Parikshit's head.
Under the influence of Kali, he in his mentally deranged condition,
took a dead snake, made it similar to a garland and put it on the
neck of a Rishi named Shamika and went away. The Rishi was
insulted, and on seeing this act, the Rishi's son Shringi (who,
apparently cannot control his anger) gave a curse to Parikshit that
he will die by a serpent bite within 7 (in some sources 10) days.
But the Rishi was sad and surprised because of two things. The
imbalance of the punishment and power. (As per the Rishi's
opinion, this is not a great sin that can be punished with death
curse). Second, Laws of judgement/punishment/dharma is failing.
The implicit message is that people have started to get very great
powers and are capable of misusing them very easily. Moral values
will fade and materialistic things will gain more importance than
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the righteous things. Parikshit became normal after this incident,
realised that he will die and listened to the Bhagavata Purana from
sage(s) for the next 7 to 10 days till death. As per the curse,
Parkishit was bitten by a snake and died. (Some sources say that
this snake was actually the serpent king Takshak, who sworn to kill
Arjuna or his lineage because he captured Khandivaprastha by
burning down the magical forest occupied by the snakes. Later the
Pandavas with the aid of Lord Krishna and Lord Indra transformed
Khandivaprastha into the grand city Indraprastha ( present day
New Delhi or atleast close to it.) which was supposed to be more
glorious and economically prosperous than Hastinapur.) And as
soon as Parikshit died, Kali Yuga prevailed in full dominance.
Parikshit was so mighty that he was able to delay the onset of Kali
Yuga for 7 to 10 days. The angry crown prince Janamejaya, now
became the king and ordered to start a grand yaga to kill all the
snakes in the world. While the yaga was in progress, his fellow
court people advised him that it was a grave decision and pleaded
him to stop the yaga. The yaga was stopped and they all explained
to him about the entire lineage of Kuru Dynasty, right from the
Lunar Dynasty's founder, following down to King Bharat (Who
united our country and gave the name "Bharata"), King Hastin
(Who founded the Hastinapur City), King Kuru, (Who officially
formed the alternate name, Kuru Dynasty) and proceeding down
to King Shantanu and all the way till present day events of
Mahabharat. Janamejaya forgave and continued his reign in the
foot steps of his ancestors. In due course of time, the entire
Kingdom of Kuru was becoming rebellious and restless with chaos
and adharma. King Janamejaya did his best to restore dharma.
Possibly because of Draupati's curse in Hastinapur court when she
was disrobed (only to be saved by Lord Krishna) or because of
some other reason, the Hastinapur city was hit with a massive
flood and sunk into the ground. The capital was shifted to some
city (name not sure) some where south of it. In a situation of
great political and economical unrest, King Janamejaya was forced
to wage a war against some enemy invasion (or an internal civil
war/rebellion etc.,). At the end of the war, he was dethroned by
the enemy king and possibly killed. Janamejaya had no progeny
and hence the Kuru dynasty ended. After Janamejaya died, the
very last survivor who has some power to stop Kali is gone.
On a parallel note, after Kurukshetra war, the Yadavas, who did

not take part in the war became more and more "adharmic" and
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nearly 36 years after the war, some of the Yadavas after getting
drunk, started a fight among each other due to differences of
opinion or mutual hate (It's a complicated set of reason, but as far
as my understanding goes, it happens more or less immediately
when Parikshit was corrupted by Kali). This fight became a serious
one and in the process, all of Lord Krishna's sons including the
noble Pradyuman and several other powerful Yadavas met with
their doom, to such a point that the Yadava clan almost got wiped
out. (Some sources say that the clan and Yadavas died completely
and some say that there were a few survivors who suffered a lot
and existed in Kali Yuga.) Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram did not
prevent this uprising. Both of them fled to the forests and started
meditating to calm themselves. While doing so, a hunter, who was
hiding in a bush, mistakenly pierces Krishna with an arrow,
thinking him to be a deer. Later the hunter (Who was King Baali,
Bother of King Sugreev of Ramayana time in his previous birth)
begged for forgiveness. Krishna said that this was not his fault and
dies. Later Balram also dies. (Not sure how, but apparently
immediately when Krishna died.) This was because of Queen
Gandhari's curse.
At the ending of Kurukshetra war, possibly, on the 16th or 17th

day evening of the war, Queen Gandhari came to the battle field
and was extremely sad and devastated to have her 99 sons
(except Duryodhan) killed by Bheem. When Lord Krishna went to
offer his condolences, Gandhari in fury asked Lord Krishna why he
did not end the war in a moment's notice though he has the
power, and let it proceed. It was King Dhritarastra's fate to be
born blind and having his 100 sons killed in this life time (There is
a story behind this regarding a tyrant king, a swan and it's 100
cygnets.) But Gandhari did nothing in her past lives nor in her
current life to receive such brutal suffering. Gandhari, in her
desperation and rage, gave a notorious curse to Lord Krishna: To
feel the pain she is facing of having her sons being killed, Krishna
will see the entire of his Yadava clan, die infront of his eyes and
his kingdom will burn to the ashes. He and his brother will be left
with no lineage to rule. All of Krishna's sons will die in a massive
fight that will happen in Dwaraka. Krishna on the other hand will
have no power to stop this war and will flee to the forest without
any weapons. There in the forest, unarmed, he will be killed by a
hunter and later, the entire city of Dwaraka will sink into the sea.
The remaining Yadavas, who survive the war will be suffering a lot
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because of chaos and facing all the above misery. Lord Krishna,
though he had the power to nullify the curse, wholeheartedly
accepted the curse.
With Lord Krishna dead and with no saviour to save the world from
evil, Adharma will flourish in the Kali Yuga. As per the Hindu
mythology, we are living in Kali Yuga. Since this is the last yuga in
the current cycle of the cosmos/life decided by Brahma, to cleanse
the world of evil and to end Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu said that he will
take the 10th avatar namely Kalki Avatar when adharma reaches
the pinnacle and end the world to start a new and fresh cycle of
life. Lord Parashuram, one of the 7 immortals (chiranjeevi) of the
Hindu mythology will be the guru for Kalki Avatar.
. Different sources of Mahabharat (authors, interpretations,

analysis etc.,) have different views and different set of events
leading to the common end results. I appreciate alternate sources,
views and explanations also. I did my best to give a detailed and
proper answer, but if I am wrong somewhere down the line, I will
correct it.
Ending of Kauravas: Origins of Kurukshetra and "Kuru

Dynasty" name
All the 100 Kauravas were killed by Bheema in the battle field of
Kurukshetra. They all went to heaven directly. The reason is
because of the Kurukshetra Land itself. Kurukshetra roughly
translates to "Kuru's Region" in Sanskrit. As the meaning suggests,
it is named after King Kuru of the Kuru Clan. This land has been
known as Uttravedi, Brahmavedi, Dharamkshetra and Kurukshetra
at different periods. When King Kuru came on this land it was
called Uttarvedi. He performed several righteous acts and
embedded 8 good virtues in this land. (Source: Kurukshetra). If
my understanding goes right, the Lunar dynasty became a little
weak before King Kuru came in. He was responsible for bringing
the Dynasty to it's former glory. Lord Vishnu was pleased by his
righteous acts on this land and granted a boon to him. As per his
wishes, the land will have all the 8 virtues and will be perennially
holy. Any person dying here doing his duty will be cleansed of all
evil and will get the wishes to heaven.This way, EVERYBODY,
including the 100 Kauravas who died in the war, on this land will
go to heaven. Also, by King Kuru's righteous acts on this land,
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Lord Indra was pleased and offered his blessings to re-establish
the dynasty and the kingdom. (Lord Indra was the king of all 3
worlds and it was the moral obligation to get his blessings to rule
the Kingdom. This is why the Pandavas, because of Arjuna's
valiant acts were able to please Lord Indra and get his blessings to
establish the Indraprastha Empire.) This was why King Kuru's rule
was influential. As a respect to his deed's, the Lunar Clan was also
known by the name Kuru Clan. As a consequence of the good
nature deed of Kuru, the Kauravas by-passed hell and went to
Heaven. In an interesting twist of turn, According to the
Mahabharata, after entering the heaven/swarga with a human
body on Indra's invitation, Yudhisthira witnessed that Duryodhana
"was seated on a beautiful throne and he shone with the splendour
of the sun and around him stood in attendance the goddess of
heroism and other angels." Yudhisthira found this insufferable and
reminded the dwellers of swarga about his sinful deeds. Following
that, Narada smiled at Yudhisthira and said that "the brave
Duryodhana had attained his present state by force of kshatriya
dharma." The Mahabharata further mentions that in svarga,
Duryodhana and his brothers "attained the state of the gods.
Ending of Karna: His situations and Entry into Suryalog of

Swarga
Karna died in the hands of Arjuna. Moments before his death, he
felt a great deal of pain and suffering to keep up with his Dharma.
Some stories say that even in his death bed, he was asked to give
some charity which he gave, despite him being inches away from
death. Arjuna promised to Karna that he will take great care of
Karna's 9th and only alive son Vrishakethu, because he was only
son who survived the war as he was too young to participate in the
war. Arjuna promised that he will teach all the military warfare and
other related education to his son and added that the throne of
Indraprastha will be given to Vrishakethu. He was raised and
supported by Arjuna and Yututsa. After death, the soul of Karna
did not get into Heaven or swarga directly. His soul was feeling
extremely hungry and tired, and bonded to Earth. When he asked
the Devas and others in heaven for answers, they replied that
Karna did almost all charity to the world, except the charity of
food. He had never given food for any people or animal as a
charity (Not that he never wanted to give or refused to give, it is
that nobody asked him nor he thought about it). Realizing it, he
was given permission to complete this deed. He went back to Earth
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and gathered some grass and fed it to a hungry cow. The cow was
very happy and was thankful to him. As and when the cow's
hunger was quenched, his hunger also quenched and he felt
extremely happy and peaceful. He reached the heavens and he
was given a great hero's welcome with all Devas praising him for
his charity, valiance, friendship and trust. Later, he went to
Suryalog (the part of heaven controlled by Lord Surya) and was
happy to meet his father Lord Surya and all his dead 8 sons
happily welcoming him. From the heavens, he saw the world
below. On Earth, Karna was praised and appreciated for his great
efforts. He finally got what he wanted for. Appreciation and
Recognition to talent and skill. He felt extremely happy to see his
entire life's struggle ending in a good note.
Yuyutsa's Ending:
After Yudhistira's coronation, Yuyutsa was appointed as the
guardian for the Indraprastha reign and he was taking care of
Vrishaketu. Slowly and steadily after the pandavas left the world,
adharma started prevailing in the reign. When he intervened to
solve the issue, he was termed as a "Blood Traitor" for double
crossing his Kaurava Brothers and joining Pandavas. Yuyutsa felt
shocked and surprised. How he died and what happened to him
afterwards is something I am searching for.
Janamejaya's Lineage:
Although King Janamejaya died in the war without any progeny,
some sources say that he was succeeded by a few more kings.
Apparently, while I was searching for some answers, I found this
detailed answer by Mr. Sourajeet Mohanty to the
question Mahabharata (Hindu epic): Who succeeded Janamejaya
of son?.
Aswathamma's fate:
Aswathamma is said to be the one of the 7 immortals in Hindu
Mythology. As mentioned in the above, he will be still alive and
shall the pain of his injuries and cannot die, even when he wishes
to do so. Some scriptures say that he still visits some temples in
India. He is said to be forever roaming and avoiding human
contact. In some versions, he is portrayed to become a Rishi/Sage
due to his change of ways after facing several years of pain and
suffering. Also, he was responsible for splitting/partitioning some
parts of vedas, as per some sources.
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Dushala's encounter with Arjuna:
Very little is known about Dushala, the younger sister to all the
Pandavas and Kauravas. She was married to King Jayathradhan of
Sindh Kingdom due to political reasons decided by Duryodhan.
(What where is intentions is quite unclear to me. Will let you all
know when I find it out.). One of his intentions, however, is to gain
his friendship for he is known to be a strong warrior. Jayathradhan
was known for his split personality and uncivilized mannerisms to
women in general. He had a son with Dusshala named Suratha.
After being killed in the war, Dusshala raised Suratha all by her
own till he reaches a proper age to be crowned as the King. This
was taken from Wikipedia, This explains what I wanted to say
more in detail than what I could articulate.
"After the war, Yudhishtira, the new king of Hastinapura, takes out
an Ashwamedha Yaga wherein Arjuna follows a sacrificial horse
with his army. The horse enters the Sindhu territory. Dussala's son
Suradha, who was ruling this land, dies of fright on knowing about
the approaching army. But he had a small boy. Dussala takes this
boy and approaches Arjuna and tells him to show mercy on the
boy. When Arjuna learns that he is responsible for the death of
Suradha, his nephew, he feels totally shattered. He tells Dussala,
"I did not come for war, I came for peace". Now it is Dussala who
is shattered. Arjuna appoints the boy as the next king of the
Sindhu kingdom. Dussala tells Arjuna, and perhaps the whole
world, "We need peace. Let us end this strife forever. No more,
never, this war."
Why Pandavas landed in Hell?

This is a question that I am looking an answer for! My
understanding is because of the Yatra/Penance to the top of
Himalayas to reach the Heavens. Had they died naturally or in the
Kurukshetra war, I believe they would have landed in Heaven. I
won't completely agree to this explanation, But of course, other
explanations are possible.
Wisdom Sessions in Mahabharata:

Yudhistira and the pandavas used to receive a lot of wisdom
sessions from others right from childhood. Pandu (from birth to
adolescence), Guru Drona (During the education), Pitamah
Bheeshma and Minister Vidhura(when they stayed in Hastinapur),
a lot of Sages in the forest after the "Burning of the Lac palace
107
incident", Sage Veda Vyasa (During the Draupadi Swayamvar
Crisis), Lord Krishna (All the way from Indraprastha rule till the
end of war), Kunti, were the prominent ones. The wisdom sessions
obtained from Vidhura, Dhritarastra (after the war) and Bheeshma
(In his death bed of arrows) were very helpful and important for
the Pandavas. It included the nature of people, the obligations and
responsibilities and duties of a King, what it means to be a King
etc.,
How Bheeshma died:

Bheeshma died in his death bed of arrows nearly 6 months after
the war. If my understanding is correct, the war happened
somewhere in December and January, but after the Northern
Hemisphere Winter Solstice. The Sun has crossed the Tropic of
Capricorn and it is the Northern Hemisphere Winter Season.
Pitamah Bheeshma lay of his bed of arrows holding his life for the
sun to cross the Ecliptic and reach the Tropic of Cancer or the
Northern Hemisphere Summer Solstice, which is in the end of
June. According to him, dying when the sun had crossed the
Summer Solstice is auspicious and dying when the sun was at the
Winter Solstice is inauspicious. So, he waited nearly 6 painful
months on his death bed of arrows, without food or water or
medicine for the sun to pass and then died.
Prophesy for Kalki's birth:

This part of the section is something I found very curious. Some
sources say that he will be born in the Hindu month of Chaitra
(chittirai in Tamil) or somewhere between March and April, to a
Brahmin couple. He will carry an astrological sign of Aries. Some
Astrologers tried to predict Kalki Avatar's birth time. They have
several predictions.
31) How did the Pandavas die and did their clan continue?
After Krishna's death, a dejected Arjun is encountere by Ved Vyas.

He is the one who advices the pandavas to abdicate teh throne
and leave for the van vas. The Pandavas install Parikshit on the
throne of Hastinapore and leave for a pilgrimage. they reach the
Himalayas and according to the ancient belief if you reach atop the
range then you have reached heaven, so the pandavas along with
Draupadi start ascending the mountain.
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First Draupadi falls off, when questioned by Bhim as to why,
udishtra replies saying that she had a soft corner for Arjun hence
the reson she fell
Next Sahadev falls, again Bhim asks the reason. The answer being
that Sahadev was too proud of his knowledge
Next Nakul falls off, the reson is that he was too proud of his
beauty
Next it's the turn of Arjun, he was too proud of his skills.
Next bhim himself falss off, he calls out to Yudhishtra asking the
reason and gets the reply that, he was a glutton unmindful of
other's hunger.
Only yudhishtra and a dog which came along troughout the

journey reach the top. There they find Lord Indra waiting in a
golden chariot. He tell yudhistra to leave behind the dog and get in
to the chariot, however Yudhishtra refuses. Then Lord Yama comes
and appreciates Yuddhishtra and takes hime to heaven. There
after another test of Yudhishtra's character he is reunited with his
brothers and wife.
32)What happened to the Pandava and Shri Krishna after

Mahabharata?
After Mahabharat they return to their respective kingdoms, rule for

few decades (around 35 years) and then leave this world for ever
having served their purpose of life. . The major events in breif are:
After Mahabharat war is over, Gandahari struck with grief on

the death of his sons curses Shri Krishna that the Yadavas will
also die a same death. Shri Krishna accepts the curse.
After around 35 years the sons of Shri Krishna playfully
misbehaved some rishis and got cursed in return. Samba
dressed as a pregnant woman, along with other Yadavas, went
on asking rishis to predict the gender of her future child. One
rishi gets angry and curses he will give birth to an iron piece
which will destroy their entire race.
Dwarika witnesses bad omens and sinful activites increase. Shri
Krishna instructs others to go on a pilgrimage to Prabhasa.
At Prabhasa, the Yadavas drink wine and get intoxicated. A
fight ensues among them and every Yadava kills one another.
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Only Shri Krishna, Daruka, Vabhru and Balarama survive. But
later on Vabhru and Balarama leave this world too.
Shri Krishna sends Daruka to inform Arjuna and bring help.
Meanwhile, a hunter mistakenly shoots an arrow that strikes at
Shri Krishna's foot and leaves Him wounded. Shri Krishna
consoles the hunter and then merges in the image of Vishnu
and leaves this mortal world for His own abode.
Arjuna reaches there. Tries to save widowed queens of Shri
Krishna but loses in fight against the barbarians. Vedavyasa
instructs Arjuna that the Pandavas' purpose of life has been
over.
Yudhisthira coronates Parikshit and the 5 Pandavas along with
Draupadi set out for their journey towards heaven by climbing
the mountain Himalaya. A dog follows them on their way up to
the mountain.
Along their way while climbing the mountain one after another
in the order of Draupadi, Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna and Bhima
fall down and die.
Yudhisthira alone survives and Indra comes to welcome to
heaven him with his chariot. Indra asks Yudhisthira to leave the
dog behind and enter into the chariot and go to heaven.
Yudhisthira declines the offer to enter into heaven unless the
dog also goes with him as the dog has befriended him. The dog
then becomes Yama and tells Yudhisthira that he has passed
the test. After that Yudhisthira enters into heaven.
Thus, after many such series of events Shri Krishna and the
Pandavas leave this mortal world. The city of Dwaraka submerges
into the ocean and eventually the present age of Kali begins.
Reasons for which the Pandavas fell down from the

mountain
Below are the reasons, as given by Yudhisthira to Bhima, for which

the Pandava brothers and Draupadi except Yudhisthira fell down
from the mountain:
Draupadi
O best of men, though we were all equal unto her she had great
partiality for Dhananjaya. She obtains the fruit of that conduct
today. [MB - 17.2.6]
Sahadeva
He never thought anybody his equal in wisdom. It is for that fault
that this prince has fallen down. [MB - 17.2.10]
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Nakula
He was of righteous soul and the foremost of all persons endued
with intelligence. He, however, thought that there was nobody that
equalled him in beauty of person. Indeed, he regarded himself as
superior to all in that respect. It is for this that Nakula has fallen
down. [MB - 17.2.16]
Arjuna
Arjuna had said that he would consume all our foes in a single day.
Proud of his heroism, he did not, however, accomplish what he
had said. Hence has he fallen down. This Phalguna disregarded all
wielders of bows. One desirous of prosperity should never indulge
in such sentiments. [MB - 17.2.21,22]
Bhima
You were a great eater, and you used to boast of your strength.
You never attended, O Bhima, to the wants of others while eating.
It is for that, O Bhima, that you have fallen down. [MB - 17.2.25]
After the Mahabharata war, Pandavas ruled Hastinapur for 36

years. After 36 years a danger came to Dwarka according to the
curse of Gandhari.
One day, Shamba, son of Krishna and Satyabhama, take a mace

and hidden near his belley and dressed like a girl. Then Shamba
and other brothers came near Sage Narada and asked what will
she deliver. Then, sage Narada cursed them that he will deliver a
mace and that mace will destroy their dynasty.
After some day, he deliver a mace. Then the people of Dwarka

smashed them on the sea shore. One day, being drunken near the
sea shore, they beagan to fight with those sea shore's grass which
was mixed with mace. Then all the people died.
After seeing them, Balaram merited and died. After seeing this,
Krishna laid under a tree on a forest. A hunter looked his feet and
thought the ear of deer and shot. Krishna blessed him and died.
After hearing this, Arjun came to Dwarka and took the women and
move toward the Hastinapur. But, on the road, a giant abducted all
of them. And Dwarka emerged on the sea.
After knowing all these, Pandavas along with Draupadi leave the
Hastinapur and journey towards Heaven.
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On the way, one by one, Draupadi, Sahadev, Nakul, Arjun and
Bhim fall and died. Only Yudhisthir went to heaven with a dog
(dharma).
On the heaven, Pandavas, Krishna and Draupadi all met their all
relatives and lived their happily.
After that, Yudhisthir merged in Dharma, Bhim in Pawan, Arjun in

Indra, Nakul and Sahadev in Ashwinidev, Draupadi in Durga, Sachi
and Laxmi (actually she was created and born from Fire) and
Krishna in Vishnu.
33)Who was the dog that followed Pandava to the

Himalayas?
First, let me tell you the story of dog that followed Pandavas.
After the great Mahabharat war, the Pandavas ruled the kingdom
for 36 years. Then they decided to relinquish their kingdom and go
on their last journey – Sanyasa and Vanaprastham. The five
Pandava brothers – Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and
Sahadeva –and their wife Draupadi left for theHimalayas. They
were followed by a Dog.
They started climbing the Himalayan mountains and soon one by

one starting with Draupati, they fell down and fainted and died.
Now only Yudhishtira, the eldest of Pandavas, was left and keeping
him company was the dog. Without looking back the two continued
their journey.
Then one day suddenly Indra appeared before Yudhishtira in his

chariot. Indra wanted to take Yudhishtira to heaven in the human
form as he was the most pious among Pandavas and he was the
one who had never strayed from the path of Dharma.
Yudhishtira refuses to enter the chariot without his brothers and

Draupadi. Indra assures him that he will meet with them in heaven
as they have already reached heaven.
Yudhishtira then asks the Dog to enter the chariot. But Indra
objects to it. Indra states that we eat food by sitting on the floor
and it is not possible to have a dog roaming in the same place. He
also indicates that the presence of a dog will defile heaven. It is
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considered that a mere glance of a dog deprives the sacraments of
their consecration.
But Yudhishtira is adamant; to him the dog appears as one who

has been devoted, loyal in the time of loss of his brothers and
Draupadi. He was faithful and loving in the hour of entire solitude.
He cannot be happy in heaven as he would be haunted by the
thought of the dog so true.
Finally, Yudhishtira decides to not to go with Indra and decides to

stay with the Dog.
The dog was not other

than Yamadharma himself, Yudhishtira's father. He
appeared before Yudhishtira and said, "You are indeed a
great man, a righteous man; your
compassion for all living beings is exemplary. A dog has
been as dear to you as your own brothers. Your conduct will
remain a shining example to all men for all times. Now, you
can mount the chariot without any hesitation."
Yudhishtira was now satisfied; he bowed down to

Yamadharma and Indra, and mounted the chariot. He
reached Heaven with Indra. He was glad to find his kith and
kin in Heaven. He felt happy to join them in divine life.
The dog that followed the Pandavas was the God of Death, Yama.
Yudhisthira is the son of Dharma, who is again God Yama. He
followed his son to Heaven.
Just to elaborate further, all the Pandavas and Draupadi passed
away before they reached Heaven. When Yudhisthira reached
Heaven, he saw that all the Kauravas were in Heaven and all the
Pandavas were in Hell.
On asking the reason for this, he was told that they committed sin
of killing their brothers.
Yudhisthira said that he would also be with his brothers and wife in
Hell. Seeing his commitment to his brothers and wife inspite of all
the comforts which awaited in Heaven, the Gods, who were still
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testing him, finally said that this was all Maya and that all the
Pandavas and Kauravas were in Heaven itself and blessed him.
That is how Mahabharata ends.
34)What are the main characters of the Mahabharata like?
The main characters of mahabharata-
Arjuna- The hero of the epic, best archer ever.. dark in skin
complexion, strongest among all pandavas as an all round
warrior..fought God's and demons, defeated almost every rival
he ever faced.. incarnation of a rishi in his previous birth
named Nara the friend of Narayana.
Yudhistira- considered hero of the epic as well..the eldest
pandava who was the emperor of Bharata under Indraprastha,
had knowledge of the Brahmastra and he was the one who lost
his entire property to kauravas in a dice game.
Bhima- The man considered to be the strongest of them all..an
expert mace fighter and second eldest of the pandavas, born
from Vayu and the one who killed rakshasas, wild beasts,
yakshasas with his bare hands, said to be of golden complexion
with no facial hair.
Nakula and Sahadeva- the youngest of the five pandavas who
excelled in sword fighting born from Madri the second wife of
Pandu. Subjugated many kings during Yudhistira's Rajayusa
yagna.
Duryodhana- the eldest son of Dhritharashta, considered to be
the best mace fighter in all of kuru dynasty.. ever envious of
the pandavas who tasted defeat from almost every pandava in
the war. His upper body was made with a combination of
vajras, considered an incarnation of kali purusha.
Karna- the eldest son of Kunti born from Surya, the sun God
who was abandoned in birth..who had the kavacha and kundala
attached to his body since birth, considered a villian in the epic
and one who fought the pandavas to death..was arch rival of
Bhima, Arjuna.
Shakuni- uncle of Duryodhana, expert in illusions..the one who
handed pandavas a defeat in the dice game. King of gandhara,
saved Karna from Bhima's shaft once..didn't survive the war.
Draupadi- the daughter of Draupada and collective wife of the
pandavas won by Arjuna in her swamvyara was of dark
complexion and attractive features. Was humiliated in the dice
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game by Karna and kauravas, her insults were avenged by her
husband's in the war.
Bhishma- the eldest in the kuru dynasty, born from Ganga..
defeated his guru Parshurama in combat and was the great
grandfather of the pandavas and kauravas.. tasted few defeats
in his life and was ultimately taken down by Arjuna in the
war..had boon to choose his timing of death.
Drona- the teacher of the Kuru dynasty, one who obtained
celestial missiles from God's and Parshurama to impart them to
his students..was the most powerful opponent of the Pandavas
in the Kuru battle, defeated Arjuna once by forcing the son of
pritha to retreat from his guru.
Ashwathamma- Son of Drona, who wreaked havoc in the
pandava army.. forced the pandavas to submit to the
Narayanastra.. defeated Bhima, satyaki..nearly defeated Arjuna
as well.. killed many soldiers of the pandavas in midnight after
commencement of the great war.. considered a portion of
Rudra.
There are thousands and thousands of characters in Mahabharat.
How can I write all of their names? I can write only the main
characters.
The actual Mahabharat mainly starts with the king Shantanu of

Kuru dynasty.
Hastinapur, Kuru dynasty

Shantanu - son of Pratipa
Bheeshma - son of Shantanu and Ganga
Vichitravirja & Chitrangad - son of Shantanu and Satyavati
Vyasdev - son of Satyavati and Parashara
Dhritarashtra - son of Vichitravirja and Ambika
Pandu - son of Vichitravirja and Ambalika
Vidura - son of a dashi with the help of Vyasdev
Yudhistir, Bheema, and Arjuna - sons of Pandu and Kunti
Nakula and Sahadeva - sons of Pandu and Madri
Karna - son of Kunti with the help of Suryadev

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Duryodhana, duhshashan, vikarna, duhshala and other 97
sons - children of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari
Pratibindhya, Sutasoma, Srutokarma, Shataneek &

Sutosena - sons of each Pandavas from Draupadi
Ghatotkacha - son of Bheema and Hidimba
Iravan - son of Arjuna and Ulupi
Babhrubahan - son of Arjuna and Chitrangadaa
Abhimanyu - son of Arjuna and Subhadra
Parikshit - son of Abhimanyu and Uttaraa
Janamejaya - son of Parikshit
Dwaraka, Yadu Dynasty

Shree Krishna - son of Vasudev and Devaki
Balaram and Subhadra - children of Vasudev and Rohini
Vasudev and Kunti - children of Shoora
Pradyumna - son of Krishna and Rukmini
Shammo - son of Krishna and Jambabati
Satyaki
Kritavarma
Panchal
Draupadi, Dhristadyumna & Shikhandi - children of Drupad
Matsya
Uttara & Uttaraa - children of Virat and Sudeshna
Gandhar
Gandhari & Shakuni - children of Subala
Magadha
Jarashandha - son of Brihadratha
Sahadeva- son of Jarashandha
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Chedi
Shishupal
Dhrishtaketu - son of Shishupal
Sindhu
Jayadratha
Others
Dronacharya - son of Bharadwaj
Aswathama - son of Dronacharya and Kripi
Kripacharya
PS : some nameswould have been missed You can suggest edits.
35)Who is the worst character of mahabharat?
Many people will say that Duryodhana was the worst character in
Mahabharata. Some would opt for Shakuni.
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For me, the worst character in Mahabharata is none other than
Dhritarashtra.
In entire Mahabharata, Dhritarashtra proved that his blindness was

not limited up to his physique. He was blind by his mind too.
He was blind in his love for his son: He couldn’t see the evil
nature of his son which was gradually growing. He never
guided his son in right path. Instead, he was so blind in his
love for his son that he remained silent when his son was
reaching new heights of notoriety. It was not only Duryodhana,
but all his sons (except Yuyutsu) were evil by nature because
being a father, he failed to guide them in right path. His blind
love and silence over his son’s wrong deeds actually
encouraged them to carry on their deeds.
He had lust for the throne for his family: He was always
after the throne whose frustration and greed led to the fall of
the dynasty. Vidura, in past, suggested to make Pandu the king
because of Dhritarashtra’s blindness. That time Dhritarashtra
saw the throne slipping out of his hand and he became bitter at
the result. He conceded the crown, but this later resulted in
protectiveness for his crown which he had gained in his later
life.
Wanted to name his son the king even after he was not
worthy: Dhritarashtra became Pandu’s heir and ruled
Hastinapur when he was not present. After Pandu’s death, he
became the de facto king. When his sons were born, he favored
his eldest son Duryodhana to be his heir. But when Pandu’s
family came, he again saw the history repeating itself and the
crown again slipping away. He wanted his son to be the next
king. But the Brahmin council, Vidura and Bhishma pressurized
him to declare Yudhisthira to be the next king due to his
merits. Keeping the grudge within himself, he agreed.
Gave ruined piece of land to Pandavas in the name of
property sharing: After the ‘Lakshagriha’ incident, he was
quick to crown Duryodhana his heir. When Pandavas revealed
that they survived, Duryodhana refused to concede the throne.
Dhritarashtra didn’t want his son to concede the throne. He
couldn’t force him to give up the claim. He split the kingdom
into two part and gave Hastinapur to Kauravas and
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Khandavprasta to Pandavas. He intentionally gave
Khandavprastha to Pandavas because it was a ruined land
surrounded by forest ‘Khandav’. This shows his utmost
partiality towards his sons.
Remained silent when Draupadi was disrobed in
assembly hall in front of everybody: When Draupadi was
disrobed in the assembly hall in front of everybody, people like
Dronacharya, Bhishma, Vidura, etc were mute spectator even
though they were against it. That is because of their obligations
towards the throne of Hastinapur. Bhishma took oath to be
loyal to the throne, so he couldn’t stop this forcefully.
Dronacharya was employee of imperial family so he was
obliged to the throne, too. Same issue was with Vidura. The
only person who could have done something was Dhritarashtra.
Duryodhana was not the king. He was Yuvraaj (crowned
prince). That means only Dhritarashtra had more authority and
power than Duryodhana. He could have protested against the
crowned prince, but he didn’t.
He showed his selfishness when Draupadi was to curse
Kuru vansh: As already said above, Dhritarashtra didn’t
intervene when Draupadi was disrobed. But when Draupadi was
about to curse the Kuru Vansh, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari
were quick to ask her not to curse them.
He didn’t intervene against his son’s misdeeds but holds
grudge against people who fought for their right: In the
entire Mahabharata, Dhritarashrta never advised his son to
walk on the path of dharma. It was his inability to guide his son
which led into the Kurukshetra war. When Pandavas emerged
victorious and all his sons were slain by Bheema, only then he
got the time to act and decided to take revenge for the death
of his evil sons. He tried to crush Bheema with his bare hands,
but thanks to Krishna who switched Bheema with an iron
model.
Dhritarashtra is indeed the worst character in Mahabharata, not
because of his inability but because of his lack of will to stand for
good cause.
35)Who is the most interesting character in the

Mahabharata?
Without a doubt, Sahadev.
119
I can already imagine your eyebrows’ rising altitude. But hold on.
Sahadev, the son of Madri and King Pandu.(Not biologically

though) is one of the most underrated yet fascinating characters in
Mahabharath.
Great warrior he was: Sahadev was the master of sword. The

very reason he was chosen by Yudhishtir to conquer the Southern
lands was his sheer skill in sword fighting as southerners were
great with sword. But hands down, our hero has conquered the
southern lands and did his part for Rajasuya Yagam.
Honesty was his garment: While Shakuni sent Duryodhan to

Sahadev for knowing the virtuous time for the start of Kurukshetra
battle, though they were the rivals and were on the other side of
the battle, he disclosed the right auspicious time to Duryodhana.
Chief Intelligence Officer: If there is one thing that only

Sahadev could pull off, that was this. He was the master of
disguise. After 12 years of exile in forest, 1 year was supposed to
be spent in disguise by Pandavas and Draupadi. If found in this
period, they would have to redo the entire exile. When 12th year
was about to end, it was Sahadev who carved out master plan that
they would stay in Magadha village and chose a role according to
personality of each of his brothers and guided them along the way.
He would sniff the danger and had great sense of spies around
him. He would find the spies before they would find him. If not for
Sahadev, Pandavas would never have completed their exile.
A Man of his word: Sahadev pledged to kill Shakuni, who laid the

foundation stone of what called as most destructive war this planet
has ever seen”Kurukshetra”. He kept his word by killing Shakuni
on 18th day of battle.
Our childhood stories and plays on the TV channels had little to

say about him. or they were trying too hard to sell valour of Arjuna
and Karna.
36) What are the famous characters in Mahabharata who

didn't keep their word?
(1) Shantanu broke his promise never to question Ganga

(2) Drupad when he refused to share his kingdom with
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Dronacharya
(3) Krishna when he lifted to attack Bhishma with a wheel in the
war-- he had promised not to take up arms.
(4) The court of Hastinapur did not return the kingdom of the
Pandavas after the completion of their exile.
Also there are several instances of betrayal or dereliction of duty
or abuse of individual's generosity or exploitation of their
generosity but these are different issues
Yes, both sides broke many rules in course of the Battle-- but
these were violation of the rules.
Yudhisthir lied to Drona regarding the death of Aswathama -- he
said what he said with the intention of deceiving Drona and did so
consciously
37)Who were Subhadra's parents?
Subhadra was Balram's own and Krishna's half sister. Her father
was Vasudev and mother was Rohini. She was 22 years younger
than Krishna.
श्रीकृष्ण के जीवन के अनजाने , आश्चर्जनक एवं दुर्लभ

तथ्य https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/nepal/hindi/hindnews24x7-epaper-
hindnews/shrikrishn+ke+jivan+ke+anajane+aashcharjanak+ev+durlabh+tathy-newsid-102937303
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4oKUmpnE2I
38)Were Arjun and Subhadra cousins? If so, how was their

marriage possible?
or the first part of your question:

Shoorasena was the father of vasudeva (Krishna's father) and
Prta(later named Kunti when she was given in adoption to King
Kuntibhoja as he was childless).
So Vasudeva and Kunti are siblings. Hence Krishna and Arjuna are
cousins. By that logic, Subhadhra and Arjuna were also cousins.
Now to second part of your question.

In our tradition, one is allowed to marry his/her cousin if: the
cousin is your father's sister's child or mother's brother's child.
121
Marriage between children of 2 brothers are not permitted as that
would be marriage within the same "family" (some may call it
gothra, but gothra goes beyond the family line).
Once a girl is married, she starts carrying the husband's family

line. So Marriage between children of 2 sisters was also not
allowed as the sisters can marry into one family lineage.
Hence the only allowed combination was between children of a

brother and sister.
By this logic, Arjuna was eligible to marry Subhadhra.
39)What is the birth story of Subhadra Krishna's sister?

Subhadra’s character is chronicled in the Hari-Vamsam, Srimad-
Bhagavatam and the Mahabharata with some abberations.
SrimadBhagavatam: (SB: 10.2.6–7)
To protect the Yadus, His personal devotees, from Kaṁsa’s attack,

the Personality of Godhead, Viśvātmā, the Supreme Soul of
everyone, ordered Yoga-māyā as follows:
O My potency, who are worshipable for the entire world and whose
nature is to bestow good fortune upon all living entities, go to
Vraja, where there live many cowherd men and their wives. In that
very beautiful land, where many cows reside, Rohiṇī, the wife of
Vasudeva, is living at the home of Nanda Mahārāja. Other wives of
Vasudeva are also living there incognito because of fear of Kaṁsa.
Please go there.
(SB: 10.2.8–10)
Krishna further directs transfer of Blabhadra (Sankarshana), from

the womb of Devaki to that of Rohini (Vasudeva s first wife).
In the Bhagavatam, a daughter was born to Nanda and Yasoda

(indeed Yogamaya) but she is never directly referred as Subhadra.
SB 10.2.7
gaccha devi vrajam bhadre gopa-gobhir alankrtam

rohini vasudevasya bharyaste nanda-gokule
anyas ca kamsa-samvigna vivaresu vasanti hi
The word bhadra In sanskrit means auspicious.

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In SB 10.2.11
Krsna says his Yogamaya will be known as Durga, Bhadra-Kali,

Vijaya, Vaisnavi, etc, but Subhadra misses a mention there.
However,
In the Harivamsa (1.35.5–6)
lebhe jyestham sutam ramam saranam satham eva ca

durdamam damanam svabhram pindarakam usinaram
citram nama kumarim cha rohini tanaya dasa

citra subhadra iti punar-vikhyata kuru-nandana
Vasudeva begot his eldest son Rama (Balarama) in Rohini; and

their other sons are: Sarana, Satha, Durdama, Damana, Svabhra,
Pindaraka, and Usinara; O descendant of Kuru, they also had a
daughter by the name of Citra, who is renowned by the name of
Subhadra.
In the Mahabharata: (Adi-parva 221.17)
mamaisa bhagini partha saranasya sahodara

yadi te vartate buddhirvaksysmi pitaram svayam
This is my sister, O Partha, and born of the same mother as

Sarana (this refers to Rohini, the mother of Sarana). May you be
blessed. Her name is Bhadra and she is the favorite daughter of
my father.
What can be deduced from the above is that Subhadra was an

amsa of Krsna (The Mahamaya of the supreme godhead)
manifested as yogamaya (inner spiritual force) into the womb of
Rohini.
Yogamaya has 16 different expansions. Subhadra is one amongst

the 16. In the Goudiya Sampradaya she is revered as a supreme
manifestation in various forms:
As a Bhakti Swarupa when she is in gokula. (A personification of

pure loving devotion towards her brothers Krsna and Balarama)
and as Yogamaya in Mathura where she chastises Kamsa.
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With so much skepticism, hatred and agnostic beliefs around
where opinions are made in a flash of a second, I try to build my
answers around the scriptures so that there is ground and
substance to the deductions made from the slokas. If there is any
point/reference which the reader(s) find(s) debatable, feel free to
post with valid backing. Healthy debate is welcome.
Hinduism is an ocean. One life is not sufficient to encompass it and

comprehend its depth.
40)How was Subhadra, on the advice from Krishna, able to

trick Draupadi into sharing the household at Indraprastha?
it is written that after Arjun came to Indraprastha, he came to

Draupadi's chamber, who asked him to go back to Subhadra "out
of jealousy".
However, it was found out that, the Sanskrit word used here was
"Pranayaat", which means "love", and not jealousy. KMG had
misinterpreted it. Even in BORI's Critical Edition, it is "Draupadi
asked Arjun to go to Subhadra's chamber out of love", and not
jealousy. It kind of means "Go to her.....she is your new
wife.....spend some time with her." That also explains her quick
acceptance of Subhadra.
I mean....come on.....A woman doesn't burn in jealousy at her
husband's marriage, and the moment she sees her sautan, she
starts playing "Ringa Ringa Roses" with her. Coz, metaphorically,
that is exactly what Draupadi does.
Now, coming to all this tricking story.....well let me clear one
thing. There is this common MISCONCEPTION, that Draupadi
kicked out other wives of the Pandavas from Indraprastha. That is
not true. I know several blogs say so.....but unfortunately the epic
doesn't.
There is NO mention of Draupadi asking other wives to stay out. I
have two reasons for which I am saying this:
1.) When the Pandavas went to exile, it is said that the other wives
also went back to their father's place. Subhadra and princess of
Chedi(Nakul's wife) are mentioned. So, how can they go back, if
they didn't stay there already?
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2.) After war, all wives come to stay at Hastinapur......If she didn't
have problem then, then why would she have problem before?
3.) It is not mentioned anywhere that she didn't let her other co-
wives stay at Indraprastha.
Ulupi and Hidimba were not welcome because of social norms, and
Chitrangada didn't come because she had her son to look after,
who would be the King of Manipur later.
So, the bottom line is, Subhadra DID NOT trick anyone. Lord
Krishna teaching her tricks is one of those modern interpretations.
She stayed bcoz it was her right to stay at Indraprastha, as she
was Arjun's wife. She submitted herself to Draupadi, maybe bcoz
Draupadi was older, or bcoz she was the Empress. Being the eldest
Kuru wife, and the Empress, she was the most powerful woman in
the household, and it was more like a formality. Draupadi accepted
Subhadra gracefully, and embraced her like a sister. We dont get
any "sautan" like vibe from either. Later on, they are found having
fun together and drinking wine, during Khadavdahan.....And even
Abhimanyu is often described as the "Son of Krishnaa" in
places.....
So, all these hostility stories, and Arjun being partial to Subhadra
and Draupadi being jealous of her are interpretation of modern
authors, which make for juicy novels. Well, as we know a lot of
additions were made to the Mahabharata subsequently. This over
-dramatisation of Subhadra and Draupadi relation is probably one
of them.
The marriage of Subhadra to Arjuna cemented the mutuality of
strategic commitment and partnership between the Pandavas and
Yadavas.
Draupadi married the five Pandavas despite only Arjun winning her
-- we are told this happened because Mother Kunti wanted it -- but
if we analyse this a bit in detail-- A marriage of Draupadi to Arjuna
would have by itself served no purpose-- because Arjun was a
distinct third in line to be King. However, if Draupadi married all
the five brothers, she would have been First in line to be Queen as
she would be Yudhisthir's first wife.
Draupadi was intelligent and understood Politics and Strategy
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well--accepting Subhadra furthered her position because
(1) it did not in anyway challenge her superior position and right to
be Queen
(2) it preserved the cordiality of relationship between Krishna and
herself.
(3) as Subhadra was a niece of Queen Kunti and had some
existing bonding with the Pandavas -- her consent put to rest any
possible challenge to her role and preserved her high ground.
41)How did Subhadra die in Mahabharat?
Subhadra was the sister of Lord Krishna and chaste wife of Arjuna
in Dwapara Yuga. It is said that after completing Mahabharata
war, Lord Sri Krishna asked his dear disciple Arjuna to take
Subadhra near the river and pushed into deep water. Arjuna was
utmost surprised at such a order of Lord. But Sri Krishna said him
to follow what he ordered. Arjuna followed the words of Sri Krishna
and pushed Subhadhra his wife into deep water and back without
turning back. Subadhra turned into a woman demon in the water
and she passed away and turned like a huge demon. (There are
many untold stories of Hindu epics.)
The story behind Subadhra birth in Sri Krishna

relations- Subhadhra was Trijata in her last birth in Treta
yuga. She was a demon Trijata woman in Raavan kingdom,
who had helped Mata Sita at Raavan Ashoka Van. As a result
of her past good deeds of Treta Yug, subhadra was born in a close
familial relationship to the Lord Krishna.
When Raavan was killed and Mata Sita was freed, and Bibhishan
was coronated at the throne of Lanka by Lakshman ji at the order
of Lord Sri Ram, Mata Sita came near Lord and told about Trijata a
demon daughter of Bibhishan. Knowing the facts of Trijata, Lord
Sri Ram was utmost pleased and asked Trijata for Vardaan.
Trijata said that if he (Lord) was pleased with her, she
wanted to be blessed her close relations with him(Lord Sri
Ram). Lord Sri Ram smiled and looked at Trijata and
immediately blessed Trijata and said that she would be his
close relative. When Trijata asked Lord Ram what was her relation
with him?. Lord Said that she would be his sister in his next Avtar
of Sri Krishna in the end of Dwapar Yug.
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Such was the ending story of Subadhara and her past birth story
and links with Lord Maha Vishnu ( Sri Ram), which allowed her as
Sister of Lord Sri Ram (Sri Krishna) in Dwapar Yug. /Jai Sri Ram/
42)How did Krishna and Balarama came to know that

Subhadra was their sister?
Vasudeva had two wives- Devaki and Rohini.
Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devaki.
Balarama was born to Vasudeva and Rohini. ( Even though he

was form from Devaki’s womb, later transferred to Rohini’s womb
by Yoga Maya )
Subhadra was born to Vasudeva and Rohini.
She was very younger than Lord Krishna and Balarama.
Lord Krishna and Balarama normally knew when she was

born since she was born after the death of Kamsa. ( Correct
me if I am wrong )
Subhadra married Arjuna later.
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||Jai Shri Ram||Jai Shri Ram||Jai Shri Ram||
43) If Draupadi's hair was said to be golden, was she a

blonde?
Draupadi being blonde is described in Bheel Mahabharat. Not

Vyasa’s Mahabharat.
In Vyasa’s epic, Draupadi’s hair is described as:
“Neelkunchita Murdhaja” —- meaning blue, dark curly hair.
Blue probably denotes dark, just Lord Krishna and Lord Rama are
depicted as “blue” in paintings bcoz, they were dark.
44)How would one explain the endless Saree (Robe) of

Draupadi?
Mahabharata is an epic transmitted orally for various generations
even before it was compiled in written form. It is like a novel that
is a combination of various different stories that have a moral and
social messages and are combined into a larger story of epic
proportions. Some of it might be true stories, however, it cannot
be denied that when anything is transmitted in an oral form, the
meaning changes significantly based on the number of mouths it
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went through. It is believed that though Suyodhana(now widely
known as Duryodhana because of a preconceived notion of his
being a bad person) was a secular and non-religious prince who
saw Pandava's as trying to keep the world in ignorance by
dictating the rules of the society as described by Vedas. The point
here is that a king loses his birth right due to a physical disability
to his younger brother, then who will inherit the kingdom after
these brothers. The point that the Pandavas were not biological
children of the younger brother is covered by an argument that
says, "The crop belongs to the one who owns the field, even if it is
sowed by another person" makes things even more complicated.
The acts of the characters have been described in a twisted way at

many places like Drona asking for the right thumb of Eklavya(He is
believed to be left handed, so cutting right thumb will make it
impossible for him to hold the bow) and marriage of Krishna's
sister to Arjuna, even when she was engaged to Suyodhana.
Suyodhana and Subhadra were engaged after a long period of
courtship and Mahabharata also makes it clear that they also had a
romantic relation. Things changed when Suyodhana decided to
help Karna, believed to be a lowly Suta(Charioteer), when he
challenges the edicts of the shastras by challenging the Pandava
princes to prove their worth based on the abilities. It is believed
that this was not liked by Krishna and he decided to break the
engagement even at the cost of angering his elder brother,
Balaram. Arjuna married Subhadra using another trick from
Shastra that a women kidnapped becomes a wife of the
kidnapper(though it is believed that Subhadra herself gave this
idea to Krishna and Arjuna.)
It is widely known that Karna was a generous person and Krishna

also tricked him of his armour(that was gifted to him by the king
of a Southern Kingdom who worshiped Sun as their god) which
was believed to be the best that has ever existed.
If you go through the true text of Mahabharata, you will find many
references of Suyodhana, Ashwatthama, Karna, and other brothers
and friends helping poor and needy regularly and being famous for
their kindness. One instance where Drona asks what the pupils see
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when told to look for a bird on the tree, Suyodhana answers, "I
see the beauty of life." These instances also show the
compassionate nature of Suyodhana.
The only way to prove that Pandavas and Krishna were right was
to make them equal to God, thereby removing any chance of their
acts being un-ethical.
It is not difficult to see that Bhima was a bully but Pandavas being
the favourites of Dronacharya, the way of perceiving the acts of
children mostly left Suyodhana and his brothers in a tight spot.
The most clear example of this is that Bhima did not change his
behaviour even after Suyodhana was killed and it was his taunts
that led Dhritarashtra and Gandhari to leave for the jungles where
they died in a fire. It is believed that Kunti was also fed up of
being embarrassed by these acts of Bhima and she also left for
jungle with the blind King and his Queen.
The acts like the Sari of Sita are all the tools that are used to
accord the status of a Godly being to Krishna and make it
impossible to question their actions even when the way they
fought was believed to be a cowardly way of battle.
45)Why did Sadhus ask Draupadi for alms in Mahabharata

although she never bore kids untll then?
She didnt know that "Sadhus only accept alms from women
who have conceived atleast one child"
During Vanvaasa, Krishna helps Pandavas against the anger of

Durvasa Muni,
Duryodhana after giving hospitality to Durvasa Muni and his 10

thousand disciples conspired to get rid of pandavas, hence when
Durvasa Muni wanted to give a boon to Duryodhana, the latter
says he didn't want anything except for the fact that his brothers,
the Pandavas didnt get the opportunity to be of service, and
requested Durvasa Muni to visit them, but only after Draupadi
finished her meal, Draupadi had an akshay patra utensil which
could produce any amount of food for the day except when
Draupadi finished her meals thats when the patra stopped
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producing meals, Duryodhana knew this secret and hence
requested Durvasa Muni to visit only after Draupadi finished her
meal,
Durvasa Muni agreed to it and did exactly the same, the Muni told
the Pandavas that they would come for the meals after their bath
when the Pandavas requested Draupadi to prepare the meal, she

expressed the situation to them and prayed to Lord Krishna for
help, because of which Krishna comes at their doorstep and after a
stint of prank he plays on Draupadi, he requests her to bring the
patra in which a part of the leafy vegetable was remaining, when
Krishna partakes that, all the Disciples and Durvasa Muni start
burping in the lake, sensing a dharma-sankat Durvasa Muni
decides not to visit the Pandavas after the bath and takes another
route, but Krishna sends Bheema to bring Durvasa Muni for the
meals, Durvasa Muni feeling trapped blesses the Pandavas with
the destruction of their enemies
46) Was Draupadi in love with Karna in Mahabharata

(Hindu epic)?
The short and simple answer is: No Draupadi was not in love with
Karna.
Part 1 - Relevant background of the Mahabharatha to

answer the question:
Sec 1 - Marriage of Draupadi
Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas was a complex situation. She

was won by Arjun whom she loved (Yuddhishthira stated that she
loved Arjuna most of all). However owing to her past and Kunti’s
inadvertent order she got married to all five Pandavas. There is no
episode in the Mahabharatha that elucidates her exact feelings on
the matter.
Draupadi, born an adult from a yajna, was apprised of Drupad’s

intentions and told of stories of Arjuna. Even then she had begun
to nurse an affection for a hero who was famous for his virtuosity
throughout the lands. Nothing in the Mahabharatha suggests that
this love ever waned or wavered.
Karna, along with many other heroes of the epic, had gone to
participate in the Swayamvar of Draupadi. All they knew about her
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was that she was a beauty like never seen before and the princess
of a powerful Kingdom. What Karna’s intentions were in
participating in the Swayamvar - I cannot say. Did he want to wed
the most beautiful lady of the land? Was he looking to enter into a
matrimonial alliance with the Kingdom of Panchal? Did he wish to
showcase his archery skills to an audience composed of royalty
and earn acclaim? We have little evidence to comment but I would
personally favor a combination of all three factors with the last
being the dominant one (after all, Karna was already married and
his power was secured by Hastinapur).
However, Karna was prohibited from participating by Draupadi

herself. Her companion told her that Karna was an excellent archer
himself and might well win the competition. Draupadi called into
question Karna’s lineage and claimed that she was of higher birth
and would not be wedded to a Soota Putra.
Imagine being Karna here - he had constantly felt that he was

highborn but without evidence to prove it he had been denied
entry to the elite club. Those denying him had felt justified as they
regarded him of lower birth - unequal to the royalty. Karna himself
never made a case for himself on his merit but instead based his
actions on his belief that he was of royal descent (the Kavacha and
Kundala strengthened this belief; he said it on multiple occasions
most notably when Kunti told him the truth). Duryodhana made
him King and he felt that he had finally obtained what was his by
birth (stress here on birth) only to realize that a highborn princess
could still reject him. As would be shown later, he did not take it
well at all.
As for Draupadi, this entire Swayamvar exercise was in fact a ploy

to draw out the Pandavas (and especially Arjun), who at this time
were in hiding after the Lakshagriha conspiracy. Krishna had been
actively involved and Draupadi had begun to nurse an affection for
Arjuna by hearing Krishna speak of him with love and respect
both. When Karna threatened to spoil the ‘Young Lady’s’ plans (I
have purposely chosen that description to convey how she might
have been feeling) she acted, probably in haste but, definitely
without much thought.
Sec 2 - The Assault on Draupadi
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We fast forward to these heart-wrenching scenes. She was
dragged by the hair from her personal chamber by Dushahsana.
Duryodhana made lewd gestures to her to sit on her lap. Karna
reminded her that she was a whore as she slept with five men.
And finally Dushahsana decided that she was undeserving of
clothes and must be relieved of them immediately. During the
entire episode the Kauravas and Karna only laughed and jeered.
There is no confusion with regards to the scenes here - the gang

was lost in lust and completely deluded with the power they had so
easily obtained over the proud Pandavas and their Queen. Their
plan had worked - and the proud Draupadi had it a long time
coming to her.
Sec 3 - The War
In the end Draupadi was the one who was vehemently opposed to
any peace. She had confronted Krishna when he was to be the
emissary of the Pandavas with the illogically modest request of five
villages for the Pandavas for peace. If such behavior suggests
anything then it is that she had not forgotten her insult.
Part 2 - Why would someone suggest that Draupadi was in

love with Karna
The Karna apologists
Karna is an important character of the Mahabharata. People often

assume that Karna was wronged throughout his life because of his
lower birth in spite of being meritorious. However the fundamental
problem is that Karna, except for having loads of anguish and
emotional insecurities, does not make for a character who can be
immortalized as a hero. But what if there were a secret love
between him and the ‘best girl in town’ (as disgusting as this
description of Draupadi is, it seems to be the way this band of
Karna followers thinks)?
To this effect loads of editions of the Mahabharatha have sprung

which have perpetuated several myths - one of them being that
Karna and Draupadi had a secret love (platonic or sexual is
debated within the group).
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This is false and disingenuous. Draupadi did not love Karna. Karna
did not love Draupadi. Both the characters are wronged by this
suggestion.
.47) Why Draupadi was also known as 'Agnijyotsna'?
Drupada, son of the king Prishata, and Drona studied together

under the tutelage of Rishi Bhardwaja, Drona's father. They
became great friends and Drupada assured Drona that once he
became a king, he would share half of his kingdom with him. While
Drupada became a king after the death of his father, Drona lived a
life of poverty. Unable to feed his son, Drona approached Drupada
for help. Drupada, now conscious of the difference of status
between them, refused to acknowledge Drona's friendship and
shunned Drona calling him a beggar. Drona was later employed by
Bhisma to train the sons of Pandu and Dhritarashtra. After the
military education of the Kauravas and the Pandavas ended, as his
gurudakshina (honorarium), Drona asked the princes to defeat and
capture Drupada. The Pandavas, led by Arjuna, defeated Drupada,
bound him in ropes and brought him to Drona. Drona set Drupada
free, but retained half of the kingdom that had been promised to
him. Humiliated Drupada sought vengeance against Drona, but he
realized that he could not match Drona's might. So, Drupada
performed a great yajna (vedic ritual of fire sacrifice) to
beget a son who could slay Drona. From the fire of the
yajna, twins Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi were
born. Draupadi emerged as a beautiful dark-skinned young
woman together after her sibling Dhrishtadyumna from
the sacrificial fire, that's why she was called Agni
Jyotsna.She was named Kṛṣṇā for her dark complexion, though
she is better known as Draupadī "daughter of Drupada". Years
later, in the Mahabharata war, Dhrishtadyumna beheaded Drona.
48)Do you think Draupadi was the main reason of

Mahabharata?
, NO - Draupadi was not the sole reason for Mahabharata but she
deifintely was the most significant personalities who made the war
happen.
I am just a beginner in understanding the complexities of

Mahabharata but here are my thoughts..
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Many incidents lead to Mahabharata and Draupadi was just one of
them..
1. Satyavati's greed & Bhishma's vow: If not for her greed of

wanted her sons to rule the kingdom, Hastinapur would have had
the true family heir, thereby avoiding all conflicts.
Had he not taken the vow of brahmacharya, the actual Kuru
lineage would be ruling Hastinapura and Mahabharata would not
have existed.
2. Kunti's foolishness: If she did not give birth to Karna before

marriage or atleast if she did not leave him stranded, Karna would
not have become a reason for strength to Suyodhana's army.
Furthermore, she asked her sons to share Draupadi (though out of
ignorance) opening up a whole new box of ill treatments and
struggles for both her sons and her daughter-in law.
3. Dhritarashtra's misfortune and insecurities: If Dhritarashtra was

not blind then he would have been the king without debate and
hence, Pandu would never had a chance at throne. Also, if his sons
(Suyodhana and the rest) were born after the normal preganancy
period of 9 months instead of the 2 years then, for sure
Dhritarashtra's son would have been the righful heir to the throne.
Again, no struggle for the power with Pandavs.
Furthermore, if he was not so insecure about the future of his

son's, he would have been better at reprimanding them when
necessary and thereby avoid the mutual hatred.
4. Gandhari and Sakuni: If Sakuni and Gandhari did not have to

face troubles and terrible sacrifices due to Kuru Vansh, Sakuni
would not have contributed towards the great war.
5. Drupad's attitude: If he did not insult Drona or even if he did

not aim to destroy Drona, again Draupadi would not have been
born.
6. Dronacharya's rigid vengeance: If Drona had a big heart and

forgave Drupad for his misdeed, Drupad would not have conducted
the yagna to satisfy his payback with Drona (Draupadi was born
from this yagna and one of her life's puposes was Drona's and
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Kuru vansh's death).
7. Maya sabha: If Suyodhana was not insulted / believed he was

insulted in Maya sabha things would not have gone so bad. Also, if
he could control his jealousy over Pandavs prosperity he would not
have agreed to Dyuth sabha.
8. Dyuth Sabha: Here, Sakuni-Suyodhana-Karna and Dhritarashra

all did a grave mistake. If the deceiving dyuth sabha was not
organized, Draupadi would not have been insulted.
9. Yudhishtir's gamble: Staking his brothers and wife in a gamble

(even if the dharma at the time allowed it) was unacceptable just
because it is against morality to treat human beings like objects in
a market. (Ofcourse, Yudhishtiir is all gnani but I cannot
undersatnd this act). Also, all the other pandavas for not standing
up to his brother's mistake (except Bhima).
10. Suyodhana's pride and greed: Final act that sealed the deal for
the great war was Suyodhana's grave mistake of not accepting
Krishna's peace deal and giving the Pandavs 5 villages like they
proposed. Ofcourse, he knew Pandavas capability and he was sure
that they would win the whole country within no time thereby
putting him in jeopardy again.
And the actual reason, for the whole war other than the above
mentioned superficial/seem-to-be reasons were. Krishna's goal of
relieving the earth of all adharmis (kshatriyas too) for a better
tomorrow.
49) Draupadi had five sons with each of the Five Pandavas.
Questions is, How would anyone have known who is whose
son?
Its actually a very funny story
After kunti instructed arjun to share his prize among all brothers,
the major dilemma was how to execute this ....
They continued to share their wife (no disrespect) without a

pattern, with an understanding that the footwear to be placed
outside the house. Unfortunately for them one day yudistar
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happens to visit draupati, seeing no footwear outside he enters,
only to find her in bed with one of his brothers.
He yell at him reminding him to follow instructions of keeping

shoes outside to which he confirms to have placed it outside.
Both the brothers come out and to their surprise they see a stray
dog playing with the footwear. It is then that yudistar curses the
entire breed of dogs to have sex in public without any
understanding of monogamy
Devrishi narad sees this problem and suggest that each brother
stays with draupadi for a period of one year, with the eldest one
being the first one
This suggestion was practiced and she bore 5 sons

1 - Prativindhya
2 - Satsoma
3 - Shurtakirti
4 - Shatanika
5 - Shrutasena
They all were identical to their respective fathers. Once

Duryodhana tried to kill the pandavas in their sleep and ended up
killing the five sons because they looked just like their respective
father
50) What are some lesser known facts about Draupadi?
Draupadi’s curse on dogs is the reason why they copulate in

public.
All the five Pandavas loved Draupadi equally. It was a matter of

time before they develop jealousy and possessiveness.
Lord Krishna told the Pandavas the story of Tilotamma. She is an

Apsara who was sent by the Lord Indra to destroy the two Asura
brothers - Sunda and Upasunda.
“I will marry the strongest of you two” said Tilotamma. The

brothers fought for her. They were equally matched and hence
ended-up killing each other.
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Krishna told the Pandavas that if they do not want to end-up killing
each other as Sunda and Upasunda did, they must agree to
allow Draupadi to be exclusive to one brother a year at a
time. “The brother who enters Draupadi’s bedchamber out of turn
will go into exile for a year” said Krishna.
The Pandavas agreed to Krishna’s proposal. It was said

that before moving on to the next husband, she would walk
through fire and regain her virginity.
The Pandavas were allowed to marry other women to take away

their loneliness in the four years that they were deprived of
Draupadi’s company.
One day, cowherds sought the help of Arjuna as their cows were
being herded away by thieves. Arjuna went to the palace to collect
his bow. He looked everywhere but could not find it. Finally, he
decided to search in Draupadi’s bedchamber. When he entered,
he found her in the arms of Yudhishtira.
Since he had entered her bedchamber out of turn, Arjuna had to

go into exile for a year as punishment.
A Pandava would always leave his footwear outside Draupadi’s

bedchamber to let the other brothers know of his presence.
A dog stole Yudhishtira’s footwear and so Arjuna assumed that
Draupadi was alone. Draupadi, embarrassed, cursed the dog that
since its actions caused her intimate moments to be known to
another, all the dogs would copulate in public, stripped of all
shame.
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Source: Jaya - An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata
The untold love story of Draupadi & Bheema:
One wonders which of the 5 husbands loved Draupadi the most?

Was it best archer Arjuna, who won her hand in the Swayamvar?
Was it Yudhisthir? Was it the mighty Bheema, handsome Nakula or
the intelligent Sahadeva?
Draupadi and Arjuna were the most talked about a pair in the
Mahabharata. Arjuna won her hand, but she is married to all the 5
brothers. Arjuna was not happy that he has to share his wife with
all the brothers, so he finds peace with Subhadra, Krishna's sister.
He favored Subhadra which discomforts Draupadi. She always
favored Arjuna, the great archer. But Arjuna was busy in his
romantic ventures with Subhadra, Ulupi, Chitrangada. There were
no exceptions for other Pandavas to keep their wife with Draupadi,
however, Arjuna with Subhadra was an exception. While Arjuna
spent his most of the time in honing the archery skills and gaining
potent weapons. Nakul and Sahdev were not the decision makers.
The relationship between Yudhistira and Draupadi was more based
on the Dharma. There were some instances when Draupadi cared
for the elder brother and accepted his decisions.
Draupadi unknowingly ignored a man in her entire lifetime,

who loved her the most- Bheema.
Of all her husbands, he is the one who loved her the most. He
fulfilled her every request, he cannot bear to see her hurt.
• Bheema bought her flowers from Kuber's garden-
• He cried because his wife will have to serve as a maid to queen

Sudeshna.
• He killed 100 Kauravas to avenge the insult of Draupadi.
• He killed Keechak in Matsya kingdom when Keechak molested

Draupadi.
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• He punished Jaydrath and even wanted to kill him when Jaydrath
abducted Druapadi.
• He carried Draupadi in his arms because she can't walk in a

dense jungle.
When Draupadi wanted Keechak killed for molesting her,

Yudhisthir told her that it would expose their presence in Matsya
kingdom, and advises that killing would not be the right decision.
Bheema simply walks up to Keechak in the middle of the night and
kills him.
During the infamous dice game. Dussasana tried to disrobe her but
failed, because of Krishna. Bheema walks up to the center of the
court room and makes a vow "I, pavan putra Bheema, husband of
Panchali pledge that unless I drink the blood of Dushashana and
break Duryodhana's thigh, I will not show my face to my
ancestors"
Jayadratha, Duryodhana's brother in law, tried to abduct Draupadi

in the forest and she was rescued by Bheema. Bheema almost
killed Jayadratha but Draupadi said that he is the husband of
Dusshala, Duryodhana's sister and hence your sister too. Don't kill
him.
Bheema took a vow that he would kill all the 100 Kauravas. On the
14th day of the battle, he drinks blood from Dushashana's chest,
carries the blood and runs to Draupadi. He sprays that blood on
her hair and fulfills his pledge. Only after this, Draupadi ties her
hair after 15 long years.
Draupadi was the first to fall when Pandavas were on their final
journey to heaven. Soon after Draupadi, Arjuna, Bheema, Nakula
and Sahadeva followed. It is said that Bheema crawled up to
Draupadi and accompanied her while she was breathing her last.
Bheema had said - "O my queen, what can I do for you?"
140
Draupadi had replied -
"O my beloved husband Pavan Putra Bheema, you are the only
one who has given me all that a woman longs for. But I have been
ignorant towards you. I have been blind for Partha but you have
protected me every single time and repaid me for the
humiliation I had received. In our next birth, be the eldest."
She weeps and dies in the arms of Bheema.
Edit1: Sahil: pointed out 99 Kauravas were killed by Bheema.

Sethu : pointed out Bheema killed 100 Kauravas, as Yuyutsu was
101 son of Dhritrastra with a maid. Dhritrastra had total 102
children ( 100 sons +1 daughter from Gandhari) plus 1 son from a
maid.Yuyutsu fought war from Pandavas side and survived the
war.
Edit2: Few of the people have confusion with mention of the

exception in the marriage. It was a rule set by Pandavas, under
the guidance of Naradji, that no other wife of Pandavas will stay
together with Pandavas and Draupadi in their kingdom or
elsewhere. All Pandavas had other wives too. They were permitted
to marry, when they were not with Draupadi. Let say, if Draupadi
is with Yudhistira then other brothers can marry, however, they
cannot keep their wife with Pandavas and Draupadi. Subhadra
became only exception to it. Hope it clears the doubt.
In a hindsight, there are several lessons from our greatest epics,

and one short lesson can be learned from the story of Draupadi
and Bheema. We usually ignore the people, who love us the most,
it could be the spouse, parents, siblings.
51)How is the sexual life of Draupadi described in the

Mahabharata, and how was polyandry perceived during that
period?
In order to answer the question, we need to look at how the social

status of women was in those times. Draupadi and Kunti
(Pandvaas’ mother) both were from regions which were open
minded cultures, which respected women just as much as men. In
Paanchal, it was completely normal to have children before
marriage as they did not consider sex to be a taboo.
However in Kuru (Hastinapur) desh, the society was more
141
patriarchal and therefore even Kunti had to give away her first son
- Karna (born through Durvaas rishi) and hide the fact that she
had any son, before she was married to Pandu.
Anyway, coming back to Draupadi, she was certainly unlucky to be

married to five men at once for no fault of hers. In order to keep
the brotherly relations amicable, Paadvas had decided that they
will spend time Draupadi in cycles, one after another. Which
woman would really enjoy that?
The talk about Panch Kanya is bull shit. To say that Draupadi or
Sita became virgin again by passing through fire is a load of crap.
Simply because they were royals, we do not have to treat them as
virgins. In fact to do is to call every other woman who enjoys
sexual freedom, as impure. Sadly, people in Panchaal were far
more open minded than men from today’s society.
Yes, Draupadi had sex with five men and of course she did not
pass through fire. That is metaphorical. Draupadi was a strong
independent woman who had mental and physical strength to
support Paandavas through good and bad times. If you want to
blame someone, blame Paandavas for marrying her, not her, for
having sex with five men.
The real problem is people who treat sex as a taboo and to cover
up their low sickening mentality, they talk about women entering
the fire and coming out pure. Virginity and Purity are NOT
synonyms.
There is one book by name “Draupadi” written in Telugu by Dr

Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad [Padmasree awardee This book
has detailed description of Draupadi sexual life. Obviously it is
criticized by many reviewers and claimed that this is just
fabrication than the actual mythology. I can’t explain the entire
book but can add few points here
The book states that Draupadi in her previous birth did not have a
proper sexual life and will get a boon from some Rishi saying that
in her next birth she will have multiple spouses with whom all her
desires will be fulfilled
The common narrative in the book is how the pandavas are

longing for their year [once in 5 years] to spend with Draupadi to
142
come inspite of they having other wives or concubines. It shows
how much they relish the experience with Draupadi
Yadhistara Draupadi’s sexual life with Yadhistra is quite

mundane. Though Yadhistra always longed and found pleasure in
his relation with Draupadi. For Draupadi this relation is more like
male dominant as Yadhistra is not as pious as he projects himself
and is unable to understand Draupadi properly. During her 1st
encounter with Yadhistra she even gets hurt by his rough sex
Bheema: After spending the night with Yadhistara the next night

will be with Bheema. Initially Draupadi gets scared because
Bheema is very strong in comparision to Yadhistara and how this
encounter will be. But in contrast to what she feared she finds
Bheema as very loving and understanding person who gives
respect to her preferences in sex
Arjuna: Draupadi’s favorite husband is Arjuna and she shares a

very romantic and loving relation with Arjuna and she in fact gets
jealous when Arjuna takes other wives like Subadhra. Once
Draupadi asks Arjuna if he likes Krishna more than her. Then
Arjuna evades the answer by saying that he loves both of them a
lot though in a different way
Nakul and Sahadev: Her relation with Nakul and Sahadev is

more like a mentor who teaches them the art of having good sex
and they love Draupadi and tries to make her feel happy during
their sexual encounters
Apart from this the books also describes the relation between
Krishna and Draupadi [whose other name is also Krishna] though
platonic as having a great physical attraction.
In one of the chapters Draupadi gets angry on Krishna for getting

his sister Subadhra married to Arjuna. For that Krishna gives an
explanation saying that he in fact got Subadhra married to Arjuna
so that in the pretext of seeing Subadhra he can visit Hastinapur
often and meet Draupadi (this shows the attraction Krishna and
Draupadi shared)
Subadhra is also jealous of Draupadi as Arjuna’s favorite wife is

Draupadi and not Subadhra.
143
In one chapter even Sathyabama wants to know what is the secret
that Draupadi’s husbands are so much attracted to Draupadi. since
even in a monogamous relations men often lookout for other
affairs or maintain a harem but inspite of Draupadi in a polyandry
relation with her Husbands all the five of them always are utmost
attracted to Draupadi and are always longing to meet her. They
are always around her like bees around the hive
At many places in the book Draupadi’s beauty is explained with

description of her looks and various body parts like her bosom,
midriff, hair, neck, skin tone and colour etc. The sexual life is also
described to a certain extent and the fantasies of Draupadi and
pandavas are also touched upon.
The common occurrence touched upon often is “How one of the

pandavas is resting his face in her bosom”.
When Draupadi and Pandavas go to Virat Kings palace in disguise

the books describes how awestruck people in Virat Kingdom gets
seeing Draupadi’s beauty and writes that it is natural that Kichaka
got attracted to such great beauty. The book describes that by
that time Draupadi though have aged still looks very beautiful and
young as ever
Also the book say that During the Draupadi vastrabharna scene
many people gets excited to see the beauty of Draupadi and even
Drutrastra blames himself for being blind and not able to see
Draupadi’s beauty
52)How intense was Draupadi's beauty?
Draupadi
She was called Parshati, Panchali, Draupadi, Shri, Yajnaseni; and,

also celebrated as Rajaputri, Satyavrata, Manasvini and
Yashasvini.
She sprang out of the sacrificial fire , resplendent and glowing as a

tower of blaze, full grown and in the bloom of her youth not
requiring the matrix of human womb.
144
She was fearless, endowed with a single-minded determination as
a piercing jet of flame. She lived with a fire burning in her soul, all
her life.
Description of her beauty
Even the sage Vyasa went into a rapture describing her

extraordinary beauty. It was the only time he described his
heroine in such detail.
Eye-ravishing Panchali, black and-half-smiling eyes, entrancing

and radiant with rather haughty glow... Soft eye-lashes.
Standing tall, with well formed swelling breasts; narrow waist
like the middle of the sacred Vedi; plantain-stalk like smooth,
round, firm shapely thighs; fingers and toes like champak
petals; the new-born moon like shining coppery carved nails;
palms and foot soles like fresh red lotuses.
Pearl like teeth; a playful smile that put the lightening to
shame. Like an image sculpted by the world’s most gifted
artist, neither short nor tall, neither dark nor pale;with
unblemished beauty of face and matching loveliness of graceful
figure.
Smooth-skinned fragrant like the lotus , with long wavy dark-
blue hair of serpentine loveliness , like the waves of the ocean
that could imprison the breeze into stillness; eyes like autumn-
lotus leaves.
Her unblemished beautiful sweat-bathed face is lovely, like the
blue lotus, like the jasmine; … She is extraordinarily
accomplished, soft-spoken and gentle…. the intoxicating blue-
lotus fragrance of her body delude even the bees.
In her presence the tree leaves stilled for a moment; and, the
fires flared but silently. She was a dream incarnated of gods
and men alike.
Source-
Mahabharata (Adi Parva169.44-46; Sabha 65.33-37
145
53)Did Draupadi sleep with all five Pandavas in
Mahabharata? If so, how can we say that she was a woman
of good character?
A woman married to five men is called Polyandry.
Draupadi’s marriage with Pandavas were an example of fraternal

polyandry - marrying a husband and also his younger brothers.
Now we can raise following question against fraternal

polyandry -
It can spread sexual transmitted disease -

Definitely. But we are talking about a marriage which
probably happened 2000 - 3000 years back. At that time
science was not that much aware about STD. Society
develops with time.
At those days Men were allowed to have multiple wife -
polygyny. Even that also spreads STD.
So if you are blaming Draupadi for STD then you should
blame - Krishna, Arjuna, Karna, Bhima and many others for
same reason. All can be termed characterless.
As I told earlier - science was not developed that time and
we progress with time. Time changes our behaviors.
How can a woman be attached to multiple man - Isn’t
sign of cheating?
First place Draupadi didn’t asked five men to marry her.
It was taken due with a political purpose.
All five brothers therefore knew that they were going to
marry a woman. So there was nothing that was kept hidden
- it was not an extramarital affairs.
Every body knew it - Vyas, Kunti, Drupada, Narada all
knew it.
So question of cheating doesn’t arise.
Pandavas were married to Draupadi through formal
marriage.
Coming to the emotional attachment -
She fulfilled all her duties as wife to all her husbands.
She had one son from each husband.
Now one woman can’t feel physically attracted to five
men at same point of time at same place.
Forget women, no human can act like this.
146
Emotional building happens after staying together in over
the period.
It is possible that a woman can develop an emotional
bonding with five person after some point of stay but it
would vary a lot due to the characteristics of different
persons.
It is absurd to say Draupadi had feeling for Arjuna when
they saw each other first. We don’t see any proof that
she had any feeling for Arjuna at starting point.
There was no conversation reported in the story at that
point of time when they came back to potter house after
swayambar was finished.
It was in fact arranged marriage between Draupadi and
team Pandavas although Drupada wanted to give her
hand to Arjuna.
Now in arranged marriage husband and his brother both
were unknown to bride. Then how come bride starts
treating a person as husband and his brother as brother-
in-law?
It’s pure psychology since society tells the bride that
person is husband and his brother is your brother-in-law
and treat them as such. The all emotional bonding forms
from the way you start seeing them from beginning.
In case of Draupadi society was telling her to see all five
brothers as her husband.
I believe she agreed to marry five brother without any
question because she was asked to marry the all
Pandavas brothers by her elders and she did as her
elders told her.
Second - it is impossible to guess any possible future
problem in such marriage from beginning. No body was
god who could see Yudisthira was going to play dice with
his enemies and then going to stake her.
She might have judged immediate pros and cons and
acted on the situation. It depends on maturity level to
judge and act on situation. No body has perfect maturity
from beginning. People becomes mature when they
experience more and that helps them to take decisions
better. It applies to all people - even for Pandavas.
147
Draupadi can’t share same exact kind of emotional bonding
with all five brothers - it would vary according their own
persona and many other things.
Now before going to more details lets have look on the possible
desires or ambitions or expectations she can have from her
husbands -
Respect, Status, Protection, Maintenance and taste of
prosperity, friendship, companionship, Understanding of
feeling and fulfilling her physical and non-physical desires.
There can be more but this is some thing I can come up
with.
She had divided her expectation as wife among the five
husband (Yudisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and
Sahadeva).
Yudisthira was sole decision maker of Pandavas and
eldest of them. He was the master/lord of Pandavas.
He was also the king.
He was actually born to be the king and serve
Dharma/Justice to people.
That’s the reason Pandu and Kunti called God
Dharma to have their first son. A son like Dharma.
So Draupadi had given highest respect and right to him.
Draupadi was queen or empress because of her
marriage with Yuidsthira.
She had first son with Yudisthira.
She rescued him first in dice game with the first boon.
When Aswathamma’s gem was brought to her, she gave
it to Yudisthira and to tie it on his head.
In Yudisthira she had a husband who was a honest King.
But he prioritized following his version of Dharma over
his own wife, brothers’s welfare / benefits/ respects etc.
Bhima was the protector of Pandavas from beginning.
He can go any extent to protect his family.
Bhima was born to be the protectors of Pandavas.
That is why Kunti and Pandu called wind God to
have most powerful son. A son like Wind God.
Bhima was the most strongest among Pandavas and
touted to have strength of 10000 elephants
metaphorically. He was also very handsome.
He killed Vaka and Hidmba to protect his family. He
protected Pandavas from house of lac event.
148
He was a great wrestler. He fought and killed Kirmira
and Jatasura to protect Draupadi and Pandavas in front
of her.
Bhima had no fear of committing sin and can go any
extent to fulfill his vengeance.
Bhima killed Rakshsashas in Himalayan mountain and
also brought flowers on request of Draupadi to gratify or
please her.
Draupadi always got his support when she debated with
Yudisthira over right Dharma.
Draupadi chose him in order to punish Keechaka.
She shared her suffering as well as suffering of other
Pandavas to motivate him to kill keechaka in-spite of
Yudisthira giving order to keep silent.
Bhim killed Keechaka secretly and also rescued her from
upakeechakas by killing them.
Later he took vengeance against Dusshashna for
insulting/disrobing Draupadi.
He also broke the thigh of Duryodhana.
He was the one whom Draupadi asked to take revenge
against Aswathamma for killing her sons in night.
He never forgave Kouravas because they had insulted
Draupadi, even after war.
Bhima was very caring, loving and very protective for his
family.
When Hidimba attacked them, he was actually awake to
protect his family and his brothers and mother Kunti
were sleeping.
So he was also much protective about their wife
Draupadi and ready to go much extent to fulfill her wish
- Passion.
He also gave companionship and moral support to
Draupadi.
Draupadi found a husband in Bhima with whom she
could share pain and suffering of not only her but entire
family and ask any thing whether it is flower or
protection, who is passionate and protective for her,
with whom she can share special things such as
criticizing Yudisthira without any hesitation.
149
Arjuna was always the warrior who won the
kingdoms, fought battles, protected their kingdom,
winning riches and fame.
Arjuna was born to be the hero and that’s what
the reason Pandu and Kunti called Indra to have
their third son who would be a superior warrior. A
son like Indra - the chief of Gods.
Arjuna was skilled warrior and specially archer. His skill
with Gandiva was famous.
Arjuna won her hand by performing archery test in her
marriage ceremony and then protecting her with help
from Bhima from the Kings who wanted to kill her or her
father.
Arjuna was Draupadi’s pride for being such a great
warrior and winning such fame and riches.
Arjuna fought against Nagas, Gods, Rakshashas in
Khandava Forest and defeated them. Arjuna’s friendship
with Mayasura gave them Maya Palace. He did that in
front of Draupadi.
Arjuna went to northern direction in Digvijaya and
brought lots of riches.
Arjuna and Krishna treated her like friend and it was
visible in many occasion. It was said no one was allowed
to enter where Draupadi, Arjuna, Krishna and
Satybhama gossiping.
Arjuna and Krishna took Draupadi and Subhadra for
picnic / summer sports in Khandava forest where they
drank, sang ate and danced and spend good time
happily.
When Arjuna brought Subhadra, Draupadi was hurt.
Arjuna was given permission by Yuidsthira himself to
marry and bring Subhadra.
Men were allowed those days to marry many women and
there was no promise given by Arjuna that he won’t
marry or bring other wife.
Still he apologized, asked for forgiveness and sent
Subhadra as dressed in maid to tell her that Draupadi
would be still his highest priority.
No body ever even could touch Draupadi when Arjuna
was present with her. She herself spoke that even Indra
can’t abduct her if Arjuna was standing with his bow and
150
arrows. In presence of free Arjuna no one can touch his
families. They were by default protected by him.
But she was humiliated twice - when Arjuna was staked
and made slave by Yudisthira in dice game and second
time Arjuna had to act like eunuch Brihannalla to spend
1 year in disguise and had to stay in inner quarter
meant for women teaching singing and dancing to
Virata’s daughter. And that time his weapons including
Gandiva were kept outside Virata kingdom in sami tree.
Arjuna was charming, cheerful, attractive, tall, dark,
extremely handsome guy.
His presence could make the entire family happy and all
his family members were miserable when Arjuna went
out to learn divine weapons. So even Draupadi was
missing Arjuna.
All became very happy when Arjuna came back after
learning all weapons.
He gave all the jewelry that Indra gave him during
training to Draupadi.
He possibly gave her reason to be proud of, happiness,
prosperity, friendship etc.
When Virata was attacked by Kurus, Draupadi suggested
Uttara to make Vrihannalla as his charioteer.
He killed Karna in Kurushetra war when Krishna
reminded him how Karna insulted Draupadi.
In Arjuna she possibly found a husband for whom she
can be proud for winning fame, prosperity, riches and at
the same time who can make her happy, cheerful for as
he was attractive, handsome, youthful, cheerful,
charming and for whom family happiness was always
higher priority than his own personal happiness. But
even though he tried to make very one happy he
couldn’t make it happen - he couldn’t make either
Yudisthira or Draupadi or any one completely happy.
Arjuna had passion and love for Draupadi, but he used
to suppress his feeling. For example in front of Sanjaya,
it was Krishna who revealed that Arjuna was hugely hurt
by the words Karna spoke against Draupadi.
He was the one who carried Draupadi to Virata in his
arms when she got tired, he spoke about Draupadi’s
insult in Virata war, he spoke about that when Krishna
151
was going to peace mission, on 14th day he tried to kill
Duryodhana to take revenge for Draupadi and then how
can we say he was not passionate and didn’t loved
Draupadi enough!!!
May be he was not as outspoken as Bhima.
Arjuna had flaws - such as he had fear of committing
sin. He was forgiving and never wanted perform cruel
deeds.
He considered his elder brother as preceptor or lord and
never tried to cross and question him.
Similarly Draupadi’s equation with Nakula and
Sahadeva was very unique - she was caring and
loving as elder sister towards them.
Further one needs to study the role each one played in
order see how their relationships was shaped.
They were not middle class civilian persons either.
Yudisthira was King and decision maker, Draupadi was
queen and empress, Bhima was in next to King role -
Yuvaraaj or home ministry kind of, Arjuna was in defense -
Arjuna was in role of army chief who was raised army from
scratch and worked on protecting the kingdom, similarly
both Nakula and Sahadeva was also assigned with tasks.
So Draupadi’s relationship with her husbands were no
where close to modern day middle class husband - wife
relationship.
Think how a King/Emperor as husband and Queen/empress
as wife relationship (Yudisthira - Draupadi), Home Minister
as Husband and Queen/empress as wife (Bhima -
Draupadi), Army Chief as husband and Queen/empress as
wife (Arjuna - Draupadi) etc.
You might find here none of the relationships are perfectly
balanced in terms of status and respects.
Yudisthira being King as above all in terms of respect and
status and therefore heavily tilted towards Yudisthira.
There is none who was equal in terms of respect and status
in his family although Draupadi comes to a close second for
being empress or queen.
Bhima - Draupadi was more closer to a balanced
relationship but still it is tilted towards Draupadi. Bhima’s
role perfectly matched with he being the protector of family
152
and kind of home minister for kingdom makes him much
closer to family.
In case of Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva it was heavily tilted
towards Draupadi for her being the queen or empress.
Even though personally I find warrior hero Arjuna’s
relationship with a Queen / Empress Draupadi more
fascinating in terms of fantasy!!! But at same time he being
an outdoor person and always on the road in his maximum
time of life makes his relationship different kind than
Bhima’s relationship with Draupadi.
They are like secondary or serving husbands compared to
the position held by Yudisthira.
In fact even today if we compare relationship between a top
political person and his wife, a top level business man and
his wife, An army chief and his wife and a middle class
working husband with his wife or say vice versa where wife
is army chief, politician or business woman - all has Pros
and Cons and would look different from each other.
You can’t really compare one with another.
Role was mattered in the above relationships apart from
their age hierarchy, quality, weaknesses and characteristic
behaviors because they were in those assigned roles in 24 /
7 duties.
I am not saying this would affected their relationship in a
direct way as there is no indication given such as.
But overall such roles does takes toll in relationships and
atleast gives a shape to the expectations one can have from
others.
Therefore her relationships were very unique with all
her husbands.
It’s not right to compare one relationship with others and
say Draupadi loved one more than others.
We should never see man - woman relationship from only
sexual perspective. Physical relationship is part of over all
relationship and not the only criteria to judge.
Even today not all husband - wife relationships are
successful because they were physically attached to
each other.
It might possible that either husband or wife is not
physically attracted to counter part but still there is
emotional bonding which kept them together.
153
So her relationships with her husbands were very much
true to their own way and therefore sacred.
But husbands were not equal in capabilities and qualities.
So it will be wrong for her to have same expectation from
all her husband.
For example if a big Rakshasha attacks her and if she
ask Nakula to fight with him rather than Bhima, it could
be a injustice.
So Draupadi had unique relationship with her five husbands
and it was based on their qualities, weaknesses, their past
histories and overall characteristics, age hierarchy of being
elder and younger and also the role they played in
Kingdom.
She enjoyed the best qualities of all her five husbands and
she also tolerated and tried to find solution for even the
worst weaknesses of all her five husbands.
She didn’t left her husbands even after the humiliation
faced in dice game and constantly motivated them so that
they can restore the respect and dignity of their wife and
get back their lost kingdom and do justice.
She endured all hardships and visited all tirthas along with
her four husbands (Yudisthira, Bhima, Sahadeva and
Nakula) during their exile and that time Arjuna was in
heaven.
She even traveled to Himalaya so that they all can meet
Arjuna.
I don’t see any other woman characters who has done
so much of extensive travels.
She had always appreciated Yuidsthira’s knowledge over
Dharma and his over all goodness, Bhima’s physcal
strength, Arjuna’s archery skill and knowledge over
weapons, Nakula’s beauty and Sahadeva’s over all
intelligence and knowledge.
It’s possible that being a Kshatriya queen she was more
attached to Bhima and Arjuna’s battle skill.
Same time Draupadi had debated with Yuidsthira over
dharma when she disagreed with Yudisthira’s version of
dharma. It shows her own grip over dharma shatsras.
She had heavily criticized Bhima, Arjuna for failing to
protect her during dice game and went on to say fie on
Bhima’s strength on arm and Arjuna’ skill on Gandiva.
154
Remember she didn’t criticized Yudisthira, Nakula or
Sahadeva for failing protect her in dice game.
She asked specifically to Bhima and Arjuna to capture
Jayadratha and kill him since he tried to abduct her.
Later she did criticized Yudisthira for being addicted to
dice game in front of Bhima. But again she never
criticized Yudisthira in presence of his younger brothers
and thus keeping respect in front of his brothers.
It shows she was pretty clear in her expectation from each
one of her husbands.
She loved all her husbands and had shared emotional
bonding with all of them but each relationship was unique.
When Yudisthira said Draupadi had great partiality
towards Arjuna - he defined partiality from a perspective
which was based on Draupadi’s relationship with Arjuna.
In his opinion Draupadi should have treated all five brothers
the way she have treated Arjuna.
Probably Yudisthira wanted to be treated by Draupadi in
same way Draupadi treated Arjuna.
But as I gave example - Draupadi was pretty much
unique treating each of her husband and it was based on
their own capabilities, qualities, behaviors etc.
Draupadi never left Yudisthira. She gave gave first
opportunity have child with her to him.
She didn’t followed Arjuna when he was sent to exiles.
There were many things that Yudisthira had from
Draupadi and Arjuna didn’t. I mentioned it earlier.
It’s true that Draupadi asked Bhima to bring flowers for
her. But at the same time she already had one flower
which she gave to Yudisthira.
Arjuna was in fact majority of his life time on the road
and spent very less time with Draupadi compared to
other brothers (War, Initial exile, Digvijaya yatra, again
going away to learn weapon skill and then Aswamedha
sacrifice mission etc).
Draupadi didn’t loved any individual, she loved the team
Pandavas as a whole unit and she was pretty careful in
giving what each Pandava deserved to get in her
judgement.
Otherwise team would have fall apart if she really tried
to love one brother over other.
155
If the brothers really tried to compete over who loved
Draupadi most then again the same thing would have
happened.
The problem started after dice game when weaknesses
of each individual got exposed and that affected the
entire system of team Pandavas.
First Yudisthira played dice and then remained silent.
Then he tried to follow peaceful discourse and written
text and started disagreeing to Draupadi and that made
all brothers to follow him and not Draupadi as they
considered Yudisthira as their lord or master and their
his words or action is unquestioned or can’t be crossed.
In dice game or post dice game it was this issue that
caused the problems but Draupadi tolerated everything
and didn’t tried to incite brother against brother in order
to get justice.
She patiently waited till it come to the point when team
pandava themselves act.
I don’t see therefore any way we can call Draupadi
characterless just because she slept with five men.
It was completely misogynistic way to see any
relationship.
Same way many men character had multiple
wives. Do we call them characterless? No.
She was one of the most powerful, honest character and
respect to her!!!
Yes if the society disagrees with any form of Polygamy
(Polyandry and polygyny) then it would become a rule.
Back on those days there was no central religious
rules, constitution or authorities to tell what people
should do or not do.
The best source to know Draupadi is an authentic
unabridged translation of epic such as Bibek Debroy’s
translation on BORI edition.
54)When did Draupadi have her children? Where did the

children live when the Pandavas were in exile?
Dropadi had given birth to 5 children /sons ie one each from each
Pandava. After winning her in swayamwar all five pandavas had
decided to marry her in order to fulfill the wish of their mother
Kunti. As per advice of narad and Vyas it was agreed between
pandavas to live with her for one year to make bond between
156
them stronger. Therefore her first son was from Yudhishthir the
king of Indraprasth the eldest son of Kunti then the second from
Nakul the eldest son of madri ,then third from Bhim, fourth from
Arjun and then finally youngest son from Sahdev. Their names are
given below in order as they born from Pandavas
Prativindhy i.e. shrutvindhy
Shatanika
Shrutsom
Shrutsen
Shrutkarma
These all children born in Khandav prasth ie Indraprasth the newly
created kingdom for Pandavas had started their rule after division
of kuru kingdom by the orders of king Dhratrastra to have peace in
his family. This region was covered by dense forests but due to
efforts of Arjun and other pandavas the land turned to be fertile as
the fire god , varun god and devendra Indra were happy with the
services of pandavas and the area became prosperous soon with
the concerted efforts of lord Krishna. Their ancestors ie Yayati also
ruled from this place till the capital was shifted to Hastinapur.
These all children lived peacefully there in childhood.
Later on after successful completion of rajsuy yagna by King

Yudhishthir from prosperous newly kingdom of khandavprasth and
by subduing all powerful kings of Aryawarta and pandavas were
basking in the glory of chakraborty king. The kauravas and
shakuni have restless nights as the hard words of queen dropadi
were ringing in the ears of duryodhan and he was planning for
revenge. Accordingly Pandavas were invited by Duryodhan for
dyutkreeda /chausar at Hastinapur in disguise of political fest. It
was a ploy to cheat them and avenge the abusive words of
Dropadi for Duryodhan during Rajsuy yagna ie a son of blind is
blind too. In dyutkreeda shakuni played for Duryodhan and
Yudhisthir for pandavas as he was also a skilled player of that
game and finally he lost his all belongings even their right on
Dropadi and all pandavas became the slaves of Duryodhan. Here
Dropadi was disrobed and insulted by Dushashan on orders of
Duryodhan. Only vikarn the kaurav came forward for her and tried
to suspend the proceedings initiated by duryodhan and dushashan.
But he was not heard and snubbed by the evil minded kauravas.
She was abused by karna also and here some difficult promises
were also made by pandavas to kill kauravas at apt time , which
were not given importance by kauravas. Dropadi was in helpless
157
situation and so were pandavas . Finding herself lonely and
dejected ,she prayed god krishna for help and timely help was
extended by god on her request. Lateron this game of dices was
the main reason for great battle of mahabharat. Eventually the
pandavas were exiled from their kingdom with their main queen
Dropadi as a result of loss in the game of dices and forced to live
in forests for 12 years and one year in incognito.
In such situation king of Panchal Drupad the father of Dropadi had

taken care of sons of Dropadi. Dhrastdyumn the brother of Dropadi
arranged for their proper education and training in Panchal in
absence of Dropdi and Pandavas. He prepared them for ferocious
war as he assumed that war is eminent in between pandavas and
kauravas. After proper education all five brothers were turned to
be great warrior as per the traits of their respective father . All
sons ie these 5 brothers had participated in Mahabharata war and
were alive till final day. They fought bravely and defeated many
skilled warriors in war. They were killed in last night by
Ashvatthama while sleeping in their camp atvnight after end of war
and killing of Duryodhan by Bhim in mace battle. Ashvatthama
cheated all andvwith help of surviving kaurava army chiefs guru
kripa and kritvarma the yadav. When pandavas returned from
forest and seen the tragic end of their children, they searched for
Ashwatthama and punished him. They beat him brutally and
shiromani was taken away from his forhead ie kohinoor diamond
as is known in puranas was pulled by Pandavas from his forehead
by force. It is said that his forehead bleeds and he is still alive and
roams in forests in solitude and cries with pain.
Edit: In view of suggestions of miss/mrs Aindree Sen, it is opined

that the children of Dropadi were born in Hastinapur as pandavas
lived there for sufficient time after their marriage with Dropadi and
before moving to khandavprasth after division of kingdom.
55) Why did Draupadi die first?
One of the pivotal characters of the Mahabharata is Draupadi…
She died first according to Yudhisthira because of her

partiality towards Arjuna… but i have given a analogical
analysis layer in the answer !!!
158
She was a woman who was way ahead of her times, practising
polyandry in an era where it was almost unheard of.
Draupadi was the daughter of Drupada, king of Panchala. She was

the fruit of Drupada’s quest for revenge on Drona.
Drona had Humiliated Drupada by getting Arjuna to capture him…

and then releasing him as an act of charity. Hin prayers and
Austerities led to the Yagna where Draupadi and her Brother
Dhrishtadyumna were born out of the fire
Arjuna won the Swayamvara for draupadi… and took her home.
WHen he reached home with the other pandavas, Kunti assuming
that the pandavas had come back with alms (they were living in
hiding posing as brahmanas) instructed them to “Share whatever
you have equally amongst all 5 brothers” and so it was done !!!
One of the pivotal causes of the Mahabharata war was the incident
in Indraprastha where Draupadi ridiculed and insulted Duryodhana
when he fell into a water pool. Draupadi joked "Andhasya Putra
Andhaha" meaning "a blind man's (referring to Dhritrashtra) son is
blind !
As revenge, Duryodhana asked Dushasan to disrobe Draupadi in

the court. Her Rage and sense of revenge fueled the Pandavas
anger and will to fight and win the war. Draupadi vows not to tie
her hair until she has decorated it with the blood of Dushasana.
But after the war, there was no happiness for Draupadi. as all her
sons were killed by Ashwathama when he wrought vengeance on
the pandavas by destroying and killing all surviving pandava
warriors including all of Draupadi’s sons…
Prativindhya from Yudhishthira

Sutasoma from Bheema
Srutakarma from Arjuna
Satanika from Nakula
Srutasena from Sahadeva
159
Analogical interpretation of the character “Draupadi”
Draupadi is the Ambition born out of Selfishness and revengeful

attitude
Ambition is married and attached to the five human endeavors
Respect - Yudhisthira
Power - Bhima
Wealth - Arjuna
Altruism - Nakula
Empathy - Sahadeva
Just like in the Mahabharata where Nakula and Sahadeva are
almost minor characters, Altruism and Empathy are also relegated
to unimportant corners of our heart, if Ambition is driving us
Blind Ambition is partial towards Wealth (like Draupadi towards

Arjuna) and creates scenarios which triggers crisis and
destruction (like being insensitive towards duryodhana) by
rubbing people the wrong way !
When ambition becomes vengeful… it resorts to using power
(like draupadi goaded Bhima on)
Even after blind ambition is fulfilled (end of the war), there is
nothing left yo look forwards to the future and even the Divine
(Krishna) cannot retrieve you from the web of Karma that
ensnares you.
And finally when the Pandavas were climbing towards heaven…
draupadi was the first to fall off… AMbition has to die first
during the quest fort true divinity
If Ambition is tempered by humanistic values, can it lead to
positive results
So let us be careful that raw emotions or sense of

vengeance do not drive our goals and Ambitions !!!
55)Why did Draupadi marry all Pandavas?
Draupadi’s marriage is one of the most complex episode an

entangled with many things.
160
The political need -
We all know that Pandavas were banished to Varanavrata and

then house of lac event happened etc.
“‘Duryodhana said, “Bhishma will always be neutral. Drona’s
son36 is on my side. There is no doubt that Drona will be on
the side that his son is on. There is no doubt that
Sharadvat’s son, Kripa, will be on the side where those
three37 can be. He will never forsake Drona and his sister’s
son.38 Though he secretly sides with others,39 kshatta’s
survival is linked to us. Even if he opposes us for the sake of
the Pandavas, he will be able to do no harm. Without any fear,
banish Pandu’s sons and their mother to Varanavata.”
Ref - Translated by Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 1 (p.

351). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
Points to be noted -
Pandavas technically didn’t had any allies of their own.

The reason well understood by Yudisthira and that’s why he
agreed to go to Varanavrata.
Realizing that this was Dhritarashtra’s own wish and he himself
had no allies, Yudhisthira agreed.

After house of lac Pandavas were technically powerless and
roaming under the guise of bramhins in different parts of
Northern India. Then one day Vyas came and explained the
the story of Shiva’s boon and asked them to visit Panchala -
That daughter of divine form was born in Drupada’s family,

as the unblemished Krishna Parshati and is destined to be
your wife. O mighty ones! Go to the city of Panchala. There
is no doubt that you will be happy in obtaining her as your
wife.” Having told the Pandavas this, the greatly fortunate
grandfather,32 the great ascetic, bid his farewell to Kunti and
Pritha’s sons and left.’

161
Vaishampayana said, ‘Placing their mother ahead of them, those
bulls among men, the scorchers of enemies, set out over
smooth roads towards the north, as they had been directed.
Ref - Translated by Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 1

(pp. 404-405). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
Important to note here is it was Vyas who asked them to
visit Panchala and he was the one who told Draupadi would
be the common wife of all pandavas.
Vyas had also shared Shiva’s boon for Draupadi with them -
“She satisfied Shankara with her severe austerities. Gratified, the

illustrious lord spoke to the ascetic lady. “O fortunate one! O
beautiful one! Ask for a boon and I shall give it to you.” Desirous
of ensuring her own welfare, she repeatedly told the supreme
god, “I want a husband with all the qualities.” Then the
eloquent Ishana Shankara told her, “O fortunate one! You will
have five husbands.” Thus addressed, she told Shankara, “Give
me only one husband.” The god addressed her again in these
excellent words, “You have repeatedly asked me for a
husband five times. Therefore, when you are reborn in another
body, it shall be as I have just said.”
Translated by Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 1 (p. 404).

Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
This boon was therefore known to all six people including Kunti.
They knew Polyandry as a possible solution which won’t cause
any sin.
On the way the gets Dhoumya as their family priest.
The motive of visiting Panchala was clearly stated here -
Having obtained the Brahmana at their forefront, the Pandavas

were hopeful of obtaining riches and the kingdom and of
winning Panchali in the svayamvara.

162
Obtaining riches, kingdom and winning the hand of Panchali all
were linked to each other.
If they marry Panchali they would get Powerful king Drupada as
ally and Drupada himself wanted to have Arjuna as son-in-law.
Now when Pandavas saw Draupadi first time, all wanted to
marry her -
On seeing Droupadi, Pritha’s mighty-armed sons and the brave

and great-natured twins were struck with the arrows of the god of
love.
Translated by Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 1 (p. 444).

Now there is one bigger question - How could Arjuna marry
Draupadi when two of his older brothers Yudisthira and
Bhima were still unmarried.
Remember Bhima’s marriage with Hidimba was not considered

as marriage by Kuru house. In fact there was no marriage
ritual happened between them.
They just allowed Hidimba to take Bhima as husband but
they didn’t gave her the accord of daughter-in-law of Kuru
house.
So they still considered Bhima as officially unmarried.
As per Manusmriti - Younger brother shouldn’t marry
before elder brother. Chapter - 3 Rule - 172.
“The elder brother who marries after the younger, the younger
brother who marries before the elder, the female with whom such
a marriage is contracted, he who gives her away, and the
sacrificing priest, as the fifth, all fall into hell.”
[Ref - Manusmriti, The Laws of Manu – Part1

https://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/hinduism/dharma/manusmriti_1.asp ]
Bhisma also said the same thing in Mahabharata -
“A man whose younger brother marries though he is yet

unmarried, a man who marries before his elder brother has
married, the woman who marries the younger brother and the one
who conducts the marriage—under dharma, all of them are said
to have fallen. All of them must observe the vow meant for
someone who kills a hero. Or they may observe chandrayana
163
or some other kind of fasting and thereby cleanse their
sin. The younger brother who has married must offer his wife to
his elder brother, who has not married, as a daughter-in-
law.Having obtained the permission of the elder, he then
takes her back again. Following dharma, this is the way she
is freed and so are the other two.”
Ref - Debroy Bibek. The Mahabharata: Volume 8 (Kindle Locations

9730-9732). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
chandrayana - A kind of fasting that follows the progress (ayana)

of the moon (chandra). On the full moon night, one only eats
fifteen mouthfuls of food. For the fifteen lunar days following the
full moon, this is decreased by one mouthful per day. For the
fifteen lunar days following the new moon, this is increased by one
mouthful per day.

Even though there are some prescribed fasting mentioned as a
way out but that is for the situation where the marriage was
already done - probably for a rare situation.
Current situation is not that rare and marriage was not
conducted yet. So knowingly no priest first place would
agree to conduct such marriage.
Now here is some basic point -
It is Yudisthira who is the only eligible person to marry

Draupadi with all rituals. They can’t do with Draupadi what they
did with Hidimba.
Drupada was powerful king and to get him as powerful ally
they have to marry Draupadi with accordance with rites.
It is only Arjuna was capable of winning hand of Draupadi.
But even if Arjuna wins the archery test, still he was not
eligible - he had to give Draupadi to Yudisthira only.
When Arjuna tried to shot the target it must be known to
him that he wouldn’t be able to marry her alone if going by
prevalent law.
He probably shot the target to win the hand of Draupadi as
directed by Vyas. It was important for them to win back the
kingdom.
164
Now Arjuna and other brothers falling in love with her is
separate issue.
Drupada wanted to Arjuna as the son-in-law but it was not like
hard-fast rule.
He would have been happy even if Yudisthira alone married
her.
So it does give the foresightedness of Vyas who already told
them to go and win hand of Draupadi and she would become
the common wife of Pandavas. The orders were known to all
five and Kunti herself.
Now the alms drama-
“Vaishampayana said, ‘Pritha’s two illustrious sons went to the

potter’s house and to Pritha. With happiness in their hearts, those
chiefs among men presented Yajnaseni and said, “See what alms
we have got.” She was inside the house and without seeing her
sons, replied, “Share it together.” Later, Kunti saw the lady and
was miserable at what she had said.”
Ref - Translated by Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 1

(pp. 451-452). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
Kunti knew why and where her sons went. She knew what Vyas
told them. Then why would she say share it all?
Either it was written to cover up the actual reason or Kunti
made a drama (which by the way I believe not according
the behavior of her character. She was in fact a great lady.)
There are many other question that could be posed here.
Such as when Arjuna won the hand of Panchali and the war
broke out, Yudisthira and twins left the place and came
back.
Why did they remained silent and didn’t informed their
mother what happened?
Kunti asked Yudisthira to solve the problem in accordance
with Dharma. Yudisthira simple asked Arjuna to marry
Draupadi since he won the hand of Draupadi -
‘He consoled Kunti and spoke to Dhananjaya. “O Pandava! You are

the one who won Yajnaseni. It is proper that you should make this
princess happy. Let the sacred fire be lit and offerings made. You
should marry her in accordance with the proper rites.”
165
As I stated earlier Arjuna can’t marry Draupadi first place.

Then why would Yudisthira asked Arjuna to marry her?
My assumption here is both Arjuna and Yudisthira knew the
rule.
Yudisthira just let Arjuna decide what decision he wanted to
take as he was the one who won the hand of Draupadi.
On top of that all knew what Vyas told them.
Arjuna’s reply -
“Arjuna said, “O king of men! Since this is not the law that
others accept, do not make me tread this path of adharma.
You should marry her first, followed by the mighty-armed
Bhima of wonderful deeds, then I, then Nakula after me and
finally the energetic Sahadeva. O king! Vrikodara, I and the
twins think that the lady should be yours. This is the state of
affairs. After reflecting on it, please do what is appropriate, in
accordance with dharma and fame and the welfare of the king of
Panchala. Instruct us. We are all waiting for your command.”

Yudisthira had two choice here - he could marry Draupadi
alone. No one would have stopped him from doing so if he
wanted.
Share her with brothers as stated by Vyas and then repeated
by Kunti.
Only Yudisthira among the Pandavas was in a clear position to
claim the throne in Hastinapur. No Yudisthira no claim.
Yudisthira had to marry and it has to be remember that to
perform sacrifices one has to be married first.
No one can perform sacrifices without having a wife.
(Rajsuya / Aswamedha)
Possibly there would be no kingdom for pandavas either if
Yudisthira had taken Bramhacharya.
Not only that even Bhima had to take bramhacharya in
order to get only Arjuna married with Draupadi.
166
This marriage had immense political value for them as
well.
But even though Arjuna stated that Draupadi must be
Yudisthira’s he was still thinking about her.
In other way Arjuna himself wanted to marry her but it was

Dharma which was blocking it.
Then they all looked at the illustrious Krishna who was standing
there. They looked at each other and sat down, her image in their
hearts.

Yudisthira’s decision -
‘When those immensely radiant ones looked at Droupadi, their

love for her arose and put their senses into turmoil. Panchali’s
charming form was created by the creator himself. It beguiled all
living beings and was supreme to all others. Kunti’s son
Yudhishthira knew from their appearance what was going
through their minds. O bull among men! He remembered
Dvaipayana’s words. Fearing that conflict might arise
between the brothers, the king said, “This fortunate
Droupadi will be a wife to all of us.”’
Ref -Translated by Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 1 (p.

Fear of conflict among brother was a clear problem of
Yudisthira.
The text didn’t elaborated what and why a conflict could arise
between brothers when brothers agreed that Draupadi should
marry Yudisthira - as told by Arjuna himself.
The brothers were always devoted to him and followed him.
Yudisthira was almost a father like person for them.
Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva had nothing to do even though
they were also attracted to Draupadi.
At maximum the issue could be between Yudisthira and Arjuna.
But Arjuna was always respected Yudisthira as his Guru.
The decision was taken to keep every brother happy.
It could be stemmed from his own insecurity or possibly a
moral dilemma.
167
Now obviously we can ourselves make few more assumption on
why the decision was taken but that can’t be validated.
Later in front of Drupada, Yudisthira justified the decision
in following way-
Yudhishthira replied, “O king! Droupadi will be the queen to all of

us. O lord of the people! This is what has already been
ordered by my mother. I am yet unmarried, and so is the
Pandava Bhimasena. Your jewel of a daughter has been
won by Partha.17 O king! It is our rule that every jewel we
obtain must be equally shared. O best of kings! We are not willing
to break that rule now. According to the prescribed norms, Krishna
will be the wedded queen of all of us. According to age, let her
accept our hands, one after another, before the fire.”

The final decision was taken by Vyas, Drupada, Dristadyumna,
Yudisthira and Kunti after a meeting between them where Vyas
himself convinced Drupada.
So it was a decision based on political need and insecurity of
Yudisthira. Now why Vyas supported the decision was a
separate question.
The moral dilemma of Yudisthira could be that both Yudisthira
and Bhima were unmarried and it was Arjuna who won the
hand of Draupadi.
No where Draupadi’s opinion was taken into account.
The practice of asking consent of bride was no where in the era
of Mahabharata.
But at the same time Draupadi didn’t expressed any sorrow
either.
She was cheerful.

A section of our society always presents that Draupadi had
protested and Kunti and Yudisthira forced her to marry five
brothers.
The only issue she could express was related to dharma or
social ruling. When people like Vyas, Drupada, Dristadyumna,
Yudisthira and Kunti taken the decision how could she raise any
issue with social ruling or dharma.
The following sentence were uttered by Draupadi when
Jayadratha was trying to abduct her -
168
“Listen. O Shaibya! I am the daughter of King Drupada and
men know me as Krishna. I have chosen five men to be my
husbands. You may have heard of them, since they come
from Khandavaprastha. They are Yudhishthira, Bhima,
Arjuna and the two brave sons of Madri.”
[Ref - Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 3 (Kindle Locations

7588-7589). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition. ]
She had no issues with marrying five brothers. She always

claimed that she was happy.
She suffered only during the 13 years followed by the dice
game event.
She married five brothers because she was asked by her elders
to do that. As simple as it is.
It is true that even though Pandavas married other wives, their
priority was always Draupadi.
Among that the most debated one was Whether Arjuna
loved Subhadra more than Draupadi or not.
No man would give lesser priority to the woman who was
foremost and most beautiful among the all woman of the
world.
Only few misogynistic characters had problem with her
marriage!!!
Draupadi spoke following words to Yudisthira after
Kurushetra war (English translation of BORI Critical
edition)-
“O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Look at your brothers and

delight them. They are like proud bulls and proud kings of
elephants. All of you are like the immortals. All of you are
scorchers of enemies and are capable of withstanding
enemies. It is my view that even a single one of you would
have been enough to bring me happiness, not to speak of
when all of you tigers and men and bulls among men are
my husbands, like the senses enervating the body.”

169
Finally, People regularly blame Kunti for Draupadi’s fate. It
was not true. It was actually Vyas and Yudisthira took the
decision of sharing Draupadi. Kunti and Draupadi shared an
awesome relationship-
I would like to give few quotes here which Kunti had

spoken for Draupadi in front of Krishna when Krishna came
to Hastinapur for peace process.
O Achyuta! How is the illustrious Droupadi? She has five husbands

and they are brave warriors, equal to the fire. They are great
archers. But Droupadi has only faced unhappiness. O destroyer of
enemies! I have not seen Droupadi, who is truthful in speech, for
fourteen years. Worrying about her sons, she must be tired out.
Droupadi has such conduct, yet she has not obtained eternal
happiness. It is then certain that a man does not obtain
happiness because of his meritorious deeds. Bibhatsu,
Yudhishthira, Bhimasena and the twins are not dearer to
me than Krishna.50 When I saw her brought to the
assembly hall, it brought me greater pain than anything I
had confronted before. Without wishing for it, Droupadi was
brought before her fathers-in-law. While all the Kurus watched,
she was brought to the assembly hall in a single garment. She was
brought there by an ignoble one, who was overcome by anger and
avarice.
Ref - Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 4 (p. 394). Penguin

Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.
“Could those have brought them happiness? I am tormented

because Krishna54 was molested in the assembly hall by
Dhritarashtra’s son, in the midst of the Kurus. This could not
have been good.”

“O mighty-armed one! Go there and speak to brave Pandava

Arjuna, supreme among those who wield all the weapons.
‘Follow the path adopted by Droupadi.’”

170
“You know that when Bhima and Arjuna are extremely enraged,
they can despatch even the gods on the final destination.59 It
was an insult to them that Krishna60 was brought to the
assembly hall and Duhshasana and Karna addressed her in
harsh words.”
Ref - Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata: Volume 4 (pp. 396-397).

“The robbing of the kingdom, the defeat at the game of dice

and the exile of my sons has not caused me as much of
unhappiness, as that of the large and dark lady brought to
the assembly hall in a single garment. She was made to
listen to harsh words. What can be greater misery than
that? She was in her seasons then.61 The one with the
beautiful thighs has always been devoted to the dharma of
kshatriyas. Though she had protectors, Krishna62 found no one to
protect her then.”

56)Why did Pandavas do Vanvas? And why was it split into
Vanvas and Agyatvas?
Pandavas do vanvas because the eldest pandav Yudhistra(King
of Indraprastha) had lost his kingdom to his
cousin Duryodhan in the game of gambling. He had also lost
firstly his brothers and then his wife Draupadi as slaves.
Then, it was conditioned that they (Pandavas and Draupadi) had to

leave the palace and live life like ascetics.
It was split into Vanvas and Agyatvas. Because Duryodhan due

to his wicked, cruel, agitative behavior towards his cousin brothers
had Crossed all the barriers. He wasn't satisfied with just vanvas
as after the completion of vanvas Pandavas would come back
to Hastinapur and demand the fulfillment of their rights.
Therefore, it would bound hastinapur majesty to give back

Pandavas their kingdom. But Duryodhan was not ready to
compromise even after vanvas. So, he planned to create every
possible situation to deprive pandav from their rights.
171
He conditioned Pandavas to spend a year in Agyatvas which would
provide him a chance to disclose the hidden identity of Pandavas if
he's successful in doing so then the whole condition would be
repeated again. Duryodhan did so to fulfill his greed and to quench
the thirst of his jealousy towards Pandavas.
All these sequences was wisely thought, planned by Shakuni

(King of Gandhar) who is the maternal uncle of Duryodhan.
56)Where did Pandavas hide during the Agyatvas?

The Agyatvas/Agnaatvaas is one of the most interesting phases in
the Mahabharata epic. It started after the 12 year exile period of
the Pandavas. The rule was that during the incognito period if the
Pandavas were discovered with their true identities, they would
serve another 12 years of exile in the forest.
During this period ,the pandavas enter the kingdom

of Matsya which was under the rule of King Virata. They establish
themselves in different roles at the court of the king. Yudhishtira
assumes the role of advisor to the king and renames himself
as Kanka. Bhima assumes the role of a cook and identifies himself
as Vallabha. Arjuna identifies as Brihannala and becomes
a teacher of arts to the Prince UttaraKumara. Nakula becomes
a equine expert and renames himself Granthika. Sahadaeva
identifies as a tender of cows and assumes the name
of Tantipala. Finally, Draupadi assumes the role
of maid/assistant of the queen Sudeshna and is known
as Sairandhri/Maalini.
Several events occur whilst the Pandavas reside in the Kingdom of

Matsya. Kichaka, the brother of the queen and the commander of
Virata Army falls for Sairandhri and tries to attain her by force.
This ultimately leads to him being killed by Vallabha(Bhima).
The kauravas try to find out the hidden pandavas and send out
their spies to weed them out. Only Dronacharya and Bhishma
argue that Pandavas should be welcomed back with respect now
that they have served their exile. The king of Trigartas, Susharma
who was an ally of the Kauravas attacks and pilfers the Matsya
kingdom. Bhishma sets out to defeat him and gain back the
bounty.
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At the same time, Kauravas attack the kingdom from the other
side and the Prince Uttarakumara is sent out in defense. He fears
war and is encouraged/uplifted by Arjuna who eventually battles
the whole Kaurava army alone and defeats them.
At the end, Pandavas reveal their true identities and the Princess
Uttare/Uttara is married to Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu. Pandavas
leave for Hastinapura having completed the 13 year period of total
exile.
After completing 12 years of Vanavas, the Pandavas decided to

hide in the Matsya kingdom during 1 year of the Agyatavas. All of
them went there in disguise.
Yudhistir : He assumed the name of Kanka and became

a sabhasad of the king Virata.
Bheem : He assumed the name Ballav and became the cook.
Arjuna : He assumed the name Brihannala and became the
dance, etc. teacher of princess Uttaraa.
Nakula : he assumed the name Granthik and took the charge
of maintaining the horses.
Sahadev : he assumed the name Tantripal and took the
charge of maintaining the cows.
Draupadi : she assumed the name Sairindhri and became the
assistant of queen Sudeshna.
58)How did the Pandavas calculate 12 years of Vanvas?

How did Rama do the same?
Hindu calendar is based on the movements of the Moon and Sun.
Prahar : The day is divided into eight praharas.

The 1st prahara of the day begins at sunrise, and the 4th
prahara of the day ends at sunset.
A second round of four praharas unfolds during the night,
between sunset and sunrise.
Muhurats, there are 30 muhurtas in 8 prahars of 48 minutes
each.
Din/Vaar ~ a complete day of 8 prahars is known as din/vaar.
7 vaar, makes a week Ravivaar, Somvaar, Mangalwar,
Budhvaar, Guruvaar, Shukravar, Shanivar.
The, hindu name for the date is Thithi. Two 15-day periods in
each month is known as Paksha.
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The Paksha ending with the full moon is known as Shukla
Paksha and,
the Paksha ending with the new moon is known as Krishna
Paksha.
The full moon day is known as Poornima and the new moon day
in known as Amaavasya.
Maah/Maasa : There are 12 months of Hindu calendar Chaitra,

Vaisakha, Jyaistha, Asadha, Shravana, Bhadra, Asvina, Kartika,
Agrahayana, Pausa, Magha, Phalguna.
And,
A completion of all these 12 months are known as a Varsh, an

year.
Like, I have written this answer

in Poornamasi of Shukla Paksha in month of Chaitra, which is
also known for Hanuman Jayanti.
59)How many years did Pandavas do Vanvas?
Pandavas we're sent 12 years of Vanvas and 1 year of Agyatvas.
But Arjun had 25/26 years of Vanvas, that is 13 years (12 years of
Vanvas and 1 year of Agyatvas after Dice game) and additional of
13 years((some say 12 years)) of Vanvas( when he saved
thousands of Cows of a Brahmin from robbers) .
60)Did the Kauravas find pandavas before the end of

Anayana Vasa? What really happened?
The twelve years of life in the wilderness having come to an end,
the Pandavas started preparing for the thirteenth year to be spent
in an inhabitable place without being discovered by Duryodhan. As
per the conditions of the 2nd dice game, this year was to be spent
incognito (अज्ञातवास). If any Pandava was discovered during this
year, the Pandavas would have to repeat the 12 year exile + 1
year incognito. Hence this year was very important and thus
Mahabharat dedicates one full Parva for just this one year.
Yudhishthir asks all the four brothers as to which place they should
choose that will best suit their purpose. Several places were
suggested. But Yudhishthira chose Virat in the kingdom of the
Matsya (मत्स्य दे श). “The Virat king is old, just, follower of Dharma
and hospitable and he will be best suited for our purpose,”
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Yudhishthira said.
The Pandavas then discussed what disguise each one would take.
Yudhishthir became Kanka (कंक), a learned Brahmin who would
become a purohit (priest) at the palace; he would advise the king
of worldly matters as well as dharma and also entertain him in
games of dice. Bheem, being an expert cook, chose to become
Ballav (बल्लव या बल्लवाचार्य) with an intention of being the head cook
at the royal kitchens. Nakul became Granthik (ग्रंथिक), an expert
horse trainer and keeper. Sahadev became Tantipal (तन्तिपाल), the
cowherd. Arjun chose to use Urvashi's curse of being a eunuch and
became Brihannala (ब्रिहन्नला). Arjun had also learnt the arts of
singing and dancing from Chitrasen, the Gandharva at Indralok. He
became the singing and dance teacher to Princess Uttaraa.
Draupadi had the toughest job of all. Being extremely beautiful,
with royal electrifying nature, it was difficult to find a suitable
disguise. She became a sairandhri (royal dasi सै रन्ध्री) but was not
able to find any job till Queen Sudeshna (सु देष्णा) found her and
hired her.
Most of the year last uneventfully. Around the ninth month,
Keechak (कीचक), the brother of Queen Sudeshna and commander-
in-chief of King Virat's forces happens to spot Draupadi as
sairandhri. He becomes totally smitten and desires her. After
scuffles during which Draupadi is insulted (once more), and
resulting plans, Bheem slays Keechak. Keechak’s death was
welcomed everywhere as he and his followers were notorious
oppressors, and King Virat was virtually his prisoner.
Realising that the thirteenth year of the Pandavas’ exile had
started, Duryodhana had sent out his spies in all directions to find
them out. The spies searched far and wide only to report to the
angry king that not a trace of the six could be found anywhere.
Duryodhan asks his men to redouble their efforts. Meanwhile, the
news of Keechak's death travels soon and far and ultimately to
Hastinapur. When the news reaches Hastinapur, everyone ponders
on who would be the giant of a man to kill another giant called
Keechak. The Kauravas and Karna suspected that this killer could
be none other than Bheem.
King Susharma was the ruler of Trigarta, a neighbour of the
Matsya kingdom and an enemy. He was friendly with Duryodhan.
In the past, Susharma's attacks were always repelled by the
powerful Keechak. Hearing that Keechak is no more, Susharma
and Kauravas formed a plan. Both would launch a near
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simultaneous attack on the Matsya kingdom. Susharma would
attack from the south first. After Virat army is fully engagaged in
the south, the Kauravas would launch themselves from the north.
Accordingly the plan is put into execution.
Virat and his army rush to the south. Although Keechak is sorely
missed but aided by Kanka, Ballav, Granthik and Tantipal Virat's
army is once again victorios. Just then Kauravas attack from the
north. There is no army, no warriors left at Viratnagari except the
young prince Uttar. At first Uttar boasts on his Martial skills. He
says that he can single-handedly repel the Kauravas but he has no
charioteer. At this time, edged by Brihannala, Draupadi as
sairandhri coaxes Uttar to engage Brihannala. But at the battle
field, Uttar develops cold feet. It then describes the feat of Arjun
as Brihannala who singlehandedly defeats the Kaurava army led by
Bheeshma, and having esteemed warriors such as Drona,
Kripacharya, Karna, Duryodhana, and his 99 brothers plus the
huge army of soldiers. Although, the Kauravas are defeated,
Duryodhan is elated at the discovery of Arjun and thus the
Pandavas. Pitamah Bheeshm reminds Duryodhan that the
agyaatvaas ( अज्ञातवास - year of incognito) had ended five months
ago as per the lunar calendar (even as per the Solar calendar, the
13th year had ended six days ago).
The Pandavas disclose their identity. King Virat is extremely
pleased and offers Princess Uttaraa as a bride to Arjun. Arjun
replies that he has been her guru and hence has fatherly affection
for her. But she would be ideal for his son, Abhimanyu. The parva
concludes with the wedding of Abhimanyu and Uttaraa.
61) Have the Pandavas killed anybody from the Kauravas
side without any tricks or con?
Well Karuravas had 11 akshauhinis, approximately 25,00,000

people. Most of them were killed in a typical battle, no tricks or
cons.
And in any case, all combat involves deception. Otherwise, if the

opponent can predict your moves, then you are done for. So it is
just a question of who is faster/stronger in deception.
Vyasa, like our current day media, knew what would sell -
interests people. It is always the dubious, which makes people
wonder, what is Dharma, that adds to the drama. :)
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Normal plain vanilla fighting is not interesting. Vyasa tends to skip
or skim through normal fights in a line or a list.
It is also because, it is Dharma, that was the whole point of the

itihaasa. Vyasa highlights the parts where Dharma is the primary
character - either being degraded or upheld or on the edge and so
on.
62)What would happen if Kauravas were as righteous as

Pandavas?
Their would still be conflict because no matter how righteous any

character is some of them want the throne, and the main source of
the war was wealth.
When kunti talked to krishna in Udyoga Parva about his peace

mission then she said this conflict is happening cause of
wealth not righteousness, draupadi, conspiracy’s
etc. Kunti only mentioned wealth as a reason.
When Arjuna’s eldest son Iravat died in the war because of the
Rakshasa Alamvusha (the same demon that saved Bhishma
from Arjuna’s student Satyaki) then Arjuna said this is because
of wealth he never claimed the conflict because of a different
reason.
It is true that Karna was killed mainly due to the words he
said in the dice game but the dice game happened because
of wealthy & jealousy.
Bhima killed the brothers of Duryodhana and Duhsasana in
particular because he vowed too, among the kauravas only
Duryodhan and Duhsasan had harmed Droupadi no one
else did. But Bhima killed the others because of his vow, the
war could have still ended with the death of duryodhan instead
of kiling all the brothers.
63)Who among Pandavas and Kauravas are unselfish?
There is a incident that takes place after the war, when Yudhistir
now the emperor of Hastinapur, performs a Ashwamedh sacrifice.
He donates loads and loads of gold, silver and cows to all brahmins
present there. The brahmins pleased with the rich donations praise
Yudhistir for the great donations and proclaim that such a donation
of riches has never before done in Aryavrata. They proclaim the
sacrifice to be the greatest ever to be done by anyone.
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As the brahmins go about heaping praises on the Yajmana of the
Yagna, a mongoose enters the sacrifice arena. Half the
mongoose's body is of gold while the other half is normal. This
mongoose started rolling in the various items that were being
donated by the emperor.
Yudhistira surprised by this asked the mongoose for the reason of
such behavior. The mongoose replied,"My Lord, I used to live on
the plains of Kurukshetra. The tree under which I had taken my
residence was near the hut of a poor family. The income of the
family of seven was so meagre that they had to sleep hungry on
many nights. Once the husband managed to get a little flour. The
family had been without food for more than a week now and the
little flour raised their hopes of survival. So great was their hunger
that they could not wait to cook the flour. but before they can eat
the little food they had, there was a knock on the door and in
came a traveller. He begged for food as he had no food for about
two days. Looking at the traveller the father decided to give his
share of the food to the traveller. But the traveller was still
hungry. So the mother gave her share willingly. But even now the
traveller was hungry. One by one all members of the family came
forward and emtied their share in the traveller's plate. The
traveller ate with content and went away thanking the family for
the generosity. The family famished with hunger dropped one by
one to the ground. I saw the complete incident and entered their
house and found that all of them had died of hunger. while
entering their house I accidently rolled on the little flour that had
fallen on the floor. The parts of my body that were touched by the
flour turned golden as a result of the great sacrifice of the noble
family. When I heard of your great sacrifice, I travelled all the way
from Kurukshetra to have my complete body turned into gold. But
I am disappointed your Highness, your sacrifice is not even equal
to the sacrifice made by the poor family who gave everything they
had to satisfy the hunger of a guest."
As among the Pandavas and Kauravas I don't find anyone who is

Selfless.
64)Why did Arjuna had empathy for the Kaurava brothers

where as other Pandavas hated the Kauravas?
Arjuna was a great devotee of Lord Sri Krishna and overall he was
kind hearted. He never hated any creature nor he ever killed any
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animal. He was a religious person that is why, he was illusion-ed
in Kuruchhetra before starting Mahabharat war. Arjuna always
considered Duryodhan as his brother and even in Mahabharat war.
Had Lord Krishna not recited Gita, Arjuna never stood for battle in
war. He was even ready to beg openly.
Yudhisther was also Dharmraj so he also never hated any one or

Kaurvas or his brothers. He also never arranged any plot to
defame or against Kaurvas or for his brothers.
But Kaurvas were also rude, conceited, impolite, cruel and on

adharm path. They always hated Pandavas and they plotted
several times to kill Pandavas or defame them. In retaliation,
except, Arjuna, Yudhishter, all three Pandavas also treated
Kaurvas same way. It is also not against the manner or dharm.
What you do, will get one day is so simple. /Jay Sri Ram
65)In the Mahabharata, is Arjuna the best warrior among

the Pandavas and Kauravas?
Your logic is completely the opposite of what should be.
Consider an example. You are playing an online team game where

your team can only win if the entire opposition is eliminated. You
have limited resources like ammo and protective kevlar vests (in
your case, Krishna).
Whom do you give it to? The weakest player (to protect him/her)?
Or to the strongest (to increase his.chances of survival and
consequently, the chances of the team winning)?
Arjuna is one of the fiercest warriors of his time.
There are 4 levels of warriors:
Level 1 (lowest) - Atirathi: A warrior capable of contending

with 10,000 warriors simultaneously.
Yuyutsu, Drupada, Virata, Uttar, Shikandhi, Dushashana,
Vikarna, Jayadratha and Shakuni were Atirathis.
Level 2 - Maharathi: A warrior capable of fighting 60,000
warriors simultaneously; circumspect in his mastery of all
forms of weapons and combat skills.
Yudhistra, Bhim, Nakul, Sahadev, Abhimanyu, Satyaki,
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Dhristadyumna, Shalya, Duryodhana, Kripacharya,
Ashwathama, Kamsa, Jarasandha
Level 3 - Atimaharathi: A warrior capable of fighting 12
Maharathi warriors simultaneously.
Vali, Kartavirya, Arjuna, Ravana, Parashurama, Jambavan,
Bhisma, Karna, Dronacharya and Indrajit
Level 4 (Highest) - Mahamaharathi: A warrior capable of
fighting 24 Atimaharathi warriors simultaneously. No warrior
has attained this status, not least because there have never
been 24 Athimaharathi warriors at the same time.
But, warriors who can be called Mahamaharathis
are Shiva, Vishnu and his incarnations
like Rama and Krishna, Shakti, Brahma, Skanda, Ganesha, Nar
simha and Hanuman.
So you see, Arjuna is right there with the likes of Vali,

Karna, Ravana and Bhisma. And the only warriors ahead of
him are Gods
Let me give a true answer as described in Mahabharata.. Krishna

was Arjuna's sarathi because it was their destiny..
Here is how the story goes - There used to be a Rakshah called

Dambhodbhava who was a big Surya fan..(Surya as in the Sun
god, not the actor). So Surya gave him a Vardan of 1000 armors..
and each of those armor can only be broken by someone who
performs penance for 1000 years.. and as soon as someone breaks
one armor, he should die..Dambhodbhava thought that it would be
impossible to defeat him because only in very rare cases there will
be 1000 such guys who would fight him..
Along came twin brothers called Nara and Narayan.. Both of them
were super saiiyan sage.. who performed penance for 1000 years..
One day they were doing their regular penancing, and
Dambhodbhava started making trouble in that region, so Nara
started fighting him and being a super sage, he broke his 1
armor.. but as soon as he broke 1 armor he died..Seeing this,
Narayan being a super sage himself, gave life to Nara by saying
mahamritunjay mantra and he himself started fighting with
Dambhodbhava .. And this went on.. Both would fight him one by
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one, break one of his armor, die and come to life by other
brother's help.. This went on until Dambhodbhava had only 1
armor left.. As soon as his 2nd last armor broke, Dambhodbhava
ran to Surya and asked for his help.. Surya couldnt watch his best
disciple dying so he gave him refuge.. So in the next birth,
Dambhodbhava took birth as Karna with one armor still attached
to his skin which still makes him unbeatable (luckily Indra took
that from him)..And Nara and Narayan took birth as Arjun and
Krishna and they killed Karna (by Krishna using his godly powers
to break Karna's rath and Krishna killing him using his arrows)
thus completing their past life's work..
It was not because Arjuna was the weakest or strongest aur

krishna and arjun were friends..It was because of destiny..
66) What would have happened if the Kauravas had won

the war against the Pandavas?
Interesting twists in an alternate story we would hear-
The throne rightfully belonged to dhritrashtra who was

discrminated for being blind despite being elder brother. His
younger brothers sons were trouble makers who could not
accept their elder father as king and therefore his son as
legitimate heir. “Pandu” was just a intermediary ruler who ruled
on behalf of dhritarashtra and on his advice. Thus pandus sons
had no right to throne.
The warriors names “suyodhan”, “sushasan” under wise
shakuni won the war executed all the trouble makers and re-
established the stability of kingdom thus proving themselves
worthy of protecting the country and hence being the king.
The pandavas were walking along paths of adharma by having
a queen who had 5 husbands . Their mother also had
relationships with 4 people other than her husbands and they
were all illegitimate sons of pandu. They played dice and
treated their own wives as slaves and could bet them in dice.
They could never set a good example for the society and hence
kauravs had to win to restablish societal norms. not only that
they didnt have a claim, they were unworthy of being king.
Another of their ally krishna kept 16000 women as captives
who deserved to be freed.
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Pandavas never believed in meritocracy and used their caste
and position to establish themselves. Kauravs on the other
hand could accept karna (irrespective of caste) since they
believed in his merit.
They were shameless enough to cheat in war and trying to kill
their own relatives ,teacher and use all sorts of dirty tricks in
their bag, use asuras (ghtotkach) but still kauravs won as they
were the right ones. Friendships mattered to them .
All their relatives and teachers were honest people and
supported the kauravs in the battle .
Surya putra karna is respected for setting an example for being
the most flawless man of the era and temples were built to
him. All people low or high born was protected by this god.
Surya had to take incarnation and live as a low caste being just
for showing to people that only merit mattered
.
67)How is it possible that none of the Kauravas or
Pandavas had a daughter?
Duryodhana had a daughter. Her name was Lakshmana. She also

had a twin brother named Lakshman. And a very interesting thing
about her is, she was married to Samba. He was the son of Lord
Krishna and his third wife Jambavati. He was his father's favourite.
Samba actually tried to elope with her but got caught and
imprisoned. So Balarama had to come and set things straight. So
Duryodhana and Lord Krishna are actually in-laws. Unless the
daughter was married to one of the more prominent king or
prince, maybe the daughters were there but not really mentioned.
Mahabharata was the story of war!
Dushala was mentioned because she is wife of Jayadrata, an ally of

Duryodhana. Similarly Subhadra is mentioned as she is
Abhimanyu's mother! Duryodhana's or karna's or dushasana's
wives names don't crop up too many times.
We must look at vishnupuran or harivamsa for more details.

Mahabharata was primarily about the war,
68)What lesson did Krishna give Arjuna before the start of

the war between Pandavas and Kauravas in Mahabharata?
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The foremost lesson of all is to do his own duty without any
hesitation by following the Raja dharma. The interlinked Dharma,
Karma, Yajna and the relevant human behaviour is what is
explained in the Gita. Although he shown Virat Darshana to
Arjuna, Lord Krishna teaches him that all the qualities of anything
and everything in the Universe start at and end to the Nature and
Time has designed it that way. In the end, Arjuna is so motivated
that he emerges as the best amongst all the warmen in the
Kurukeshtra battlefield. He taught that not to worry about the
results, just do what you are suppose to do. Every one earns their
fate, so don't hesitate/getsad to fight/kill your relatives. It's
everyone's duty to save/follow Dharma and whatever it takes to
save it and everything happens for a reason, understand it and
fulfill your responsibility as a great warrior of Dharma. Those are
the main teachings of Bhagavdgita.
69)Why did Drona take sides with Kauravas and not

Pandavas, though he taught both and Arjuna being his
favorite student?
It was a very basic reason called being true to your salt, do not
betray your loyalty. Drona's early life was one of poverty, he and
his family had to suffer a lot because of it. The incident when his
son Aswathamma, was fooled into believing a mixture of rice
powder and water as milk, hurt him deeply, and he resolved, his
family would never be in poverty again. He approached his
childhood friend Drupada, to help him out of his misery. However
Drupada, in his arrogance, insulted and rebuked him, and sent him
away. He walked out swearing to have his revenge.
Fortunately his brother in law, Kripacharya,( brother of his wife

Kripi), bought him to Hastinapur. There is that anecdote about
how Drona pulled out a ball from a well, using only blades of grass
tied together, and this impressed Bhishma. Anyway knowing well
of Drona's prowess with Shastra Vidya, Bhishma appointed him as
the tutor for both the Pandavas and Kauravas. Yes Arjun was his
favorite student, but that was strictly more of a teacher-student
relationship, an admiration for Arjun's skills as an archer. While
Arjun was his favorite student, and he admired Yudhistir for his
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truthtfulness, he could never betray his loyalty to Hastinapur,
which had given him everything.
When it came to the final war, Drona went along with the
Kauravas, because there was no way he could betray Hastinapura.
It was not just the Pandavas, even if his own son Aswathama, had
joined the other side, he would have still fought against him.
Another factor of course was that his life long rival, Drupada, was
on the Pandava's side. And there was no way he could ever have
fought along with him on the same side.
Bhishma and Dronacharya were one of the most feared warriors of

their time but more importantly they were loyal to their
homeland , the Kuru kingdom .
This gives rise to an interesting debate should they side with the
“righteous” pandavas or should they stay loyal to the King of the
Kuru kindgom , Dritarashtra and hence to Duryodhana and the
kauravas . We all know that they have choosen the second
path.That was because theoretically speaking the Kurukshetra war
was a war between the Kuru Kingdom and someone looking to
seize the throne , it doesn't matter who it is .
Also, there are other reasons too .
It is widely disputed whether the Kurukshetra war was indeed a

war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas for the throne of
Hastinapura or was it a war between the Kuru kingdom and the
Panchalas . If we can observe clearly we can see that most of the
army fighting on the side of the pandavas and made up of forces
from the panchalas kingdom which are also led by people from
panchala like Drupada , Drishtadyumna(Commander in chief ) ,
Shikandi etc ., Hence , the war could also have been a war
between these two kingdoms and the cause of the pandavas was
only one of the minor objectives whereas the major objective was
to recapture the northern panchala kingdom which was captured
from panchala by Dronacharya . Also , if pandavas win the war
then that would mean forever allegiance of the Kuru kingdom to
the Panchala kingdom as Draupadi's sons all grew up in the
Panchala court during the exile of the pandavas .
All these reasons support the fact that the war was not a war
between cousins but actually a war between neighbouring rival
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kingdoms and hence it was right that Bhishma and Drona fought
on the side of the Kauravas
70)Why did Bheeshma choose Kauravas side in the battle?
Bheeshma was bound by his two oaths that he had taken that
actually became the millstones around his neck and dragged him
to fight against the Pandavas.
Bheeshma’s father, King Shantanu was smitten by Satyawati, a

daughter of the fisherman, he proposed her and offered to marry
her. Satywawati’s father agreed with one condition that their son
would be the king of Hastinapura, this enraged Shantanu and he
declined because he had already declared Devavrata (Bheeshma)
as the crown prince of Hastinapura and also he knew that
Bheeshma was worthy of it. But the feeling of not being able to be
with Satywati saddened him deeply and he went into depression,
Bheeshma gauged this sadness and went to meet the fisherman
where he got to know about the condition. That was the point
when he took the oath of celibacy so that Satyawati and
Shantanu’s lineage would have the right over the crown. When the
ministers of the king got to know about that, they raised a huge
hue and cry over it stating that how can an unborn be more
worthy than Bheeshma himself. They asked Bheeshma to accept
the throne as that is what the people of Hastinapura wanted. This
provoked Bheeshma to take another oath that he’ll always see his
father’s image in the upcoming kings of Hastinapura and serve the
person selflessly whoever will occupy the throne. He also
mentioned that he won’t accept death until he could see
Hastinapura safe from all ends.
This forced him to fight from the Kauravas side because

Dhritrashtra was the king and he was bound to serve him because
of his oath.
71)What made Bhishma Pitamaha to fight on the side of

Kauravas against Pandavas in the Mahabharat War, when
he knew that they were wrong all along?
There are many reasons .
Bhishma had mentioned in his vow that he would serve the throne
of Hastinapur and not just any particular king.
185
The king was still Dhritharashtra. So he had to fight for them.
The most sensitive matter is, Dhuryodhana was the real son of
Dhritarashtra and Pandavas were not the sons of Pandu.
Though Bhishma liked Pandavas, he had to support
Dhuryodhana as he lived all his life following laws and rules he
himself set.
Bhishma knew that he had no reason to live after the war
which is between Kuruvamsha which he protected since his vow
to his father. So the only way he knew which could end his life
was to fight against Krishna and the side which included
Shikandi.
When Bhishma asks Krishna " why do I have to suffer so much

when I have followed Dharma all my life?"
Krishna answers him " Binding ourselves to a vow and knowingly
supporting the wrong side isn't Dharma. When we restrict
ourselves by laws created by ourselves and won't fight for justice,
Adharma finds a upper hand and this is your biggest mistake of all
because of which you had to suffer".
Bhishma made two oaths to Satyavathis Dad.
1. He will not marry and thus have no Progeny

2. He will not Occupy the Throne, but will defend it till his last
Breath.
He never would have thought the Threat to the Throne will come
from within his Family and that too from his Favorite Pandavas.
He chose the Swadharma (That a general Should defend the

Throne) and remained Satyavratha (fulfilling His Promise/Oath)
thus fighting on the Sides of Duryodhana, though he Knows what
is happening is unjust to Pandavas..
But nevertheless he Fought on the side of Adharma and did not

question the disrobing of Draupadi in the Court in the Past.
As Karma always pays back irrespective of how pious and truthful

he was he had to suffer in agony on the Bed made of Arrows for
many days till his death.
72)Why did Lord Krishna cried at the death of Bhishma

even if he was on the side of Adharma?
186
Bhishma, was fighting for the Kauravas because he was bound to
do so by his promise to his father Shantanu, where he promises to
serve the throne of Hastinapur, and whoever sits on it.
Bhishma knew he was fighting adharma, but was forced to fight

anyway, because his personal dharma force him to abide by his
promise to his father. Gangaputra got the name of Bhishma , when
he took the Vow of Chastity for his happiness.
He was aware of Krishna’s Divinity and knew that the war would
be won by whichever side Krishna was in. He was older than
Krishna at least by a generation, Both respected and Loved each
other before the war, Both tried to stop the war to the best of their
ability [God doesn’t impose his will, but gives opportunities to
choose] and Both knew and agreed that the war was necessity
save the righteous and a duty that had to be performed. Hence the
reason for Krishna’s tears.
So, Bhishma was a righteous person who was forced to fight for
the unrighteous, due to an oath he gave to his father.
The essence of the entire message of Lord Krishna, Bhagavad Gita,

is to develop the highest state in which you can be in the state of
continuous enjoyment and happiness through entertainment. If
you can enjoy the problems also, such continuous state of
happiness is possible. The human being has always the worst
tendency to pick-up negative things only in the life and go on
brooding over those things. Either you should avoid thinking about
those negative things (dhyayato vishayaan …) or you should be
able to enjoy those negative things also like the dish of chillies in
meals.
Avoiding the thinking of negative things in the life is impossible

since they touch and penetrate the mind in the practical life.
Therefore, the only alternative way is to enjoy those things also
and be happy in every minute of life. Such state is called as
Brahmi sthiti (Eshaa brahmi sthitih …), which means that you
should continuously enjoy your life containing both positive and
negative things like God enjoying His creation containing both
good and bad.
One can become equal to God only in this aspect
187
You become equal to God in this state of enjoyment (Enjoying both
+ve and –ve things in life) and this is the only possible monism
(advaita). You are in the state of maintained creation and you are
enjoying the creation like God (if you enjoy both good and bad in
the life). You are not in the state before creation, in which you
cannot be equal to God since He is creating everything and you
cannot create anything.
You are not in the state of final dissolution of the world in which He
is destroying everything and you cannot destroy anything. You are
in the best state of maintenance of creation in which you cannot
be differentiated from God since you are enjoying the creation like
God. There is no trace of difference as long as the aspect of
enjoyment of the world-cinema containing both scenes of
happiness and tragedy is concerned. Even the extreme tragedy,
the death, is not an exception to such entertainment
(sthitvaasyaamantakalepi …).
God really enjoied +ves and –ves things in the world.
Krishna followed this (continuously enjoying life containing both

positive and negative things) in His life and His preaching, the
Gita, was perfectly implemented in His practice. He was enjoying
His own death while the foot was bleeding, hit by the hunter. He
consoled the hunter and removed his tension over the incident. He
enjoyed the genocide of His family members as a spectator in the
end.
He enjoyed the defeat in the hands of the enemies like

Jarasandha, who flew away to construct a new city in the island
present in the ocean. He enjoyed while Shishupala was repeatedly
scolding Him and was never subjected to any tension. He enjoyed
while He was called as the thief of butter in other houses. Except
entertainment and enjoyment, even a trace of tension could not
touch Him in His entire life.
You may say that God is enjoying the world-cinema since He is

away from it. You may differentiate from God by this, stating that
you are participating in the cinema. This cannot be accepted since
God also entered the world-cinema as Krishna and participated in
it like you. The only difference is that He is acting in the role,
where as you are living in the role by completely identifying
188
yourself with it. Such divine knowledge applies to you also and
Shankara preached this.
The soul and God are exactly equal as far as the detached
enjoyment is concerned
The God is detached from the drama because He differentiated

Himself from the role. You can also detach yourself from the role
by identifying yourself as the soul of pure awareness. The
detachment and its continuous knowledge are the ground for
entertainment and enjoyment in the drama forever. Thus, the
philosophy preached by Shankara is perfectly applicable as far as
this state of entertainment through detachment is concerned.
The perfect monism between God and a realized soul is achieved

(Matbhavamaagataah…). This means that the soul and God are
exactly equal as far as the detached enjoyment is concerned and
this does not mean that God and soul are one and the same.
73)How do the Pandavas win the battle of Mahabharatha

even though there were only 5 of them and there were
hundreds of Kauravas and they had a huge army?
a)One thing other than the points highlighted in other answers by

my fellow readers is "Belief"
Every Soldier in Pandavas Army believed in the cause for which

they are fighting. They all believed that they are fighting for a just
reason for a just king.
On the other hand, warriors in Kauravas army, fought as

an obligation to the throne and King in waiting "Duryodhan".
They fought along with Duryodhan to uphold their honor of
serving the throne than for a cause they believed in!
Bhishma loved Pandavas and informed before the war to

Duryodhan that, he won't kill any Pandava (Remember - He is the
commander - in - chief of Kaurava army). If your main warrior
decides not to kill the leaders of the enemy, my money obviously
not on Duryodhan! The garnishing to Bhishma Commander - in -
Chief curry is banning Karna (only guy willing to kill Arjun) from
Battle! Duryodhan must be kidding when he still decided to go for
war!
189
Everyone knew the love Drona reserved for Arjun! So I needn't
mention his efforts in annihilation of their main warrior "Arjun"!
Karna, the only guy who believed in fighting for Duryodhan's cause
too did his part by promising not to kill four pandavas other
than Arjun!
So, Duryodhan literally fighting with -
a) an army not believed in the cause for which they are fighting
and knew that they are Adharma side (Remember - Daityas,
though being Adharmic, won many wars with Devas
because they believed in the cause for which they are
fighting!)
b) His best warriors doing their best (in their own small ways) to

be the indirect cause of Pandavas win
Against a Side with -
a) God as their Strategic Expert!
b) an army (however small it is) which believed in the cause
c) a warrior (Arjun) who stood fast against Lord Rudra itself and
blessed with many divine weapons!
Now, I really wonder, how the war lasted for 18 Days? :
b) Pandava brothers are only five in number. But they have a lot
of support from many kingdoms.
The Pandavas accumulated seven Akshauhinis army with the help

of their allies. Each of these divisions were led
by Drupada, Virata, Dhristadyumna, Shikhandi,Satyaki, Chekitana
and Bhima. After consulting his commanders, the Pandavas
appointed Dhristadyumna as the supreme commander of the
Pandava army. Mahabharata says that kingdoms from all over
ancient India supplied troops or provided logistic support on the
Pandava side. Some of these
were: Kekaya, Pandya, Cholas,Magadha, and many more.
The Kaurava army consisted of 11 Akshauhinis. Duryodhana

requested Bhishma to command the Kaurava army. Bhishma
accepted on the condition that, while he would fight the battle
190
sincerely, he would not harm the five Pandava brothers. In
addition,Bhishma said that Karna would not fight under him as
long as he is in the battlefield. Having little choice, Duryodhana
agreed to Bhishma's conditions and made him the supreme
commander of the Kaurava army, while Karna was debarred from
fighting. But Karna enters the war later when Bhishma is wounded
by Arjuna. Apart from the one hundred Kaurava brothers, headed
by Duryodhana himself and his brother Dushasana, the Kauravas
were assisted on the battlefield by Drona and his
son Ashwatthama, the Kaurava's brother-in-law Jayadratha,
the Brahmin Kripa, Kritavarma, Shalya, Sudakshina,Bhurishravas,
Bahlika, Shakuni and many more who were bound by their loyalty
towards either Hastinapura or Dhritarashtra.
74)Why did Kauravas lose the Mahabharatha war despite

having the best-in-class warriors and a larger army?
The Mahabharata war teaches us a lot of management lessons.

The poor management of Kaurava camp led to their loss. Let’s go
in detail about what all went wrong with Kauravas.
The below table sums up why Kauravas lost the war.
Strike the biggest coin:
Pandavas clearly targeted the leader of Kaurava camp. They did

not target the other warriors.
They wanted to take the chief down rather than killing others ,
so that opposition gets demoralized (as the biggest guy is

gone),
they get confused and
get pressurized to choose a new leader.
new leader will be pressurized to deliver great results.
Bhishma is the most powerful warrior and the strategist of Kaurava
camp. Pandavas spent first 10 days figuring out how to take
Bhishma down.
191
In the first ten days, Kauravas lost only 2 Akshouhini of army
and Pandavas were left with only 2 Akshouhinis.
This worked well for Pandavas. See the below graph.
We can infer a lot from the above graph.
The longer the Kaurava camp had a same leader, lower was
their mortality rate.
Every succeeding commander in chief delivered poorer results
when compared to the predecessors.
Bhishma was better than Drona.
Drona was better than Karna.
Karna was better than Shalya.
When the leaders change, the strategies change. Not every leader
thinks the same way. Ballmer didn’t think like Gates. Nadella
doesn’t think like Ballmer. Army gets tired and lose energy seeing
their leaders lose and die.
Also note this: While Pandavas targeted the biggest fish, Kauravas
were targeting the youngest warrior Abhimanyu.
Commander-in-chief doesn’t get full freedom:
Just like a few Governments, Duryodhan never let any of his

commander-in-chiefs completely independent. He influenced all his
chiefs. So, they couldn’t deliver the best.
Even Duryodhan accuses Bhishma for not being sincere in the war
at the end of 8th day.
In Pandavas’ case, although Drishtadyumna was the chief, he was

only a figure-head. Krishna took care of the strategies completely.
Neither Dhristadhyumna, nor Yudhistra tried to influence Krishna.
They took Krishna’s words as final.
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Duryodhan misjudged Pandavas:
Duryodhan totally miscalculated the power of Pandavas.
Check at Duryodhan’s words in the First Chapter of Gita at the

very beginning of the war.
Duryodhan says: The strength of our army is unlimited and we are

safely marshaled by Grandsire Bheeshma, while the strength
of the Pandava army, carefully marshaled by Bheem, is limited.
[1]
In the first part of the above sentence, Duryodhan says that

Kaurava army was protected by Bhishma. Yes, that was true,
because Bhisma was the proclaimed commander-in-chief and also
he’s the most destructive warrior in their camp. So, this makes
sense.
But, look at the second half. It reads, Pandava army was protected
by Bheema. It would have made sense, if Duryodhan has said that
Pandava army was protected by Dhrishtadhyumna or Krishna.
Since, Dhristadhyumna was the Commander-in-chief and Krishna
was the strategist and he’s the Paramathma himself.
But Duryodhan, who was obsessed with his Arch-Rival Bheema,

mentions that Bheema was protecting the camp. How misjudged
that was. How could Duryodhan forget Krishna was the guy to
note!
The force the strife demands, the force he owns, the force of foes,
The force of friends; these should he weigh ere to the war he goes.
- Thirukkural
One more example for Kaurava army’s foolishness is Jayadrath
wasted his ‘one-day invincibility power’ just to kill the youngest
Abhimanyu.
These are some practical reasons why Kauravas lost the war.
Pandavas also had flaws from their side, but cumulatively,
Pandavas’ side acted more pro-actively.
193
75)Who was the most dangerous warrior in the Kauravas
camp during the Mahabharata War?
Ashwatthama, without a doubt.
The Kaurava Army during the Kurukshetra War boasted a seriously

impressive lineup of warriors. They literally had Bhishma, one of
the greatest warriors to have roamed the Earth, the one who
learned from the terrifying Parasuram, and stalemated him in a
battled that lasted longer than the Kurukshetra War.
They had Dronacharya, the greatest teacher and weapon master of

his age who wielded the first weapon ever created in the universe,
the sword Asi, which made him nigh-invincible. [1]
It is heard that a creature sprang (from the sacrificial fire)

scattering the flames around him, and whose splendour equalled
that of the Moon himself when he rises in the firmament spangled
with stars. His complexion was dark like that of the petals of the
blue lotus. His teeth were keen. His stomach was lean. His stature
was tall. He seemed to be irresistible and possessed of exceeding
energy. Upon the appearance of that being, the earth trembled.
The Ocean became agitated with high billows and awful eddies.
Meteors foreboding great disasters shot through the sky. The
branches of trees began to fall down. All the points of the compass
became unquiet. Inauspicious winds began to blow. All creatures
began to quake with fear every moment. Beholding that awful
agitation of the universe and that Being sprung from the sacrificial
fire, the Grandsire said these words unto the great Rishis, the
gods, and the Gandharvas. This Being was thought of by
me. Possessed of great energy, his name is Asi (sword or
scimitar). For the protection of the world and the
destruction of the enemies of the gods, I have created him.
That being then, abandoning the form he had first assumed,
took the shape of a sword of great splendour, highly
polished, sharp-edged, risen like the all-destructive Being
at the end of the Yuga.
They had Karna, who was in every respect better than Arjuna.
194
They had Duryodhana, who was as almost as powerful as Bhima
with the added advantage of being indestructible thanks to his
mother’s boon.
But alas, none compare to Ashwatthama.
Born after a lengthy penance (tap) by Drona, Ashwatthama was

born as one of the eleven Rudravatar (avatar of Rudra, aka Lord
Shiva).[2]
And, O king, his son the heroic Aswatthaman, of eyes like the
lotus-petals, gifted with surpassing energy, and the terror of all
foes, the great oppressor of all enemies, was born on earth, of the
united portions of Mahadeva, Yama, Kama, and Krodha.
And one of the seven Chiranjivi (immortals).
"Ashwatthama Balir Vyaso Hanumanash cha Vibhishana

Kripacharya cha Parashuramam Saptaita Chiranjeevanam"
Ashwatthama, Bali, Vyasa, Hanuman, Vibhishan, Kripacharya,

Parashurama, these are the seven immortals.
In battle, it was impossible to defeat Ashwatthama, as he was an
incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. Towards the twilight of the War,
he embodies Rudra himself and destroys the entire Pandava camp.
सत्यशौचार्जव त्यागै स् तपसा नियमे न च ।
क्षान्त्या भक्त्या च धृ त्या च बु द्ध्या च वचसा तथा ।।
यथावद् अहम् आराद्धः कृष्णे नाक्लिष्टकर्मणा।
तस्माद् इष्टतमः कृष्णाद् अन्यो मम न विद्यते ।।
कुर्वता तस्य सं मानं त्वां च जिज्ञासता मया।
पाञ्चालाः सहसा गु प्ता मायाश् च बहुशः कृताः।।
कृतस् तस्यै ष सं मानः पाञ्चालान् रक्षता मया।
अभिभूतास् तु काले न नै षाम् अद्यास्ति जीवितम् ।।
“एवम् उक्त्वा महे ष्वासं भगवान् आत्मनस् तनु म।्
आविवे श ददौ चास्मै विमलं खड्गम् उत्तमम् ।।
अथाविष्टो भगवता भूयो जज्वाल ते जसा।
वर्ष्मवां श् चाभवद् यु द्धे दे व सृ ष्टे न ते जसा ।।
195
"With truth, purity, sincerity, resignation, ascetic austerities, vows,
forgiveness, devotion, patience, thought, and word, I have been
duly adored by Krishna of pure deeds. For this there is none dearer
to me than Krishna. For honouring him and at his word I have
protected the Pancalas and displayed diverse kinds of illusion. By
protecting the Pancalas I have honoured him. They have, however,
been afflicted by time. The period of their lives hath run out."
Having said these words unto the high-souled Ashvatthama, the
divine Mahadeva entered Ashvatthama's body after giving him an
excellent and polished sword. Filled by that divine being,
Drona's son blazed up with energy. In consequence of that
energy derived from godhead, he became all-powerful in
battle. Many invisible beings and rakshasas proceeded along his
right and his left as he set out, like the lord Mahadeva himself, for
entering the camp of his foes.
After the murder of his father Drona, he is described to Sanjay by
Dhristarashtra as such,[3]
"Dhritarashtra said, 'Hearing, O Sanjaya, of the slaughter, by

unrighteous means, of his aged sire, by Dhrishtadyumna, what,
did the valiant Aswatthaman say, he, that is, in whom human
and Varuna and Agneya and Brahma and Aindra and
Narayana weapons are always present?
Aswatthaman is equal to Karna in knowledge of weapons,

to Purandara in battle, to Kartavirya in energy, and
Vrihaspati in wisdom. In fortitude, that youth is equal to a
mountain, and in energy to fire. In gravity, he is equal to an
ocean, and in wrath, to the poison of the snake. He is the foremost
of all car-warriors in battle, a firm bowman, and above all
fatigue. In speed he is equal to the wind itself and he
careens in the thick of fight like Yama in rage. While his
engaged in shooting arrows in battle, the very earth becomes
afflicted. Of prowess incapable of being baffled, hero is never
fatigued by exertions. Purified by the Vedas and by vows, he is a
thorough master of the science of arms, like Rama, the son
of Dasharatha. He is like the ocean, incapable of being agitated.
He has been compared to the likes of Lord Rama, Lord Yama, Guru
Vrihaspati, the warrior Karna. That is some effusive praise.
196
Aswatthama then goes on to lay waste to Pandava army and their
most elite warriors.[4]
"Sanjaya said, 'Then Drona's son began to cause a great carnage

amongst his foes in that battle, like the Destroyer himself at
the end of the Yuga. Slaying his enemies by means of his broad-
headed arrows, Aswatthaman soon piled a mountain there of the
dead. The standards of cars formed its trees; and weapons its
pointed summits; the lifeless elephants formed its large rocks; the
steeds, its Kimpurushas; and bows, its creepers and plants. And it
resounded with the cries of all carnivorous creatures, that
constituted its feathery population. And the spirits that walked
there formed its Yakshas.
Then Drona's son, aiming at the host of the Pandavas and the
Panchalas, invoked the weapon called Narayana.
The Narayanastra, a personal weapon of Lord Vishnu, is one of the
celestial weapons that cannot be stopped, but only submitted to. If
it is launched, it will kill every armed person. So, the entire
Pandava army lays down its weapons, except for the proud Bhima
who Ashwatthama gladly covers with celestial fire and fury. He
would have been slain had Arjuna not protected him with
the Varunastra. He was then forced to alight his chariot and lay
down his mace.[5]
Then Drona's son, smiling at the rushing Bhima and

addressing him (in proper words) covered him with arrows,
inspired with mantras and equipped with blazing points.
Shrouded with those shafts that vomited fire and resembled
snakes of blazing mouths, as if covered with sparks of gold. The
form, O king, of Bhimasena in that battle looked like that of a
mountain in the evening when covered with fire. That weapon of
Drona's son, directed against Bhimasena increased in energy and
might, O king, like a conflagration assisted by the wind. Beholding
that weapon of terrible energy thus increasing in might, a panic
entered the hearts of all the combatants of the Pandava army with
the exception of Bhima. Then all of them, throwing down their
weapons on the earth, alighted from their cars and steeds. After
they had thrown their weapons and alighted from their vehicles,
that weapon of exceeding energy fell upon the head of Bhima. All
creatures, especially the Pandavas, uttered cries of Oh and Alas,
197
beholding Bhimasena overwhelmed by the energy of that
weapon.'"
"Sanjaya said, "Beholding Bhimasena overwhelmed by that

weapon, Dhananjaya, for baffling its energy, covered him with
the Varuna weapon. In consequence of the lightness of Arjuna's
arms, and owing also to the fiery force that shrouded Bhima, none
could see that the latter had been covered with
the Varuna weapon.
Arjuna and Vasudeva, both endued with great splendour, quickly

alighting from their car, ran towards Bhima. Those two mighty
men, diving into that energy born of the might of Aswatthaman's
weapon, had resorted to the power of illusion. The fire of that
weapon consumed them not, in consequence of their having laid
aside their weapons, as also in consequence of the force of
the Varuna weapon, and owing also to the energy possessed by
themselves. Then Nara and Narayana, for the pacification
of Narayana weapon, began forcibly to drag Bhima and all his
weapons. Thus dragged by them, Kunti's son, that mighty car-
warrior, began to roar aloud. Thereupon, that terrible and
invincible weapon of Drona's son began to increase (in might and
energy). Then Vasudeva, addressing Bhima, said, 'How is it, O son
of Pandu, that though forbidden by us, thou, O son of Kunti, dost
not yet abstain from battle? If the Kurus could now be vanquished
in battle, then we, as also all these foremost of men, would
certainly have continued to fight. Behold, all the warriors of thy
host have alighted from their cars. For this reason, O son of Kunti,
do thou also come down from thy car.' Having said these words,
Krishna brought Bhima down from his car. The latter, with
eyes red as blood in rage, was sighing like a snake. When,
however, he was dragged down from his car and made to
lay aside his weapons, the Narayana weapon, that scorcher
of foes, became pacified.'
After the defeat and murder of Duryodhana by Bhima in a mace
battle, the last 3 remaining Kaurava warriors — Ashwatthama,
Kripa, Kritavarma — vow to avenge their side, resulting in
the Sauptika Parva. The three, led by Ashwatthama, enter the
Pandava camp and slaughter every remaining warrior with the only
ones spared being the Pandavas, Satyaki, and Krishna who were
not in the camp at that time. During the slaughter that lasted the
198
entire night, Ashwatthama was described as the personification of
death, Rudra, and the fire that will eventually consume the world.
Covered all over with blood, he seemed then to be Death himself

commissioned by time. Causing his foes to tremble by the
repeated blows of his sword that were of three kinds, Ashvatthama
became bathed in blood. Covered as he was with blood, and
wielding as he did a blazing sword, his form, as he careered
in battle, became exceedingly terrible and
superhuman. Those who awaked from sleep, O Kaurava, became
stupefied with the loud noise (they heard around). Beholding
Drona's son, they looked at each other's faces and trembled (with
fear). Those kshatriyas, beholding the form of that crusher of foes,
believed him to be a rakshasa and closed their eyes.
Endued with great strength, Drona's son made a heavy carnage

amongst the sons, the grandsons, and the followers of Drupada,
singling them out one after another. Accomplished in the use of
the sword, Ashvatthama then, rushing against other combatants,
cut them down with his excellent sword. The warriors in the
Pandava camp beheld that Death-Night in her embodied
form, a black image, of bloody mouth and bloody eyes, wearing
crimson garlands and smeared with crimson unguents, attired in a
single piece of red cloth, with a noose in hand, and resembling an
elderly lady, employed in chanting a dismal note and standing full
before their eyes, and about to lead away men and steeds and
elephants all tied in a stout cord.
The earth being drenched with blood, O king, that thick and
frightful dust soon disappeared. Thousands of men moving in
agony, overwhelmed with anxiety and overcome with despair,
were slain by Ashvatthama like Rudra slaying living
creatures.
When morning dawned, Ashvatthama desired to leave the camp.

He was then bathed in human blood and the hilt of his sword so
firmly adhered in his grasp that his hand and sword, O king,
became one! Having walked in that path that is never trod (by
good warriors), Ashvatthama, after that slaughter, looked
like the blazing fire at the end of the yuga after it has
consumed all creatures into ashes. Having perpetrated that
feat agreeably to his vow, and having trod in that untrodden way,
Drona's son, O lord, forgot his grief for the slaughter of his sire.
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The Pandava camp, in consequence of the sleep in which all within
it were buried, was perfectly still when Drona's son had entered it
in the night.
And that was the penultimate display of strength by Drona-putra.
After the carnage, when the Pandavas, accompanied by Krishna

and Satyaki returned to camp, their grief knew no bounds. Bhima,
enraged, rushed to find Ashwatthama to avenge their loss.
Hearing these and other piteous lamentations of the princess,

Kunti's son, Bhimasena, of great might, could not endure them. He
mounted upon his great car adorned with gold and took his
beautiful bow with arrow placed on the string. Making Nakula his
charioteer, and resolved upon slaying the son of Drona, he began
to stretch his bow and caused his steeds to be urged without
delay. Those steeds, fleet as the wind, thus urged, O tiger among
men, proceeded with great speed. Possessed of great valour and
unfading energy, Bhima set out from the Pandava camp and
proceeded with great celerity along the track of Ashvatthama's
vehicle."
And here is when Ashwatthama produced another celestial weapon
of his, the Brahmastra. Stalemated by Arjuna’s own Brahmastra,
and at the behest of Narada, Ashwatthama had to withdraw his
weapon as did Arjuna. However, he knew not how to. So he directs
it at Uttara’s womb in an attempt to end the lineage of the
Pandavas. However, Lord Krishna intervenes and revives the baby.
Defeated, Ashwatthama is forced to give up his gem, the one he

was born with and the one that granted him a large part of his
power and invincibility.
Drona's son said, "This my gem is more valuable than all the
wealth that has ever been earned by the Pandavas and the
Kauravas. If this gem is worn, the wearer ceases to have any fear
from weapons or disease or hunger! He ceases to have any fear of
gods and danavas and nagas! His apprehensions
from rakshasas as also from robbers will cease. Even these are the
virtues of this gem of mine. I cannot, by any means, part with it.
That, however, O holy one, which thou sayest, should be done by
me. Here is this gem. Here is myself.”
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Ultimately, he is cursed by Krishna to wander the Earth for three
millenia, disease-ridden and in unending agony as penance for his
sins.
For 3,000 years thou shalt wander over this earth, without a
companion and without being able to talk with anyone. Alone and
without anybody by thy side, thou shalt wander through diverse
countries, O wretch, thou shalt have no place in the midst of men.
The stench of pus and blood shall emanate from thee, and
inaccessible forests and dreary moors shall be thy abode! Thou
shalt wander over the Earth, O thou of sinful soul, with the weight
of all diseases on thee.
And thus ended the saga of one of the most terrifying warriors to
have ever lived on Earth, one equal in stature to the
terrifying Indrajit or the ferocious Parashurama.
76)Who was the most powerful warrior in the

Mahabharata? Krishna was the most skilled at war strategy;
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but who tipped the scales when it came to might,
Bheeshma, Arjuna, Karna or someone else?
As far as original sanskrit mahabharata is concerned then greatest

warrior of mahabharata has to be wielder of Vijaya, KARNA
[Image Source : SPK Sony TV]
He was superior to Bhishma, Arjuna and Drona.
Karna was the only warrior who single handedly

outperformed all archery feats of Arjuna in rangbhoomi
archery contest (this was pure archery performance without
use of any divyastra). Below sanskrit verse from original mbh
proves that Karna proved his superiority over arjuna in their
first encounter itself (Ref - Adi Parva)
Tadaiva Karna Agyata Ramopattastrasampadam !!
Darshayannadhikah Parthadabhudh Rajnyasamsadi !!
Translation -
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Karna entered the area, displayed his skill in archery and science
of weapons taught by Lord Parshuram and was tagged to be
'greater than arjuna' in assembly
He was the only archer who was able to lift bow in Draupadi
swayamvar contest just by using one hand (Arjuna lifted
same bow using both hands)
He was the only archer who single handedly conquered most
powerful kings of India in the battle of kalinga (1 Karna
vs 100s of kings. No warrior ever fought 100s kings at a time
let alone conquering them)
He was the only warrior who performed vaishanava
sacrifice by conquering all 10 directions in digvijay
conquest (no warrior achieve such success not even bhishma or
arjuna)
He was the only warrior in kurushetra who destroyed most
number of soldiers in kurushetra (around 2.5 akshouhini
army in 5 days without using any divyastra)
He was the only warrior having knowledge of most powerful
weapons and some unique weapons (Brahmasirastra,
Brahmadandastra, Pashupatastra, Bhargavastra, Nagastra,
Vasavi dart).
He was the only warrior who defeated almost each every
warrior of pandavas party be it Ghatotkach, Arjuna, Bhima,
Yudhistira, Satyaki, Twins, Dhristdyumn, Virata, Draupad..list
goes on… Bhishma and Drona never defeated all pandava
warriors)
He was the only warrior who defeated legendary warriors
like Bhagadatta and Samsaptakas (same warriors beat
arjuna in kurushetra.. infact krishna saved arjuna from
vaishnavastra of bhagadatta, a warrior conquered by karna in
digvijay)
Karna was the only archer who knew technique to shoot
every weapon possessed by him, In mahabharata there are
some warriors who obtained powerful weapons but many of
them were unable to shoot them due to lack of skill because
just holding divyastra doesnt make anyone powerful but you
have to be worthy enough to shoot it. When karna shot
bhargavastra then its effectiveness was one and half time
more as compare to same weapon shot by parshuram. This is
called as ‘science of divyastra’ where karna had no match and
for the same reason he was praised by lord parshurama
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Karna was the only archer who killed demons in night
battle (when rakshasa/pisachas gained their full power in
night). Ghatotkach and his rakshas army became powerful in
midnight even Drona and Arjuna were unable to notice their
illusion in darkness (drona prefered to stay away from fight
spot), only Karna stood there in midnight and
released shabadbhedi arrows with deadly accuracy which
destroyed that terrible illusions in night battle. Lord krishna
himself praised karna for such outstanding peformance
as world has never seen night fighter like Karna
Karna was the only archer who most of the times almost
succeed to kill Arjuna in face to face combat (almost 4
times like shot of nagastra, some divyastras which burnt his
chariot. No warrior ever succeed in dragging arjuna so close to
the death not even bhishma and drona)
Karna was the only warrior who knew all 5 techniques of
archery to shoot arrows (he was capable to release,
withdraw, re-release. rewithdraw and rebound same arrow
conutless times). He knew use of all weapons described in
Dhanurveda be it Mukta weapons (discus, dart, Asani,
Sataghni etc.) Amukta weapons (sword, scimitar, sabre,
noose etc.) Muktamukta weapons (mace, club, axe, battle-
axe etc.) Yantramukta weapons (arrow, ball, shaft etc.)
When it comes to accuracy then who can match karna..??
Karna was the only archer who cut off 11 divine bow strings of
gandiva. Can you imagine his accuracy for hitting same
target again and again? Mahabharata describes the condition
of ghatotkach’s body was pierced by karna in such way that
there was not even space of 2 inch which was spared by
karna. When countless weapons were falling from the sky,
karna covered entire sky in such way that even rays of moon
were blocked and there was intense darkness in entire
battlefield under the shadow of his net of arrows
Kind hearted Karna had track record in sparing other
warriors be it sparing Jarasandha, Bhima, Yudhistira or Twins.
No warrior of mahabharata ever spared life of any other warrior
not even bhishma, arjuna or drona. Dont forget…… Bhima even
killed Vikarna, a person who saved his wife Draupadi. Just
before sparing the life of Bhima, son of karna was killed by
Bhima but karna stood by his words over revenge hence he
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was ideal warrior for me. Warrior doesn’t mean just killing
enemy but to gain respect of enemy.
Reference - Sanskrit to English Translation Of Mahabharata
By Bibek Debroy (Critical Edition)
77)In the Mahabharata (Hindu epic), who is better, Arjun or

Karna?
I want to give a detailed answer to this question, considering both,

skills as a warrior and life of the character.
If you want to know only about their warrior skills than go down to
the heading as a warrior. This is after years of interest into the
epic and knowledge I have gained about the Great war.
In the past few years, writers and specially t.v and movie
producers have shown Karan in a better light than Arjun. This was
done initially for TRP’s because we Indian feel connected to
someone who rose from dust. But slowly viewers and common
people developed a theory that Karan was a better warrior than
Arjun. There are more shows about Karan now than even Shri
Krishna. Now shows centered on Karan shows as if he could have
defeated Arjun even with one hand but he chose not to. No it was
not the truth, it never was. It was a psychological effect on us
Indians that we feel sympathetic towards Karan and consider him
better than Arjun. If you read Mahabharat, the original version,
you will know that many of the small tales shown in various
programs and which can be found in abundance on social media
did never happened. For example, in this particular question
someone has written that when Karna was dying Krishna appeared
as a beggar before him to ask for charity and Karan gave his
tooth. You would never find any such stories in original text. There
is one other scene shown in t.v serial Krishna which is widely being
spread and hailed as a proof of Karan’s superiority over Arjun that
with each hit of Arjun’s arrow, Karan’s chariot moved back by
about 20 feet but with each shot of Karan’s, Arjun chariot moved
back by 2 feet only, to which Krishna told Arjun that the Lord has
the weight of all universe and still Karna pushed chariot by 2 feet,
so Karan was better. (The show was centered on Shri Krishna, and
producers added many plots to show that no one other than Shri
Krishna was hero of the epic battle. Some viewers and the one
who added this scene on you tube thinks that Shri Krishna was
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praising Karan, but no. Producers were praising Shri Krishna to
show the viewers that Arjun was capable of nothing. Yes Shri
Krishna was hero but this was a little exaggeration. Link to that
video is here)
Also in the same serial it was shown that after the war Shri
Krishna asked Arjun to get off the chariot and when Shri Krishna
left the chariot it blew into pieces as the chariot was guarded by
Hanuman Ji on Shri Krishna’s order and through this scene the
producers conducted the message that Arjun himself was capable
of nothing and it was Shri Krishna who saved him all the time
because it was Shri Krishna based show. This instance never
happened in original text.
These stories or instances never occurred according to

original book but were included in later version by local
writers all these instances do not intersect in all books. One
book has one instance and other had other. Producers these
days are adding them because its benefiting them.
Now coming to the point that Karan was from a poor low caste
family for which many people sympathize with him. He was never
from a poor family. His father was a royal charioteer. You know
the salary of Mukesh Ambani’s driver? Its more than 2 lakh per
month. How many MBA’s and engineers’ earn that much? So his
family was never poor. His appearance and behavior and
personality was godly and rightfully so. Yes it was his bitter luck
that being a royal child he did not got what he deserved and of
what he was worthy but still I cant see a reason to call him under
privileged. The only injustice which I see was that he did not got
the teacher of his choice and later was cursed to loose his
knowledge at the important hour of the battle. As far as living in
hardship and scarcity is concerned even Arjun lived so many years
of his life in forest, away from palace and royalty. He was born in
forest, spent his childhood in forest, lived in Hastinapur for a few
years then again spent many years in exile after Lakshagraha.
Then Pandav’s got Indraprastha and again were exiled for 12 years
and a year in Agyatwas. I don’t see many writers adding that to
Arjun’s credentials. Did Karan live in such scarcity? I don’t think
so.
Now coming to the character. The way Karan supported his friend
Duryodhan, Arjun supported his elder brother Yuddhister (yes I
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know Duryodhan was no match to Dharamraj). Karan never asked
Duryodhan to check his evil moves and Arjun also never opposed
his brothers decisions even though Yuddhister put all pandavas
and Draupdi and all their belongings at stake. They had to live in
exile for 12 years because of that. But does that support mean
that you have to do evil by yourself too? No. Karan abused
Draupdi, took equal part in Abhimanyu killing. Albeit Arjun went to
rescue Duryodhan from Gandharv’s. Though credit is to be given
to their leaders who had different morals.
Arjun never was concerned about who Karan is and what he does.
But Karan always followed Arjun, he himself made Arjun his rival.
They were not enemies before Rangbhoomi. Arjun was praised as
best archer, best student and Karan wanted to defeat Arjun to
prove he is better. You all remember a tweet by Aamir Khan few
years back, I don’t remember the exact words but he tweeted
something like “when you are number one, you don’t have to say
it yourself because others keep saying it for you, its only when you
are number 2 you say you are the best because others don’t say
it”. Karan always followed Arjun. while Arjun don’t have to. In the
Rangbhoomi when Karan challenges Arjun and Arjun was waiting
for the permission from his Guru’s many see this as his reluctance
to face Karan, while I see him as a man who was just following
protocols because he was a royal and had to set example. He knew
that was not a battle ground and war is not a child’s play. In later
years Karan defeated Kings of all India just after when Arjun did
the same.
AS A WARRIOR
Now about the warrior skills. Which is the concern of many, and
when i see discussion over the internet I see majority saying that
Karan was better. I will compare it point by point leaving the
Kurukshetra battle for a detailed description after initial facings. So
there was no battle between Karan and Arjun in rangbhoomi but
they faced each other a few times before Kurukshetra and there
are a few instance to compare.
1- When Dronacharya asked for Guru Dakshina from Kurus, all

Kuru’s and their army and Karna went to fight Drupadh. With all
their armies and one of the best archer KARAN, they were not able
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to fight Drupadh and were defeated. After this Pandavas were
asked the same Guru Dakshina and only 5 PANDAVAS went to
fight Drupadh and his army. 5 pandavas and no army like the
Kurus and they defeated Drupadh. Now you may think yourself
who among the Pandavas would have made such thing possible. I
don’t think this happened because of Yuddhister or Bhim or Nakul
or Sehdev. It could have been only Arjun who would have made
that possible. So in the first comparison, Arjun clearly was winner
while facing the same enemy.
2- In Draupadi swayamvar, Arjun and Karan faced each other for

the first time and in no time and with no difficulty Arjun very easily
defeated Karan.
3- When Pandavas were exiled, Duryodhan was attacked by

Gandharvas (though it was Duryodhan’s fault). Gandharvas came
in group and Duryodhan and Karan were alone. Karan was
defeated by Gandharvas. They took Duryodhan as hostage and
later Arjun and Bhim rescued Duryodhan by defeating Gandharvas
in their own den, where I guess they were more in number. So
again when compare in similar conditions (not against each other)
arjun was better in handling same enemy.
4- Lastly they faced each other was in the Virat war. Here Arjun
single handedly defeated entire Kuru sena and not to mention,
Karan came face to face twice with Arjun. Arjun fainted him and
could have killed him easily.
So Arjun was clear winner on all 4 occasions. One common thing in

all three occasions was that there was no one that Arjun had to
listen to, he just has to use his wisdom to win the battle. There
was no one to contain him and he had to follow no one’s advice.
Now what happened in Kurukshetra war? Why did Karan came so
close to kill him on 2 occasions that Lord Krishna had to press the
Rath into the mud.
Well for this answer lets get back to the start of the war. Arjun had
completely surrendered himself to lord Krishna and he had utmost
faith in Lord Krishna. His devotion in the God was such high that
he let go of his mind what his powers are and what his capabilities
are. Who would not have done so after watching the RUDRAVTAR
of SHRI KRISHNA? In comparion to Karan’s 9 Divyastra’s Arjun
had 49 Divyastra’s as far as the information in MAHABHARAT goes
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including Pashpatastra and Rudrastra of DEVO k DEV MAHADEV,
and BRAHAMSHIR ASTRA which is considered to be upgraded
version of BRAHAMASTRA (and is believed to be capable of
destroying whole world). Other weapon that he had knowledge of
were VAISHNAV ASTRA, VAJRA etc. Did you ever see any text in
which he used any of such weapon. Had Arjun intended to finish
war in one 1 go, he would have done so. He would have used
Pashupatastra or Brahamshir Astra and see everything getting
destroyed on the other side of the battlefield and would stand
laughing at the MAHARATHI’s of Kuru Sena. Why he din’t went on
doing that, beacuse of Shri Krishna.He was contained by Shri
Krishna. His strategies were designed by Shri Krishna. He did not
used a single weapon against the will of the Lord (who would have
not done so after seeing that Rudravatar). Shri Krishna wanted the
minimal or no use of Daiviy astras because it would have caused
far more destruction and far adverse effect on environment and
earth and all living creatures. Something of kind of Nagasaki and
Hiroshima bombing effect. So instead of allowing Arjun to do that
destruction Shri Krishna went on to saving Arjun by a little tricks.
Imagine saving 3 lakh people in hiroshima and nagasaki and 10
crore people in world war 2 by poisoning Hitler or shooting him in
his sleep in 1938? Unethical but real game changer? Isn’t it?
That was the only reason Shri Krishna asked Arjun to kill Karan
when he was unarmed and not on Chariot because no matter how
big Arjun as a warrior was, Karan was also great. And had he
gained the access of his bow and was on chariot, he certainly was
going to use Divyastra as he intended to use Brahamastra(which
he forgot because of curse, but I think curse would have worked
only once and he would have recollected the knowledge to invoke
again in some time). So if Karan was given time he would have
used Brahamastra and to counter it Arjun would have to do the
same. Which is something similar to use of Nukes vs Nukes. That
is the reason Arjun was asked to Kill him when he was unarmed to
avoid catastrophe.
And for some people who say KARAN had Nagastra. It was not a
divine weapon. It was a living serpent in the form of an arrow.
Also for Karan’s Kundal and Kavach, they were for his defense and
would not have added to his archery or Divyastra’s knowledge.
Also I think, the defense of Kundal and kavach was limited to only
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regular weapons because wherever in the earlier texts Kundal and
Kavach are praised it is said that “no astra and shastra (regular
weapons) can pierce through them, and it is never said no
divyastra (divine weapon) can cut through them which Arjun had
in abundance. So if it was planned by Gods’ to take Kundal and
Kavach back, it was done to avoid Catastrophe because the
credentials of Pashupatastra and Brahamshir astra and a few other
astra also says that nothing can stop it.
If before reading this answer you were of blind faith that Karan
was way better but now even if an iota of you think you can be
wrong then this article made an impression.
If one article can make an impression than think what impression

so many serials would have done. That is the impression why
people blindly and without knowing true characters and their
powers and without knowledge, unhesitatingly writes “karna whaz
bhay better dan arjun”
SEE this line from TRIBIKRAM -”Guess what today we will

write another version saying that Kauravas won the battle
and 800 years down the line when our future generations
will read all the versions may believe that what we have
written is right. Will it be good for us to change culture.”
78) What was the reaction of Arjuna after knowing Karna

was his brother?
When arjuna got to know that Karna was his eldest brother and he
knew this all along and died with his own hands, he felt deep
remorse and sorrow for this fratricide. His eldest brother whom he
should have respected and touched feet daily, he and his brothers
always insulted and saw him with enmity. But Karna, knew that
Pandavas were his brothers then he vowed to his mother he would
only kill Arjuna if he can, and would leave all other brothers alone.
NOW AFTER THAT, as we know Vrishketu was the only left son of
Karna in his 7 sons, who were all killed by Pandavas themselves.
Vrishketu's mother committed sati on Karna's pyre and hence
Vrishketu was all alone. He was extremely sad and was angry at
the man who killed his brave father when he was
nishastra(weaponless). But he was a child and couldn't do
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anything but lament. So, Vrishaketu went to the riverside where
his father used to spend hours praying to Surya Narayan .He took
a handfull of water, keeping the most admirable figure of his father
in mind he did tarpan . Opening eyelids he stared at the round
figure of God Sun.There were a lot of questions reflecting in his
eyes. Unable to face his innocent gaze, Sun went to hide under the
water.
Vrishketu saw one figure approaching the riverside..It must be
another person who lost everything in the war he thought.The
person came near him.. Vrishaketu had never seen the person
before .. He couldnt understand why the face seemed familiar to
him.The stranger smiled at him.
The smile… He had rarely seen his father smiling.He used to be a
loving father , but strict at the same time. He recollected the
moment once he saw his father at the riverside with a gloomy
face, father was literally crying back then. Vrishketu told his father
that he would kill all his father’s enemies and will make him
smile.Father gave him a wet smile then..He felt that very strange,
how this unknown person’s smile did remind him of his father’s!!
Looking deeply into his eyes the person spoke to him..” Son ,I
came here searching for you..”he paused there as if struggling to
get proper words to continue..”Do I know you?Your face seems
very familiar to me.I thought you also came here to do tarpan for
your lost relatives … Oh ,I am Sorry…why do I think that everyone
are like me!!” Vrishketu looked at him eager to hear why did the
person came looking for him..
” Son ,I am also like you..I lost my relatives in the war.Including
My Jyeshth Bhrata…But the only difference between us is that I
had to kill him with these cursed hands and now I am doing tarpan
with the same hands..It is absolutely meaningless..” The person
broke down into tears..Vrishketu felt the situation very similar to
that when he met his crying father at the riverside..Why this
person is reminding of his father again and again.The thought was
really disturbing..
“Why did you have to kill your brother ,If you were in such a
situation you could have sacrificed your life for him!!I would have
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done that if I were there in your place..”Vrishketu felt confused..
“I would have happily sacrificed my life for him ,but I didnt knew
that my son..I didnt knew that he was my brother.I am not
defending myself..I have always seen him with my enemies from
my childhood.. I counted him as the most dangerous enemy and
spent a hell lot of time thinking only about his death..”The person
fell down on his knees,tears falling down from his eyes..
Vrishketu saw the repentance in his eyes..He felt extremely sorry
for the person.He put one palm on his shoulder.
“Don't worry ,I don't know you or your brother..But iam pretty
sure about one thing that he would forgive you..You didnt do it on
purpose.”Saying that he turned away from the person and about
to walk in the direction of his house..Suddenly the thought occured
to him.He felt an urge to know the identity of the person..
“May I know your name?”The person stood up and placed one
hand gently on Vrishketu and hugged him closely..”Forgive me my
son, Your father Maharathi Karn is my Jyeshth Bhrata.”
Vrishketu was shocked.His whole body was shaking.The person
whom he wanted to kill ,is standing there asking for his
forgiveness..He seperated himself from Arjun’s hug in a haste.He
couldnt utter a single word..Giving a dark look to Arjun the child
ran back to his house. There he found all Pandavas and Draupadi
who came to take him to Hastinapur to live with them. Though he
never wanted to come with them, but being alone he didn't had
any choice. He was very estranged in the palace and only opened
up to Krishna and Subhadra(whose son was killed by his father
too). But avoided arjuna's gaze other than the practice sessions
where arjuna taught him archery and warfare. Later on Krishna's
and Subhadra's insistence and Subhadra's telling of Vrishketu that
Arjuna is his father's brother and Karna lives through him and
Arjuna too sees his Abhimanyu inside Vrishketu. So hearing that,
he forgot all anger and after that became closest to Arjuna as his
own son. He was taught the knowledge of Brahmastra too and was
the last person on earth to know its use.
This was the way by which Arjuna repented killing his brother by
making his son a great warrior and his son.
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79)How did Karna die?
A direct answer : By hands of Arjun who used Anjalika astra.
But there was a lot of background to it. Since a lot of details on

curses is mentioned in other answers, I will not go there.
Karna was a great warrior. He got the invincible “Vijay” Dhanush

(bow) from his guru Parshuram for his great devotion towards
him. This bow had a boon that the person holding this bow can
never loose (thus the name Vijay, meaning victory). Karna never
used this bow as he was confident on his abilities and never
wanted to use it as a means to win. He only used this on the 16th
and 17th day of war and was actually invincible. It was crucial for
Krishna to make Karna leave his bow else it was impossible to
defeat him.
Factors that led to the death of Karna :
He had a couple of curses going against him. One was the

curse that his chariot wheel will be stuck in ground (there are
two stories, one of a Brahmin and one of Mother Earth, leading
to this curse).
Second was the curse of his guru Parshuram, that he will forget
his education, when he will need it most. Thus preventing him
from using Brahmastra.
Plus, lord Indra had already taken his kawach (armor) and
kundala away which made him impenetrable to any weapons.
On the day of war : Kartna defeated all the Pandavas except
Arjun but did not killed them as promised to Kunti. Now on the day
of his death, multiple factors had to come together so that he can
be killed.
Krishna was clever and never put Arjun in front of Karna for
much longer in 16th and 17th day, as his defeat (and death)
was sure due to Vijay dhanush. He waited till the first curse
kicked in and his chariot wheel got stuck in mud. His charioteer
Madra king Shalya (who was uncle of Pandavas) refused to
take it out so Karna had to get down himself.
Due to this, he had to leave his bow Vijay, which was the 2nd
factor which led to his death. As long as that bow was in his
hand, it was impossible to kill Karna.
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Then Krishna put Arjun in front of Karna and asked him to kill
Karna. Karna tried to defend himself by invoking Brahmastra
but 2nd curse kicked in. He forgot the mantra (chants) to
invoke Brahmastra.
At this point of time, Krishna asked Arjun to kill Karna. Arjun,
being a noble warrior refused. Krishna knew, this was THE exact
moment in which Karna can be killed and once it passed, it would
again become impossible to kill Karna.
He reminds Arjun of Abhimanyu’s death in which Karna

participated. Abhimanyu was a kid and still a lot of great warriors
came together and killed him by trick. At the time of death, he was
also weapon-less. He also reminded him of the abuses Karna used
for Draupadi in the Dyuta Mahasabha. All this was enough to make
Arjun’s blood boil and he used Anjalika-astra to kill Karna.
80)In the Mahabharata, why did Karna go to Hell after he

died fighting the battle in Kurukshetra?
Yes Karna goes to hell. Before understanding the reason for it let
us understand the reasons for others going to hell and heaven
first. There are reasons given why 4 pandavs go to hell in Vyasa
Bharata(JAYA). Kauravas go to Heaven because they had paid for
their sins in the world only. Like Duryodhana (Suyodhana) was
killed brutally and had to go through lot of pains of defeat and
humiliation. Also kauravas had finished their suffering of hell by
the time pandavs were dead. (Remember that pandavs died after
36 years from when kauravas died). Now why Karna was sent to
hell.
In the narration when the Daanashoora karna was shot with an

arrow by Arjuna, Krishna goes to Karna and asks him that "I have
heard that you are very generous and you never disappoint any
person who has come to you with some request. So I have come
to you with hope of getting all the Punya you have gained in your
life. Please give me all those punya of your life." And karna without
any regret gives them away for Krishna. Hence Karna ends up in
hell.
Now the question is why Krishna (who is worshipped as Supreme

God) did such an horribe thing to noble Karna? The answer is
because Krishna wanted to convey an important message to the
world. The message that even though you never commit any
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Adharma, but if you help or try to protect those who do Adharma,
then it is wrong. "Accepting the injustice or doing nothing to stop it
even though you could stop it, is worst than doing that injustice
yourself". Hence when yudhistira died, Kauravas were in heaven
and Karna was still in hell even after 36 years. This was the
message conveyed by Krishna.
But due to the good things done by Karna, Krishna gives him a
boon that in next life Karna will attain Moksha and hence retaining
Human faith in Dharma and in this way Krishna upheld Dharma.
Now I hope we understand why Karna went to hell after death
81)Why did the Pandavas (except Yuthishtra) go to hell?

And why did the Kauravas go to heaven?
The Pancha Pandavas ruled the Hastinapura dynasty for 36 yrs and
earned a good name and fame. They established a righteous
Kingdom and one day finally they all decided that the time has
come for them to renounce the world.
So the five Pandavas and thier common wife,The Draupadi left to

the path of liberation.For this purpose they all climbed the Meru
Mountain which leads them to the Swarga Loka. Unfortunately on
their way, they slipped and died one by one.
The first to die was Draupadi, she was imperfect because she
preferred Arjuna over her other husbands.Then it was Sahadeva,
imperfect because he was smug about his knowledge.Followed by
Nakula, imperfect because he was arrogant about his good
looks.Then fell Arjuna, imperfect because he was always jealous of
other archers.And then, Bhima, imperfect because he was a
glutton.
Only the eldest pandava, Yudhisthira, reached the door of Swarga

Loka carried on Lord Indra's chariot.On reaching Heaven he did not
find either his virtuous brothers or his wife Draupadi. Instead he
saw Duryodhana, Bheesma, Dronacharya etc and their sons.
He wanted an explanation from Lord Yama,The lord of death.
Lord Yama explained,
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“Because the Kauravas died as warriors are supposed to, on the
battlefield. This earned them so much merit and credit that it
wiped out all their debts.”
Yudhisthira demanded to know where his brothers and his wife

were. He was then taken to Hell.
Lord Yama explained,
“They are experiencing the reactions of their actions.”
Yudhisthira was astonished.
Lord Yama smiled and said,
“This is temporary. Once the debt has been repaid, they will join
the Kauravas in Swarga. You too had to experience Hell for the
one and only white lie you spoke in your lifetime”
Yudhisthira loyally meet his brothers, but the sight and sound of
gore and blood horrified him. Though initially he was tempted to
flee, he mastered himself and remained after hearing the voices of
his beloved brothers and Draupadi calling out to him, asking him
to stay with them in their misery. Yudhisthira decided to remain,
ordering the divine charioteer to return. He preferred to live in hell
with good people than in a heaven of his enemies. Eventually this
turned out to be another illusion to test him and also to enable him
to atone for his sin of telling a white lie.
Flashback........
(It is said that Yudhisthira never spoke a lie. Once he did it, in
Mahabharat war it was felt that Guru Dronacharya should be killed
as he would not allow pandavas to win.
On the 15th day of the Mahābhārata war, Drona got instigated by

King Dhritarastra's remarks of being a traitor. He used the
Brahmadanda against the Pandavas. Brahmadanda was a spiritual
divine weapon that contained the powers of seven greatest sages
of Hinduism. But Drona did not impart this knowledge either to
Arjuna nor to Ashwatthama.Thus, he proved to be unconquerable
on the 15th day of war.
Observing this, Lord Krishna devised a plan to bring down the

invincible Drona. Krishna knew that it was not possible to defeat
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Drona when he had bow and arrow in his hands. Krishna also knew
that Drona loved his son Ashwatthama very dearly. So, Krishna
suggested to Yudhisthira and other Pandava brothers that, if he
were convinced that his son was killed on the battlefield, then
Drona would get dejected to such an extent that he would lay
down all his arms on the ground and it would be easier to kill him.
In order to find a way out, Krishna suggested Bhima to kill an

elephant by name Ashwatthama and claim to Drona that he has
killed Drona's son Ashwathama. Following this plan, Bhima located
and killed an elephant named Ashwatthama, i.e. the same name
as Drona's son. He then loudly proclaimed that he had slain
Ashwatthama, so as to make Drona think that his son was dead.
Drona however, did not believe Bhima's words and approached

Yudhisthira. Drona knew of Yudhisthira's firm adherence to
Dharma and that he would never ever utter a lie. When Drona
approached Yud
Everyone who dies has to go to hell, and heaven. Also no one

stays in heaven or hell forever, it is only a transit place.
There is no one ever born in this world who is completely sinless,

even if you have done a very tiny sin (Yudhishthir deceived his
Guru) for a few seconds you have to experience hell. Good deeds
do not erase bad deeds. The duration of stay depends on the
quantum of good and bad deeds. If you have done a lot of good
deeds you spend longer time in heaven.
In any case no one stays in heaven or hell forever. If your slate of

Karma is not clear you will be reborn. If you have nullified all.good
and bad deeds you will get Moksha.
Pandavas and Kauravas attained moksha after spending time in

hell and heaven both. Yudhishthir experienced hell too. So did
everyone else including Pandavas and Kauravas
This is what Swargorahana Parva says as happened…
Yudhishthir reaches heaven and sees Duryodhan and he gets very

angry. He says its because of him that I, my brothers and
Draupadi suffered so much. All major kings died. He should not be
here. To which Narada says you are right about his deeds but he
obtained heaven because he died on battlefield.
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Once a person reaches heaven he gives up all his enmity.
Everyone here is your friend now. Give up your anger and meet
Duryodhan with Courtsey
Yudhishthir refuses and wants to go where his brothers are and he

is taken to hell, where he sees his brothers and Draupadi in pain.
He is horrified and angry and he tells the messenger who escorted
him that he will stay with his family in hell and not come back to
heaven
After which the assembled Gods come to the place where he is.
And tell Yudhishthir that he was looking at hell. As a rule all who
die have to see hell and heaven both. If you have done good
deeds all your life, you see what hell is like and then go to heaven
to enjoy the fruits of your good deed. If you have sinned then you
see what heaven is like and then enjoy fruits of your bad deed in
hell.
Now that you have seen what hell is let's us go back to heaven.
Your brothers and family have also got a glimpse of hell and are
waiting for you there
(Please note Pandavas and Draupadi died 36 years after others, so

when Yudhishthir sees Duryodhan in heaven, he wasn't there the
entire time. )
Once there Yudhishthir meets everyone and everyone both

kauravas Pandavas and everyone else were an incarnation of a
Deva, Asura, Yaksha, Gandharva or Apsara merged into their
original entity.
Yudhishthir merged into Yama.
This is one interpretation of the story that I like. there are others
too.
82) What are the main characters of the Mahabharata like?
The main characters of mahabharata-
Arjuna- The hero of the epic, best archer ever.. dark in skin
complexion, strongest among all pandavas as an all round
warrior..fought God's and demons, defeated almost every rival
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he ever faced.. incarnation of a rishi in his previous birth
named Nara the friend of Narayana.
Yudhistira- considered hero of the epic as well..the eldest
pandava who was the emperor of Bharata under Indraprastha,
had knowledge of the Brahmastra and he was the one who lost
his entire property to kauravas in a dice game.
Bhima- The man considered to be the strongest of them all..an
expert mace fighter and second eldest of the pandavas, born
from Vayu and the one who killed rakshasas, wild beasts,
yakshasas with his bare hands, said to be of golden complexion
with no facial hair.
Nakula and Sahadeva- the youngest of the five pandavas who
excelled in sword fighting born from Madri the second wife of
Pandu. Subjugated many kings during Yudhistira's Rajayusa
yagna.
Duryodhana- the eldest son of Dhritharashta, considered to be
the best mace fighter in all of kuru dynasty.. ever envious of
the pandavas who tasted defeat from almost every pandava in
the war. His upper body was made with a combination of
vajras, considered an incarnation of kali purusha.
Karna- the eldest son of Kunti born from Surya, the sun God
who was abandoned in birth..who had the kavacha and kundala
attached to his body since birth, considered a villian in the epic
and one who fought the pandavas to death..was arch rival of
Bhima, Arjuna.
Shakuni- uncle of Duryodhana, expert in illusions..the one who
handed pandavas a defeat in the dice game. King of gandhara,
saved Karna from Bhima's shaft once..didn't survive the war.
Draupadi- the daughter of Draupada and collective wife of the
pandavas won by Arjuna in her swamvyara was of dark
complexion and attractive features. Was humiliated in the dice
game by Karna and kauravas, her insults were avenged by her
husband's in the war.
Bhishma- the eldest in the kuru dynasty, born from Ganga..
defeated his guru Parshurama in combat and was the great
grandfather of the pandavas and kauravas.. tasted few defeats
in his life and was ultimately taken down by Arjuna in the
war..had boon to choose his timing of death.
Drona- the teacher of the Kuru dynasty, one who obtained
celestial missiles from God's and Parshurama to impart them to
his students..was the most powerful opponent of the Pandavas
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in the Kuru battle, defeated Arjuna once by forcing the son of
pritha to retreat from his guru.
Ashwathamma- Son of Drona, who wreaked havoc in the
pandava army.. forced the pandavas to submit to the
Narayanastra.. defeated Bhima, satyaki..nearly defeated Arjuna
as well.. killed many soldiers of the pandavas in midnight after
commencement of the great war.. considered a portion of
Rudra.
There are thousands and thousands of characters in Mahabharat.
How can I write all of their names? I can write only the main
characters.
The actual Mahabharat mainly starts with the king Shantanu of

Kuru dynasty.
Hastinapur, Kuru dynasty

Shantanu - son of Pratipa
Bheeshma - son of Shantanu and Ganga
Vichitravirja & Chitrangad - son of Shantanu and Satyavati
Vyasdev - son of Satyavati and Parashara
Dhritarashtra - son of Vichitravirja and Ambika
Pandu - son of Vichitravirja and Ambalika
Vidura - son of a dashi with the help of Vyasdev
Yudhistir, Bheema, and Arjuna - sons of Pandu and Kunti
Nakula and Sahadeva - sons of Pandu and Madri
Karna - son of Kunti with the help of Suryadev
Duryodhana, duhshashan, vikarna, duhshala and other 97

sons - children of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari
Pratibindhya, Sutasoma, Srutokarma, Shataneek &

Sutosena - sons of each Pandavas from Draupadi
Ghatotkacha - son of Bheema and Hidimba
Iravan - son of Arjuna and Ulupi
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Babhrubahan - son of Arjuna and Chitrangadaa
Abhimanyu - son of Arjuna and Subhadra
Parikshit - son of Abhimanyu and Uttaraa
Janamejaya - son of Parikshit
Dwaraka, Yadu Dynasty

Shree Krishna - son of Vasudev and Devaki
Balaram and Subhadra - children of Vasudev and Rohini
Vasudev and Kunti - children of Shoora
Pradyumna - son of Krishna and Rukmini
Shammo - son of Krishna and Jambabati
Satyaki
Kritavarma
Panchal
Draupadi, Dhristadyumna & Shikhandi - children of Drupad
Matsya
Uttara & Uttaraa - children of Virat and Sudeshna
Gandhar
Gandhari & Shakuni - children of Subala
Magadha
Jarashandha - son of Brihadratha
Sahadeva- son of Jarashandha
Chedi
Shishupal
Dhrishtaketu - son of Shishupal
Sindhu
Jayadratha
Others
Dronacharya - son of Bharadwaj
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Aswathama - son of Dronacharya and Kripi
Kripacharya
83) What are interesting facts in Mahabharat?
Abhimanyu learned the trick about how to enter in the chakra

viyu(a certain formation of soldiers. One of the deadliest of all.
It was almost unbreakable. Only Arjun knows how to break this
formation and his son Abhimanyu only knew how to enter in it)
when he was in his mother's womb.
Duryodhan had a sister, Dushala.
Lord Krishna was cursed that he can never be a king, and will
be killed by a hunter.
Initially Draupadi was only wife of Arjun. After marrying
ceremony they returned to their hut(it was their one year of
exile so they were in Brahman's disguise). Arjun knocked the
door and jokingly said he brought today's refuge(behind those
days Brahmins had to beg from others). Kunti, being anware of
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the fact that his 3rd son is joking, told them to divide that
equally among the brothers. To kept his mother's word all 5
pandavas had to marry with Draupadi.
Karna was cursed by Parshuram (another incarnation of Lord
Krishna) that at the crucial moment he couldn't remember
about the mantras of the special arrows he gave. Because
Karna lied to Parshuram that he is a Brahmin(actually he was a
kshatriya) and Parshuram only taught about weaponry to
Brahmins. He was also cursed by another sage that he will be
killed helplessly as Karna killed the cow of the sage.
The dices Shakuni used during the gambling with Yudhistir, was
made from the bones of his own father.
Bhim drank blood of Dushasan after defeating him as he took a
vow when Dushasan was striping Draupadi forcibly in front of
everyone.
The bow of Arjun, Gandiva, was made up of the spine of a
rhino.
Nakul and Sahadev was actually not son of Kunti. Their real
mother was Madri but she died after giving the birth of the
twins Nakul and Sahadev.
Technically Arjun layed Bhisma on the bed of arrows, not
Shikhandi. As ‘she'(described by Bhisma) worked as a shield to
Arjun.
After the Kurukshetra war Parikshit was the king of Lunar
dynasty( Kauravas and Pandavas were two sup part of Lunar
dynasty). Though he was grandson of Arjun.
The Supreme sage of the Pandavas and Kauravas, Vyas learned
the whole Veda when he was in his mother's womb.
Before the beginning of the great war, Ved Vyasa wanted to
give a spiritual vision to Dhritarashtra. But he(Dhritarashtra)
denied, saying that he couldn't watch war in own family, so he
insisted Ved Vyasa to give that vision to Sanjay.
Last but not the least, the Mahabharata's main story ended
with the death of Lord Krishna. Shortly after the Kurukshetra
war, the Yadavas( Lord Krishna was one of the Yadava tribe)
got into quarreling among them and get killed into fighting with
one another. Lord Krishna was tired heavily with this too much
hassle. So he sat under a tree, and fell asleep. A hunter who
was searching for a deer, saw Lord Krishna's feet and thought
it was a deer. So he a fired a poisonous arrow. Lord knew his
end is coming so he remained calm and blessed the hunter for
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full filling the prophesy, and fell asleep forever. And a snake
with five heads aroused from his body and immersed in the
sea.
84) What are some mind-blowing facts about

Mahabharat?
Karna was a student of guru Dronacharya and was already a
friend of Duryodhana in Gurukul. He was refused only
Brahmastra when he directly told Drona that he wants it for
competing against Arjuna and then Drona made an excuse of
his caste doubting his evil intentions.
Adhirath, Karna's foster father was a friend and personal
charioteer of King Dhritarashtra. He was rich and “Suta” was
not a lower caste.
Abhimanyu was trained in warfare by Arjuna and Lord Krishna's
son Pradyumna; not Krishna and Balarama.
Draupadi's original birth name was “Krishnaa" because of her
dark complexion.
Barbareek is not mentioned in Vysa's Epic. The name of
Ghatotkacha's son was Anjanparva who was killed by
Aswathama during the Kurukshetra. His story first appeared in
Skanda Purana.
Yuyutsu was the only son of Dhritarashtra (from a Vaishya
woman) who survived the war. He fought on the behalf of the
Pandavas and was appointed as caretaker of the kingdom and
Parikshit when the Pandavas went on their “Mahaprasthan”.
Satayki, one of the key warriors of the Pandavas' army was a
distance relative of Krishna and disciple of Arjuna. In the war,
he defeated Karna a multiple times and spared his life for the
oath of Arjuna. He was defeated and near to be killed by
Bhurishrava. Arjuna saved him by cutting arm of Bhurishrava.
Abhimanyu was an incarnation of Varchas, the son of
Chandradev. Chandradrv demanded that his son should not
stay on earth for a long time and should be as the son of Nara
(Arjuna). That's why Lord Krishna did not save Abhimanyu's
life.
Shakuni's dice was not made out of the bones of his father or
any other person. He was very skilled in dice game and thus
Yudhisthira kept losing.
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Abhimanyu did not receive the knowledge of entering into
Chakravyuha in Subhadra's womb but learnt it from his father,
Arjuna.
The name of Duryodhana's wife is not mentioned in the Epic.
From the epic we can only know that he married a Kalinga
princess abducting her from her Swayamvara with the help of
Karna.
There is no character named Vrishaketu exists in the original
MB. All sons of Karna was killed by the Pandavas in the war.
Lord Krishna was the father-in-law of Duryodhana's daughter,
Laxmana. She was forcibly abducted by Krishna's son Samba
and had to marry him against her wish.
Duryodhana's son Laxman was killed by Abhimanyu in the
Kurukshetra war.
During the “Ghoshyatra” when the Gandharvas attacked
Duryodhana, being unable to defeat them Karna fled keeping
his friend at the mercy of Chitrasena. Later, Arjuna saved
Duryodhana by defeating their leader Chitrasena.
Draupadi was the caretaker of the treasury of Indraprastha.
Shakuni never favoured the war and even advised Duryodhana
to return the kingdom of the Pandavas and make peace with
them.
Karna married two ladies of “Suta” clan of his father's choice
and lived happily with them. Their names are not mentioned in
MB and therefore Padmavati/Vrushali/Supriya/Uruvi did not
exist.
Arjuna was ambidextrous. He could hold the the bow with both
hands and shoot arrows with same speed; which is why his
another name is “Sabyasachi”.
Draupadi never made a condition that the other wives of the
Pandavas should not enter Indraprastha. In fact, al her co-
wives (except Ulupi, Chitrangada and Hidimba) lived at
Indraprastha with them. Ulupi and Chitrangada used to visit
Indraprastha at special occasions. Before the exile the other
wives were taken by their family and only Draupadi went to
forest with the Pandavas.
Draupadi was very affectionate towards Abhimanyu. When
Yudhisthira was trying hard to avoid the war, she became very
frustrated. During that time she told that she doesn't need any
help from the Pandavas. Her five sons will fight the battle led
by Abhimanyu.
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During the exile, Subhadra looked after Draupadi's five sons.
On the 17th day of the war Arjuna was going to kill Yudhisthira
when the latter mocked him for not killing Karna and asked him
to leave his ‘Gandiva' as he secretly took an oath to kill anyone
who would insult his “Gandiva”.
Arjuna was proclaimed as the best ‘Kshatriya' by Lord Shiva,
Lord Krishna and Lord Parashurama.
The Epic is originally named as “Jaya” which is another name of
Arjuna.
85) What are some lesser known/interesting stories in
Mahabharata?
Story of Barbarik is quite interesting.
Barbarik was the grandson of Bhima and the son of Ghatotkacha.

Barbarik was supposed to be a brave warrior having learnt the art
of warfare from his mother. Lord Shiva pleased with Barbarik's
talent as a warrior granted him a Three special arrows. He also got
a special bow from Lord Agni (God of Fire).
It is said that Barbarik was so powerful that according to him the

war of Mahabharata could end in 1 minute if he alone was to fight
it. The story goes like this:
Before the war started, Lord Krishna asked everyone how long
would it take for them to finish the war alone. Bhisma replied it
would take 20 days. Dronacharya said it would take 25 days.
Karna said it would take 24 days whereas Arjuna said it would take
him 28 days.
Barbarik had expressed his desire to watch the war of

Mahabharata to his mother. His mother agreed to let him go watch
it, but asked him before leaving as to which side he would join if
he felt the urge to take part in the war. Barbarik promised his
mother that he would join the side that was weaker. Saying this he
set up on the journey to visit the battlefield.
Krishna having heard of Barbarik and wanting to examine

Barbarik's strength disguised himself as a Brahmin came in front of
Barbarik. Krishna asked him the same question about how many
days would it take to finish the war if he were to fight it alone.
Barbarik replied it would take him only 1 minute to finish the battle
if he was to fight it alone. Krishna was surprised at this answer of
Barbarik considering the fact that Barbarik was walking towards
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the battlefield with just 3 arrows and a bow. To this Barbarik
explained the power of the 3 arrows.
The first arrow was supposed to mark all the objects that
Barbarik wanted to be destroyed.
The second arrow was supposed to mark all the objects that
Barbarik wanted to be saved.
The third arrow was supposed to destroy all the objects marked
by the first arrow OR destroy all the objects not marked by the
second arrow.
And at the end of this all the arrows would come return to the
quiver. Krishna eager to test this out asked Barbarik to tie all the
leaves of the tree that he was standing under. As Barbarik started
meditating to perform the task, Krishna took one leaf from the tree
and placed it under his foot without Barbarik's knowledge. When
Barbarik releases the first arrow, the arrow marks all the leaves
from the tree and eventually starts revolving around Lord Krishna's
feet. Krishna asks Barbarik as to why the arrow is doing this. To
this Barbarik replies that there must be a leaf under your feet and
asks Krishna to lift his leg. As soon as Krishna lifts his leg, the
arrow goes ahead and marks the remaining leaf too.
This incident scares Lord Krishna about the phenomenal power of

Barbarik. He concludes that the arrows are truly infallible. Krishna
also realizes that in the real battlefield in case Krishna wants to
isolate someone (for eg the 5 Pandavas) from Barbarik's attack,
then he would not be able to do so, since even without the
knowledge of Barbarik, the arrow would go ahead and destroy the
target if Barbarik intended so.
To this Krishna asks Barbarik about which side he was planning to

fight for in the war of Mahabharata. Barbarik explains that since
the Kaurava Army is bigger than the Pandava Army and because of
the condition he had agreed to with his mother, he would fight for
the Pandavas. But to this Lord Krishna explains the paradox of the
condition he had agreed with his mother. Krishna explains that
since he was the greatest warrior on the battlefield, which ever
side he joins would make the other side weaker. So eventually he
would end up oscillating between the two sides and destroy
everyone except himself. Thus Krishna reveals the actual
consequence of the word that he had given to his mother. Thus
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Krishna(still disguised as a Brahmin) asks for Barbarik's head in
charity to avoid his involvement in the war.
After this Krishna explains that it was necessary to sacrifice the

head of the greatest Kshatriya in order to worship the battlefield
and that he regarded Barbarik as the greatest Kshatriya of that
time.
Before actually giving his head, Barbarik expresses his desire to

view the forthcoming battle. To this Krishna agreed to place
Barbarik's head on top of the mountain that overlooked the
battlefield. At the end of the war, the Pandavas argued amongst
themselves about whose was the greatest contribution to their
victory. To this Krishna suggests that Barbarik's head should be
allowed to judge this since it has watched the entire war.
Barbarik's head suggests it was Krishna alone who was responsible
for the victory in the war. His advice, his strategy and his presence
was crucial in the victory.
86) What are some lesser known/interesting stories in
Mahabharata?
Story of Barbarik is quite interesting.
Barbarik was the grandson of Bhima and the son of Ghatotkacha.

Barbarik was supposed to be a brave warrior having learnt the art
of warfare from his mother. Lord Shiva pleased with Barbarik's
talent as a warrior granted him a Three special arrows. He also got
a special bow from Lord Agni (God of Fire).
It is said that Barbarik was so powerful that according to him the

war of Mahabharata could end in 1 minute if he alone was to fight
it. The story goes like this:
Before the war started, Lord Krishna asked everyone how long
would it take for them to finish the war alone. Bhisma replied it
would take 20 days. Dronacharya said it would take 25 days.
Karna said it would take 24 days whereas Arjuna said it would take
him 28 days.
Barbarik had expressed his desire to watch the war of

Mahabharata to his mother. His mother agreed to let him go watch
it, but asked him before leaving as to which side he would join if
228
he felt the urge to take part in the war. Barbarik promised his
mother that he would join the side that was weaker. Saying this he
set up on the journey to visit the battlefield.
Krishna having heard of Barbarik and wanting to examine

Barbarik's strength disguised himself as a Brahmin came in front of
Barbarik. Krishna asked him the same question about how many
days would it take to finish the war if he were to fight it alone.
Barbarik replied it would take him only 1 minute to finish the battle
if he was to fight it alone. Krishna was surprised at this answer of
Barbarik considering the fact that Barbarik was walking towards
the battlefield with just 3 arrows and a bow. To this Barbarik
explained the power of the 3 arrows.
The first arrow was supposed to mark all the objects that
Barbarik wanted to be destroyed.
The second arrow was supposed to mark all the objects that
Barbarik wanted to be saved.
The third arrow was supposed to destroy all the objects marked
by the first arrow OR destroy all the objects not marked by the
second arrow.
And at the end of this all the arrows would come return to the
quiver. Krishna eager to test this out asked Barbarik to tie all the
leaves of the tree that he was standing under. As Barbarik started
meditating to perform the task, Krishna took one leaf from the tree
and placed it under his foot without Barbarik's knowledge. When
Barbarik releases the first arrow, the arrow marks all the leaves
from the tree and eventually starts revolving around Lord Krishna's
feet. Krishna asks Barbarik as to why the arrow is doing this. To
this Barbarik replies that there must be a leaf under your feet and
asks Krishna to lift his leg. As soon as Krishna lifts his leg, the
arrow goes ahead and marks the remaining leaf too.
This incident scares Lord Krishna about the phenomenal power of

Barbarik. He concludes that the arrows are truly infallible. Krishna
also realizes that in the real battlefield in case Krishna wants to
isolate someone (for eg the 5 Pandavas) from Barbarik's attack,
then he would not be able to do so, since even without the
knowledge of Barbarik, the arrow would go ahead and destroy the
target if Barbarik intended so.
229
To this Krishna asks Barbarik about which side he was planning to
fight for in the war of Mahabharata. Barbarik explains that since
the Kaurava Army is bigger than the Pandava Army and because of
the condition he had agreed to with his mother, he would fight for
the Pandavas. But to this Lord Krishna explains the paradox of the
condition he had agreed with his mother. Krishna explains that
since he was the greatest warrior on the battlefield, which ever
side he joins would make the other side weaker. So eventually he
would end up oscillating between the two sides and destroy
everyone except himself. Thus Krishna reveals the actual
consequence of the word that he had given to his mother. Thus
Krishna(still disguised as a Brahmin) asks for Barbarik's head in
charity to avoid his involvement in the war.
After this Krishna explains that it was necessary to sacrifice the

head of the greatest Kshatriya in order to worship the battlefield
and that he regarded Barbarik as the greatest Kshatriya of that
time.
Before actually giving his head, Barbarik expresses his desire to

view the forthcoming battle. To this Krishna agreed to place
Barbarik's head on top of the mountain that overlooked the
battlefield. At the end of the war, the Pandavas argued amongst
themselves about whose was the greatest contribution to their
victory. To this Krishna suggests that Barbarik's head should be
allowed to judge this since it has watched the entire war.
Barbarik's head suggests it was Krishna alone who was responsible
for the victory in the war. His advice, his strategy and his presence
was crucial in the victory.
87)What are some of the rare and hidden facts about the
Great Karnan of Mahabharata?
He was a monster before he was born
He had 1000 armors of gold given by surya dev
He was the brother of pandavas
It was his fate to die by pandavas hand
He had four curses that led to his death
First was that he would forget how to use his weapons when he
needed them most
Second earth will not help him and get his chariot in pothole
Third he will forget his most powerful weapon
230
Fourth he will be killed because of before life crimes by arjun
and krishna
In his before life he was monster dambhodava who used to
pray to surya dev so surya dev gave him a wish and he asked
for 1000 armors the 999 armors were destroyed by vishnu and
was born with the last one in the after life which his karna life
88)What are most interesting facts about Mahabharat?
.Conversation between Krishna and draupadi.
Draupadi:You told you will be there to save your devotees when in

danger in one form or the other.Where were you when I was
brutally insulted in the court of hastinapur.
Lord: I was there in the court and even stood to help you but you
denied me.
Draupadi: It is confusing .Who was it?
Lord:It was karna .Do you remember insulting him even at the
darkest moment in your life.
(In the court,Draupadi was appealing to all great men in the court
to save her one by one.She was requesting people and when karna
turn came she bypassed him. At that time karna stood up to help
her but seeing her neglecting him he got offended and abused
her.)
Draupadi remained silent sensing her mistake.
2.One more thing which many were unaware is that duryodhana

promised his wife bhanumathi that he will not marry any other
women not even touch them.That was why he asked his brother to
drag draupadi to the court.
3.When you think of mace fight you will remember only about
bhima.Even many may think he is the greatest mace fighter
ever.But bhima is just a child when compared to legends who
fought the war.And bhima was atirathi class warrior whereas even
karna's son vrishasena was a maharathi class
warrior.Karna,Bheesma,Drona,Aswathama ,Mighty warrior
bhagadhatta and many could easily hold bhima in mace fight.Even
Balarama claimed duryodhana was stronger than bhima.
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4.Many think Bheesma was the oldest person who took part in the
war.Not at all . It was bhagadatta ,friend of Lord
Indra.Bhagadhatta was so old that his eye wrinkles would drop
over his eyes to hinder his view . So he wore a silk cloth over his
forehead to prevent it . Arjun skillfully used his arrow to cut that
silk cloth thereby making him blind for a brief period of time and
then killing him.
5.Again about bhagadhatta .Bhagadhatta used vaishnavastra to kill

arjuna but Krishna interrupted to save Arjuna . It was given by his
father who got it from Lord Vishnu and it was so powerful that it
will never miss the target and Krishna knew Arjuna Couldn't
counter such a powerful Astra so he stood up and vaishnavastra
turned into a Garland on seeing Vishnu himself thus reaching its
origin.
6. At one point in war the entire pandava army kneeled down for a
single Astra from Aswathama.Any guess about that Astra .It is
Narayanastra which cause damage proportional to the amount of
resistance . To counter that Krishna asked all men to put down
their weapons and kneel down.Resistance offered thus was zero so
damage done was zero.Krishna had a solution to every problem.
7.Almost all warriors,particularly Maharathis who fought on

Kaurava side were killed by unfair means . I don't think this need
explanations.
8.You know that karna was the son of Sun .His father,the Sun god
came to karna and offered his own Chariot to karna and also
explained that it can match Arjuna Chariot which had Hanuman in
it's flag.Karna politely refused it saying he don't need help from
anyone to fight Arjuna.
9.Karna cannot be killed when he have his bow digvijaya in his

hand.Drona cannot be killed when he have his sword asi in his
hand.Bheesma cannot be killed as long as he wish to
die.Aswathamatha cannot die as he was a born chiranjeevi.The
point to note here is Digvijaya was given to karna by parasurama
himself just to neutralize his bad wish on karna that he will forgot
brahmastra.
10.Ever guessed why gandhari choose to make his son

duryodhana skin to turn into vajra . It was because when kaurava
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army were protecting jayadratha ,Drona made duryodhana skin
into vajra for a single day using his power to help him save
jayadratha. He remained undefeated on that day so Gandhari
thought if that power last forever she could save her son . So he
used her power that way.
11.Parasurama trained only four warriors among people who

fought on the war and gave one weapon/Astra to each.They were
1.Bheesma
2.Karna
3.Drona
4.Aswathama.
12.All know about the guru dakshana offered by ekalaiva but do

anyone know what Drona asked from Arjuna apart from panjala
Kingdom. He asked that Arjuna should not refrain himself from
fighting against him when need arises.Maybe he foresaw the war.!!
Mahabharata is an complex epic with different views from

each,some of the above may be controversial or you may feel it is
wrong.Kindly bear with it.
89)What are some unknown facts about Draupadi (Hindu
mythology Mahabharat)?
233
Draupadi was considered to be the most beautiful woman of
her time.
She was dark-complexioned and was hence called Krishnaa.
She was also called Yagnaseni (the one who was born out of
the fire), Panchali (the one from the land of Panchala).
In her previous life, she was said to have been given a boon by
Lord Shiva where she asked for a husband possessed of every
accomplishment five times. This was said to be the reason why
Draupadi was married to five men.
She was a real beauty with brains since she was educated and
trained in economics, after which she became the finance
minister of Hastinapur and took charge of the treasury. She
became an able empress and also ran a grievances council for
the citizens of her kingdom. In Veda Vyas’s Mahabharat she is
often referred to as an ‘intelligent lady’. Even Karna praises her
for her intelligence during the dice game.
Draupadi saves the Pandavas from slavery at the dice game.
234
Draupadi never curses the Kuru sabha during the dice game as
often shown in the TV serials. She just questions them on the
validity of her being staked after Yudhishtira had lost himself.
Draupadi doesn’t vow to keep her hair untied until she washes
it with Dushasan's blood. Bhima does vow to drink his blood
after killing him, which he does.
Draupadi did not laugh at Duryodhana when he fell into the
water, let alone say ‘andhe ka putra andha he’. The Pandavas
with the exception of Yudhishthira (of course) laughed,
whereas was nowhere near the scene when it happened.
Duryodhana lies (most probably) and mentions her laughing at
him to his father later. During the dice game, Duryodhana
doesn’t use this against her, so this incident did not happen.
Karna too doesn’t mention her refusing to marry him. He didn’t
consider it an insult that she refused to marry him. The BORI
version removed the part of Draupadi refusing to marry Karna
and mentions Karna failing to hit the target.
Draupadi forgives Jayadrath after he abducts her and also
forgives Ashwattama after he kills her children and brother.
Draupadi, Arjun, and Krishna shared a common and close

friendship. She was Krishna’s Sakhi (friend). They go for a
235
picnic along with Subhadra where they thoroughly enjoy
themselves, they also used to gossip and converse with
Satyabhama (Krishna’s wife) in a room where even Abhimanyu,
Nakul, and Sahadev were not allowed to enter.
She did not make a rule preventing the other wives of the
Pandavas from staying at Indraprasth. In fact, she herself
mentions that she serves the other wives of the Pandavas, and
loves Abhimanyu as her own son.
Draupadi had to face a lot of trials and tribulations throughout
her life, but she was clearly loved by all.
She was loved by her citizens and for very good reasons too
because when she was humiliated at the dice game, the
Brahmins of the kingdom refused to light the lamps in their
homes. It was mentioned by Duryodhana that she served
food to all the physically handicapped people at the yajna.
She also ran a citizen liaison to look after the needs of her
people.
She was loved by her mother-in-law Kunti, who herself says
when Krishna visits her, that she loves Draupadi more than
her own sons, and that when she recalls the dice game
incident none of her sons seem dear to her. Draupadi
respects her back.
She was loved by all the Pandavas. Draupadi is referred to

as the ‘beloved of the Pandavas’, and it is often stated that
the Pandavas loved her more than their own lives.
She was made to sit next to the sacrificial horse at the
Ashwamedha yajna as the chief queen after the war. This
was considered to be a huge honor.
236
As pointed out by Aswin Kini, Draupadi was considered to
be an avatar of the goddess ‘Shree’. When Yudhishthira
sees her in heaven, she is described thus by Indra,
“He also beheld the princess of Pancala, decked in garlands of
lotuses. Having attained to Heaven, she was sitting there, endued
with a form possessed of solar splendor. King Yudhishthira
suddenly wished to question her. Then the illustrious Indra, the
chief of the gods, spoke to him, ‘This one is Sree herself. It was
for your sake that she took birth, as the daughter of Drupada,
among human beings, issuing not from any mother’s womb.”
90) What are the facts many do not know about

Mahabharata ?
1. Krishna rode a chariot that was heavily potent and once when
Arjun was done with the war, Krishna asked him to get off the
chariot first and then he got off. As soon as he got off, the chariot
exploded in a huge fireball. That’s when he explained to Arjun why
he asked him to get off the chariot first. All the fires, missiles and
arrows directed towards Arjun’s Ratha was stopped by Shree
Krishna himself to protect Arjun but since the purpose of all these
arms was to detonate, it was done after Shree Krishna moved out
from the Ratha.
2. Hastinapur (of Bharat Varsha) was the most opulent and

developed place in the history of mankind during Mahabharat’s
time. It had all the resources that a civilized state comprises of:
dams, artificial ponds, irrigation, monuments, temples and learned
Sages.
237
3. Sahadeva (the youngest Pandav) knew everything about the
future. He knew that a war was going to occur, but he kept silent
because he was under a curse that if he revealed anything to
anybody he would die.
4. Arjun’s ‘pilgrimage’ for breaking his marital laws with Draupadi

earned him three more wives. They were Chitrangada (Manipura),
Ulupi (Naga) and Subhadra.
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5. Arjun was unable to defend the wives of Krishna from common

robbers after Krishna’s departure to Vaikuntha. His bow became
heavy and he forgot all his mantras. The 8 main wives committed
suicide. The others were kidnapped by robbers.
6. Yudhistira learnt to play dice form the Sage Vrihadaswa who

narrated the story of Nala and Damayanti in their exile.
7. Bhima had one surviving son named Sarvaga by Balandhara,

who was not given the throne despite being much elder to
Parikshit. He became the ruler of Kashi (his mother’s land)
instead.
8. Ekalavya was actually Krishna’s cousin. He was the son of

Devashrava (brother of Vasudeva) who got lost in the forest and
was found by a Nishada Hiranyadhanu. Ekalavya died protecting
his father during Rukmini Swayamvar. He was killed by Krishna.
For his great sacrifice of Gurudakshina, Krishna blessed Ekalavya
that he would be soon reincarnated and take revenge on Drona.
This person was Dhristadyumna (who kiled Drona).
9. Krishna himself said to Arjun in Bhagwat Geeta ”O invincible

one, you are Nara and I am Hari Narayana, and we, the sages
Nara-Narayana, have come to this world at proper time”. (Nara
Narayan are considered as the part avatars of Vishnu).
10. Mahabharat is also known as Pancham Veda, the fifth Veda.
11. Krishna broke his promise. In the battle of Mahabharat, Lord

Krishna promised that he will not pick up any weapon. On the
other hand Bhishma promised Duryodhan that he will fight like a
lion and will either kill Arjun or make Lord Krishna break his
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promise. To respect words of his bhakt Bhisma, Krishna broke his
promise and saved Bhisma from embarrassment. The intense
battle between Bhishma and Arjun began, but despite being
extremely powerful, Arjun was no match to Bhishma. Arjun was
soon helpless when Bhagwan Krishna could not tolerate it and
immediately threw down the chariot rein and jumped out of it onto
the battle field and lifted one of the chariot’s wheels and charged
towards Bhishma determined to kill him. Arjun tried to stop Lord
Krishna, but all in vain.
12. Vidura (chief counsel of Dhritharashtra) was the incarnation of

Yamaraj after being cursed by Manduk Muni to become a Sudra
(the less intelligent class of men in the society) because he killed a
small insect which was not harming him by accident.
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13. Some references indicate that Vidura was in possession of a

mysterious and very powerful bow – gifted to him by Vishnu
himself. The wielder of the bow would not face defeat in battle.
When Krishna comes to make peace with the Kauravas –
Duryodhana insults Vidura so much that Vidura decides that he will
not participate in the war and in an attempt to completely fructify
it, he breaks his bow in half.
14. There are different versions of the epic. One version is

for Deva Loka.
15. Lots of past incidents including the Amrit Manthan are part of
the original Mahabharata epic. The entire epic was narrated as a
flashback at the Sarpa Yagna being conducted by Janamejaya, the
son of Parikshit (Arjun’s Grandson). There are also inferences
which narrate why the Sarpa Yagna had to be conducted, and who
were all the people acting as catalysts for the Yagna.
16. Krishna knew that the time has come, Arjun and his sister
Subhadra are to be united. He confronted Arjun and told him to
kidnap her. When Arjun did kidnap her, Balarama and the other
Yadavas were furious. They were up in arms and were getting
ready to chase Arjun and oust him in battle. Balarama stopped the
239
entire frenzy and exclaimed that Krishna is sitting silently. When
asked, Krishna replied that I think what Arjun has done is in
accordance with Kshatriya dharma, as it is happening with the
permission of Subhadra and family’s wishes (Krishna himself
permitted Arjun). That is how Arjun got away with marrying
Krishna’s sister Subhadra.
17. Krishna tried to narrate the Bhagavad Gita to Duryodhana.

Obviously, if Duryodhana would have been educated, then the
entire war would have been averted. But, Duryodhana told Krishna
that he already knows what is right and what is wrong. His
argument to Krishna was that there is some internal force within
him which does not allow his mind to choose what is right. That his
Prakriti is not allowing him to act as per his dharma.
18. Krishna is arguably the most difficult character to understand,

as without bhakti no one can comprehend the existence of
Bhagwan. Once, he even started fighting with Arjun. Bhagwan
Shiv got so perturbed that he descended to stop the fight. He
asked what Krishna was doing. Krishna’s simple reply was that
Arjun needed to fight in battle and hence Krishna was testing
Arjun.
19. Mahabharat is indeed a treasure house of knowledge. In

the Vana Parvam, Draupadi teaches Patni dharma to Satyabhama.
She elaborately explains the duties of a wife and the principles of
a Pati-vrata. The teachings are still considered as the best
practices for the deserving husbands of today. The golden words
invoke sense of pride, respect and gratitude towards husband, that
gets replicated in forming able children who in turn also respect
their older parents in future.
20. The Kauravas were all mis-named because of their bad

reputation. Duryodhana (which means Evil warrior) was actually
Suyodhana (Good warrior), Dusshasana (means Bad ruler) was
actually Sushaasana (good ruler), Dusshala (meaning one who
moves badly) was actually Suchala (one who moves nicely) and so
on. Though, India has a population of over 125 crore people today,
you will hardly find single individual having names of
major Kauravas, even enemies do not call names of their rivals
on Kauravas, since it is considered as bad omen. No baby is
named after them.
240
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21. In Mahabharat, Shakuni appears to be on the side of

Kauravas, but his secret intention was the downfall of both
Pandavas and Kauravas. There was bitter past behind his
hatredness. Tragedy struck Gandhar, on the advice of astrologers,
to avert a calamity it was said that Gandhari was married to a goat
for the Yagna before getting married to Dhritarashtra. Because
Gandhari was Kanya and Yagna could have caused harm to her
husband. Technically, this made Gandhari a widow and
Dhritarashtra her second husband. Many years later when her
husband Dhritrashtra learns about this truth, shocked and
enraged, Dhritrashtra puts Gandhari’s entire family, including king
Subala in prison. In prison, they were served just one fistful of rice
every day. Realizing that this was an elaborate plan to starve them
to death, Gandhari’s father declared that none but his youngest
son would eat the sparse food being served, so that at least one
amongst them would survive to avenge the death of the rest. The
youngest son of king Subala was Shakuni. He survived and swore
not to rest until all of Kuru kingdom is destroyed. He used the
thigh bones of his father to make the dice with which he was able
to defeat the Pandavas in the gambling match, and thus which
eventually led to the war at Kurukshetra and also to the
destruction of entire Kuru clan. His father twisted his one leg to
give him a permanent limp as a constant reminder of revenge.
In some of the version of Mahabharat, Shakuni is also known as a

devotee of Bhagwan Krishna.
22. Draupadi was asked 3 times by Duryodhana to come to the

court after her husbands lost her in dicing. Draupadi kept denying
and asked Duryodhana to question Yudhistira whether he staked
himself first or her first. Duryodhana asked Draupadi to question
her husband in court directly. Yet Draupadi refused to come and
sent the attendant back. Duryodhana lost his temper and ordered
Dusshasana to bring her there at any cost.
23. After the whole incident of Draupadi vastraharan, Draupadi

herself apologises to the court saying “I had been dragged here
and humiliated. In all that has occured, I did not bow down to the
elders of the court and the family. My apologies to them.”
241
Even in such adverse situation, Draupadi remembered
her dharma of Putravadhu. This bought tears in the eyes of elders
and Bhisma. Draupadi never said “Andhe Ka Putra Andha” as per
original Mahabharat. No single verse is found where Draupadi
humiliates guest Duryodhana.
24. Jayadrath, who is mainly held responsible for slaying the 16

year old Abhimanyu (Arjun’s son) in the Chakravyuh, was in fact
the only brother-in-law to the 101 Pandava and Kaurava brothers,
married to their sister Dushala.
25. The narration of the Bhagavad Gita by Krishna was heard

firsthand not only by Arjun but also Hanuman and Sanjay.
Hanuman was perched on top of Arjuna’s chariot throughout the
battle of Kurukshetra and Sanjay was blessed by Ved Vyas with
divine vision in order to narrate the events of the battle to
Dhritharashtra.
26. Iranvan, Son of Uloopi and Arjun self-sacrificed to the goddess

Kali to show his bhakti towards her and ensure favor and the
victory of the Pandavas in the war, with a wish to marry a girl
before dying; to fulfill his wish Krishna married to him
as Mohini (the roop he took during Samudra Mantra to
protect Amrit) and cried after his death like a real wife.
27. Draupadi was a daughter of Panchal King Draupad. She did

tapasya and prayed Bhagwan Shiv. After appearance of Shiv, she
asked for the boon to marry a great man who had 14 of the best
qualities. Bhagwan Shiv informed her such 14 qualities are not
possible to be present in the yoni of a human being. But Draupadi
insisted, so there upon Bhagwan Shiv granted her a wish – a
marriage with 5 great men who would have 14 such great
qualities, and also after every morning bath she would regain her
virginity.
28. In his previous life, Dhritarashtra was a tyrant king, who one
day while walking on the lake side saw a swan bird surrounded by
hundred cygnets (young swans). He ordered to remove the swan
bird’s eyes and kill all the hundred cygnets just for his passing
fancy. Therefore, in next birth he was born blind and all his sons
were killed in the war.
242
29. Bhishma was among the Eight Vasus (attendants to Indra) and
was cursed by Sage Vsashishta for stealing his cow to get born
from Ganga. Although other 7 seven Vasus were drowned by
Ganga just after their death , Bhishma was kept alive because of
persuasion of his father Shantanu, and thus served the mortal
form.
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30. Krishna once protested to Yudhishthira that why the king of

Indraprastha did not seek his assistance while playing the game of
dice. If Sakuni could have played the game of dice on behalf of
Duryodhana, then definitely Krishna could have played on behalf of
the Pandavas.
31. It is said by some scholars that many verses of Mahabharat

composed by Vyas were difficult for his scribe, the God of
intelligence, Shree Ganesha to understand. These verses were
understood by Ganesh in a split second’s break. This break allowed
Vyas to visualize the further verses. But, these verses are so
difficult that 80% of them remain unsolved even today. There are
8800 such verses in the Mahabharat. The recall of incidents and
writing it all over so accurately was never done before in modern
times by anyone.
32. Satyavati (mother of Vyasa) was the daughter of a cursed

apsara named Adrika.
33. Ved Vyas was the father of Dhritrashtra, Pandu and Vidura.
34. Ved Vyas (Vyasa) simply wrote the history of his own sons,
grandsons and great grandsons – all the while keeping himself
entangled in the intricacies of the future of the kingdom of
Hastinapur and yet remaining out of it.
35. Out of five Pandavas three were the sons of Kunti Yudhisthira
from Yama, Bhima from Vayu and Arjuna from Indra. Other two
were the sons of Pandu’s second wife and morning and evening
stars – Ashwini, all sky gods were called by Kunti to plant their
seed in the wombs of these two wives.
243
36. While in exile, the Pandavas were travelling all across the
country. At one time, it so happened that they reached a forest
near Dwarka. They were all resting under a tree when prominent
Yadavas came to meet them. The Yadavas were raged at the
condition of the Pandavas. They proclaimed that this is not how
these virtuous men must suffer. Warriors like Satyaki and others
insisted that they shall all go right now and destroy Duryodhana.
They argued that the Pandavas were under oath to not attack, not
the Yadavas. All were spirited to march to Hastinapur for war.
Krishna was silent and everyone looked to him for sermon. Krishna
merely pointed at Yudhishthira and said that “if this man agrees,
then we shall go to war.”
Yudhishthira folded his hands and said that “you all must please
leave us in our state as of now. My dharma has already been fixed.
There is an understanding that myself and Duryodhana have
arrived at. It is adharma to interpret it differently and fish for
loopholes. I must follow my dharma.”
37. In Indralok, Arjun was propositioned by Apsara Urvashi, but he

used to address her as ‘mother’. Annoyed with Arjun’s rejection,
Urvashi cursed him that he would become a eunuch. When Devraj
Indra came to know about the curse, he told Arjun that this curse
is going to serve as a boon during the one year stay in hiding and
after spending that period, he would regain his masculinity. This
proved to be significant in Mahabharat. After spending 12 years in
forest, Pandavas spent the 13th year of exile incognito, in the
court of King Virat. Arjun used his curse as blessing and lived as a
eunuch named Brihannala. This teaches that if adverse condition
arises and life is in danger then disguising in any form to escape
and remain alive becomes important. Many future kings of Bharat
followed this principle of disguise and escaped their death from the
evil clutches of enemy. Mahabharat teaches many things including
morality and truth which can be practically adapted in life to save
people and his leader’s life.
38. The situation Bhagwan Krishna supported the Pandavas in

Mahabharat. Duryodhan and Arjun both went to Dwarka to meet
Bhagwan Krishna to seek his support for the war. Duryodhan was
first to reach Dwarka. Satyaki informed that Krishna was asleep.
Both Arjun and Duryodhan entered Krishna’s room. Duryodhan
who entered the room first, sat on Krishna’s bed besides his head.
Arjun went to the foot of the bed and stood there with his hands
244
folded. When Krishna woke up he saw Arjun first. But Duryodhan
said that since he came first it was only fair for Krishna to support
the Kauravas. However, Krishna smiled and said that since he saw
Arjun first so it would only be fair if he supported both the sides.
So, on one hand was his famous Narayani army and on the other
hand was he alone without any weapon. Duryodhana choose
Narayani Sena. Arjun took support of Shree Krishna.
39. Yudhisthir was very well known for his firm adherence to truth.
But in the battle of Mahabharat, Drona who was Kauravas
commander was killing thousands of Pandavas warriors. Krishna
made a plan and Drona was told that Ashwathama has died. The
plan was set in motion when Bhishma killed an elephant named
Ashwathama and loudly proclaimed that he was dead. Drona went
up to Yudhisthir to ask him the truth, he replied that he was not
sure of who had died, his son or the elephant. Bhagwan Krishna
knew that Yudhithir won’t be able to lie, so when he was speaking
the truth, Krishna made loud noise by beating the drums, which
dissolved Yudhisthir’s words. Drona was disheartened and laid
down his weapons. He was later killed.
40. Mahabharat war lasted mere 18 days but killed millions of

people, thousands of elephants and horses. Even today, traces of
radiation are found in the places where the war was fought.
Scientists often describe, in recent history, first ever nuclear war in
the world was fought in India before 3000 BC.
41. After Sri Kirshna left the earth, Pandavas too lost their interest
in life. They started their journey to heaven with a dog. All
Pandavas lost their lives during the journey. Only Yudhisthir and
the dog made it to heaven. That dog was Yamaraj.
[ Read Also Vedic Hindu Science on Development of Embryo

to Fetus to Baby https://haribhakt.com/ancient-indians-defied-
natural-process-of-giving-births-proofs-of-transdimensional-
science-in-hindu-texts/ ]
42. Karna was born with Kavach and Kundala. Ashwathama

had mani on his forehead since birth.
43. Karna’s teacher was Parshuram.
245
44. Karna and Bhisma never fought together because Karna had
taken an oath not to fight till Bhisma is alive and a general of the
Kauravas. Later he meets dying Bhisma to pay homage and seek
forgiveness for his past errors. Bhisma receives Karna kindly,
pardons him with affectionate words, then urges that Karna should
not fight the war on Kauravas side because they are wrong and
unjust; Bhisma recommends Karna to fight on the side of his step
brothers Pandavas because they are on the side of truth and
justice. Karna refuses to accept the advice of dying Bhisma.
45. Of the 100 brothers of Kaurava, only Yuyutsu survived the

Mahabharata war.
46. Yuyutsu had fought from Pandavas side.
47. Bheem killed 99 brothers of Kauravas.
48. The only person who witnessed the Mahabharat war and is still
alive is Ashwathama.
49. Drona was born in a vessel. He was sage Bharadwaj’s son.
50. Krishna forgave Shishupala 100 times before killing him.
51. The biggest front to front war ever fought in the history of
mankind. The size of Pandavas‘ army in the Kurukshetra war was
7 Akshauhinis, and those of Kauravas 11 Akshauhinis.
An Akshauhini (Sanskrit: अक्षौहिणी), is described in the Mahabharat
as a battle formation consisting of 21,870 chariots (Sanskrit
ratha); 21,870 elephants; 65,610 cavalry and 109,350 infantry as
per the Mahabharata (Adi Parva 2.15-23).
The ratio is 1 chariot : 1 elephant : 3 cavalry : 5 infantry soldiers.

In each of these large number groups (65,610, etc.), the digits
add up to 18.
The Akshauhini comprises of Gaja, Ratha, Ashwa and Padhata as

follows:
One elephant (Gaja), one chariot (Ratha), three horses (Ashwa)

and five foot soldiers (Padhata) form a Patti;
Three Pattis form a Sena-Mukha;
Three Sena-Mukhas make a Gulma;

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Three Gulmas a Gana;
Three Ganas a Vahini;
Three Vahinis a Pruthana;
Three Pruthanas a Chamu;
Three Chamus a Anikini;
Ten Anikinis form an Akshauhini. Thus an Akshauhini, by

calculation, contains 21,870 elephants, 21,870 chariots,
65,610 Horses, and 109,350 foot soldiers.
Strength of Kuru Army
Kuru Army of 11 Akshauhinis is formed by the kingdom of

Hastinapur in alliance with races like the Samshaptakas,
Trigartas, the Narayana army, the Sindhu army and Shalya of
Madra.
Commanders in Chief of the War for the Kurus: Bhishma (10

days), Drona (5 days), Karna (2 days), Shalya (1 day),
Ashwatthama (after Duryodhana loses the mace fight with Bheem)
Atirathis: Jayadratha and Shakuni.

Maharathis: Duryodhana, Dushasana, Vikarna, Kripacharya,
Shalya, Bhisma, Dronacharya, Karna and Ashwathama.
Kaurava Army and Duryodhana’s Allies:
Bhagadatta the veteran – 1 Akshauhini

Shalya, king of Madra – 1 Akshauhini
Nila of Mahishmati – 1 Akshauhini (from south)
Kritavarma (Krishna’s Narayani sena of Yadavas) – 1 Akshauhini
Jayadratha (Saindhava) – 1 Akshauhini
Sudakshina, king of Kambhoja – 1 Akshauhini (has Yavanas &
Sakas in his troops)
Vinda and Anuvinda (from Avanti) – 1 Akshauhini
Kalinga Forces – 1 Akshauhini
Shakuni of Gandhara – 1 Akshauhini
Susharma of Trigata – 1 Akshauhini
Kurus and other Allies – 1 Akshauhini
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Kauravas had 240570 Elephants, 240570 Chariots, 721710 Horses
and 1202850 Foot Soldiers.
[ Read Also Parshuram Kund, How It Helped Parshuram

Wipe off His Sins https://haribhakt.com/parshuram-kund-how-it-
helped-parshuram-wipe-off-his-sins/ ]
Strength of Pandava Army
Pandava Army: is a coalition of 7 Akshauhinis, primarily the

Panchala and Matsya forces, the Rakshasa forces of Bhima’s son,
and Vrishni-Yadava heroes.
Atirathis: Uttara, Shikhandi and Upapandavas

Maharathis: Bhima, Nakula, Yuyutsu, Sahadeva, Yudhishthira,
Dhristadyumna, Satyaki, Ghatotkacha,Abhimanyu, Drupada, Virata
and Arjuna
Pandava Army and their Allies:
Satyaki of the Vrishni clan – 1 Akshauhini

Ghatotkacha – 1 Akshauhini
Dhrishtaketu, king of Chedis – 1 Akshauhini
Sahadeva, son of Jarasandha – 1 Akshauhini (from Magadha)
Drupada with his sons – 1 Akshauhini
Virata the king of Matsya – 1 Akshauhini
Pandya, Chola and other allies – 1 Akshauhini
The 4 types of units that make up an Akshauhini can also be seen

in Chaturanga, the chess, which was formed based on Mahabharat
war.
Pandavas had 153090 Elephants, 153090 Chariots, 459270 Horses

and 765450 Foot Soldiers.
Source and link:- http://haribhakt.com/mind-blowing-

facts-of-mahabharat/
91)What are some interesting statistics of Mahabharat?

Kurukshetra, the place where the war was fought , was spread
over an area of 128 sq kms during the time of Mahabharata.
Lets define a term Akshauhini. Refer to the table below :
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Pandava had 7 Akshauhini and Kaurava 11 Akshauhini armies.
So a total of around 20 million infantry fought this battle ,
where as in later years Chandragupta Maurya had close to 8
Million , Ashoka had close to 6 Million and Ibrahim
Lodi had 100K. Now look at the gigantic scale on which the
war was fought.
Rathi: A warrior capable of attacking 5,000 warriors
simultaneously. Duryodhana Jayadhradha, Dusassana, Vikarna,
all 97 brothers of Duryodhana, Shakuni, Yudhishtir, Bhima,
Nakula, Sahadeva.
Atirathi: A warrior capable of contending with 12 Rathi class
warriors or 60,000 warriors simultaneously. Drishtadyumna,
Kuntibhoja, Ghatotkacha, all sons of Draupadi, Prahasta,
Angada, Somadatha and Pradyumna.
Maharathis: A warrior capable of fighting 12 Atirathi class
warriors or 720,000 warriors simultaneously, circumspect in his
mastery of all forms of weapons and combat skills. Bhishma,
Drona, Karna, Arjuna, Ashwatthama, Abhimanyu, Balrama,
Lord Narasimha, Drupada, Virata, Jarasandha were Maharathis.
Atimaharathis: A warrior capable of fighting 12 Maharathi
warriors simultaneously.Parasurama the sixth avatar of Vishnu
is also considered an Atimaharathi (as he possessed all three
weapons of the trinity Pashupatastra, Vaishnavastra and
Brahma astra) and also Meghanada or Indrajit (Son of Ravana)
who also had three weapons of trinities and was trained guided
by Maha Guru of Asuras, Shukracharya.
Mahamaharathis: A warrior capable of fighting 24
Atimaharathi's simultaneously.This includes Lord Brahma,
Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, kartikeya are Mahamaharathis.
Source : Wiki
92)What are the some unknown or lesser known facts

about the Mahabharata and the Ramayana?
Lakshman’s Agnipariksha
Once during exile an apsara is smitten by the looks of Lakshman.

She approaches lakshman with lust. Lakshman however refuses
the apsara as he was devoted to his wife Urmila. Apsara tries to
negotiate him that Urmila is not with him now so that he can have
a sexual relationship with her. But Lakshman refuses as he didn’t
want to betray his devoted wife. Angrily apsara was about to leave
249
she notices Sita looking at them. To avenge her insult, without
lakshman’s notice she leaves her hair strands on his body. Sita
when sees a women’s hair strand in lakshman’s body, she suspects
that Lakshman had sexual relationship with some other women.
Sita accuses Lakshman for cheating her baby sister Urmila.
Lakshman even ram tries to convince Sita but unable to do so.
Lakshman finally catches fire into a pyre and declares ‘ If I have
cheated my Urmila let the fire burns me when I walk
through it’. Much to sita’s shock Lakshman walks out the
fire without even a scratch. Sita is ashamed for suspecting
Lakshman and she finally apologises to him.
Raja Ill, Illa & Budh
According to original vyasa mahabharat, Raja Ill was originally

born as the daughter of King Manu & Shraddha. Manu wanted a
male child. So he performed a yagna, pleased Mitra & Varun,
turned the sex of baby into a male. After growing up Raja Ill
inherits the kingdom & becomes a good king. One day Raja Ill
along with his male companions goes to sharavana forest for
hunting. In the same forest, lord shiva & Devi Parvathi were going
to mate. Shiva didn’t want any male creature to see his wife
naked. So before mating lord shiva uttered that “ let all
male creatures in this forest remain female, except me.” It
included all leaves, insects, animals, trees, flowers, birds,
humans. So Raj Ill & his friends who were hunting in that
forest too turned to females. Raja Ill & his companions was
astonished to see themeselves as a women. When Raja Ill learns
that it was because of lord shiva’s command, he becomes more
worried & prays to lord shiva. But lord shiva denies to give
back his masculinity, as the Lord has commanded them to
remain them female for the rest of life. That’s why he couldn’t
convert Raja Ill & his friends back to male. Raja Ill request to lord
that he is a king. He has to rule his kingdom. In those era no
females were allowed to rule kingdoms. Moreover who will believe
that the king became female all of sudden because of lords
command? High chances that he couldn’t prove himself that it was
he who indeed turned into a female. Lord shiva understanding
his problem blessed him that he will remain as female
during moon waxing & as a male in moon waning. Raja Ill
now a women named herself as Illa, along with his female servents
refuses to go back to his kingdom. They roam in forest & one day
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Budh gets attracted to Illa. Budh through his powers learns the
story of Illa. He sents the female servents of Illa to a transgender
partner. Budh confess his love for Illa & they marries.
Budh was the illegimate child of lord Chandra & Tara who
was brihaspati’s wife. When Brihaspati learns about his
wife’s infidelity & she is pregnant with Chandra’s baby, he
cursed the baby to be a transgender. Devas however reminds
him that baby will be called his kid, as Tara was his legally wedded
wife. The baby was Budh or planet mercury. Budh was extremely
furious with his biological parents, as it was because of them he
had turned into a transgender. Neither male nor female. Budh
undergoes severe penance. Lord shiva blesses him to be in solar
system also he will father a great a son.
Budh who was born as neither a male nor a female, found a

partner now in Ill / Illa who is both male & female.
Illa as a women had sexual relationship with Budh. As a man Ill

served Budh as a devotee. After sometime Illa delivers a son
of Budh. He is Puruvaras - founder of Chandravanshi clan &
ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas. Puruvaras inherits Raja
Ill’s kingdom. Raja Ill was unable to rule as he kept changing from
Ill to Illa.
Illa belonged to Suryavanshi clan & Illa’s son in budh is Puruvaras

- who was the ancient ancestral father of Kauravas & Pandavas.
Puruvaras is known as the founder of Chandravanshi clan, as he is
the grandson of Chandra. So Illa was born in suryavanshi clan &
becomes the daughter in law of Chandravanshi clan.
Maya curses Ravan
Maya was the daughter of Mayasura & apsara Hema. Sister of

Ravan’s wife Mandodari. She was married to king Shambar. Ravan
once when he was on world conquest, reaches the kingdom of
Shambar. He lusts for beautiful maya even though she was his
sister in law. He traps maya through magic. King Shambar fights
with Ravana to save his wife. But he gets killed. Post the death of
Shambar, Ravan proposes Maya to be his wife. But she refuses &
curses him that his lust for another man’s wife will become the
cause of his death. Maya goes sati after that.
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Sambha & Lakshmana
Duryodhan had twins LakshmanaKumara and a daughter

Lakshmana. Lakshmana’s swaymvar has be held. Sambha who
was krishna’s Son in Jambhavati gets attracted to beautiful
Lakshmana. He forcefully abducts Lakshmana from her
swayamvar. Duryodhan & his brothers catches Sambha and jails
him. They tries to reconduct the swayamvar but everyone refuses
to marry Lakshmana as she was abducted by a man. Balram
hearing everything comes and speaks with Duryodhan and
eventually Sambha and Lakshmana are married.
Origin of Vanaras - through a curse of Vishnu by Narada
Narada was so proud of himself that he is able to control all

pleasures like Kãma. Lord Vishnu wanted to break his pride. Once
when Narada was passing the kingdom of king Sheelanidhi he
invites Narada & intrduces his beautiful daughter vishwamohini or
Shrimati. Narada fells instantly in love with her. Narada on
learning about her swayamvar, goes to lord Vishnu & prays
“ give me beautiful Hari face”. Lord Vishnu smiles and says
“ let it be”. Narada was bouncing in happiness that now he is as
beautiful as lord Vishnu, Princess will definitely select him. Once
when he reached swayamvar hall everyone starts laughing
looking at him. Narada feels everyone was jealous at him.
When Shrimati comes Infront of him she too starts
laughing. Narada then looks his face at mirror and he is
stunt to see himself with a face of monkey. Narada becomes
furious & goes to Vishnu & angrily curses him “ because of you I
am separated from my beloved, let you also separate from your
beloved and suffer the pain of separation. I asked you beautiful
Hari face, but you gave me a face of monkey, because of which I
was mocked & insulted. You think it’s funny? Let you have a
situation where you have to plead a monkey to get back your
love.” Lord Vishnu smiles & accepts his curse. He reminds that Hari
also has a meaning called monkey. He was so proud about himself
that’s why lord decided to break it. Narada understanding his folly
seek apology to lord. Thus when Vishnu was going to take birth as
Ram, brahma with other gods created vanara sons to help god.
Previous birth story of Devki & Vasudev
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Vasudev and devki was Sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi.
Kashyapa has married sisters Aditi & Diti. Sons of Aditi were Devas
& sons of Diti were Asuras. Diti was jealous of devas especially of
Indra who was the king of gods. So Diti undergoes severe penance
for a child who can surpass Indra. She is blessed and becomes
pregnant. Aditi becomes worried & she orders Indra to kill the
unborn baby. Indra affectionately approaches Diti and starts
serving her. Diti eventually convinced by the affection sleep off in
indras lap. Indra using his power enters diti’s womb and kills the
baby using his vajra weapon. Diti is horrified to find that she
suffered as miscarriage. She curses Indra that he will never be
able to rule peacefully. She also curses Aditi that she will miserably
see her kids dying in front of her eyes. Diti goes to Kashyapa to
complain, but he reminds that her thoughts about the baby was
never pious. Diti always had wrong intentions when she conceived
the baby because of which the baby didn’t survive. Angrily Diti
curses her husband that he will be born as a cowheard king.
Thus Aditi & Kashyapa was born as Devki and Vasudev.
Sampati and Jadayu
Sampati and Jadayu were sons of Aruna - the charioteer of lord

surya, in his wife Sheilya Devi. Both were vultures. Once in
childhood both sampati and Jadayu were in a flying competition.
Jadayu flies so high that he reaches near surya. Sampati in order
to protect Jadayu covers him with his wings. Because of sun rays
Sampati’s wings gets burned and thus he became unable to fly.
Kansa was an illegitimate child of Ugrasena
Yadava king Ugrasena marries beautiful princess Padmavati. Soon

after there marriage Ugrasena goes for a leaving Padmavati in her
fathers home. One day Padmavati was bathing in pond, demon
Dulari sees her bathing & starts lusting her beautiful body. He
disguise himself as Ugrasena and approaches Padmavathi.
Thinking him as her husband, Padmavati enters in coitus with him.
However during coitus dulari’s real form comes out. Padmavati
though was stunt initially she was so aroused that she get carried
away with the coitus even after knowing it’s with Dulari. After
some days Padmavati becomes pregnant. Padmavati is worried
about ugrasena’s reaction. However after knowing truth Ugrasena
forgives Padmavati and keeps the baby as his, this baby was
253
Kansa. After sometime Padmavati gives birth to ugrasena’s
daughter, Devki.
Jambhavan wishes Ram as his son in law
Jambhavan being a devotee of Ram prays him to marry his

daughter Jambhavati. Since Ram was on ekapatni vrat he politely
refuses jambhavan but blessed that in his next birth he will
become his son in law. Thus lord Krishna marries Jambhavati
fulfilling ram’s promise.
Sulabha: Vidhur’s wife was a devotee of Krishna
Sulabha was the wife of Vidhur - half brother of Dhritrashtra and

Pandu. She was a big devotee of Krishna. When Krishna comes to
Hastinapura for peace treaty from Pandavas, he stays in vidhur’s
house. Sulabha with at most devotion serves Krishna.
Hanuman’s Mother Devi Añjanā was a cursed apsara
Punjikasthala was a beautiful apsara in indralok. One day while

roaming she sees a monkey meditating. Seeing the meditating
position of monkey she feels it as funny. She started laughing. But
the monkey was so involved in meditating he didn’t notice
punjikasthala. She thought to have some fun, started throwing
stones at monkey. One stone hit his head. His meditation
is broken. He angrily curses punjikasthala. Since she made
fun of his form she too will turn into a monkey.
Punjikasthala gets horrified and begs him for forgiveness.
Kind monkey blesses that she will beget shivaansh as her
son & will regain her beauty once her duty towards her
child is finished off. Punjikasthala soon turns into a monkey.
She marries Kesari, senathipathy of kishkinda and eventually give
birth to hanuman.
Krishna & Jambhavati is blessed with a son by shiva
Jambhavati was the second wife of Krishna. Even after Krishna’s

other wives delivers multiple kids Jambhavati is left childless.
Jambhavati is upset with this fact & she along with Krishna prays
to shiva and they are blessed with a son. Krishna names him
Sambha.
93)What are the basic facts one should know about
Mahabharata?
254
One of the greatest Sanskrit epic right from the land of Hindus is
Mahabharata. It is the story depicting the fight between truth and
evil, virtue and freedom, right and might and the best part comes
of it is the win of truth over evil. The main story hovers about the
Great War between the brothers Pandavas and Kauravas. They
fought the great battle of supremacy for ultimate authority over
Hashtinapur and Indraprastha and the best may excel. This is the
same story when Krishna Vasudeva Yadava gave the preaching’s
of Geeta to Arjuna the best archor in the world. This is the same
epic which gave the world the path of righteous and truth. Here
are some great facts which one must know about Mahabharata
and have been briefly detailed here.
10.) Basic Introduction about the Epic
This epic has been basically divided in to 18 sections known as

parvas. The very first parva is called Adi parva which actually
contains the stories of Bharat and Bhrigu races, and the very early
life of Princes of Kuru, and then on continues with two to last 18th
of the parvas called Svargarohana parva which gives a detailed
briefing about the final test of Dharmraj Yudhisthir and the return
of all other brothers of Yudhisthir back in Swarg the Divine World.
9.) The First Generations
Shanatnu the then king of Hastinapur had a short love affair with
Goddess Ganda and they had a son named Devavrata who is later
called as Bhisma because of his greatest promise that he made of
being unmarried all his life. Later on Ganga is back to divine world
living Shantanu behind and Shantanu becomes lonely and seeing
his father very sad, Devavrata finds a girl who can really allure his
father and he succeeds in doing so. Shantanu becomes mad in
love with a fisherwoman name Satyavati.
8.) Next Generations
255
As on the further story continues, Vyasa is called on for the
generations to be carried on and then Dhrisarastra and Pandu is
born and both were born with disabilities. Dhritrashtra was born
blind while Pandu was born thin and pale. The other born baby at
the same moment was Vidur, the wisest person ever born.
Dhritrashtra was married to Gandhari, the princess of Gandhar and
Oandu was married to Kunti and Madri.
7.) Pandavas and Kauravas
Pandavas were the sons of younger Pandu while the kauravas

were total 100 in number and were the sons of Gandhari.
Pandavas were the demi gods who were born with the enlightened
power of Dharma, Vayu and Indra. Yudhisthir was son of Dharma,
Bheem was son of Vayu and Arjuna being Indra’s son. Kunti shares
her divine mantra with Madri and she gives birth to twins called
Nakul and Sahdeva. Kauravas’ eldest brother was Duryodhan and
youngest being the Dushashan who were the most notorious of all
of them was under the supervision of Shakuni, his maternal uncle.
Both the princess sides were given training of life style and fighting
under the supervision of the greatest teacher of those era
Dronacharya. One of the most important mention was that
Gandhari and Dhritrashtra had a daughter named Dushala. In fact
Kauravas were total 101 in number.
6.) The Lakshagriha
Lakshagriha is the important chapter from the life of Pandavas in

which after the death of their mother Madri, Pandavas return to
Hastinapur with Kunti and Yudhisthir was crowned the prince of
state under the constant pressure being given to Dhritrashtra who
wanted Duryodhan to be the next emperor. However, Shakuni had
another plans to kill Pandavas and that is why he called upon
those architects who could build the house of flammable object like
lac and ghee in which once Pandavas get in and killed of fire.
Vidur, the wisest one had a clue about the situation so he takes
the pandavs safely off from the place and saved their life. While
256
Pandavas were considered dead after the Lakshagriha incident in
which all those architects were dead.
5.) Draupadi Vivah
While the Pandavas were in Agyatwass ( A living in which they

were not supposed to be recognized), there was the marriage
ceremony of Draupadi in which Arjuna striked the eye of fish and
wins the swayambar of Draupadi. He is then married to Draupadi
and comes back to their mother. When they returned back to
Kunti, they says that they have brought a very valuable thing for
which their mother grants them to share the thing equally and
because of this statement, Draupadi was equally divided for each
brothers and Pandavas were the common husband to her. Since
this was a tragic incident but later on it was explained that
Draupadi itself wanted to be the wife of such humans who had all
the powers of Lord Shiva and that is why she is now the wife of
Pandavas who are somewhere the match in common to Shiva.
4.) Pasha Khel (The game of DICE)
This was the most crucial match which was played between
Pandavas and Kauravas and following the consequences of the
games, Pandavs had lost their wife Draupadi in the Dice game for
which Dushanan goes for Chir-haran and Krishna helps Draupadi.
After the interference from Bhisma and other elderly attendents of
Council, Pandavas were sent in to exile and it was followed with
many resolutions by Pandavas of which the greatest was the
Draupadi that she will not tie her hairs until she has the blood of
Dushashana and Bheem goes for resolution of killing Dushashana
and striking his leg off his body.
3.) Exile – & – Return
257
Pandavas spent 13 years in exile and in this tenure of time, they
did many marvellous jobs and many other different adventures of
life. They made their life spent at Virata and in the last days of
their exile, Krishna comes as a negotiator in the court of
Indraprastha and Duryodhana denies and insults Krishna of which
Krishna gets furious and tells that Mahabharata War is invited now.
2.) Kurukshetra and Geeta Updesh
This is the place where the Battle of Mahabharata was fought but
prior fighting against their own brothers, Arjuna is now feeling
emotions and he denied to raise his arrows against Kauravas and
gives up. Upon the incident, the charioteer of Arjuna, Krishna
comes with the ultimate preaching of Geeta which is the most
famous from the Hindus Divinity and which actually defines the life
and truth of humanity. Arjuna now raises his bow and arrow and
ultimately, Pandavas defeated Kauravas in the battle. Pandavas
remained as the winning clan of the place with many deaths and
dead bodies surrounding the. The widows and mothers crying for
their dead husbands and sons in the battlefield. This is the time
when Gandhari curses Krishna for it and Krishna accepts if silently.
1.) End of Pandavas
Pandavas ruled kingdom for more than 36 years but then on they
decide to renounce all and they decide to go to heaven (Swarg).
While on the way to Swarg, all the brothers of Yudhisthira falls
down, and Dharmaraj remains all alone on the path followed by a
dog who was actually Yama, the God of Death. Yama takes
Yudhisthir to Underworld, mentioning that all those who were the
rulers had to visit it once where they had committed crime or not.
Lastly Dharmaraj gave test and he is assured that he will
accompanied by his brothers and Draupadi once their time in
underworld gets over.
94)What are some unknown facts about Karna in
Mahabharata?
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Karna was conceived inside Kunti’s womb on the first day of
Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha.[1]
Karna learnt the art of warfare from three preceptors, namely
Drona, Kripa and Parashurama.[2]
Karna defeated Jarasandha in a wrestling bout.[3]
Karna received a divine spear known as Vasavi Shakti from
Indra in exchange of his armour and earrings.[4]
Karna defeated all the kings in the swayambara of Kalinga
princess Bhanumati. Notable kings who were defeated by him
included Jarasandha, Shishupala, Nila and Rukmi. [5]
Karna conquered the entire earth for political expansion of
Hastinapura. He defeated famous kings like Drupada and
Bhagadatta en route to performing his world conquest. His
world conquest is described in the original Mahabharata
composed by Ved Vyasa.[6]
The flagpole of Karna's chariot was marked by the symbol of
rope used for binding elephants.[7]
Karna caught the wheel of Lord Shiva known as Asani with his
bare hands which was hurled by Ghatotkacha.[8]
Karna killed powerful demons like Paulomas and Yatudhanas
who were created by Ghatotkacha.[9]
Karna killed Ghatotkacha by hurling Vasavi Shakti.
Karna became the commander of Kourava army on the 16th
day of Kurukshetra war.
Karna arranged the Kourava soilders in crocodile formation
known as Makara Vyuha on the 16th day.[10]
Karna possessed a weapon known as Pashupata which was
mentioned by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.[11]
Karna was the originator of Bhargavastra the only weapon
which Arjuna failed to counter in Kurukshetra war.[12]
Karna was the only warrior apart from Ashwatthama who
succeeded in countering Arjuna's Aindrastra.[13]
Karna was the warrior who succeeded in destroying Arjuna's
indestructible diadem which was revered by the likes of
Varuna, Kubera and Lord Shiva.[14]
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Image courtesy: Google
Footnotes
[1] Vana Parva: Pativrata-mahatmya Parva: Section CCCVI
[2] Vana Parva: Pativrata-mahatmya Parva: Section CCCVII
[3] Santi Parva: Rajadharmanusasana Parva: Section V
[4] Vana Parva: Pativrata-mahatmya Parva: Section CCCVIII
[5] Santi Parva: Rajadharmanusasana Parva: Section IV
[6] Vana Parva: Ghosha-yatra Parva: Section CCLII
[7] Virata Parva: Go-harana Parva: Section LV
[8] Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLXXV
[9] Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLXXIX
[10] Karna Parva: Section 11
95)What are some lesser known/interesting stories in
Mahabharata?
Although the 18 days of Mahabharata war was fought to make
Yudhishthira the king of Hastinapur, we have very little knowledge
about the character than his brothers Bheem, Arjun and other
characters of the epic. Here are something you might not know
about him.-
Yudhishthira means " the one who is steady in battle or tough

conditions " .His father king Pandu held dharma above all other
qualities in a human especially for being a king ,therefore when
Kunti told him about his boon he desired his eldest son and heir
to be born righteous and truthful.
Although being the eldest son he was less martial than his
brothers prefering diplomacy and politics. He was a polyglot
knowing languages which no other human knew.Nevertheless
he was a master in the use of spear only second to Karna. It
was said that he could pierce a stone wall with spear as it was
a piece of paper.
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He had two wives Draupadi and Devika who was of Sivi
kingdom. Draupadi bore him Prativindya his heir and Devika
Yaudheya. Yaudheya survived Kurukshetra but was not made
king. Instead he ruled his mother's kingdom.
After loosing in the dice game during his banishment he never
left the game and kept practicing. He learnt from sage
Bridashwa to control the dices. He became so good at it that he
was never defeated again at it.
He married his brother Bheem to a rakhsashi Hidimbi and
denounced casteism saying actions mattered more than birth.
Kurukshetra war would have been longer if he had'nt killed Shalya
king of Madra and uncle of Nakul and Sahdev. Shalya was an
extraordinary fighter with a range of weapons.
He had this gift that whenever his opponent got angry his strength
will increase therefore making him very difficult to fight. Only a
person with a calm mind could have defeated him Therefore
Yudhishthira had to do that and justified his name.
Yudhishthira cursed women that they will never be able to

withold secrets after he came to know about Karna and his
mother hiding about him.
His chariot had a flag of a golden moon surrounded by planets.
He was also an expert charioteer.
Ashvatthama
One of the most under appreciated characters in the epic the son
of Drona was one of the most formidable and the most fiercest
warrior of his time. He was comparable to Karna, Arjun and
Bhishma yet we know very less of him save his immortality. Some
facts about him.
When he was born he cried like a horse hence his name.

His father did years of severe penance to have a son with
valiance of Shiv himself. Ashvatthama is considered to be a
partial incarnation of lord Shiv himself.
He possessed a gem in his forehead which gave him dominion
over all life form lower than human. It protected it against
hunger, thirst , fatigue, ghosts, demons , snakes ,insects etc. It
helped him fight off Ghatotkach Bheem's half rakhshas son.
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He is master of all knowledge trained by the likes of Drona,
Bhishma , Parshuram.
He was the king of north Panchal after Kaurav army captured
Panchal and gave it to Drona as guru-dakhshina and Drona
split it between his son and Drupad.
Bhishma once remarked that if Ashvatthama becomes angry
nobody will be able to stop him because he was incarnation of
Shiva himself. However Duryodhana always chose Karna over
Ashvatthama because he saw him as fearful of death.
The most important part in epic of Mahabharata for Ashvatthama
was when he was made Commander of Kaurava army on night of
18th day of war. He went to attack Pandava camp at night with
Kripacharya( his uncle) and Kritvarma ( a Yadava) .He instructed
them to remain at gates to kill anyone who comes out. He went
into the Pandavas camp but it was guarded by a Bhairava and he
did not allowed him to pass.Then Ashvatthama performed a yajna
for Lord Shiva and offered himself as sacrifice . He rose from it
with a part of Shiva in his body and an army of gunas given to him
by goddess Kali. He became the destroyer and with gunas
slaughtered all Pandavas soldier and their family.
Some other facts are as follows
Yuyutsu- He was not born from Gandhari but from a maid

servant in her service. The Kaurava brother that defected to
Pandava camp later became prime minister under King
Parikhshit and even ruled as his regent.
Vrishketu- Son of Karna was made the king of Indraprastha .
He was tutored by Krishna himself and was the last person to
know and learn divine weapons as Krishna made him promise
to never tell anyone about them.
Satyaki and Kritvarma - Both Yadavas fought from opposite
camps in the war and remained lifelong enemies until they
killed each other during the doom of Yadavas .
Nakula - Nakula was said to have a unique talent that he could
ride a horse in rain without getting wet. It was because of his
two talents horsemanship and swordsmanship . He deflected
rain drops with his sword.
Vibhishan - To perform Rajsuya Yagya ,Yudhishthira sent his 4
brothers in 4 directions to collect tribute from kings. Sahdeva
went south where he met King Vibhishan in Lanka as he was an
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immortal. He sent Sahdeva back with gift of jewels and
precious stones and clothes of finest fabrics.
Arjun - Arjun was ambidextrous so one of his name is
Sabyasachi.He had control over all his senses and could go on
days without needing sleep getting the name Gudakesh . The
horses in his chariot where white therefore one of his name is
Svetavahana.
Curse on the name of Arjuna- The father of sage
Parashuram sage Jamadagni was killed by Kartavirya Arjun's
sons . Therefore Parashuram cursed that anyone with name
Arjun will never become a king only subordinate.
Duryodhana- He was said to be incarnation of Kali(demon).He
was best mace fighter of his time. When he was born he cried
like a donkey. He was first person in history other than lord
Vishnu to perform Vaishanav Yagya making him Emperor of the
Entire World he achieved this with help of his friend Karna who
subjugated everyone including Krishna and Jarasandh. Other
than his jealousy towards Pandava he was a rightful and just
king treating his subjects with equality . It is said that when he
died flowers rained from heaven.
Eklavya - In later life he became kings of Nishada and he was
subordinate to Kingdom of Magadha. He was killed by Krishna
himself in swayamvar of Rukmini. In some version of the epic it
was he who was reborn as Drishtadyumna to kill Drona.
Most handsome man- Although Nakula is considered most
handsome of all the Kuru princes, the smallfolk of Hastinapur
liked Karna. Common women of Hastinapur desired Karna
because of his fair glowing complexion.
Bheema's Pride- After Drona's death Ashvatthama became
enraged and released Narayanastra. Only Krishna,Drona and
Ashvatthama knew about this weapon and how to stop it. It
brought a deadly shower of missiles and annihilating Pandava
army. Krishna advised Pandava warriors to bow and submit to
the weapon as it was the only way to stop it. But Bheema saw
this as a symbol of cowardice and didn't submit. Therefore it
continued to harm him. Krishna and pandavas had to restrain
him to save his life.
Mayasura- The demon who made the palace for Yudhishthira
at Indraprastha was the father of Mandodari wife of Ravana.He
founded Mayarashtra which became modern city of Meerut .He
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was foremost among daityas being born from sage Kashyap
and Diti.
Shakuni- He is considered to be personification of Dwapar
yuga. He was enraged by marriage of his sister to blind
Dhritrashtra and vowed to destroy Kuru lineage. However he
loved his nephew Duryodhana very much.His lineage continued
till Prince Ambhi of Taxila who fought alongside Alexander the
great and was killed by Chandragupta Maurya in 3rd century
B.C.
Karna- Interestingly for most part of the epic Karna was called
Vasusena " the born with wealth" or Radheya " son of
Radha" . He got his name after he gave his armour to lord
Indra. It was Indra himself who took form of an insect and bit
Karna on his thigh while Parshurama was sleeping on it that led
to him giving curse to Karna. Later to repent for his curse he
gave Karna his own Vijaya bow, Bhargavastra that no one
possessed and a silver chariot covered with tiger skin.
Bhishma's dillema - When choosing the heir to the
Hastinapur throne after Pandavas came from the forests after
their father Pandu's death, Bhishma and Vidur had different
choices. Vidur was in favour of Yudhishthira while Bhishma was
supporting Duryodhana. This was because contrary to popular
belief Duryodhana was very popular among the common people
and because living in the capital he had much knowledge about
millitary and administrative matters than any Pandavas while
Yudhishthira was unknown to the general populace and he will
never understand them. However he gave in to Vidura after he
realised that Duryodhana was egocentric and power hungry at
heart.
Godmother- The eldest female of Hastinapur royal family was
the child of Chedi king Vasu and fish who in reality
was apsara Adrika when the fish swallowed the king's sperm.
He was cut out from the fish by chieftain of fishermans. Due to
smell of fish coming from her body she was
called Matasyagandha. Later Sage Parashar had sex with her
out of which Sage Vyasa was born. He also gave her fragrant
smell. Thus giving her name Yojanagandha.
96)What are some amazing facts about Karn of
Mahabharat?
. Karnas cast Suta was not a low cast
Karnas foster father Adhiratha was not a poor guy
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Karna was also a student of Drona with Kauravas and pandavas
He was jealous about Arjunas intelligence and skills
He was best friend of Duryodhana even from his childhood
Karna asked brahmastra even though he is not capable of using
it
Karna lied to Parashuram that he is Brahmin from Brughu
lineage
Karna was one of the notable students of Parashurama
His archery skills were too week . He even killed a calf
mistakenly even though he was th Vijaya bow
He was just cursed by Brahmin but with no body else is
Karna was luckiest person where he got Divine kavacha and
kundala , and even Anga rajya for free
Karna Also supported in poison ing Bhima
Karna also part of Lakshyagruha incident
Karna didn't take responsibility of Anga rajya . He was just
enjoying luxurious life
Karna was the one who orders disrobe of Draupadi
Karna never fulfilled the promise of Duryodhana
Karna couldn't string the bow in Draupadi Swayamvar
Karna accepted the Brahmin disguised Arjuna is superior to him
Karna was the one who ran away from Gandhravas when his
friend Duryodhana was in danger
There is no love story for Karna .
He never did any digvijaya
Karna was the one who advised for Duryodhana that he should
show his luxurious life to pandavas when they were in forest
Karna only boast that he will defeat Arjuna
Karna got defeated 4 times in Virata parva with v Arjuna
Karna didn't donate kavacha kundala but he just exchanged
with Vasavi Shakthi
Karna scolded Bishma for silly reason
Karna promised Kunti that he will spare his 4 sons
Karna started war on 11th day
Karna defeated by Abhimanyu on 13th day
He broke the bow of Abhimanyu from backside
Bhima defeated Karna consequently 5 times
Karna didn't save his best best friend brothers from Bhima
Karna couldn't save his sons
Karna Even couldn't save his foster brothers
Karna Even couldn't save Jayadratha from Arjuna
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Sathyaki spared Karna on 14th day
Again Karna got defeated by Arjuna on 14th night
He ran away from army of Ghatodgaja .
Karna killed Ghatodgaja by vasavi shakthi
Karna became commander on 16th day
Karna defeated and spared all 4 pandavas
Karna used Bhargava Astra in foot soldier
Karna countered Arjuna's brahmastra by ordinary shafts
Karna cut the bow string of celestial bow Gandiva
Karna fell unconcious by Bhima even though he was holding
Vijaya bow
Karna only choose Shalya as his Charioter
According to Shalya Anga desha had Casinos .
Even though Karna was adharmi he was talking about dharma
when he was in critical situation
Karna offered his wife to for soldiers
According to Dhritharasthra Duryodhana spoiled because of
Shakuni and Karna
Arjuna was saved by Krishna from Karnas snake headed shaft
Karna defeated multiple maharathis in 17 the day
Karna killed on fair and square
Arjuna just used Anjalika Shaft to kill Karna
Karna was not a dan veer door , he was just donating to only
brahmins that to after gosh yatra
Karna was one of the villan in mahabhratha but not a hero
Karna was a Raksasa named Sahasra kavach in his
previous life.to destroy his one kavach one had to do penance
for thousand years and fight for a thousand years.Nara and
Narayana the ancient sages fought with him for thousands of
years.When one was fighting the demon another would be
doing Tapasya.Thus both of them destroyed the Rakshasa's
nine hundred ninety kavachas or armours. After that he lost his
armours,he evaded battle and ran away.With last kavacham he
was born as http://Karna.To kill him,Nara and Narayana were
born as Arjuna and Krishna respectively.2) Karna was adopted
by adiratha ,a sutha by birth.Suthas were of mixed caste
people born of brahmin ladies and Kshatriya father.They were
not sudras or tribals like Ekalavya.They were high ranking
people after brahmins and Kshatriyas.Karna learned archery
from Acharya http://Drona.As he was commoner, he couldn't
fight a prince asper the rules of those times.Parashuram taught
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Brahmastra only to Brahmins or Kshatriyas . Karna lied that he
was a Brahmin and learnt Brahmastra from Parashurama thus
incurring the wrath of the sage.
97)What are some of the dark truths of Mahabharat?
Don't know whether they should be called 'dark’ but these are the
truths of Mahabharat that people should know-
Bhishma never lived for the throne of Hastinapura, he had

vowed to kill the Pandavas and was never soft on them in
battle.The mighty Bhishma defeated all the major warriors from
the Pandava side including Bhima, Abhimanyu, Ghatotkacha
and Satyaki only with the exception of Arjuna.
Abhimanyu never learnt the chakravyuha formation from the
womb of Subhadra, he learnt it from Arjuna himself.
Karna was never invincible with his kavacha and kundala, in
fact he was defeated by Arjuna with his armour in Draupadi's
Swamywar and an ordinary blade was enough to cut open
armour of Karna.
Bhima killed Baka, kirmira and Hidimba who were the equals of
Ravana according to Krishna's words.
Satyaki was one of the mightiest warriors from Pandava side,
he himself defeated Ashwathama and Drona at the same time,
he also defeated Bhishma and even defeated Karna multiple
times.
Ashwathama was a better warrior than Bhishma and Karna, he
fought Arjuna better and gave him a tougher fight then both
Bhishma and Karna, Ashwathama saved Karna thrice from
Arjuna.
Bhima was defeated by the elephant saupratika of Bhagadatta
which was protected by Vaishnava astra but Bhima alone
destroyed the elephant forces of Kalinga.
Abhimanyu defeated Karna, Drona, Ashwathama, Duryodhana,
Dushasana, Brihadbala all alone.
Draupadi, Arjuna and Krishna were all dark in complexion and
all were called Krishna's.
Arjuna was killed by his son Vabruvahana inorder to get rid of
the curse of the vasus, it was pre planned by Arjuna's wife
Ullupi.
Eklavya the nishada price was an ally of Jarasandha and was
killed by Krishna in battle.
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Karna never died unarmed, he was overpowered and ran out of
astras against Arjuna. Karna still had his bow and arrows when
he climbed down to pull the wheels of his chariot, his last
action was to counter a missile of Arjuna.
Duryodhana cheated and decieved Bhima in their mace fight,
Bhima kept his vow and defeated Duryodhana. Though
Duryodhana was the better mace fighter.
Bhima and Satyaki spared the life of Karna on the battlefield
due to oath of Arjuna.
Hanuman was never on Arjuna's flag instead it was the celestial
ape created by Vishwakarma, Hanuman only added his powers
to the flag.
Krishna was swooned by the maharatha rakshasas known as
Samsaptakas, they even overpowered Arjuna but Arjuna killed
them all.
Draupadi never rejected Karna at the Swamywar, instead
Karna failed to string the bow like all other kings.
Karna defeated Ghatotkacha and his illusions prior before
killing him, Ghatotkacha also defeated Karna number of times.
Bhima was the most physically powerful warrior, Arjuna was
the mightiest warrior in arms and Drona/ Bhagadatta were the
most powerful warriors from kaurava army.
98) What are the most disturbing facts in the

Mahabharata you wished that should have and not have
happened?
There are some pivotal scenes of the Epic that changed the
course of the story.I wish the following never happened at
all.
Polyandry
1.some never liked Draupadi being shared by the other

four. That is so disturbing for me till today despite knowing
the previous birth stories of Draupadi.
Some feel bad for Arjuna who has to offer the privilege of being
the first Husband to Yudhishtira. Some feel dejected and upset
with the thought of that and some get depressed.
Draupadi was won by Arjun’s valour. She was born for

him.but destiny played along. So that was the most
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disturbing moment of the Epic for me. I wish it should’nt have
happened at all and Draupadi remained only Arjun’s wife.
2.Dice game.
I can’t digest the way Draupadi was staked and humiliated.
I get so angry when the weapons specially Gandiv was staked

without any kind of hesitation or inhibition.
I hate and cry on reading Yudhishtir’s discription Of Draupadi in

such a shameful manner. I wish he should have thought a moment
before attempting such despicable and inexcusable speech..
3.Yudhishtir’s outburst at Arjun on Seventeenth day.
It was done in such a way that I wish no brother should behave in

the manner that Yudhishtira did with Arjuna.
You shouldn’t have born at all..this was the way Yudhishtir

felicitated his younger brother who lived for him with
word,deed and thought.
My heart broke to hear his ear piercing,ruthless,strident and

raucous speech to that brother who sacrificed his wife and sons
for his sake. It was one of the most disturbing moments of the
epic. I wish it shouldn’t have happened. I would like to erase that
from my memory..
3.Abhimanyu’s death
Heartwrenching to the extent of shedding uncontrollable tears.

Arjun’s lion cub died with no one by his side after exhibiting his
valour in such an astounding manner. Surely a moment of pride
and pain. Every time I come across the part I feel the pain.
Disturbing and devastating. How nice it would have been if Abhi
did not die that way..
4. Karna’s abuse.
One of the most disturbing scenes..Karna abusing Draupadi calling

her a whore. Karna asking Dussasan to disrobe her.Whenever I
read the part or watch it I feel disheartened. What difference is
there between him and present day abusers?How could he be that
villainous and wretched? That one act of him nullified every other
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good quality ( his so called daan veerata )..he posessed. I wish he
wouldn’t have stooped that low just to satisfy his ego ..
5. Dhritarashtra’s sadistic pleasure..
Dhritarashtra I feel was the real villain of Mahabharat. He was the

root cause of war not Duryothan.The wayhe felt elated when
Draupadi was won by Shakuni.. just disgusting to say the least.
She was the daughter in law of Kurus . How could he be such a
sadist ? He kept silent when she was disrobed. Cold blooded
negative charecter. I wish he should have showed a bit of
humanity to prove himself a human being..
The outcome of the above events resulted in disastrous

turn of the course of happenings.
Polyandry lead to staking of Draupadi ,Dice game lead to

Draupadi’s humiliation,Abhimanyu’s death wiped off seven
akshouhinis and Jayathrath,Yudhishtir’s rash attitude resulted in
Karna’s death ,Karna’s abuse resulted in driving the Pandavas
towards the oaths and war. Finally Dhritarashtra’s sadism
destroyed the clan of Kurus.
Source: BORI CE & KMG edition of Mahabharata.

My note : 1.many will be very angry while reading ,how Saguni
sowed hatred intention in Duryodhana's mind towards Pandavas.
He should have been sent back to gandhaar.
2. Dice game in asthinapur:

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Yudhishtir lost all his kingdom and possessions including himself,
his brothers, and finally his wife Draupadi. When this happened
Duryodhana had Draupadi forcibly brought to the assembly hall.
Here Dushasan, a brother of Duryodhana, tried to strip Draupadi in
the assembly hall in front of all the persons assembled there.
Draupadi was saved from this atrocious and shameless act only by
a divine Intervention. it should not have happened.
3. Abimanyus death:
Abhimanyu was not just a normal warrior. He was a warrior

elite.Despite his tender age, he was always held in high esteem by
Pandavas and Kauravas alike, owing to his prodigious skill and
charisma.Pandavas considered Abhimanyu to be one of their trump
cards, the Kauravas were understandably jealous of him and
detested him.He was killed mercilessly.There was utter and total
disregard for the rules and dharma. The war had descended to a
shameful massacre that plumbed new depths with each passing
day. Despite that, Abhimanyu's death still remains one of the most
shameful and tragic incidents of the Mahabharata. As to whether
Karna or Drona were capable of taking on Abhimanyu single
handedly and vanquishing him, one cannot really say with total
certainty.. there's ambiguity with regards how they matched up
against each other. But evidence suggests that Abhimanyu could
have proved more than a handful against these great warriors,
with ease. And with all due respect to Karna, he's not quite in the
league of Arjuna, atleast when it comes to Archery. And I daresay
if Abhimanyu and Karna ever had a one on one duel, Abhimanyu
could have put Karna to shame. After all wasn't Karna one of those
"brave" souls who attacked Abhimanyu from behind, breaking all
rules of fairplay? But all this is mere conjecture and extrapolation.
99)What are some amazing facts about Mahabharat (2013

TV series)?
Mahabharat is an Indian Hindi language mythological television

drama series on Star plus based on the epic MAHABHARATA It is a
remake of the 1988 Tv series with same name.
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A Star India spokesperson claimed Mahabharat has garnered the
highest TV ratings among all TV shows of the last three years. Its
premier had a viewership of approximately 8.4 million people.The
show has become the highest rated weekday mythology show in
the last three years on Indian television.
Star spent ₹100 crore (US$15 million) on the project and spent
another ₹20 crore(US$3.1 million) on marketing the show, making
it India's most expensive TV series of its time.
According to producer Siddharth Kumar Tiwary the Draupadi cheer

haran (disrobing) sequence, which Tiwary directed, took twenty
days to shoot.
The viewership ratings of the week of 1 December 2013 reached

9,801 TVTs(television viewership in thousands),
The game of dice leading to Draupadi's 'cheer haran'

took Mahabharat at its peak viewership(10TVTs.4 TVM) and helped
the broadcasting channel Star Plus clock the highest GTVMs ever
achieved by any channel in Indian Television History.
In Indonesia , the drama was broadcast on Antv dubbed in

Indonesian in March 2014. The casts of Mahabharat were invited
to hold a fan meeting tour at Jakarta and Bali.
The main casts of Mahabharat, performed on "Mahabharat Show:

Fan Meeting Tour" in the year 2014.
99)What are the strongest evidences that suggest the

battle of Mahabharata actually happened?
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Even before I write the answer, you need to reconsider people
giving astronomical references and people who date the war to
3000 BCE or sometime that back. You know why? Because none of
the towns mentioned in the Mahabharata existed in that period.
None of the people existed. That was the period when Indus Valley
Civilisation was coming up and Mahabharata/Aryan saga happened
after the Indus Valley Civilisation’s fall.
There is no way that Mahabharata happened around 3000 BCE.

The astronomical evidence points out to that time but is there any
way that that saga would have happened without Mathura,
Hastinapura, Dwarika and other towns which were not founded till
as late as around 1000 BCE? I will leave it for you to decide.
I will answer the question now.
Yes, I believe in the historicity of Mahabharata.
I answered a similar question a while ago and I guess that is the

reason why I am getting so many Mahabharata related questions
these days. Anyway, I will answer this as well.
The thing is that we have things all around us telling of the epic.
Literary? Yes. Artistic? Yes. Geographic? Yes. Material? Yes.
You name it and the evidence is there.
And yet we have sceptics around us who discredit it because well,

their orientation does not allow acceptance of an ancient Indian
past. As the most eminent archaeologist of our age points out, it is
the fundamental flaw of Marxist historiography to discredit Indian
past of anything remotely Hindu.
The thing is that Mahabharata evolved through the ages. It had

several additions and interpolations and when it was first
composed, it was a text named Jaya, a text of 8000-something
verses. Then over the years, several stories and backstories got
added and it became Bharata, a text with 24,000-something
verses. The present epic has around 100,000 verses and
is Mahabharata, and it came in early centuries of the Common Era.
You see? The epic saw such huge additions.
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And I will here quote the Indian archaeologist BB Lal, who is the
one to excavate Hastinapura, the centre of the epic, and later the
other sites associated with the epic. He also excavated Ayodhya
and has worked on almost the entire Mahabharata and Ramayana
circuits. He is also a former Director General of Archaeological
Survey of India.
He writes - ‘To the faithful, everything mentioned in the

Mahabharata is true to the very letter, whereas the skeptic holds
that the epic is nothing more than a mere figment of imagination.’
BB Lal in his book Historicity of the Mahabhrata, Evidence of

Literature, Art and Archaeology, examines the historicity of the
epic and presents a very concise and rational argument based on
historical findings. If you are genuinely interested in learning about
the historicity of the epic, you should read the book.
I am a student of history and have always been intrigued by our

epics. Being from Meerut, I grew up on stories of the epics right
from the childhood. I personally share my views on the historicity
of Mahabharata with BB Lal, that while much of the grandeur of
the epic is surely exaggeration and later interpolations,
there is a story at the core of the epic which did happen
sometime in ancient India.
Remnants of the epic are all around us. It is just that we are not
open enough to see and believe those remnants who seek our
attention lest they fade into oblivion.
101)What is Mahabharat’s dirty secret?
Draupadi loved karna and same was the case with karna.
Draupadi didn't want to reject karna at her swamyavar but she
had to belittle him in order to save her brother dhri. Karna
wanted to avenge draupadi because he always craved for
respect and way draupadi disparaged him at her swamyawar
had hurt him the most. He had confessed to his wife uruvi that
he loved draupadi once.
Draupadi’s marriage to the pandavas was not an accident. It
was a master plan Chalked out by Kunti. Draupadi was an
irresistible beauty and she was the one who could make sure
the pandavas were always together.
Duryodhana was a brave warrior, a good friend and a generous
King. He was brought up by shakuni in a way that he hated
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pandavas and thought himself as the true heir to the throne.
He was deprived of his parental love throughout his life and
was always misguided by shakuni. So it was not always his
fault.
Krishna tried to lure karna by offering him the throne of
indraprashta and draupadi as his wife,but karna chose to fight
by Duryodhana’s side. Such was his dedication towards
Duryodhana.
There are many things falsely presented in the television episodes.
If you want to explore the mysteries of mahabharata then I would
suggest you to read
Palace of illusions by chitra Banerjee

Jaya by devdutt pattnaik
Karna’s alter ego by surendra nath
Karna’s wife by kavita kane
Ajaya by Anand Neelakantan
Rise of Kali by Anand Neelakantan
Some authentic versions of Mahabharata state:
Incest was extremely common among the characters of

Mahabharata. Duryodhana married a kashi princess (his own
grandmother came from the same family, Dhritarashtra’s mom
- Ambika was a kashi princess now her grand-niece had
a wedding with Duryodhan - her own grandson). Yuyutsu
also had a wife from the Kashi royal family, he was another son
of Dhritarashtra (thus a grandson of Ambika).
Jayadratha was a brave Kshatriya king that conquered 10
kingdoms and was man enough to actually fight the Pandavas
unlike Karna and Duryodhana who always stayed in hastinapur
for years and hesitated to openly have a war.
Their was no Hanuman on the flag of Arjuna, it was a illusion
created by Vishwakarma.
Yudhishthira supported slavery in his Indraprastha kingdom
and stakes one lakh women in the dice game.
The killing of Jayadratha was a task that Arjuna completed by
decapitating his head with arrows, then shooting more arrows
to hold Jayadratha’s head up to keep it from falling on the
ground, at this point the head would already be two miles away
from Arjuna so Arjuna had to accurately shoot targets that
were that far away, he used arrows to carry the head, making
sure it falls on his dad’s lap.
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The Pandavas had grandsons who died in the kurukshetra war,
their deaths are not desribed neither are their names but their
deaths are mentioned, besides Anjana-parvan (son of
Ghatotkatcha) their was no other grandson (in kurukshetra
war) that had their name mentioned.
Karna had a son named Sudaman who was born after
Vrishasena and was a adult during Draupadi’s Swayamvara,
after the Swayamvara was over then Sudamana & his brother
Vrishasena along with their father (Karna) came to invade
Panchala, they were defeated and Sudaman got killed by
Arjuna. Instead of doing his sons funeral rights karna was
wounded by Arjuna and himself fled, running from Panchala.
Foot soldiers of the Pandava army defeated karna and karna
ran away then Ashwathama had to fight and save them all.
Abhimanyu was not a one day warrior he dominated bhisma
and five maharathis on day 1 and defeated Shalya, Jayadratha
etc on day 11, he defeated Alamvusha on day 9. On the 13th
day Abhimanyu defeated karna and 13 other warriors at once
six times, he defeated group attacks of karna.
The curses of Karna did not affect him in any of his battles
except for the last battle (against Arjuna), and even then Karna
still used Brahmastra and Karna could have opted for using a
different chariot or sharing a chariot with someone like he used
to do with Ashwathama and Kripa and Vrishasena after losing
to Bhima, Satyaki, Arjuna etc.
When karna killed Ghatotkatcha it was never a great victory for
the kauravas, because Ghatotkatcha’s dead body fell on a
Aukshouni of the kaurava troops killing them, indirectly karna
became the reason for another loss of their army.
Karna killed his own troops and soldiers several times on the
14th day, 14th night and 17th day.
Drona did teach Karna, him refusing to teach Karna is a
fanmade story created by karna fans.
Duryodhana was extremely arrogant as a warrior and believed
himself to be equal to Shri Balarama.
The amount of Aukshounis that the Kauravas had was not
eleven, they had much more than that, the true number is
unknown but the fact is that they had a enormous number of
aukshounis.
Krishna believed that it was as per dharma to tell lies
sometimes, he even claimed that Shalya was superior to
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bhisma, drona and karna, and at other times he said that
Arjuna defeated lord Shiva. So we should not trust everything
Sri Krishna says.
Bhima used to bully the Kauravas to death and was the cause
of the enmity but he himself later in his older age during
Udyoga Parva wanted peace and not war, he said that he would
be willing to follow Duryodhana as a slave instead of letting war
happen but Duryodhana and the Kauravas never accepted
peace.
Ramayana is narrated three times in the Mahabharata, but
never are Uttara Kanda and Bala Kanda ever mentioned.
102)What are some unknown facts about Arjuna's son

Abhimanyu (Hindu mythology Mahabharat)?
He did not have any boons to help him in his wars.

He was winning his fight with Bhishma even when five warriors
showed up and supported Bhishma, Abhimanyu was all alone,
he lost because Bhishma used weapons of mass destruction,
like a mass shooter or gunman would win after using a gun
today.
Abhimanyu killed one brother of Karna (this brother was a real
son of Adhiratha).
Abhimanyu killed six counselors of Karna.
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Abhimanyu was the incarnation of Varchas (the son of the
Moon diety).
Abhimanyu defeated Ashwathama, Drona and Karna combined
several times.
Abhimanyu won against Jayadrath in a sword fight.
Abhimanyu gratified Balarama & obtained the Raudra
dhanush from him.
Abhimanyu spent only six months of married life with Uttara.
Abhimanyu was taught the Chakravyuha while he was a adult
that too by Arjuna and not when he was in the womb of
Subhadra.
Abhimanyu was never trained by Krishna, he was trained by
Krishna’s son Pradyumna (in Dwaraka) & by Arjuna himself in
Indraprastha.
Abhimanyu was at the very least 19 years old during the dice
game, and at-least 33 years old during Kurukshetra.
Abhimanyu was killed while he was unarmed and trying to
get up.
Abhimanyu’s death was compared to the death of Andhaka at
the hands of Shiva:
“desirous of achieving each other's death, like three-eyed
(Mahadeva) and (the Asura) Andhaka in the days of old”
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103) What are some a few interesting stories from
Mahabharata?
During the third age, Pandavas were living in the forest. They had
difficulty finding food. Yudhistira did penance to please Lord Surya.
Surya appeared and gave him an inexhaustible cauldron known as
Akshayapatra. Surya told: This cauldron will give you any food that
you ask and will be inexhaustible until Draupadi eats ...
Pandavas began to live happily in the forest. Draupadi was the one
to eat the last. One day, sage Durvasa and his many disciples
came through the forest. Seeing the sage and his entourage,
Yudhishtira welcomed them. Yudhishtira told: We will prepare a
feast for all of you...
Durvasa told: Great, prepare the feast, we will be back after a

bath. Durvasa and team proceeded to a stream...
Yudhishtira told Draupadi to make the feast. A shocked Draupadi

told: I ate my food ...
Pandavas were worried. The legends of Durvasa's quick temper

and curses ran through their minds...
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Suddenly Krishna came through there. A surprised Yudhishtira
asked: Why are you here in the forest !. Krishna told: I am just
sightseeing. By the way, I am very hungry, do you have
something to eat ... Yudhistira told what happened. Krishna told:
Let me see the cauldron...
Durvasa and team were finishing the bath... Suddenly Durvasa

told: I feel like my stomach is full... The disciples also felt that
their stomachs were full...
Durvasa told: This is strange. I cannot eat a bit of food now.

Pandavas will feel disrespected if we don't eat the feast they
prepared for us. Also Lord Vishnu is very fond of Pandavas. I am a
bit afraid of Vishnu's devotees...
The surprised disciples asked: The whole world is afraid of you.

Why are you afraid of Vishnu's devotees !.
Once upon a time, during the first age, there lived a great king
named Ambarish. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Pleased with the devotion of Ambarish, Lord Vishnu gave him the
Sudarshana Chakra weapon. Having the command of Sudarshana
Chakra, Ambarish was even more powerful than Indra. Indra was
a bit concerned about this...
One day the quick tempered sage Durvasa who was notorious for
giving out curses for small mistakes, visited Indra. Indra told:
Didn't you hear about the greatness of king Ambarish... Durvasa
told: Yes, what is the matter ...
Indra told: Ambarish has been performing a fast. Tomorrow he will

break the fast. I would like you to go there and bless the great
king...
Next day, King Ambarish was about to break the ritual fast in a
couple of hours... This time sage Durvasa came there... Ambarish
told: I am happy you came, great sage. I would be pleased if you
join me in breaking the fast... Durvasa told: Prepare the feast and
I will be back after a dip in the pond...
Durvasa took a dip and sat in meditation for some time. This time
Indra cast a spell on the sage and Durvasa sat there asleep ...
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Ambarish told his minister: Why is the sage taking this long ...
Minister told: It is important to break the fast in the prescribed
time ...
Durvasa came back and found the king already ate. Durvasa was
furious and shouted: This is a grave mistake, O king. You have
offered me your left overs !
Durvasa pulled a few strands of his hair and threw it on the ground
uttering mantras. Suddenly a fearsome monster emerged... The
soldiers battled the monster... The monster killed them and
attacked Ambarish ... All of a sudden Sudarshana Chakra appeared
and killed the monster. The weapon then turned towards
Durvasa...
Seeing the flaming weapon, Durvasa took off and flew away but
the weapon followed him whereever he went... Finally he went to
Lord Brahma... Brahma told: I cannot stop the weapon and save
you, go to Lord Shiva... Durvasa went to Lord Shiva. Shiva told: I
cannot stop the weapon, go to Lord Vishnu. Durvasa went to Lord
Vishnu. Vishnu told: Only Ambarish can save you. Apologise to my
devotee ...
Durvasa went to Ambarish and apologized. Ambarish accepted the

apology and suddenly the weapon disappeared ...
In the forest, Durvasa told his devotees: Let us get out of here
before Vishnu sends Sudarshana Chakra after me again ...
Yudhistira told: Where is the sage and team !. Krishna told: They
won't come... A surprised Yudhitira asked: Why, I invited them ...
Krishna told: When I examined the empty cauldron, I saw a grain
of rice stuck in the cauldron ... I ate it and told: Let this grain of
rice please Lord Vishnu and all the stomachs in the world be
filled ...
The end of the third age... Kurukshetra war was about to happen.
Armies began to pour into Kurukshetra. Indra was worried. He
knew his son Ajruna cannot kill Karna as long as Karna had his
celestial armour. Indra also knew that Karna will never let anyone
leave empty handed if they ask him donation.
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One day, while Karna was doing Suryanamaskar, a poor man
appeared before him and requested donation. Karna told: What
donation should I give you, lord of the heavens ... A surprised man
told: Lord of the heavens ? I am only a poor man... Karna smiled
and told: Lord Surya had warned me that you would come and I
know what you want ...
Saying this Karna cut out his biological armour off which was light
as a feather and strong as diamond and gave it to Indra. Celestials
gathered in the sky to see the sight. They criticized Indra for it...
Indra told: Please ask a favor in return as some consolation for
this shame that befell on me...
Karna told: Give me a weapon that can kill Arjuna... Indra gave
Karna the Vasavashakti weapon and told: Remember you can use
this weapon only once ...
Kurukshetar war was raging... One day, breaking the rules of the
war, Kauravas launched an attack at night. Pandava armies began
to suffer heavy losses. All of a sudden, there was commotion and
panic in Kaurava ranks. Soldiers, horses and chariots were thrown
off into the air as if a tornado had come to the battlefield...
Duryodhana and commanders rushed to the scene. They saw a

giant in the battlefield destroying their armies ...
Years ago ...
Pandavas and their mother escaped from the House of Wax and
was traveling through a dense forest. While others were resting,
Bhima went to fetch some water... This time, two Rakshasa
siblings Hidimba and Pallavi, a brother and a sister were resting
under a tree nearby...
Hidimba sniffed the air and told: Humans !... and I am very
hungry ... He told Pallavi: Go get them. Go in human form so they
don't run ... Pallavi shape-shifted into a human and went in search
...
Suddenly, she saw a well-built handsome young man fetching

water from a pond. She approached him... Bhima turned around
and found a beautiful woman rushing towards him ... Before he
could ask anything, she tried to grab him ... A shocked Bhima
caught her ...
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Bhima told: You are too strong for a woman !. She told: You are
too strong for a human !. Suddenly she attacked him. Bhima, who
was second only to Balarama in strength on Earth, fend off her
attacks... She was defeated. Bhima told: I am not killing you
because you are a woman !. Who are you ...
Suddenly Hidimba arrived on the scene and attacked Bhima. An

epic battle broke out. To Bhima's surprise Pallavi helped him...
Bhima killed Hidimba.
Bhima told: Why did you help me !. Pallavi smiled ... She strangely
fell in love ... A son named Ghatotkacha was born from that rare
union... He grew up with his mother and only a few people on
Earth knew about his existence ...
Ghatotkacha who had assumed his full powers at night began to

annihilate the Kaurava armies... Duryodhana looked at Karna and
yelled: Use the Vasavashakti weapon on him ... Karna told: I have
reserved that weapon for Arjuna ... Duryodhana screamed: I don't
care ... Kill him before he kills all of us ...
Thus Karna reluctantly pulled the string of Vijaya bow and uttered
the code mantra... A glowing arrow appeared on the bow... He
shot it towards Ghatotkacha. The night became day from the
billiant glow of the weapon. Everyone watched in amazement as
the celestial weapon roared towards Ghatotkacha... Krishna smiled
...
Suddenly, Bhima yelled: Grow as big as possible son ... Hearing

this Ghatotkacha grew like a mountain... The weapon struck him
on his chest and a deafening roar echoed through the battlefield...
A mountain of a giant came crashing down on the Kaurava

armies ...
During the third age, there was a town known as Ekachakra,

where lived a Rakshasa from the netherworld by the name of
Bakasura. The king of that kingdom was weak and Bakasura
terrorized the kingdom. Bakasura had a special ritual. Every year,
the residents should send him a cart-load of rice, buffaloes and he
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will eat the whole food including the human who drove the cart.
Each year, one family should send the food.
One day, a vagrant mother and her 5 sons arrived in the town. A
family gave them refuge and they began to live there happily...
One day, the vagrant mother heard the cries of the homeowner
and his wife. It was time for Bakasura's feast and it was the turn
of that family ...
The teenage son of the homeowner agreed to go with the cart. The
family was in grief. The vagrant mother told: You have given us
refuge. Tell me the cause of your grief and I will surely help you if
I can...
The owner told about Bakasura. The vagarant mother told: My

second son is a great wrestler. He will go with the cart ... The
shocked homeowner tried to dissuade her, but she was
adamant ...
Thus the second son went with a cart full of rice pulled by 2
buffaloes. He parked the cart near Bakasura's place and began to
eat the food !. The news reached Bakasura...
Bakasura with red eyes, red hair, red beard, huge body and ears
straight like arrows rushed towards the spot... He saw a man
eating away his food. He roared... The man just glanced at him
and continued to eat the food...
An enraged Bakasura hit the man, but the man just shrugged his
shoulders and continued to eat. A shocked Bakasura told: An
ordinary human cannot take my blow... whoever you are I will
finish you today ... Saying this, Bakasura uprooted a tree and
threw it towards the man. The man caught the tree and threw it
back at Bakasura...
An epic battle broke out where many trees were uprooted. Finally,
Bakasura vomited blood and fell on the man's knee... Before dying
Bakasura asked: I have never seen a human uproot trees like the
wind ... who are you ...
Bhima told: I am Son of the Wind ...
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Kurukshetra war was raging... Kaurava commander-in-chief Guru
Dronacharya was wreaking havoc in the battlefield, like god of
death. A worried Yudhishtira looked at Krishna. Krishna smiled and
told: Only you can stop him, Yudhistir ...
A surprised Yudhishtira told: How can I stop this student of

Parashurama who can match the gods in battle ...
Suddenly, Krishna looked at Bhima and told: Bhim, see that

mighty elephant ? Slay him. Hearing this Bhima rushed towards
that beast...
Krishna told: Let our troops celebrate the fall of that beast...
Pandava commanders were surprised, celebrate the death of an
elephant ?..., but it was Krishna's order, so they urged the troops
to sound the trumpets of victory...
A curious Duryodhana asked Drona: What is the cause of this

celebration. Did any of our commanders fall. They waited for the
news... Suddenly, they saw Bhima approaching shouting ... I killed
Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya has been killed by me ...
Drona was shocked to hear the news of his son's death, but he
was not ready to believe it. He told: There is no warrior on Earth
who can kill my son, let alone you ...
An anxious Drona rushed towards Yudhishtira. Seeing Drona

coming towards them, Krishna looked at Yudhistira and told: Do as
I said, the fate of this war is in your hands now ...
Drona shouted at Yudhishtira: Tell me Yudhishtira, the truthful, did

my son Ashwathama die ?
Yudhistira stood in silence for a few moments, took a deep breath

and shouted: Ashwathama was killed by Bhima... Drona felt all his
strength drain away..the world around him became silent...
Suddenly Yudhistira stooped his head and told as if whispering to

himself: The Ashwathama who died was an elephant, not your
son ...
Dronacharya dropped his weapons and sat on the battlefield in

meditation... as if time stood still around him ... Suddenly,
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Drishtadhyumna drew his sword and rushed towards
Dronacharya ...
Once upon a time, during the second age, king Muchukunda was
fighting in a Deva-Asura war, helping the Devas. The war was so
intense that the Devas were constantly losing ground and he had
to assist the Devas for a long time. It is said that the war was so
fierce that he could not sleep even for a short while. Asuras were
lighting heaven up like there was no tomorrow...
In the end, the Devas won and Indra, the king of heaven thanked
Muchukunda. Indra said: O great Muchukunda, since 1 year in our
world is equivalent to 365 years on earth, Yugas have passed on
earth and unfortunately your family and kingdom have
disappeared from earth by passage of time. We Devas are
indebted to you for your sacrifice. Now ask me whatever favor you
will, except Moksha ...
Muchukunda told he is feeling so tired that he just want to sleep

undisturbed ! Indra granted him the boon to sleep uninterrupted
and told him that anyone who distrub his sleep shall be reduced to
ashes by his gaze. Thus Muchukunda descendend to Earth,
selected a cave and fell into sleep.
Time passed around him ... It was the end of the third age...
Once the Yadavas insulted a brahmin named Gargya in their court.

The furious brahmin performed penance to please Mahadev. After
a long time, the relatively quick pleasing Mahadev appeared before
him and offered him a boon. The brahimin asked Lord Shiva for
the boon to obtain a son who will become a terror to the Yadavas.
The brahmin went to the land of Yavanas and married an Yavana

princess. They had a son who was named Kalayavana. Kalayavana
grew up and became the king of Yavanas. Once the trickster sage
Narada paid a visit to Kalayavana. Kalayavana asked Narada: Who
are the mightiest warriors on Earth ? Narada told: Yadavas...
Thus Kalayavana assembled a vast army of Yavanas and marched

towards Mathura. The Yadavas had been in constant conflict with
Jarasandha for a long time. Krishna knew of Kalayavana's
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approach and he knew Jarasandha will seize the opportunity and
attack them simultaneously when Kalayavana reaches Mathura.
Thus the Yadavas will come under a two sided attack. So Krishna
decided to evacuate his whole kingdom. He sought the help of
celestial architect Vishwakarma. Vishwakarma built a new kingdom
in Dwarka in the middle of the ocean in one day. Krishna moved all
his people to Dwarka. Dwarka was in the middle of ocean and so
well fortified that it was very difficult to attack Dwarka.
Finally Kalayavana reached Mathura. The boon of Lord Shiva was

taking effect. The brahmin's son had become the terror of
Yadavas. Kalayavana saw an empty kingdom. As Kalayavana stood
wondering, he saw Krishna approaching his army, alone.
Kalayavana challenged Krishna to fight him. Krishna with his
typical smile turned around and started to drive away from
Kalayavana. A furious Kalayavana started to chase Krishna. They
both went for a long way and Krishna stopped his chariot near a
cave, got down and ran into the cave. A baffled Kalayavana went
after Krishna yelling curse words at him.
The cave was very dark and Kalayavana searched for Krishna.
Suddenly, he stumbled on something. In the dim light he saw
someone lying under a blanket . Clouded by anger and thinking it
was Krishna playing tricks on him, Kalayavana kicked that man...
A stunned Kalayavana saw a giant of a man waking up as if he was

in his deepest sleep and sure he was. As Kalayavana stood
wondering what was going on, Muchukunda turned around his
head towards him. Suddenly, Muchukunda opened his eyes and a
wave of fire rushed towards Kalayavana ...
The fourth age was about to begin and the Pandavas noticed a lot
of changes in the world... They decided it was time to leave
Earth ...
Pandavas and Draupadi went on the final journey of their life... to

the top of Himalayas... When they started their journey, a dog
began to accompany them...
One by one they started to fall dead on the way ... Finally,
Yudhishtira and the dog reached the summit... Yudhishtira saw a
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vimana approach him ... He saw Lord Indra in it. Indra told: Enter
the chariot, son of Yamaraj...
Yudhistira was about to enter and suddenly he noticed the dog ...
He told: You should allow me to take this dog with me ...
Indra laughed and told: Don't be silly Yudhistir. I cannot allow

such a lowly creature into heaven !.
Yudhistira told: This dog has sought shelter with me. I will not
abandon him now ...
Indra told: Don't be a fool Yudhistir. Think about the pleasures

that await you at Swarga-Loka ...
Yudhistir told: I am not changing my decision, my Lord ... He

started to walk back with the dog ...
All of a sudden, the dog became Lord Yama. Yama told: I am

impressed Yudhistir...
During the third age, there lived a great mace warrior known as
Balarama who was proud, honest and short tempered. He was
considered the strongest man on Earth. Princes from far and wide
came to him to master the art of mace fighting. Out of all his
students, Duryodhana was his favorite. He planned to marry his
sister Subhadra to Duryodhana, but she was worried... She had
heard the stories of prince Arjuna who was the best friend of her
brother Krishna ... She was in love with Arjuna ...
One day, a sage visited Dwaraka. King Balrama and Krishna

welcomed the sage. Sage told: I am honored to meet the
strongest man in the world... Balarama looked flattered... Krishna
looked at them and smiled mischievously...
The sage was sitting under a tree. Subhadra came to meet the
sage. She asked: I heard you travel all over the world... Sage told:
Yes I do ... She asked: Did you meet prince Arjuna ... Sage told:
Yes I did meet him ... She asked: Will you go to Hastinapur
again ... Sage told: Yes I will go there soon ... Subhadra's face lit
up. She gave a letter to the sage and told: Please give this to
prince Arjuna ...
289
Next day, Subhadra and her entourage set out to visit the Shiva
temple. All of a sudden, a handsome warrior rushed towards them
on his charriot... Subhadra found herself inside his chariot... The
soldiers tried to stop him...
A nervous Subhadra asked: Who are you, why are you taking
me... Suddenly, the warrior gave her a letter...
A surprised Subhadra told: I gave this to the sage. How did you
get this.
The warrior smiled and told: You gave it to prince Arjuna...
Once upon a time, a lone warrior was traveling far and wide the
earth. He reached a river in a beautiful forest. He took a dip in the
river and suddenly he was dragged down ...
He woke up in a palace bed. He saw a beautiful woman staring at

him !. He asked: Who are you, where am I... The woman told: You
are in the underwater kingdom of Naga king Kauravya. I am his
daughter Ulupi.. I know you are prince Arjuna ... Will you marry
me ... Arjuna told: No I cannot marry you !...
Ulupi tried to gain the love of Arjuna, but Arjuna was not
interested ... He stayed with her out of compassion... After some
time, he said her goodbye.. Ulupi was heartbroken and told: No
creature in water will ever harm you and I will come to your aid if
your life is in danger ...
Arjuna continued his journey and reached the kingdom of

Manipura. He married Chitrangada, the princess of Manipura. After
Arjuna left Manipura, Chitrangada gave birth to a son named
Babruvahana. Uloopi began to spent time with Chitrangada and
Babruvahana... Uloopi taught Babruvahana, warfare and magic.
Years later ... Arjuna and his brothers went on different directions
with the message of Yudhistira. There was very little resistance
since almost all the kingdoms participated in the Kurukshetra war
and they have all accepted Yudhistira as Emperor. Kingdom after
kingdom welcomed the Pandava armies and extended hand of
support and friendship...
290
When Arjuna reached Manipura, Babruvahana stopped him. Arjuna
was challenged by his son to fight. Thus the armies of father and
son clashed. Babruvahana who was taught by Uloopi in Naga
warfare was able to match Arjuna. Finally, Babruvahana used a
celestial weapon which Arjuna was unable to counter and it hit
Arjuna and he fell into a dying state.
Babruvahana was saddened and decided to end his life. He

challenged his father to show off his abilities and did not intend to
kill him...
Ulupi rushed to the scene... She used the Mritasanjivani Gem of

the Nagas to resuscitate Arjuna. Arjuna hugged Babruvahana with
Uloopi and Chitrangada looking on ...
Kurukshetra war was raging... Drona created the Padmavyuha

formation. Pandava armies began to suffer heavy losses. Arjuna
was engaged in an overwhelming battle in a different battle front.
A worried Yudhistira told: Only Arjuna and Krishna know how to
break and enter this formation on our side... Suddenly an young
and inexperienced Abhimanyu told: I know how to break the
formation ... A surprised Yudhishtira asked: How did you learn it ...
Years ago, Arjuna and Krishna were having a conversation on

battle formations. This time, a pregnant Subhadra was sitting
besides them... Abhimanyu heard the conversation while in the
womb of Subhadra !. When Krishna finished talking about how to
enter the formation, Subhadra walked away ...
Abhimanya told: I do not know how to exit the formation ...

Yudhishtira told: All our commanders will follow you closely and
enter the formation along with you...
Thus Abhimanyu led the Pandava armies towards the fearsome

Padmavyuha where the greatest warriors of the world who were
capable of fighting gods awaited him...
Abhimanyu marched forward destroying the Kaurava flanks getting

closer and closer to the Padmavyuha. Pandava commanders found
it diffucult to keep up with Abhimanyu. Thus a gap began to
291
develop between him and the Pandava commanders who tried to
follow him to ensure his safety...
All of a sudden, Jayadratha appeared in between Pandavas and

Abhimanyu. Pandavas didn't think Jayadratha as much of a threat
and hoped to defeat him quickly. But to their suprise, Jayadratha
was not going down. This was not the Jayadratha whom they all
knew !.
Years ago, Jayadratha proposed to Draupadi and made

advancements towards her, while Pandavas were living in the
forest. Draupadi ran towards Pandavas who were out to fetch
water and hunt. Pandavas heard her screams and found
Jayadratha...
Bhima beat him up and was about to kill him, but Yudhistira
stopped him reminding him that Jayadratha is the husband of their
cousin Duhsala and not to make her a widow. So, Bhima just
shaved off his head leaving just 3 strands of hair behind... A
humiliated Jayadratha didn't return to his kingdom, instead
retreated into forest and began to perform severe panance to
please Lord Shiva...
After years of penance, Lord Shiva finally appeared before

Jayadratha and offered him a boon. Jayadratha asked: I want to
defeat Arjuna in battle... Shiva told: You cannot cannot defeat
Arjuna, but one day you will defeat all the Pandavas in battle,
except Arjuna ...
It was time for the boon of Lord Shiva to take effect !. He was
about to defeat all the Pandavas except Arjuna ...
Jayadratha held the Pandava commanders back and this time

Abhimanyu had already entered the Padmavyuha, alone. He
realized he was alone but he did not panic and kept marching
forward...
Finally, Abhimanyu stood in the middle of Padmavyuha surrounded

by Drona, Kripacharya, Karna, Ashwathama etc. The elder warriors
told that it is immoral to attack and kill a young warrior who is
surrounded and helpless... Duryodhana ignored the advice of
elders and ordered his commanders to attack simultaneously and
kill Abhimanyu...
292
The half knowledge cost Abhimanyu his life ...
Once upon a time, two young lovers were wandering through

beautiful gardens. They started to play hide and seek. She could
not find him despite her best efforts. She was about to shout out
to him. Suddenly, she didn't know his name !. She realized she
never knew his name or who he was !. She began to panic ...
Princess Usha woke up from sleep in shock. The dream was so real
that she could remember every part of it. She began to see similar
dreams everyday !. Usha became gloomy and sad. Her best friend
Chitralekha noticed this. Usha told Chitralekha about her dream.
Chitralekha embraced Usha and told: If the man of your dreams
exists anywhere in the world, I will bring him to you ...
Chitralekha who was a great artist began to draw pictures of

Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras, Siddhas, Manavas and other famous
people in the world. When Chitralekha drew the picture of
Aniruddha, Usha became shy and told: It is him. Aniruddha was
the grandson of Krishna...
Chitralekha using her Siddhis flew to Dwarka in the middle of the

night ignoring the dangers and entered Aniruddha’s chamber. She
casted a spell on him to become unconscious and flew back to
Usha’s palace with Aniruddha...
Aniruddha woke up and found a beautiful woman smiling at him...
Chitralekha made arrangements to keep the affair a secret from

king Banasura. Thus Aniruddha and Usha began to spent time in
beautiful gardens like in their dream...
Finally and inevitably that day came. Banasura came to know

about the mystery man in his daughter's palace. A furious
Banasura rushed to Usha's palace. A fight broke out between
Aniruddha and Banasura. Banasura used the Nagastra and
Aniruddha fell unconscious bound by ropes of celestial material .
Usha pleaded to spare his life. Banasura threw him in prison...
Meanwhile, the news reached Dwarka. Krishna sent messengers to

release Aniruddha, but Banasura called for war.
293
Thus the mighty Yadava army led by Krishna, Balarama,
Pradyumna, Satyaki etc. marched towards Sontipur. When they
reached the gates of Banasura's kingdom, Yadava warriors were
shocked. They saw the god of war, commander-in-chief Skanda
staring at them with his celestial army !.
Banasura was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He did penance for

a very long time to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before
him and granted him a boon. Bana asked the boon that the
celestial army of Lord Shiva should come to his protection when he
is under great threat...
Thus a war of epic proportion broke out. Lord Shiva himself came
down and fought Krishna. It was Vishnu against Shiva and the
celestials gathered in the sky. Seeing the impending doom, Indra
and Devas rushed to Brahma. Lord Brahma appeared and called
for truce ...
Krishna spared the life of Bana at the request of Lord Shiva. Usha
and Aniruddha married with the celestials looking on ...
Jayadratha became the major factor in the tragic death of

Abhimanyu. Hearing the death of his son, Arjuna was filled with
uncontrollable emotions. Overcome by grief and anger he
screamed: If I don't kill Jayadratha by tomorrow's sunset, I will
give up my life by walking into fire...
The news spread like wildfire across the battle camps. Jayadratha
panicked and ran to Duryodhana's camp in the middle of the night.
Meanwhile, Duryodhana and team were celebrating and preparing
plans for saving Jayadratha from Arjuna. They were happy
because now all they have to do to win the war is to save
Jayadratha from Arjuna until tomorrow's sunset and Padava's
cannot win the war without Arjuna.
Next day, Drona arranged a three tier battle formation and placed
Jayadratha right in the middle of it, protected from all sides by
major Kaurava commanders. Kaurava armies had only one goal, to
save Jayadratha at any cost ...
294
The most intense battle began and both sides fought furiously
sparing no effort. Finally, that time had come... The sun was about
to set. Arjuna was still quite some distance away from
Jayadratha ... Suddenly, the sun slowly began to disappear behind
the horizon...
Everyone stopped fighting and looked at the sun. Pandava soliders

and commanders looked at the sun with heavy heart's. There was
a roar of jubilation from the Kaurava ranks...
The funeral pyre was made for Arjuna to enter. Duryodhana and
Kaurava's began to laugh with joy and chuckle, though many
Kaurava commanders who were friends with Arjuna were
saddened. A person in the Pandava ranks was smiling ...
Krishna ...
Shakuni was suspiciously looking at Krishna. He sensed that

something was not right ...
Arjuna began to circumambulate the funeral pyre preparing ... This

time Jayadratha came into the open laughing, to see Arjuna give
up his life. Jayadratha was standing a few feet away from Arjuna
who was about to walk into fire...
Suddenly it happened... There he was ... the Sun ! smiling in an

orange sky. Everyone was stunned. Krishna used his Maya to
cover the sun for a few moments ... Krishna told: Arjun, there is
the Sun ... and here is Jayadratha
...
As everyone looked on as if time stood still, Arjuna took up his

legendary Gandiva and looked at Jayadratha... Jayadratha felt like
his soul was leaving his body ...
Once upon a time, Narakasura did severe penance to please Lord

Brahma. Brahma appeared and granted him a boon . Narakasura
told: Only a woman can slay me in battle …
He thought … I am now invincible in battle. Women cannot slay me

anyway … Thus he began to reign as a tyrrant…
295
It was the third age and Krishna was born on Earth. One day,
Narakasura attacked heaven … He seized many items from heaven
including the divine earrings of goddess Aditi…
Aditi went to Krishna and told: It is time to slay Narakasura …
Thus Krishna went to the magical fortress of Narakasura. An epic

battle broke out between Krishna and Mura, Narakasura’s
commander. Krishna slayed the mighty demon Mura and came to
be known as Murari, slayer of Mura …
Finally, Narakasura himself met Krishna in battle… Narakasura

yelled: Your end is near you fool …
Suddenly, Krishna and his charioteer switched places !. Krishna

began to drive the chariot and his charioteer began to reign arrows
at Narakasura …
Narakasura lauged and told: Is this one of your tricks you fool…
Try all you want… No man can slay me …
The charioteer told: I am not a man … and shot an astra at

Narakasura … Narakasura fell dead …
Krishna and his warrior wife Satyabhama released those who were
imprisoned by Narakasura
…
104)What are the scientific explanations behind the events
in the Mahabharata?
Since my childhood, I am amazed by the epic Mahabharata. During

my school days when I was in my third standard I read a story
from Mahabharata, which forced me to think, How poisoned and
drowned Bhima got back to life after getting bitten up by
several poisonous snakes?
At that age, I was unaware about the poison metabolism in the

human body. I couldn’t get the concept, I wondered, how was that
possible? How did a person, already poisoned, after getting bit by
several poisonous snakes can survive? I read the story again and
again, but couldn't understand. I might have asked this question
to my teachers as well, but I couldn't have got the satisfactory
answer as I wondered about this for so many years until I came
296
across a similar concept in Forensic Medicine and
Toxicology book in my second year B.A.M.S.
First, let me revise The Story called ‘Bhima Visits Nagaloka’.

Then the science behind it, which I could find only after a decade
of wondering.
THE five sons of Pandu and the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra

grew up in mirth and merriment at Hastinapura. Bhima excelled
them all in physical prowess. He used to bully Duryodhana and the
other Kauravas by dragging them by the hair and beating them.
Bhima great swimmer, he would dive, into pools, with one or more
of them clasped helpless in his arms, and remain under water till
they were almost drowned. Whenever they climbed up on a tree
he would stand on the ground and kick at the tree and shake them
down like ripe fruits.
The bodies of the sons of Dhritarashtra would be ever sore with

bruises as a result of Bhima's practical jokes. Small wonder that
the sons of Dhritarashtra nursed a deep hatred for Bhima from
their very infancy.
As the princes grew up. Kripacharya taught them archery and the
practice of arms and other things that princes should learn.
Duryodhana's jealousy towards Bhima warped his mind and made
him commit many improper acts.
Duryodhana was very much worried. His father being blind, the
kingdom was ruled by Pandu. After his death Yudhishthira, the
heir-apparent, would in course of time become king. Duryodhana
thought that as his blind father was quite helpless he must, to
prevent Yudhishthira's accession to the throne, contrive a way of
killing Bhima.
He made arrangements to carry out his resolve since he thought

that the powers of the Pandavas would decline with the death of
Bhima.
Duryodhana and his brothers planned to throw Bhima into the

Ganges, imprison Arjuna and Yudhishthira, and then seize the
kingdom and rule it. So Duryodhana went with his brothers and
the Pandavas for a swim in the Ganges.
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After the sports they slept in their tents being exhausted. Bhima
had exerted himself more than the others and as his food had
been poisoned, he felt drowsy and lay down on the bank of the
river. Duryodhana bound him with wild creepers and threw him
into the river.
The evil Duryodhana had already caused sharp spikes to be

planted on the spot. This was done purposely so that Bhima might
in falling be impaled on the spikes, and lose his life. Fortunately,
there was no spike in the place where Bhima fell. Poisonous water-
snakes bit his body.
“The poisonous food he had taken was counteracted by the

snake poison and Bhima came to no harm, and presently,
the river washed him to a bank.”
The Science Part :
The science behind this story talks a lot

about Poisons,Toxins,Venom,The Antidotes of Poisons and
Human Immune System.
In ‘Sambhav Parva’ of the Mahabharata it is mentioned that the

poison used by Duryodhana was a vegetable poison
named Kaalkoot, as it was the most toxic of all poisons present in
that time, apart from being highly toxic, it has been sweet in taste
just like Aconite (the Meetha Zaher, another lethal poison). So it
was easy to mask it in any sweet cuisine and made someone eat in
abundant quantity.
भॊजने भीमसे नस्य पु नः पराक्षे पयद विषम

कालकू टं नवं तीक्ष्णं सं भृतं लॊमहर्षणम
Vegetable poisons were called “Sthavar Visha” whereas the

poisons produced by animals were called “Jangam Visha”. In this
case the Jangam Visha was snake venom, which was injected
inside Bhima by several snake bites. Even in the Vedas it was
written that gati (action) of Sthavar vishas and Jangam vishas are
opposite in nature.
Now, after spending days on this concept in scholarly articles

written about the pharmacology of Vegetable Poisons & Snake
298
Venom, their mode of action, type of toxicity they can cause to the
human body, the enzymes secreted, the channels stimulated and
inhibited by these poisons, I am convinced that it is possible for
the Snake Venom to act as an antidote to the poison used in food
to kill the Bhima.
Action Of Vegetable Poison:
Poison decreases the electrically evoked Acetylcholine release at

the synapse of nerve endings, resulting in a decrease in muscle
tension. The sodium-ion channels are constantly activated,
transmission of action potentials is suppressed, leading to non-
excitable target cells or paralysis
Action Of Snake Venom:
Venom attacks cholinergic neurons (those that use ACh as a

transmitter) by destroying Acetylcholinesterase, it may result
in Super Contraction of Respiratory, Cardiac and Skeletal
Muscles.
For continuous contraction and relaxation of Respiratory,

Cardiac & Skeletal Muscles, Acetylcholine and
Acetylcholinesterase are important as they compliment each other.
Here production of both the enzymes is stopped. So the body will
go to standby mode unless the poison and Venom get metabolized
and excreted from the body. But as long as they are present in
body together, they are not able to cause any harm.
The whole plan of Duryodhana was to feed the Kaalkoot cuisine to

Bhima. He thought the poison would paralyze the muscles, so that
Bhima could not be able to swim and he would get drowned in the
river.
Duryodhana’s bad luck, and thanks to the Neurotoxic Snakes,

Bhima could survive and later played a vital role in the famous
battle of the Kurukshetra.
105)What are some lesser known facts about Satyaki in

Mahabharata?
His Name was Yuyudhana .
Satyaki was student of Drona as well as Arjuna.
He loved Arjuna ,Krishna and Abhimanyu seamlessly .
He was also friend of Duryodhana
299
He was also called by name Madhava.
Satyaki along with Sahadeva and Draupadi advocated war and
out rightly rejected peace mission of Krishna.
Satyaki openly countered and opposed Balrama when he
blamed Yudhisthira for their plight and dice game.
Satyaki attempted to kill Dhrishtadyumna with Sword on 15th
day when he beheaded drona but was restrained by Bhima.
He was among few warriors who defeated Bhagdatta on 10th
day (Bhishma Parva )
Krishna gave Satyaki his chariot on 14th night along with
charioteer Daruka when he lost chariot that day.
Satyaki Performed an extraordinary feat on 14th day during
battle with Drona. When his charioteer was killed he himself
rode chariot as well as fought and defeated Drona.
Arjuna said he trusts only Satyaki and Pradyumna in his
absence for protection of yudhisthira, And considered Satyaki
equal to him.
Satyakis clan and bahlika clan had a long term enemity.
Satyaki killed somadatta and bhurisavaras.
In brawl between satyaki and kritverma in Mausala parva,
Satyaki accused kritverma of helping ashwathama in slaughter
and in turn, kritverma too accused him of slaying bhurisavaras
by deceit and enraged Satyaki killed kritverma there itself and
in ensuing brawl he too was killed.
300
Note :- My answer is based on authentic sources of Mahabharat
BORI CE and KMG.
106)The foreign reader...is at once struck by two

features: in the first place its unity in complexity; and, in
the second, its constant efforts to impress on its hearers
the idea of a single centralized India, with a heroic
tradition of her own as formative and uniting impulse."
Who wrote this about the Mahabharata?
Sister Nivedita (Margaret Elizabeth Noble)
Jawaharlal Nehru (the first Indian Prime Minister) has written in his
book 'The Discovery of India': "In the Mahabharata, a very definite
attempt has been made to emphasize the fundamental unity of
India, or Bharatvarsha (the land of Bharata) as it was called, from
Bharata, the legendary founder of the race," (the people were
called Bharatasantati or the descendants of Bharata.)
India does indeed show a deep underlying unity in spite of great
diversity.
The quotation given in the question has been taken from 'A Source
Book in Indian Philosophy' by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, OM,
FBA. He was the first Indian Vice-President and went on to become
the second President. It is his birthday which is commemorated by
the Indian Teacher's Day celebrated every year on the fifth of
September throughout the country since 1962.
Sister Nivedita was an Anglo-Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda.

The word 'nivedita' literally means "dedicated to God" in Hindi.
107)Which are the long unanswered questions on
Mahabharata in this forum as per your knowledge? Can
they be listed at one place so that some one/ a few may
attempt to answer them?
Long unanswerable question on Mahabharata or even Ramayana
will remain always unanswered. No body would able to solve them.
Because we analyse only physical things like Bhishma, Arjuna,
Bhima or Karna etc. were the strongest warriors of that time. But
nobody is able to see the things behind the curtain. And even epic
writers like Ved Vyasa or Valmiki did not explained it. May be they
are hiding something. And hiding thing is “spirituality”.
301
Krishna and Rama came in this world to eliminate illminded
people. War in this world does not take place until illminded people
are first killed spiritually. At the time of birth only, a person's
spiritual death is fixed. Therefore to happen natural death, spiritual
death should happen first. Even Krishna tells Arjuna in Gita that he
has already killed all the warriors, Arjuna become only namesake
killer. Then question arises as to how Krishna killed all the warriors
early when they were physically present on the battle ground? And
the answer is spirituality is only the medium by which Krishna
killed all the warriors and even Rama.
One thing is sure to kill people by spirituality, the authority to it

stays with god only but if a person with physical body, may be
god's incarnation, adopts this way, he has to suffer a lot, like
Rama who suffered for 14 years before war, and Krishna who took
birth with a lot of sufferings in his earlier life. Then what about
Kalki, about the type of his sufferings when he will come to kill
illminded people of the whole world. And next question is what is
the process of spiritual killing of ill minded people? How it can be
implemented? Nobody has answered in the past for different
reason and nobody will answer today for no knowledge of it but
people of satyuga will be knowing answer because only Kalki will
spread the knowledge after end of Kaliyuga because spirituality is
not supposed to be known to kaliyuga people.
If possible, please spread this question and request the people at

large to make attempt to solve it. But I am sure nobody in
kaliyuga knows it.
Can you answer few questions like
The egg or Chicken which came first ?

Why the human head is at the top and not at the
bottom ?
What will be the result in Mahabharatha if Karna’s father
is Indra
For information
KARNA’S LOVE LETER TO KRISHNA
https://www.bonobology.com/it-is-you-who-defines-me-the-
most-karnas-love-letter-to-draupadi/
302
Krishna And Rukmini: How His Wife Was A Lot Bolder Than
Today’s Women
https://www.bonobology.com/krishna-and-rukmini/
Living Gita: 15: Cowards Worship Destiny

by Satya Chaitanya
https://www.boloji.com/articles/51671/living-gita-15-cowards-
worship-destiny
108)Some Questions I Asked Myself
Mahabharata, the timeless saga gave so many life lessons that got
unfolded from the complexities. I was thinking about Mahabharata
and couldn’t stop myself from asking these questions.
Yudhisthira was called dharmaraja (The Righteous King) right?

When he got invitations for the game of dice, he knew something
bad will happen, he could have refused it easily, still he chose to
go. Why?
The game of dice was a gamble, and gamble is considered

“adharma” or immoral/vice. Still he chose to play that game. Why
did dharmaraja do this adharma?
Many people say that he could not refuse because at that time a
king could not refuse or decline the invitation for war or gamble.
But doesn’t that imply he had pride and arrogance of being a king,
303
isn’t it adharma again? Why would dharamaraja choose to follow
the path of adharma?
Again, I am not judging any of the actions he took, all I want is

that you should find answers and actually learn to apply principles
we gain from mahabharata in real life.
The reason which I think the most appropriate is, he could not
refuse an invitation from dhritarashtra, who was a father figure to
him. He would always respect his elders and could not decline an
invitation from him.
The Real Questions!
The ordeal that draupadi had to go through, would never happen

if yudhishthira refused the invitation. The main reason
behind Mahabharata (or, the war of kurukshetra) was the
humiliation draupadi had to go in that game of dice. In a way, that
war was to protect a woman’s self respect.
And still, many women go through much worse ordeals in today’s

world. But no kurukshetra war happens now! No
mahabharata happens now! No pandavas come to the
rescue!
Even after doing such heinous acts, criminals still walk freely, and
still everyone is calm. Shouldn’t Mahabharata happen again?
Shouldn’t Mahabharata happen daily against the people who do
such contemptible things?
304
Wasn’t Mahabharata supposed to be the end of all wicked and evil?
But the real bad era actually started after mahabharata. Why?
Lord Krishna himself said that everyone who watched the evil act
against draupadi silently and said nothing will be punished to
death, as equally as the ones who did that crime. Being a silent
spectator of crime makes you a criminal too.
Similarly, we all watch the news everyday and still do nothing, we

keep on ignoring the bad, doesn’t that make us equally guilty?
Do think about it!
यत्र योगेश्वर: कृ ष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धर: |

तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम || 78||
yatra yogeśhvaraḥ kṛiṣhṇo yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ

tatra śhrīr vijayo bhūtir dhruvā nītir matir mama
yatra—wherever; yoga-īśhvaraḥ—Shree Krishna, the Lord of Yog; kṛiṣhṇaḥ—

Shree Krishna; yatra—wherever; pārthaḥ—Arjun, the son of Pritha; dhanuḥ-
dharaḥ—the supreme archer; tatra—there; śhrīḥ—opulence; vijayaḥ—
victory; bhūtiḥ—prosperity; dhruvā—unending; nītiḥ—righteousness; matiḥ
mama—my opinion
Wherever there is Shree Krishna, the Lord of all Yog, and wherever there is
Arjun, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be unending opulence,
victory, prosperity, and righteousness. Of this, I am certain.
THE END
ADDENDUM
305
a) 108 Mahabharata Quotes
The greatest book in the world, the Mahabharata, tells us we all have to
live and die by our karmic cycle. Thus works the perfect reward-and-
punishment, cause-and-effect, code of the universe. We live out in our
present life what we wrote out in our last. But the great moral thriller
also orders us to rage against karma and its despotic dictates. It
teaches us to subvert it. To change it. It tells us we also write out our
next lives as we live out our present.
The Mahabharata is not a work of religious instruction.
It is much greater. It is a work of art.
It understands men will always fall in the shifting chasm between the
tug of the moral and the lure of the immoral.
It is in this shifting space of uncertitude that men become men.
Not animals, not gods.
It understands truth is relative. That it is defined by context and
motive. It encourages the noblest of men - Yudhishtra, Arjuna, Lord
Krishna himself - to lie, so that a greater truth may be served.
It understands the world is powered by desire. And that desire is an
unknowable thing. Desire conjures death, destruction, distress.
But also creates love, beauty, art. It is our greatest undoing. And the
only reason for all doing.
And doing is life. Doing is karma.
Thus it forgives even those who desire intemperately. It forgives
Duryodhana. The man who desires without pause. The man who
precipitates the war to end all wars. It grants him paradise and the
admiration of the gods. In the desiring and the doing this most reviled
of men fulfils the mandate of man.
You must know the world before you are done with it. You must act on
desire before you renounce it. There can be no merit in forgoing the not
known.
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The greatest book in the world rescues volition from religion and gives it
back to man.
Religion is the disciplinarian fantasy of a schoolmaster.
The Mahabharata is the joyous song of life of a maestro.
In its tales within tales it takes religion for a spin and skins it inside out.
Leaves it puzzling over its own poisoned follicles.
It gives men the chance to be splendid. Doubt-ridden architects of some
small part of their lives. Duryodhanas who can win even as they lose.
The Mahabharata declares, 'What is here is nowhere else; what is not
here, is nowhere.
For us the chief point of interest is the place where the game is played.
Generatly it is a simple circle, dyutamandalam, drawn on the ground. The
circle as such, however, has a magic significance. It is drawn with great
care, all sorts of precautions being taken against cheating. The players
are not allowed to leave the ring until they have discharged their
obligations. But, sometimes a special hall is provisionally erected for the
game, and this hall is holy ground. The Mahabharata devotes a whole
chapter to the erection of the dicing hall - sabha - where the Pandavas
are to meet their prtners. Games, of chance, therefore, have their
serious side. They are included in ritual.
Suddenly Yudhisthira saw a yaksha approaching him. The being sat in
front of him and began firing questions rapidly at him.
What is bigger than the Earth? the yaksha asked.
"A mother" replied Yudhisthira.
What is taller than the sky?
"A father"
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What is faster than the wind?
"The mind , of course". Yudhisthira smiled.
What grows faster than hay?
"Worry"
What is the greatest dharma in the world? queried the yaksha
"Compassion and conscience"
With who is friendship never-ending?
"With good people" responded Yudhisthira patiently.
What is the secret to never feeling unhappy?
"If one can control his or her mind, then that person will never feel sad"
The yaksha increase his pace now.

What is the greatest kind of wealth.
"Education"
What is the greatest kind of profit?
"Health"
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What is the greatest kind of happiness?
"Contentment" said Yudhisthira, ever prompt with his replies.
What is man's worst enemy?
"Anger"
What disease will never have a cure?
"Greed is incurable"
The yaksha smiled again. A last question my friend. What is life's

biggest irony?
"It is the desire to live eternally. Every day, we encounter people dying
but we always think that death will never come to us.
The Beauty of Life is in the Struggles it Throws”
Within the infinite myths lies the eternal truth
Since ancient times, sacred texts from around the world foretold about
a time period in human history when a mighty demi-god would appear on
earth. Whether we call this figure Perseus, Krishna, or Messiah, he is
epitomized in the figure of Jesus Christ—the modern equivalent of
which is Superman
The fear of losing can make a calm mind restless”
No text, being human creation, is free from flaws – it is the human mind
that should be conscientious enough to accept their good elements and
discard the bad ones.”
We Gain, We Lose, We Aspire, We Become”
For us the chief point of interest is the place where the game is played.
Generally it is a simple circle, dyutamandalam, drawn on the ground. The
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circle as such, however, has a magic significance. It is drawn with great
care, all sorts of precautions being taken against cheating. The players
are not allowed to leave the ring until they have discharged their
obligations. But, sometimes a special hall is provisionally erected for the
game, and this hall is holy ground. The Mahabharata devotes a whole
chapter to the erection of the dicing hall - sabha - where the Pandavas
are to meet their prtners. Games, of chance, therefore, have their
serious side. They are included in ritual.”
The strength of a warrior is not defined by the wars he wins; but the
times he seeks for peace.”
It seems we would rather have a past filled with great scientists than
just great artists and writers who could dream up these wonderful and
awe-inspiring creations. It's a strange irony: we're spending our time
trying to find the truth in our past, but creating myths of ourselves in
the present
...many forces that influenced the flow of the tale: boons and curses and
manmade laws. There was no hero or villain in the epic, just people
struggling with life, responding to crises, making mistakes, repeating
mistakes, in innocence or ignorance, while trying to make their lives
meaningful and worthwhile
History Depicts the Events Happened; the way we Perceive makes the
difference
Berurusanlah dengan orang lain dengan cara seperti yang kau sendiri
ingin orang lain berurusan denganmu.
You are always in the truth; And the truth is always in you”
Ravan's ten heads stand for your different desires which compel you to
divide your energies into different channels to fulfill those desires and
run after illusions.
Lord Ram stands for the clear meditating mind that strikes at the root
of desire (navel) to destroy all illusions.
Opportunities if not created today will not knock tomorrow
310
The day the Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra from the sun god is
still celebrated in India as Akshaya Tritiya, which comes every year
during the spring harvest in April or May. It is an extremely auspicious
day and people believe that whatever they buy that day will grow in
value. Most people prefer to purchase gold on this day”
“It is this Bharata, an ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas, after who
our country is named - Bharat. Our land is also known as Bharatvarsha,
or the kingdom of Bharata.
The real cost
Of Kurukshetra
Was the moment

When you disappeared
Over the horizon
At the end of our universe
That moment
When you looked back
And couldn't see me
When I strained my eyes
But couldn't see you
The monumental
Incalculable
Cost
Of war
Was an empty horizon.
It always has been,

Krishna
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Let us assume that on the first wedding anniversary, before the SOP
was put in place, a long-time close friend of Draupadi asks her out of
naughty friendly curiosity, which of her five husbands she favoured the
most and which the least. Draupadi feigns anger at the question, but in a
playful mood, tells her friend that she has a meticulous log of the
number of nights she spent with each of her husbands through the year,
though she has no intention of sharing the information with her! But as a
tease, she is willing to share with her friend, the total number of nights
spent by her with four of her husbands in five different combinations.
In effect, she presents her friend with the following five equations: y +
b + a + n = 304 b + a + n + s = 296 a + n + s + y = 294 n + s + y + b = 280 s +
y + b + a = 310 Where y stands for the total number of nights spent with
Yudhisthira, b for the number of nights spent with Bhima, a for the
number of nights with Arjuna, n for the number of nights with Nakula,
and s for the nights spent with Sahadeva.”
“Future can be created; the truth can never be altered”
There are many Arjunas in Kalyuga; they are focused, bright, hard-
working, loving, righteous young men who want to change the world.
Their patience and connectivity to Krishna tests the longevity of their
characters; some of them give up and transform into Shakunis and
Kauravas.”
“Mahabharata - whatever is not contained in this is not to be found
anywhere
They say every dog has its day, Ganapathi, but for this terrier twilight
came before tea-time.”
Do you know which is the greatest epic till date? Only Mahabharata!
An ambitious person should overcome the following six weaknesses—

resting (oversleeping), lethargy, fear, anger, laziness and
procrastination.
—The Mahabharata
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Anger is the enemy of men difficult to conquer and covetousness
(greed) is the endless desire. A good man is one who seeks welfare of all
beings and a bad man is one who has no compassion or mercy.
—The Mahabharata
Good action you will get happiness. Bad actiions you will get misery. To
get anything one has to act, perform. Without action one does not get
anything.
—The Mahabharata
A pessimistic ignorant fool is always disturbed by thousands of reasons

to cry and hundreds of reasons to be afraid everyday. A wise person is
never affected by these.
—The Mahabharata
The intoxication with power is worse than

drunkenness with liquor and such,
for who is drunk with power does not
come to his senses before he falls.
—The Mahabharata
Cleverness does not always lead to gain nor stupidity to poverty.

—The Mahabharata
I do not blame you, O King, for hitting an innocent man. For, cruelty
comes quick to the powerful.
—The Mahabharata
Revenge is not always better,

but neither is forgiveness;
learn to know them both,
so that there is no problem.
—The Mahabharata
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These three people are the golden flowers that blossom on the creeper
named Earth – the courageous, the learned and the person who knows to
serve.
—The Mahabharata
This is the sum of duty: do naught to others which if done to thee,

would cause thee pain.
—The Mahabharata
What is weightier (more sustaining) than the earth? – Mother

What is higher than the sky? – Father (bestower of more benefits)
What is swifter than the wind? – Mind
What is more numerous than grass?-
Thoughts (of a sorrow stricken mind) are more numerous than grass.
—The Mahabharata
One should practice what one considers to be one’s duty, guided by

reasons,
instead of blindly following the practices of the world.
—The Mahabharata
Youth, beauty, life, accumulated wealth, health, loved ones none of them
are permanent. A wise man will never run behind these.
—The Mahabharata
Time consumes everything and hence one should utilize

the available little time for his own emancipation.
Many people do not realize that they are gradually being consumed
by time and hence that is the news deserving widest publicity.
—The Mahabharata
Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana,

Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani
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You have the right to perform your actions, but you are not entitled to
the fruits of the actions.Do not let the fruit be the purpose of your
actions, and therefore you won’t be attached to not doing your duty
bandhur atmatmanas tasya yenatmaivatmana jitah

anatmanas tu satrutve vartetatmaiva satruvat
For the being who has conquered the mind; that beings mind is the best
of friends;
But for one whose mind is uncontrolled, that very mind acts as the worst
of enemies.
yada yada hi dharmasya galnir bhavati bharata

abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham
Whenever and wherever a decline of righteousness and a predominance

of unrighteousness prevails;at that time I manifest Myself personally,
Odescendant of Bharata.
4. anasritah karma-phalam karyam karma karoti yah

sa sannyasi ca yogi ca na niragnir na cakriyah
One who enacts obligatory prescribed actions without expectation of

the result of actions he is truly a renunciate and a follower of the
science of uniting the individual consciousness with the Ultimate
consciousness; not one without prescribed duties, nor one who merely
renounces bodily activities.
5. nakarmanam anarambhan naishkarmyam puruso snute

na ca sannyasanad eva siddhim samadhigacchati
"vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya

navani grhnati naro ’parani
tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany
anyani samyati navani dehi" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 22)
"Sri Krishna said: As a human being puts on new garments, giving up

old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up
the old and useless ones."
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2) "nainam chindanti shastrani
nainam dahati pavakah
na chainam kledayanty apo
na sosayati marutah" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 23)
"Sri Krishna said: The soul can never be cut to pieces by any
weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered
by the wind."
अक् रोधे न जये त्क् रोधमसाधुं साधु ना जये त् ।
जये त्कदर्यं दाने न जये त्सत्ये न चानृ तम् ॥
Translation: Anger must be conquered by forgiveness; and the wicked
must be conquered by honesty; the miser must be conquered by
liberality, and falsehood must be conquered by truth.
5.39.58 English Sanskrit; Compare: Dhammapada verse 5 and verse 223.
With gentleness one defeats the gentle as well as the hard; there is
nothing impossible to the gentle; therefore the gentle is the more
severe.
Sub-parva 31, sect. 29; vol. 2, p. 277.
Once war has been undertaken, no peace is made by pretending

there is no war.
Sub-parva 54, sect. 86; vol. 3, p. 365.
"Arjuna, hearing this, replied, 'I have heard, even from thee, that
quibbling is not permitted in the discharge of duty. I cannot waver from
truth. Truth is my weapon.'
“The illustrious Bharata had acquired the whole earth by his prowess
alone. Indra hath acquired sovereignty of the three worlds by prowess
alone. O king, prowess is always applauded by the Kshatriyas.”
“The king cherished every one as belonging to his family, and Bhima
ruled over all justly. Arjuna, used to employing both his hands with equal
skill, protected the people from (external) enemies. And the wise
Sahadeva administered justice impartially. And Nakula behaved towards
all with humility that was natural to him. Owing to all this, the kingdom
became free from disputes and fear of every kind. And all the people
became attentive to their respective occupations. The rain became so
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abundant as to leave no room for desiring more; and the kingdom grew in
prosperity.”
Whatever is here, is found elsewhere. But what is not here, is nowhere
else.
(The Book of the Beginning)
Poets have told it before, poets are telling it now, other poets shall tell
this history on earth in the future.
Mortification is not dregs, Vedic study is not dregs, and the nature-
given rules of the Veda are not dregs, the vigorous acquisition of wealth
is not dregs - but that is what they become when they are beaten by the
beings.
All this is rooted in Time, to be or not to be, to be happy or not to be

happy.
"To save a family, abandon a man; to save the village, abandon a family;
to save the country, abandon a village; to save the soul, abandon the
earth."
-- Vidura quoting Kavya (The Book of the Assembly Hall)
When the Gods deal defeat to a person, they first take his mind away,
so that he sees things wrongly. .............. Time does not raise a stick and
clobber a man's head; the power of Time is just this upended view of
things.
-- Dhrtarastra (The Book of the Assembly Hall)
Discontent is the root of fortune.

-- Duryodhana (The Book of the Assembly Hall)
Revenge is not always better, but neither is forgiveness; learn to know

them both, son, so that there is no problem.
-- Prahlada (quoted by Draupadi) (The Book of the Forest)
317
A grey head does not make an elder. .... Not by years, not by grey hairs,
not by riches or many relations did the seers make the Law: He is great
to us who has learning.
-- Astavakra (The Book of the Forest)
Those seeds of grains they call rice and so forth, they are all alive, good
brahmin, what do you think of that? ....... Come to think of it, no one fails
here to hurt.
--- Hunter to the brahmin who was critical of hunting and meat eating
(The Book of the Forest)
Be he ever so wise and strong, wealth confounds a man. In my view,

anyone living in comfort fails to reason.
-- Nahusa (in the form of a boa) (The Book of the Forest)
When shown the door, take the door, and put no trust in kings.
--- Dhaumya to Yudhisthira (The Book of Virata)
I do not blame you, Maharaja, for hitting an innocent man. For, cruelty
comes quick to the powerful.
-- Yudhisthira to Virata (The Book of Virata)
A man should avoid these six like a leaking boat in the ocean: a teacher
who does not teach, a priest who has not studied, a king who fails to
protect, a wife who is abusive, a cowherd who wants a village, and a
barber who wants a forest.
--- Vidura (The Book of the Effort)
Those prone to get drunk get drunk on knowledge, wealth, and good
birth; but the same are triumphs of the strict.
------ Vidura (The Book of the Effort)
The intoxication with power is worse than drunkeness with liquor and
such, for who is drunk with power does not come to his senses before he
falls.
---- Vidura (The Book of the Effort)
318
Cleverness does not always lead to gain nor stupidity to poverty.
---- Vidura (The Book of the Effort)
Man is not the master of destiny, but a wooden doll that is strung on a
string ...
--- Dhrtarastra (The Book of the Effort)
Once war has been undertaken, no peace is made by pretending there is

no war.
---- Duryodhana (The Book of the Effort)
There are two forces: fate and human effort - All men depend on and
are bound by these, there is nothing else.
-- Krpa (The Book of the Sleeping Warriors)
He is a fool that practises truth without knowing the difference

between truth and falsehood.
-- Krishna to Arjuna (The Book of Karna)
Morality is even so difficult of being understood.

== Krishna to Arjuna (The Book of Karna)
Janaka said: Unlimited is my wealth. At the same time I have noting. If

the whole of (my Kingdom) Mithila be consumed in a conflagration, I
shall incur no loss of wealth.
(The Book of Peace)
On should practise what one considers to be one's duty, guided by

reasons, instead of blindly following the practices of the world.
-- Tuladhara, the mechant to the Brahman Jajali (The Book of Peace)
What thy thyself said unto me at that time (at the approach of the
Battle), Kesava, through affection, has, all been forgotten by me ...
Repeatedly, however, have I been curious on the subject of these
truths.
Arjuna to Krishna (The Book of the Horse Sacrifice)
It is exceedingly disagreeable to me to learn that thou didst not, from

folly, receive what I imparted. The recollection of all that I told thee on
319
that occasion will not come to me now.
krishna to Arjuna (The Book of the Horse Sacrifice)
Brahma said: Well, I shall now tell you somehing more. With even a
thousand (explanations), one that has a bad understanding succeeds not
in acquiring knowledge. One, however, that is endured with intelligence
succeeds in attaining happiness, through only a fourth share (of
explanations).
-- Krishna to Arjuna quoting ... . (The Book of the Horse Sacrifice)
All this has Time for its root. Time, is indeed the seed of the universe,
O Dhanajaya. It is time again, that withdraws everything at its pleasure.
-- Vyasa to Arjuna (The Book of the Clubs)
Without doubt, all kings, O son, must once see Hell.

-- Dharma to Yudhisthira (The Book of Ascent to Heaven)
The good to others kindness show, And from them no return exact; The
best and greatest men, they know, Thus ever nobly love to act.*
Entangled in a hundred worldly snares, Self-seeking men, by ignorance
deluded, Strive by unrighteous means to pile up riches. Then, in their
self-complacency, they say, ?This acquisition I have made to-day, That
will I gain to-morrow, so much pelf Is hoarded up already, so much more
Remains that I have yet to treasure up. This enemy I have destroyed,
him also, And others in their turn, I will despatch. I am a lord; I will
enjoy myself; I?m wealthy, noble, strong, successful, happy; I?m
absolutely perfect; no one else In all the world can be compared to me.
Now will I offer up a sacrifice, Give gifts with lavish hand, and be
triumphant.? Such men, befooled by endless vain conceits, Caught in the
meshes of the world?s illusion, Immersed in sensuality, descend Down to
the foulest hell of unclean spirits.*
A wound inflicted by arrows heals, a wood cut down by an axe grows, but
harsh words are hateful?a wound inflicted by them does not heal.
Arrows of different sorts can be extracted from the body, but a word-
dart cannot be drawn out, for it is seated in the heart.
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Death comes, and makes a man his prey, A man whose powers are yet
unspent; Like one on gathering flowers intent, Whose thoughts are
turned another way. Begin betimes to practise good, Lest fate surprise
thee unawares Amid thy round of schemes and cares; To-morrow?s task
to-day conclude.
Just as the track of birds that cleave the air Is not discovered, nor yet
the path of fish That skim the water, so the course of those Who do
good actions is not always seen.
Heaven?s gate is narrow and minute,* It cannot be perceived by foolish
men, Blinded by vain illusions of the world. E?en the clear-sighted, who
discern the way And seek to enter, find the portal barred And hard to
be unlocked. Its massive bolts Are pride and passion, avarice and lust.
Of what avail is the praise or censure of the vulgar, who make a useless
noise like a senseless crow in a forest?
To abstain from speaking is regarded as very difficult. It is not possible
to say much that is valuable and striking.*
A man should never despise himself, for brilliant success never attends
on the man who is contemned by himself.
Rich presents, though profusely given, Are not so dear to righteous
Heaven As gifts by honest gains supplied, Though small, which faith hath
sanctified
She is a wife who is notable in her house; she is a wife
who beareth children; she is a wife whose husband is as her life; she is a
wife who is obedient to her lord. The wife is half the man; a wife is man?
s dearest friend; a wife is the source of his religion, his worldly profit,
and his love. He who hath a wife maketh offerings in his
house. Those who have wives are blest with good fortune. Wives are
friends, who, by their kind and gentle speech, soothe you in your
retirement. In your distresses they are as mothers, and they
are refreshment to those who are travellers in the rugged paths of life.
321
An evil-minded man is quick to see His neighbour's faults, though small
as mustard seed; But when he turns his eyes towards his own, Though
large as bilva fruit, he none descries.
. List Of 50 Bhagavad Gita Quotes On Karma, Life,

And Death:
#1 “The Gita is not a book of commandments but a book of
choices.”
#2 “When your mind has overcome the confusion of duality, you
will attain the state of holy indifference to things you hear and
things you have heard.”
#3 “Everything we do produces karma in the mind. In fact, it is in
the mind rather than the world that karma’s seeds are planted.”
#4 “Actions do not cling to me because I am not attached to their
results. Those who understand this and practice it live in freedom.”
#5 “When the mind constantly runs after the wandering senses, it
drives away wisdom, like the wind blowing a ship off course.”
#6 “All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is
founded on our thoughts; it is made of our thoughts.”
#7 “The law of karma states unequivocally that though we cannot
see the connections, we can be sure that everything that happens
to us, good and bad, originated once in something we did or
thought.”
#8 “The immature think that knowledge and action are different,
but the wise see them as the same.”
#9 “Death is no more traumatic than taking off an old coat.”
#10 “Just as the dweller in this body passes through childhood,
youth and old age, so at death he merely passes into another kind
of body. The wise are not deceived by that.”
#11 “Seek refuge in the attitude of detachment and you will
amass the wealth of spiritual awareness.”
#12 “The true goal of action is knowledge of the Self.”
#13 “Those established in Self-realization control their senses
instead of letting their senses control them.”
#14 “Pleasures conceived in the world of the senses have a
beginning and an end and give birth to misery, Arjuna.”
322
#15 “When a person responds to the joys and sorrows of others
as if they were his own, he has attained the highest state of
spiritual union.”
#16 “I am time, the destroyer of all; I have come to consume the
world.”
#17 “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. We are
made of our thoughts; we are molded by our thoughts.”
#18 “There was never a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor
any of these kings. Nor is there any future in which we shall cease
to be.”
#19 “Our mistake is in taking this for ultimate reality, like the
dreamer thinking that nothing is real except his dream.”
#20 “We never really encounter the world; all we experience is
our own nervous system.”
#21 “The wise unify their consciousness and abandon attachment
to the fruits of action.”
#22 “Asceticism is giving up selfish activities, as poets know, and
the wise declare renunciation is giving up fruits of action.”
#23 “Reshape yourself through the power of your will; never let
yourself be degraded by self-will.”
#24 “Selfish action imprisons the world. Act selflessly, without any
thought of personal profit.”
#25 ”Fear of failure, from being emotionally attached to the fruit
of work, is the greatest impediment to success because it robs
efficiency by constantly disturbing the equanimity of mind.”
#26 ”The world of the senses is just a base camp: we are meant
to be as much at home in consciousness as in the world of physical
reality.”
#27 “We are not cabin-dwellers, born to a life cramped and
confined; we are meant to explore, to seek, to push the limits of
our potential as human beings.”
#28 “I am the Atma abiding in the heart of all beings. I am also
the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.”
#29 “Performing the duty prescribed by (one’s own) nature, one

incurreth no sin.”
#30 “Feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, are caused by
the contact of the senses with their objects. They come and they
go, never lasting long. You must accept them
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31 “It is Nature that causes all movement. Deluded by the ego,
the fool harbors the perception that says – I did it.”
#32 “Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion.”
#33 “We behold what we are, and we are what we behold.”
#34 “The embodied soul is eternal in existence, indestructible,
and infinite, only the material body is factually perishable,
therefore fight O Arjuna.”
#35 “He is the source of light in all luminous objects. He is beyond
the darkness of matter and is unmanifested.”
#36 “For the senses wander, and when one lets the mind follow
them, it carries wisdom away like a windblown ship on the
waters.”
#37 ” There was never a time when you and I and all the kings
gathered here have not existed and nor will there be a time when
we will cease to exist.”
#38 “The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead.”
#39 “Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.”
#40 “The nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress,
and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance
and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from
sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without
being disturbed.”
#41 ”You should never engage in action for the sake of reward,
nor should you long for inaction.”
#42 “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.”
#43 “Hell has three hates: lust, anger, and greed.”
#44 “Perform all thy actions with mind concentrated on the
Divine, renouncing attachment and looking upon success and
failure with an equal eye.”
#45 “The peace of God is with them whose mind and soul are in
harmony, who are free from desire and wrath, who know their own
soul.”
#46 “The happiness which comes from long practice, which leads
to the end of suffering, which at first is like poison, but at last like
nectar – this kind of happiness arises from the serenity of one’s
own mind.”
#47 “Anyone who is steady in his determination for the advanced
stage of spiritual realization and can equally tolerate the
onslaughts of distress and happiness is certainly a person eligible
for liberation.”
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#48 “No one who does good work will ever come to a bad end,
either here or in the world to come.”
#49 “A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right
person at the right time and at the right place, and when we
expect nothing in return.”
#50 “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live
an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.”
Some of the important life lessons from Mahabharata
.how free and liberated Lord Krishna was.
Lord Krishna had enough powers to win the whole world. But
he wasn't interested in conquering.
Lord Krishna married 16000 women. All he cared about was the
life of those 16000 women. Never did he ever care about what
people would think.
Ran away with Rukmini and also suggested Arjuna and
Subhadra do the same against the society norms.
Lord Krishna broke his promise of not lifting a weapon in the
battlefield of Kurukshetra to set an example.
Asked Yudhistir to tell a lie to protect Dharma. Also, asked
Arjuna to kill Karna when he was vulnerable.
He made plans to make Bheesma and Drona weaponless and
cleared the hurdles.
If you read the Bhagavad Gita, you will come to know that Dharma
liberates you from all bonds and allows you to do literally anything.
The only condition is to make a decision with a 24-carat good
intention.
So what do we learn from the Mahabharata?
To be free, like my Lord Krishna.
2.Always Smile ..1.Put a smile on your face like “krishna”
One of the best thing in life is seeing a smile on a person

face whatever the situation.
2.Choose quality instead of quantity.
Duryodhana chose the narayani sena over KRISHNA.

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3 . Don't trust blindly :Karna choose wrong path due to
friendship of Duryodhana
4.Think before you speak:Shishupal vadh
Duryodhana inform shishupal that he will protect him if he ruin the

pandavas' Rajasuya ,to spoil there ceremony ,shishupal insults
krishna,Arjun,and bheem. As krishna watches shishupal complete
his 100 mistakes ,and then shishupal was killed by krishna.
5.Choose your friends and advisor carefully.
6.Half knowledge is dangerous thing: Abhimanyu vadh, he

don't know how to return from chakravyooh (This is one of
the reason for Abhimanyu vadh).
7. Patience to learn doesn't matter who you are.
8.Nothing wrong if a married women and a man is best

friend ,as you know krishna and droupadi is sakhi.
9. Don't do partiality between your son and your brothers

son it will create great war in future
10.Last but not the least : Family is important than anything

,we can learn from Bhisma.
11.Motivation Lesson From Mahabharat :
(One of the Major epics of India)
Karna Asks Lord Krishna- My mother left me the moment I was

born. Is it my fault that I was born as an illegitimate child?
I didn't get education from Dronacharya because I was considered

as non Kshitrya.
Pashuram taught me but then gave me the curse to forget

everything since I was a Kshitrya.
A Cow Accidently hit by my Arrows and its owner cursed me for no

fault of mine.
I was Disgraced In Draupadi’s swayambar.
Even Kunti finally told me the truth only to save her other sons.
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Whatever I received was through Duryodhan’s charity. So how am
I wrong in taking his side?
Krishna replies:
“Karna, I was born in a jail.
Death was waiting for me even before my birth.
The night I was born I was separated from my birth parents.
From childhood you grew up hearing the noise of swords, chariots,

horses, bow and arrows.
I got only cow's herd shed, dung and multiple attempts on my life
even before I could walk!
No army, no education.
I could hear people saying I am the reason for all their problems.
When all of you were being appreciated for your valour by your
teacher, I had not even received any education.
I joined gurukula of rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16!
You are married to a girl of your choice.
I didn't get the girl I loved and rather ended up marrying those
who wanted me or the ones I rescued them from demons.
I had to move my whole community from the banks of yamuna to

far off sea shore, to save them from jarasandh. I was called a
coward for running away.
If Duryodhan wins the war, you will get a lot of credit. What do I
get if Dharmraja wins the war? Only the blame for war and all
related problems.
Remember one thing Karna….
Everybody has challenges In Life.
LIFE IS NOT FAIR ON ANYBODY.
Duryodhan also has a lot of unfairness in Life so has Yudhistir.
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But what is right (Dharma) is known to your Mind (conscience)
No matter how much unfairness we got, how many times we were

denied what was due to us, what is important is how you REACTED
at that time…
Stop whining Karna..
Life's unfairness doesn't give you license to walk the wrong path
of Adharm.
Summary of the story: Everyday Is another chance to change

your life. Life does not have to be perfect to be Wonderful.
Everyone has ups and downs in his life.
Either you run the day or the day run you.
Their are several lessons, you can never conclude which lesson is
the biggest lesson because in life you need all of these lessons for
happiness, your well being, comfort, and success.
Edit: The source of all of these screenshots below is bori

critical edition. End of edit.
One of the main lessons is that the people who plan schemes only
recieve momentary happiness they never win, in the end it is the
person who was targeted by these conspiracies that won.
In every conspiracy it was the Pandavas who benefited the

most and not the Kauravas.
Karna poisoning Bhima led to him getting stronger.

Duryodhana burning Pandavas in Varanavata, helped them get
Ghatotkatcha, Drupada, Dhrishtadyumna as allies, marriage to
Droupadi etc.
Pandavas getting sent to Khandavaprastha, they turned it into
Indraprastha, got to perform the Rajasuya yagya.
Abhimanyu getting killed in the Chakravyuha, the Kauravas lost
7 aukshounis the next day while Pandavas only lost
Abhimanyu.
Bhima used to bully the Kauravas and beat them to near death,
then Duryodhana was given some advice by Karna to poison
Bhima, in this case i have to say that it was right because
Duryodhana and his brothers had their lives in danger, and
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even in Bhima’s childhood, Duryodhana’s own father
(Dhritarashtra) was not completely in control of Bhima at all, so
Duryodhan had to do something.
Pandavas always knew about the conspiracies that the Kauravas

and Karna & Sakuni’s team would do on them, yet they never took
a single bad step against the Kauravas. Yet Kauravas continued to
try and kill the Pandavas, what happened?
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The Pandavas escaped and survived, they established relationships
with Hidimva and Droupadi, they got allies.
Then they came back to Hastinapur, only to be sent away again,

this time to a barren wasteland/forest. They converted that forest
into a heavenly kingdom after some time.
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As we can see so far the lesson is that: In every conspiracy it
was the Pandavas who benefited the most and not the Kauravas.
The Kauravas never proved their capability, they couldnt succeed
in building their own kingdom, they failed in the swayamvara, and
were insulted by their own court members.
Then the Kauravas stole indrasprastha in a dice game.
Even after all this the Pandavas did not try to deceive the
Kauravas, the Pandavas always forgave and forget. Bhima saw his
mom and brothers sleeping outside on grass.
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He himself was insulted by Duryodhana and Karna, so was Bhima’s
wife Draupadi, and Bhima still tolerated these things. When the
time for war came then bhima suggested peace instead of war,
because he did not want the kauravas family to be estinguished.
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Eventually they had to fight the war because Duryodhana refused
to give them anything and Krishna himself wanted it to happen,
and between Duryodhana & Bhima it was Bhima that won and
Duryodhana that lost.
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Duryodhan then gave up his own life. In death it was obvious to
him that he failed to achieve the goals in his life, but Bhima
achieved almost all of his goals. He killed Duhsasana, Duryodhana,
he took revenge for him and Draupadi, he got the lotus from the
Yaksha forest etc, he actually went outside of his own kingdom
instead of staying in one place all the time.
Duryodhana always stayed in Hastinapura, the few times he went

outside of hastinapur, he would face loss in life.
Examples:
The war against Drupada - he lost to the old king and ran
away.
The Swayamvara - he couldnt lift the bow or string it.
Ghosha Yatra - he was bloodied & beaten by Gandharvas
(singers & dancer), his friend Karna left him, he realized that
karna was weak, his wives were at the mercy of Chitrasen.
The invasion of Matsya - he tried to support his friend
Susharman, in the end neither could they get the cows of Virat
Raj, neither could they conquer his land, Duryodhana, Karna,
Bhisma, Drona, Ashwathama, kripa all teamed up and still lost
to one man (Arjuna).
Kurukshetra - Duryodhan tries to go outside of hastinapur
again, and dies.
But Bhima went on his digvijay outside of Indraprastha, fought
against the Yakshas during his exile, in another exile killed
demons. He succeeded at what he did.
The points may seem a bit childish because of the way they are
worded, but nevertheless they are important!)
1. No matter the good or bad,if you believe in it, FIGHT and WORK
for it, to your last just like the Kauravas.
2. Don't get influenced by the obstacles in your life, keep moving

on, just like Pandavas.
3. No matter what it is useless to tell truth all the time ... every
time, learn from the mistakes Dharmaraju made.
4. It doesn't matter if you are dressed as a girl or a boy, gay or

homosexual, if you have the inner strength, you will be well off :
Learn that from Arjuna
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5. Being kind, humble and generous is not enough, you should
also know how the world works if you want to survive in this evil
world : learn that from Karna
6. Don't make long term promises with forever word, you don't
control the future nor every consequence : learn that from Bishma
7. Your anger is your own enemy ,..see all the curses the
characters were subjected to just because of momentary loss of
control by the other person.
8. Witty words work better than man power, no better example

than Krishna.
9. Eat a lot, exercise a lot.... Stay healthy : learn from Bhima!
10. Everyone has to suffer... Good person or a bad

person...suffering is inevitable.
11. If you do something bad, be strong enough to account it and

accept it. Not accepting it will make the matters worse, in
future...learn form Kunti
12. One bad influence is enough to ruin your entire life... As

Shakuni was to Kauravas ; bad habits ( smoking addiction; drug
addiction etc ) can be to us.
13. Gambling is not good, never...see what it lead to in

Mahabharata, the main cause of misfortune for Pandavas.
14. Think before you act. Don't jump into conclusions or take

decisions that you will repent on later. Dharmaraju punishes
Arjuna for no mistake of his just because he was found along with
Droupadi when he wasn't supposed to be (read the book for
details..lol ) and later on feels bad.
15. If there is a will, there is always a way...let it be crooked,

doesn't matter... look at Karna; he did everything he could to learn
the art!
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Be happy with what you have and learn the meaning of
contentment.
17. The interests of an individual should never exceed that of the

team interests. ( Bhishma himself gave the secret of killing him to
Pandavas. He didn't fight a warrior like Shikandhi because of his
personal bias. // Drona abandoned his weapons as soon as he
knew his son died. )
Avoid lust for women
Shantanu’s lust for Satyavati led to Bhishma’s oath to never marry

and to never rule the Kingdom. Bhishma was a very good ruler
and was also very knowledgeable about Dharma. But for oath he
didn’t married or ruled.
Defend your cause even if you have to fight your Guru

When Amba was discarded by King Salva after her abduction by
Bhishma, Lord Parasuram was made to intervene for the justice of
Amba. Parasuram asked Bhishma to marry Amba or face his wrath
by duelling him in a war. Bhishma informs him about his oath and
was forced to fight him in a one on one war, which they stopped as
per the request of Sages when Bhishma had an upperhand.
Keep your promises

The story about Drupad and Drona. When they were young and
were studying under the same Guru, Drupad promised that he will
share half of his Kingdom with Drona when he becomes a
King.Years later when Drona was not able to provide food for his
family, he went to Drupad thinking that he will help him as
promised earlier. Here Drona was insulted by Drupad and was sent
back empty handed. Later when the time of Gurudhakshina came,
Drona asked kuru’s and Pandavas to defeat Drupad and bring him
as a prisoner ,which Pandavas accomplished.
Ill Aspects of gambling

It was mentioned twice in Mahabharata. First one is the infamous
one between Kauravas and Pandavas. Later while in vanvasa, the
story of Nala and Damayanti was narrated to Pandavas by
Brihadasva to Pandavas. Nala also lost his wealth and Kingdom by
gambling. The story was narrated in details in Mahabharatha. ( As
a side note, both Yudhishtira and Nala learned gambling and were
never defeated again )
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Persistence
The story of Satyavan and Savitri. After the premature death of
Satyavan, Savitri decided to follow Yama, the Lord of Death, to his
abode for making him alive again. Even though Yama gives her
many boons and wishes, she followed him to his abode and bought
back him alive again.
Superiority between kindness and generosity

While in vanavasa when Bhima was aptured by Nahushsa who was
in the form of a Serpent, Nahusha explains the superiority
between Kindness and Generosity and between Violence and Non
Violence. As extracted from text, “The superiority or inferiority of
generosity versus truthfulness or non-violence vis-à-vis good
conduct is determined by whether the effects of these deeds are
more or less important. There are times when truthfulness is
regarded as superior to generosity. O Indra among kings! There
are times when generosity is regarded as superior to truthfulness.
O mighty archer! O lord of the earth! In that way, there are
occasions when non-violence is superior to kind words and other
occasions when kind words are superior. O king! In this fashion,
the superiority depends on the effects”.
Sharpening your skills

While in Vanavasa Arjuna, he doesn’t sits idle and goes to
Theerthayatra and learns the use of Pashupataastra from Lord
Shiva. Similarly he went to Indraloka and seeks the knowledge of
weaponry from Indra himself.
How to behave yourself in a corporate world

Before going for exile in Virata Kingdom, Dhoumya explains to
Yudhishtira how to behave while he serves a King. This can still be
applied nowadays in corporate world in your job. As the kist is too
long I will not include the same here. Please refer Mahabharatha
for the same.
Respect your mentors even when they are in your

opposing side
It was mentioned in prominent cases in Mahabharatha. First time
during the war between Bhishma and Parasuram. Before the war
starts Bhishma seeks the blessing of Parashuram, who was much
delighted and blessed him. Similarly before the start of
Mahabharatha Pandavas seeks the blessing of all the elders from
the Kaurava side.
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Finish the job till the result is achieved
After the death of almost everybody in Kaurava side Duryodhana
leaves the war field and goes for meditation in pond. Krishna knew
the consequence of the same as this can reate problems later on.
So he instructs Pandavas to kill Duryodhana also even though he
was not willing to fight.
#1 Learn while you live.
Arjuna got a handle on whatever came on his way. Not exclusively

did he take his best interest in just Military science from
Dronacharya, but also he was additionally intrigued in learning
about the celestial weapons from Indra. He learnt about
Pashupatastra from Mahadev also. Additionally, he regarded
Yudhishthira and Krishna as his coaches as well and kept learning
whatever they brought to the table.
#2 Forgiveness is the greatest virtue.
The Mahabharata wouldn't have been written if the characters had

forgiven each other. If Karna would've forgiven Draupadi and
Pandavas for their harsh words; If Dhritarashtra wouldn't have
been holding grudges of not being chosen as the ruler. Maybe they
all did try forgiving each other but never forgot the deeds, that's
what led to the war.
#3 Strategy is all you need.
Pandavas had the supreme sovereign over them, Lord Krishna. If

his plans and strategies wouldn't have been there, Pandavas
wouldn't have tasted victory.
4 Make sure you have a vision.
Not only was Dhritarashtra physically blind, he also loved his

children blindly, and thus he never reprimanded them. Correcting
your loved ones when they go astray doesn't make your love for
them any less, it helps them from committing blunders. Thus, to
have a clear vision of your actions is very important in life.
Mama Shakuni's revenge.
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Mama Shakuni's character actually told us that the whole idea of
revenge is enough to end things and consumes everything with it
including the whole civilisation. That's what we saw happened at
the end of Mahabharata.
Draupadi's words.
WORDS... you're master of the unspoken ones and slave of the

spoken ones. Draupadi didn't choose her words wisely while
rejecting Karna at Swayamwar. Also, she regarded Duryodhana as
the son of a blind is blind when he was unable to differentiate
between illusion and reality.
7 Know your rights.
The keen watchers of the Mahabharata know that the Pandavas

fought for their rights no matter what the result was, they stayed
put. The determination is a big quality that we all should learn
from them. No matter what the result may be, just keep going and
do your karma.
Don't be so emotional.
Dhritarashtra's love for his son was blind. Throughout the folk tale,
he remained torn between his principles and in the event of
keeping his son happy. In this way, Dhritarashtra showed himself
a bit eviler than what he already was, leading to awful
consequences and the outrage.
#9 Draupadi's anger.
Never make a woman angry as she'll curse you and destroy you to
ashes. We know that very well, Draupadi's anger and desire led to
the destruction of the Kuru Kingdom.
10 Stay together because...
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Of course, that's the best thing Pandavas taught us in the epic.
Together we can if Pandavas can. A quality to admire and learn
from.
#11 Enemies may help too.
Although Kauravas were more in number, still Pandavas had more

supporters than them. In fact, the supporters viz Vidura,
Dronacharya and Bhishma secretly admired Pandavas. Especially
Vidura who was the main helping hand in the Kauravas clan mostly
used to admire the Pandavas.
#12 Because women remain...
Although, Draupadi has five husbands still no one was able to

protect her when hell lot of men disgraced her in the epic. All of
them had everything that was needed, but none of them showed
the courage.
#13 No knowledge is better than half knowledge.
Arjuna's son Abhimanyu knew about the Chakravyuh but not

completely and so he ended up losing his life. Yeah, for sure he
saved all the Pandavas but then his death was a great loss to them
especially to the leader Arjuna as he encountered an emotional
breakdown.
#14 Duryodhana's narcissism.
Duryodhana's self-obsession has shown us that Swadharma often

changes to 'Adharma'. His greed and methods to pursue it were
wrong. We can learn from him that greed and blind pride in
oneself are wrong. So one must always watch his actions.
#15 Karma is what matters!
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Lord Krishna, the divine power has shown us the light of life and
saved Draupadi's pride. He has righteously given the result of
everyone's karma to them. Good or bad, everyone has to suffer
the outcomes of their karma so be prepared.
I am very fond of Mahabharata epic and I always search for

articles related to it and I just found this one from witty feed & felt
shareable !
I myself thought about it for some time and here is my take on the
question:
1. Promises should be kept, but make sure they do not get

outdated
The classic example for this is Pitamaha Bheeshma. Under one
context of getting his father married to Satyavati, he took a vow of
lifelong celibacy, but when the circumstances changed, he refused
to change his stance, thereby earning the blame of indirectly
leading to the great war.
2. There would be friends among your enemies

Everybody in the Kaurava clan was not against the Pandavas, for
example Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura. Especially Vidura, who
supported and guided the Pandavas wholeheartedly right from the
day they came to the palace from the Rishyasringa forest as
teenagers.
3. Try to be the best in your job

Yudhisthira learned different aspects of law and administration
from Vidura, which prepared him to rule the kingdom later. In fact,
when he was made the crown prince, he gained immense
popularity among the subjects. There are instances of
conversations between Yudhisthira and Vidura in the local dialects
of the people, which proves that he was familiar with their
commonplace practices instead of just confining himself within the
walls of the palace.
4. Learn to learn, throughout your life

Keeping an open mind is an absolute essential for enriching
oneself, as embodied by Arjuna. He was hardworking enough to
learn the best of military science from Drona. Apart from that,
during their Vanavas, he went to Indra's court to learn about the
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different divine weapons, and also gained knowledge of the
Pashupatastra from Mahadev. He was also a lifelong disciple of
Yudhisthira and Krishna, learning from them the basic tenets of
how to live your life.
5. Know exactly what belongs to you

The dice game teaches us what comprises "property". Does the
king really "own" his kingdom? Or is he just entrusted to taking
care of it? This lays the fundamental question in democracy,
regarding who the actual owner of the country is. Also, in our
personal lives, do we really "own" our family members? Do we
have the right to gamble them away like commodities?
6. Always develop lateral skills

The Pandavas proved it during their Agyatvas. They used their
secondary skills in dice playing, cooking, dancing and singing,
horse caring, and cattle rearing to their advantage during the year
of staying incognito.
7. But.... it is hard to conceal yourself completely

The sole reason why Duryodhana got suspicious that the Pandavas
were hiding in the Matsya kingdom was that the news of Kichaka's
death spread to the other kingdoms. Although no one knew that it
was Bheema who killed Kichaka, given that Kichaka himself was a
really able fighter, he could probably have been defeated only by a
person having the physical prowess of Bheema.
8. Never underestimate anyone

Prince Uttar of Matsya underestimated Brihannala's fighting skills
as he was an eunuch, but ultimately he was responsible for saving
the life of the young prince and fought the Pandava army valiantly.
9. Learn to recognize talent

An unarmed Krishna, with all his intellect and political knowledge is
far better than several Akshauhinis of Narayani Sena. A friend
providing good advice is always better than the one who buys
expensive gifts for you each day.
10. Do your market research well

The Kurukshetra was is the earliest example of political coalition.
The Pandavas, especially Krishna, were smart enough to recognize
the enemies of Hastinapura and was successful in bringing all of
them on their side during the war. Their primary support was the
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Panchala king as the Panchala-Kaurava feud had a long history.
The king of Kashi also joined their side because of the way their
princess Amba was treated by Bheeshma. Krishna, after defeating
Jarasandha and his coterie, such as Shishupal etc, brought them
on the side of the Pandavas. Long before the war, he was doing his
part in destroying the unity of Jarasandha's clan so that they can
never get to join the Kaurava side in the war. In fact, Nakula got
married to the Chedi princess Karenumati. Also, the decision of
making Dhirshtadymna the commander-in-chief was highly
tactical. Apart from being a very able fighter, he was also the
brother of Draupadi, which helped in gelling the Pandavas well
with the Panchalas.
11. Be properly trained for the job before plunging in

Abhimanyu proves this point. There is no need of showing valor
and being a hero in public eyes without proper preparation. This
would only lead to your defeat.
12. Sometimes smaller sacrifices have to made

When Ghatotkacha attacked the Kaurava army at night, Karna was
forced to use his Ekaghni shakti, which he had originally saved for
Arjuna. Ghatotkacha's sacrifice had to made in order to save
Arjuna's life in the longer run.
13. Unity is the key

The five Pandava brothers were superbly united, so were the
hundred Kauravas. This enabled to fight them as a cohesive unit.
14. Learn to respect your "enemies"

After Yudhisthira became king, he showed high respects to
Dhritarashtra and Gandhari instead of scoffing them off as parents
of his enemies. He used to take Dhritarashtra's advice on different
aspects of governance until the time the couple, along with Kunti,
left for their Vanaprastha.
15. And lastly, rules are not set in stone

Krishna proves this repeatedly throughout the story by being a
dynamic entity who tweaks many of the rules in order to establish
Dharma, being good at his heart. This point is highly debatable,
and establishes the fundamental difference between Krishna and
Rama, the rule breaker and the rule upholder.
10 Life Lessons Learnt From The Characters Of The Mahabharata
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1. Krishna taught us that one must perform his duty.
Krishna opens his mouth and shows the entire cosmos to Arjuna.
Krishna tells Arjuna that Dharma is both rock-like (Dhar) and
pliable like wax (Flowing). Dharma is not your institutional religion.
It is your natural and binding duty. It is of ethical nature and you
are born with it. A king’s dharma is to perform his kingly duties.
Dharma holds the cosmos together. Krishna teaches us how to be
dutiful in challenging times.
2. From Duryodhana, we learnt that ' pride comes before

the fall .'
Duryodhana teaches us how blind swa-dharma (desires for your

own Self) can lead you to "Adharma." Duryodhana's greed is
wrong, his methods are wrong. He teaches us that blind pride and
wrong actions have consequences and one must be careful and
thoughtful about their actions and thoughts.
3. Karna taught us about the virtue of kindness.
Karna was known as ' Daanveer' for his generosity and kind

nature. Being the son of the Sun God, Karna had a natural armour,
that acted as a shield. When Indra begged for alms, disguised as
an ascetic,Karna selflessly parted withthis precious gift.Indra was
so moved by this gesture, he gave Karna his vajra. Karna teaches
us that we never have nothing to give.
4.Draupadi taught us how we should think before we speak.
Draupadi taunted Karna about his caste and place during her
swayamvar. Later, she incensed Duryodhan with her harsh words
when he visited their palace. Many historians argue that this is
when Duryodhan swore revenge on the Pandavas. Draupadi's hash
words, in a way, led to the battle. This teaches us that one must
know what to speak and when to speak.
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5. Shakuni's resolution to take revenge lead to the
destruction of the Kuru clan. Revenge consumes all!
Shakuni teaches us that the whole idea of revenge can actually

consume an entire civilization, a whole order of things – as we see
at the end of The Mahabharata.
6. Abhimanyu's brave yet tragic breaking of the

"Chakravyuh" teaches us how half knowledge can be
dangerous.
Although he bravely volunteered to enter the Chakravyuh,

Abhimanyu could not break out out of it. His example shows us
how half knowledge can have dangerous results.
7. Arjuna taught us how single-minded focus can help

achieve one's goals.
When you want something in life, you must be as focused on it as

Arjuna. Only this focus can make you a winner, an accomplished
person respected by all.
8. Yudhishtra taught us two things.
Yudhishtra was a righteous soul, the most mature and kind out of
all his brothers. His virtues are something everyone should try and
emulate. Yet, in a fit of hubris and greed, he gambledaway his
kingdom, his wealth, his brothers and finally his
wife.Righteousness is useless unless paired with foresight.
9. The consequences of Dhritarashtra's actions taught us

how one should not be blinded by love.
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Not only was Dhritarashtra partially sighted, he also loved his
children blindly, and thus he never reprimanded them. Correcting
your loved ones when they go astray doesn't make your love for
them any less, it helps them from committing blunders.
10.Righteousness comes before love.
Gandhari, a mother of a hundred sons, and a lady who died every

moment she lived, is in the Mahabharta, a lady of immense natural
power who always favoured "Dharma." When the time for the
battle came, she refused to bless her own sons, knowing that they
were wrong.
Source:https://www.scoopwhoop.com/news/life-lessons-
mahabharata/
Mahabharata, one of the biggest epic known to the mankind, is a

vast treasure of knowledge and wisdom. Beneath the war, lies an
infinite pool of teachings and lessons.
And so, here I am sharing a life lesson with all of you.
You often face many situations where everyone gives you advices
about your career, your life, etc. But most of the times they say
FOLLOW YOUR HEART. And you often ignore this advice without
understanding it in depth. Now let’s understand this by taking the
reference of Mahabharata.
The Pandavas are nothing but the five senses i.e. sight, smell,
taste, touch, and sound.
And the Kauravas are the hundred vices that attack your senses
every day.
And you know what, that you can fight them when Krishna rides
your chariot.
Krishna is your soul your guiding light and if you let your life in his
hands, then you don’t have to worry at all. I.e. in everyday life we
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often fall into the dilemma of choices and sometimes it was very
hard for us to choose one, but, if we listen to our guts, our heart,
our intuition then we definitely find a way out of these situations.
And last but not the least, Karna is the brother to your senses, he
is desire, he is a part of you but stands with the vices. He feels
wronged and makes excuses for being with the vices as your
desire does all the time.
Does your desire not give you excuses to embrace the vices?
Hmm...
So always
The unintended consequence
Out of the many things that the great epic Mahabharata teaches
us, one thing that has always made me reflect a lot is about the
"unintended consequences" of our actions. Everything that we do,
has not one, but at least two consequences. One that we intend
and the others that we don't. Often, it is the latter that is far more
impactful and so it is always good to watch out for them.
Like in his steadfast devotion to his father Shantanu, the young

prince Devavrata (Bhishma) impulsively vowed to Satyavati that
he wouldn't get married, so that her sons could get to rule
Hastinapura. The very act that was the source of the entire dispute
between the Kauravas and Pandavas that eventually led to the
war. Something Bhishma would have never thought of, and had he
not taken the vow, would have never happened in the first place!
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There are many more examples, in the way King Yajnasena
(Drupada) turned down his promise to his old friend Drona, that
led to lose his kingdom and the animosity between the two that
was the source of the creation of Draupadi and Dhristadyumna,
and also finally Drona's son Ashwathama going and killing the
entire future generation of Pandavas, post war. Or when Draupadi
innocently laughs at Duryodhana's confusion of "where is water
and where is land" in the Mayapuri, that made Duryodhana take
revenge by insulting her in Kaurava Sabha, the list is endless on
unintended consequences.
Many a time, in our personal and professional lives, we tend to

ignore these unintended consequences of our actions, and often
plead innocence based on our original intent, which did not factor
in the said consequences. What we fail to take notice is that, while
the intent is known only to us, the content of what we do can have
many connotations based on the context and who all are the
participants in it. So until and less we know the exact way how
each participant in the said context is going to interpret what we
did, we can't assume or take for granted their understanding of
our intent, worse still, their consent for it! Hence we need to really
think a bit more about what could be the possible repercussions of
an action in different contexts. A casual remark that could pass off
as a joke can suddenly turn into an insult, depending on which
context we said what and who are the participants in it, and then
comes back to haunt us!
If this simple principle is understood, as in how the context and

the participants involved in it can totally generate different
unintended consequences, then we can accordingly, be more
careful about the choice of our actions to mitigate the effect of
unintended consequences. Else, can keep wondering on what our
grandmas said in their age old wisdom - "The way to hell is paved
with all good intentions!
Collection of Best conversation between two characters

from Mahabharat
1.Conversation between Lord Krishna and Bhishma Pitamah

in batte field of Mahabharat.
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Bhishma Pitamah was killing Pandav's army men exponentially
which resulted Krishna to enlighten him and preach the true
meaning of Dharma.
Bhishma: Whoever comes infront of Hastinapur, has to die.
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Krishna: You are right Maha Mahim (Bhishma Pitamah). Your
power is not being displayed in the war but your weakness is being
displayed. If you were really capable enough, inspite of killing your
sons and grandsons you would have taken your own life.
Bhishma Pitamah: I am tied to my Dharma (religion), Vasudev!
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Krishna: Dharma gives liberation. What kind of Dharma is this?
This is not Dharma! This is something which is tying you with
someone.
Bhishma Pitamah: Don't question my Dharma Vasudev

(Krishna)! I've not done 'Adharm' in my whole life. I made a
promise to my father and due to that, I'm standing here.
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Krishna: You are making it difficult for people here due to your
own personal promise. This is not Dharma. Dharma is something
which thinks about others welfare. Your character is false and your
Dharma is also false.
Bhishma Pitamah: Vasudev! I respect you but you are breaking

the modesty. You don't have any right to question my Dharma. My
Dharma is pure and that's why no one can defeat me. No one!
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Krishna: I can defeat you. I can defeat you at this instant
Bhishma Pitamah! Don't try to make me angry. You are standing
as a barrier in between happiness and development of this world.
Now, if you don't surrender, I'll kill you.
Background: Trahimam, Trahimam (music)
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Bhishma Pitamah point out his arrow towards Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna jumps out from his Chariot (Earlier before start

of Mahabharat war, he promised not to use any weapon or stand
on ground of Mahabharat war).
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Background music: Yada yada hi dharmasya, glanir bhavati
bharata, abhhyuthanam adharmasya, tadatmanam srjamy
aham (Bhagwad Gita: Chapter 4)
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Krishna: I don't need a weapon to kill you. I can even perform
that with this wheel of a chariot.
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Bhishma Pitamah hit the arrow towards Krishna and within a
second time stopped for the whole world leaving Krishna and
Bhishma Pitamah.
Bhishma Pitamah (in confusion): Why didn't my arrow reached

to you?
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Krishna rotated the wheel on his finger in form of a chakra.
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Krishna: I am neither Vasudev Krishna, nor Yaduvanshi. I am not
a man either. I am Supreme Lord. I am right and wrong too. I am
Dharma, knowledge Pitamah. You are standing in this war with my
wish. You are living in this world on my wish and you'll die also on
my wish.
Bhishma Pitamah came out from his Chariot and moved towards
Lord Krishna.
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Bhishma Pitamah: I am sorry Lord Krishna. I was not aware of
your original form. You can definitely kill me but please tell me,
what's my mistake?
Later, Lord Krishna enlighten Bhishma Pitamah with true meaning

of Dharma and Bhishma Pitamah surrendered infront of Lord
Krishna. He asks Krishna to kill him. It would be a blessing for him
to be killed by Lord Krishna himself.
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When Lord Krishna was about to kill Bhishma Pitamah with that
chariot wheel and time started, just then Arjun came running
towards Krishna.
Arjun asked Krishna not to break his promise of using

weapon on battle field. Krishna agreed and later Arjun
killed Bhishma Pitamah.
On 15th Day
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The 15th day of Kurukshetra war saw massive casualties on the
Pandava side. Dronacharya, the commander in chief of Kaurava
army was uprooting every other divison of Pandava army like
Grass. If this continued, then Pandava army cannot sustain and
would collapse like a house of cards.
The primary reason for Dronacharya’s aggression was insulting

comments of Duryodhana. He humiliated Dronacharya by calling
him a Traitor to the king who gave him and his family asylum in
the country and not using divine weapons against the enemy when
it is needed. An Angry Drona fired Brahmashtra towards Pandavas,
the gods had to intervene and prevent Drona from using
Brahmasthra against ordinary foot soldiers. Dronacharya obeyed,
retracting the weapon but he continues to use other divine
weapons and destroy entire army divisons on the Pandava side.
The secondary reason for Dronacharya’s aggression was his

vengeance against Drupad. For 15 days, he was not able to kill
Drupad and his sons and he became impatient and agitated. On
the 15th day, Dronacharya lost his mind and went all out
against the Pandava army.
Krishna decided it was time to get rid of Dronacharya once and for
all by hook or crook, otherwise Pandava army will not survive from
Dronacharya’s wrath. He hatched an evil plan to unarm Drona by
spreading the rumour that his son Aswathama is dead. Krishna
knew that Dronacharya had only one weakness – his son
Aswathama. If Dronacharya believes that his son is dead, he will
drop his weapons and that is the moment when he can be
eliminated from the battlefield.
For a complete summary of the events that led to Dronacharya’s

death, please read my article – Aswathama Hatha, Iti Narova
Kunjarova
When Dronacharya dropped his weapons and began meditating,

Krishna appeared in his meditation and had a conversation with
him.
2.Conversation Between Krishna and a Meditating

Dronacharya on 15th Day
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Krishna –
Before you end your meditation and take up arms again to fight,
please consider the things which I am going to tell you now. Let
me tell you this – the Aswathama that has been killed is not your
son. It is an Elephant. Your son is alive, he has to remain alive
until the end of time because he has a larger goal to preserve until
the end of Kaliyuga. Your son is actually Shiva, you should know
now. If I fail to restore order, it is your son who will have to
destroy everything and hence, he is alive.
Dronacharya –
So my son is not dead? He is still alive, my son Aswathama is still

alive, my dear son Aswathama is still alive!!
Krishna –
If your son is not dead today, he will most certainly die one day.
Even if he has to stay alive until the end of Kali Yuga but for sure,
one day he will have to die. Nobody lives until eternity. But the
bigger question to ponder upon is – Did you spend your entire life,
all your learnings, all your tapasya for your son? Does your life has
no other significance? The knowledge that you have acquired, very
few men can reach that state of supreme mastery. Was it only for
your son? Was nothing meant for the welfare of human kind? Tell
me o great sage Dronacharya, did your life had any other objective
other than satisfying your vengeance against a mere mortal king
(Drupad) and blind love for your son Aswathama? What is the
difference between you and king Dhritarashtra?
Dronacharya –
Ask any father in this world, and you will get the answer that
nothing is more important to a father other than his children (son
or daughter).
Krishna –
Then think about it o great Sage, the son you love so much, what
did you really give him?
Dronacharya –
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I have given him property, I have given him a kingdom to rule, I
have given him a place in the court of Hastinapura and above all, I
have given him the knowledge of all forms of weapons and the art
of warfare. I have given him everything that a father should give
his son or daughter.
Krishna –
Did you give him moral teachings? Did you really give him all your
teachings? Weren’t you partial towards Arjuna from the very
beginning? Did you choose to not teach all your learnings to your
son and kept pampering Arjuna with all the hidden techniques and
secrets, right from childhood? Did you teach Aswathama the
knowledge of Dharma? We all know what you did with Eklavya,
you demanded his right thumb? You demanded the thumb of a
talented archer because you were insecure towards your pupils
and your own son. Was that morally correct gurudev? How will you
face Eklavya in heaven, have you ever thought about it? Will you
be able to face Abhimanyu in heaven? Will you be able to answer
his questions? How will you face Subhadra in heaven, after unfairly
killing her son?
I know, not every child has the potential to become an Arjuna or

Karna and hence only few students have the right to claim
complete knowledge from their teacher. I also agree that
Aswathama was not as dedicated as Arjuna was, and hence Arjuna
is the only deserving suitor of your knowledge, not your own son
Aswathama. However, you should have taught your own son how
to make correct decisions. You should have taught Aswathama
how to differentiate between decisions that are morally correct and
morally wrong. Had you taught your son some morality, he would
not have fought against Dharma in the camp of Duryodhana. Look
at Yuyutsu, he is the son of king Dhritarashtra and Sauvali (a royal
servant maid) but he is fighting from the side of Dharma. It is
because his mother has given him correct moral knowledge. He
was the only one who protested in the court room against
Draupadi’s insult while you and your son were quiet. Learn from
Yuyutsu’s mother o Gurudev, learn from her. She is just a servant
and not as knowledgeable as you are but she has raised her son
well.
Dronacharya –
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I agree with you O Vasudev, I agree with you. But tell me one
thing – what is wrong in the fact that a father loves his son dearly?
Doesn’t he has all the right in the world to love his son?
Krishna –
Listen to me O great sage Drona, true Love gives prosperity. True

love helps the subject differentiate between right and wrong. True
love and Adharma cannot reside together. Had there been true
love, then neither you nor your son would have been on this side
of the battlefield, fighting on behalf of adharma. What you think as
“Love” is not Love but “Moh”, it is simply an attachment to worldy
things and relations. Do you know what is true love? The love you
have for Arjuna is true love. Do you know what is “Moh?” The love
you have for your own son Aswathama is “Moh”. The love
Dhritarashtra has for his son Duryodhana is Moh, the love
Bheesma had for his father Shantunu was Moh.
Moh and Love cannot reside together, just as Dharma and

Adharma cannot reside together, light and darkness cannot reside
together, water and fire cannot reside together.
Dronacharya –
Vasudev, can you explain to me the differences between Love and

Moh?
Krishna – Surely.
Love comes from compassion, While Moh comes from Ego. Love
says – May my children get all the success, glory, pleasures of the
world. Moh (Ego) says – I will give my children all the success,
glory and pleasures of the world.
Love says – I am proud of my children, no matter if he is

successful or not, I wish him all the very best in life. Moh (Ego)
says – The world should be proud of my children and his
accomplishments and he is the best son/daughter the world has
ever seen.
Loves gives liberation Gurudev, Moh gives attachment. Love is

Dharma while Moh is Adharma.
When you were not able to provide your son cow’s milk, you broke
your sadhana and went on a journey to seek revenge from your
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old friend, King Drupad. This is a big mistake, O gurudev. You are
a Brahmin, the objective of your life is knowledge consumption
and educating others thus liberating them from ignorance.
However, you strayed from Dharma and went on a different path.
Had you been a real brahmin, you would have forgiven Drupad.
Had you been a real Brahmin, you would have taught your son
how to be grateful with whatever he had and be satisfied and
content without cow’s milk which your son wanted so badly. To
secure the future of your child and provide for material pleasures,
you forgot to secure his character. You forgot to teach him
morality, you forgot to teach him Dharma – the foundational
knowledge every father should teach his son so that he can lead a
life worth living.
It is because of your ego, your vengeance against Drupad, your

craving for material objectives, your imagined definition of success
– you destroyed the Dharma of your child. You taught him Greed,
avarice, wrath, fear and insecurity. You never became a “Guru”,
you were always a “Father” to your son.
Dronacharya –
All my life, I have always strived to make my pupils perfect. That

was what I had dedicated my entire life for.
Krishna –
A real “Guru” is that person who donates Education. He does not

“trade” education. A Guru can only expect “Dakshina” (offering)
but not claim a Tuition fee (“Moolya”). You have traded knowledge
with your pupils. Think about it for a moment, you were not here
to give “knowledge” to your pupils for free. You were here to
“Trade” knowledge with your pupils and use them to seek
vengeance against Drupad’s army. You used your employer
(Hastinapura) as a Platform to meet selfish objectives.
You are a Business man Gurudev, you are a Business man. You
are not a Brahmin. The world considers you a renowned Brahim
but from where I see it, you are a shrewd business man. You have
not only corrupted the morality of Khastriya class by provoking
them towards personal vengeance, but you have also corrupted
the tradition of “Guru Shishya” relationship.
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All of this is a result of your Ego – that you want to prove
something to the world and to Drupad. A person who has ego,
greed, wrath, anger and jealousy in his heart, he can never be a
Guru.
Dronacharya –
I understand what you mean Vasudev. Tell me, what should I do

now to at least follow the code of Dharma?
Krishna –
Firstly, leave your ego Gurudev, leave your ego. The ego is not
real. No warrior is this battlefield has the merit to defeat you when
you are armed. At the same time, no warrior in this battlefield has
the guts to take your life when you are unarmed. This is because
you are a Brahmin. But leaving all the ego aside, think about it for
a moment – were you really a Brahmin all along? Did you really do
what a Brahmin is supposed to do?
Dronacharya –
No I was not. I have realised it now.

Krishna –
Very well. Then your Dharma at this point in time is to move

yourself and not be an obstruction towards the greater cause.
Nobody can remove you but yourself. If you go back to fighting,
then you will do adharma yet again. Just like a man who is
drowning in a river anchors a floating log of wood, you should
anchor your dharma at this point in time. Your dharma is to
remove yourself from the battlefield, because you are fighting on
the wrong side. The only way is – you allow Dhristyadhumna to
behead you while you are meditating. Because he is the only
warrior in this battlefield who can do this act. And if you stop
meditating and get up, he will not have the courage to do it.
Dronacharya –
I am ready and I agree with your decision. Thanks for teaching me

these lessons vasudev, if only I had realised it long back, if only I
had the opportunity to go back and I would have done things
differently.
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Krishna –
The world will always remember you for excellence and mastery on
a particular craft. If you want this to happen, then anchor your
dharma.
Dronacharya realizes his mistakes and decides to come on course
to Dharma. If he wanted, he could have stopped meditating, went
back to his chariot and continue to fight. But he did not. He kept
meditating and allowed Dhristyadhumna to behead him.
3.The following conversation which happened between

Karna and Duryodhan is one of the best.
One day Karna and Duryodhan’s wife Bhanumathi were playing

board game. Bhanumathi was losing the game to Karna. So she
started bickering that Karna was cheating.
And all of a sudden when she saw her husband approaching them
so she stood from her seat, which Karna misunderstood as she
was leaving the game in the middle because of losing it
continuously to him.
So to stop her from leaving he pulled her shawl which led to

the pearls shattering all over the place.
On realizing what he did , both Bhanumathi and Karna were

shocked and stood still in their places. Being a hot headed person
he is, both Bahnumathi and Karna thought that he is going to lose
his temper and accuse them both for the misconduct.
On seeing what just happened in front of him, Duryodhana asked

them
“Should I just collect the pearls or should i also string

them?”
On hearing these words both Karna and Bhanumathi were

ashamed to misjudge him. To clear the uneaseness Duryodhan
further said
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“I trust the both of you and would never think of any of you
two betraying me”
However bad and evil person he was he never doubted the

intentions of the two person he loved and trusted the most. This
according to me is one of the best conversation in the great Epic.
Acharya Drona teaches tricks about Chakravu to his

son Ashwathama in kuru's pathshala.
Young karna enters along with his father Adirath. Karna's father is

a former charioteer of king Drithrashta and with folded hands he
asks Dronacharya to teach his son karna along with other kuru
princes of Hastinapur.
Karna: I would be grateful if you include me in your pathshala and

preach me skills.
Drona: This place is only for princes not any others and I can not
donate my knowledge to any non-prince and non-kshatriya.
Karna: I'm not asking asking for your charity. I will surely pay for
teaching by Guru dak
Karna: I'm not asking asking for your charity. I will surely pay for
teaching by Guru dakshina like any ordinary discipline.
Drona: No I can't and it's against my principles.
Karna: May I ask you something.
Drona: Yes, sure
Karna: Who is this young person?
Drona: He is my son, Ashwathama.
Karna: What is he doing in this pathshala as he is neither prince

of any kingdom nor a Kshatriya.
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t)
This conversation between Dronacharya and his son
Ashwathhama :
Ashwathhama : Can I ask you something?
Drona : Your question is directed at a father or a teacher?
Ashwathhama : A teacher
Drona : Okay go ahead
Ashwathhama : Why did you ask for Eklavya's thumb? Just

because he isn't a kshatriya?
Drona : Caste has no right over knowledge. Nor does anyone

have the power of shutting down the doors of knowledge because
of their identity.
Ashwathhama : Then what is the point of taking his thumb?
Drona : I took his thumb because he hadn't acquired knowledge

from me. He had stolen it from me. I never taught hi

This shows the intense and deep relationship that a teacher had
with his student in those days.
Also, contrary to the popular belief, he didn't take his thumb

because of Eklavya being a threat to Arjuna's being the supreme
archer.
This list is almost endless. The Mahabharata is replete with

instances conversations between characters, primary and
secondary, which are exciting, meaningful and hit the nail on the
head. Full of wisdom, they are relevant even today. A few that
come to my mind instantly are:
1. Shakuni and Bhishma
This conversation happens after the Pandavas have returned to

Hastinapur from Varnavat and are now married to Draupadi. In the
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meantime, thinking that the Pandavas are dead, Duryodahana is
named as the crown-prince. Obviously there is talk of Duryodhana
refusing to abdicate.
S: Duryodhana has become adamant like a child (Baalhatt).
B: O Shakuni! Prince of Gandhara! If a child is not allowed to

grow, he will continue to be a child. If a house gets washed
away during a flood, the fault is of the house not the flood.
If the fault would have been of the flood , all the houses
would have been washed away.
2. Bhishma and Vidura
This conversation occurs after Vidura has come after inviting

Yudhishtira to the game of dice on behalf of Dhritarashtra.
Bhishma berates him for doing so without realising the
consequences.
V: But the game will be played by Duryodhana, Pitamaha
B: Yes. The game will played by Duryodhana but the die will be
cast by Shakuni.
V: But, Pitamaha...
B: Get rid of these ‘buts’ Vidura. War is always between kings but
the fighting is done by the armies. Therefore, don’t commit the
mistake of raising this question in the assembly hall. Accepted that
you went as Dhritrashtra’s emissary. Also accepted that you could
nor cross the boundaries of your responsibility. But you should
have given a thought to the fact that you are not only the Prime
Minister of Hastinapur. You are uncle to both the Pandavas and
Kauravas. Didn’t your loyalty towards Hastinapur tell you that it
was also your duty to warn Yudhishtira? Do you belong to
Hastinapur or Dhritarashtra?
V: The question is not about loyalties Sire?
B; Then what is it about? I even accepted partition of the kingdom

so that internal tensions end. I let this injustice happen to the
Pandavas because the only dream which the blind Dhritarashtra
has is to see his son Duryodhana on the throne of Hastinapur. But,
Duryodhana wants to extend his ambitious hand and snatch
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Indraprastha also. Couldn’t you see that during the Rajasuya, one
fire was burning in the altar and the second one in Duryodhana’s
heart?
V: I had seen it Sire.
B: And even after seeing this you simply invited him to a game of
dice and came back? It’s for the first time you have disappointed
me Vidura. My shoulders do not have the strength to carry the
corpse of Hastinapur. My shoulders don’t have this
strength. Whoever wins the game of dice, My Hastinapur will
lose, My Hastinapur will lose.
3. Krishna and the others
This conversation is after the exile is over and Abhimanyu marries

Uttara. The Pandavas and their supporters are gathered in Virata
and start talking about war strategies till Krishna intervenes and
says the Pandavas should first send an peace emissary to the Kuru
court and request permission to re-take their kingdom. When
Balrama seconds this, Satyaki, seething with anger, opposes and
questions Balrama’s kshatriyaness. King Drupada goes on a
monologue regarding how his daughter was insulted in the court of
the Kauravas and asks Krishna, ‘Why the delay?”. The
Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Geeta are often criticised by
Western Philosophers as being war mongering. This conversation
is also an example of how the Mahabharata treats was as only a
last resort.
K: The delay is due to only one reason Sir. Launching an invasion

for one’s own selfish reasons is against the values of humanity.
Dhristadyumna (Dh): Is avenging a sister’s insult against human

values? Is penalising the people who cheated in the game of dice a
selfish reason? Isn’t it the duty of every morally conscientious
person to punish an indecent person who calls a pious woman a
whore?
K: It is. Of course it is. But the soldiers who are going to fight from
that side, they have not insulted Draupadi, Prince
Dhrishtadyumna. We are not discussing a normal war here. This
war will result in so many corpses that it will be impossible to even
count them. Before we invite the vultures for a feast, it is
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mandatory that we think of this too. Are you ready to bear the
burden of these countless corpses on your shoulders King
Drupada? I am not. Therefore we must first speak the language of
peace and settlement. The Pandavas must first go to them and
demand their rights. Let the speak the language of war.
Virata, The King of Matsya: Will they not see this as our weakness,
O Krishna?
K: Not everybody on that side is foolish like Duryodhana, O King.

Even the Kshatriya society can pressurize Duryodhana to fulfil his
promise of returning Indraprastha to the Pandavas. And people
like Duryodhana should be given once chance. Only one chance. O
King Drupada, you are the eldest amongst us. Kindly enlighten us
as to what message should we send. Peace is always preferable to
war.
Bhima: Then what about my oath Krishna? What about Draupadi’s

unknotted tresses? According to you, now we should compromise,
go away silently to Indraprastha and tell Draupadi to keep her
tresses unknotted for the rest of her life?
Krishna: Is your oath more valuable than the welfare of mankind

Bheema? If we get peace at the price of you oath,
understand that we got peace at a very cheap price.
So we have arrived at a unanimous decision that first we should

send our emissary to the court of King Dhritarashtra.
4. Krishna, Pandavas and Draupadi
At the end of the 9th day of the war, Yudhishtira and Arjuna, on
Krishna’s advice go and meet Bhishma to return his blessings.
Bhishma gives them a clue regarding how to eliminate him from
the field of battle by saying “If a woman stands in front of me, I
will put down my weapons because to fight a woman is against
Dharma.” Yudhishtira and Arjuna return to their camp and are
discussing this with Krishna. From where will they find a woman
willing to go to war? Krishna acts cool and tries to humour the
brothers when Draupadi intervenes.
D: Is nobody able to see me here? Tomorrow I will fight Pitamaha.
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K: There it is Parth. You have found a solution to your problem.
Kalyani (Draupadi) will face Gangaputra.
Y: But would this not be a violation of the Kshatriya code Krishna?

If a woman has to enter the battlefield even when the men are
alive, then is like death for the men.
K: Hmm.... Brother too is saying what is right Draupadi. Why will a

woman go to war when the men are alive?
D: Don’t talk to me about men, Krishna. I too happen to know a

few of that species. These five great men, deep down in their
hearts, desire that some alternative should emerge by which they
can avoid killing the sons of Gandhari. They are, after all, the kith
and kin of these five great men. I am the outsider, the one who
does not belong. Even if I have been humiliated it is not like the
heavens have fallen. The mountains have not been torn apart.
K: Now you are being openly unjust to these five men,

Draupadi. Precisely because they are great men they do not
counter-attack like common men. And even you are not a
common woman, Draupadi. Learn how to counter-attack
like an uncommon woman. Do you wish that tomorrow history
says that millions of people were mowed down for the sake of your
unknotted tresses? Can your insulted tresses carry the weight of
lakhs of corpses lying in the battlefield? You are not merely a
woman, Draupadi. You are the symbol of the pride of the entire
woman race. Therefore do not exhibit your insulted tresses where
fundamental questions are being argued….
and then Krishna suggest Shikhandi
Note:
All the instances have been taken from B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata
which I consider as the most seminal and complete work on the
Mahabharata. The dialogues were written by Dr. Rahi Masoom
Reza. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for bringing this
classic alive. I have merely translated the words into English.
Add Comment
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4.It is between Draupadi and Krishna
When Arjun won the Swayamwar and took Draupadi with him to
Kunti, he told to Kunti that mother, I have brought something.
Kunti unaware of the fact that he is talking about a girl and not
about any material, ordered him to divide it in all five brothers. As
Pandavas were so much devoted to their mother's order, it
became a very difficult situation. Then Yudhishthir decided that as
Arjun has won the Swayamwar, he should marry Draupadi and all
the four brothers will take Sanyas(retirement from the worldly
affairs). But, Arjun was not agree with this. He told Draupadi to
marry Yudhishthir as he was the eldest and going to be
Samrat(king) of Hastinapur and became ready to take Sanyas with
other three brothers.
Stuck in this dilemma, Draupadi decided to marry all the five

Pandavas so that none of them will have to take Sanyas and they
can perform their duties as King and Prince to Hastinapur.
After taking the decision Draupadi was deeply in sorrow and

disheartened, then Krishna came to meet Draupadi to discuss
about her decision. Now the conversation goes on:
Krishna: Are you satisfied with your decision, Sakhi(friend)?
Draupadi: No Govind, how I can be satisfied with this sinful

decision. I don't know how I took this decision to marry five men.
This is such a shameful act.
Krishna: Then why did you take this decision Draupadi?
Draupadi: What else I could have done then? Should I have

allowed four of the Pandavas to take Sanyas? They are the future
of Hastinapur. They have responsibilities towards their people.
How mother Kunti will tolerate this? Just for the sake of my
happiness and selfishness I can't do this. So, I took the decision to
marry all the Pandavas. But still it's a sin.
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Krishna: You are great Draupadi and your heart is pure. You
thought about other's happiness before yours. For the sake of
others, you are ready to sacrifice your happiness, then how this
can be a sin.
Draupadi: Govind, do you think it is right? What will people think

about my character?
Krishna: No, I don't consider it right. If I will consider it fare it will

injustice to the all women in the world. This act can never be
commendable for a woman. But it's right for you. All you are doing
for a good purpose and you have taken this decision from the
kindness and pureness of your heart so, this is not a sin for you.
After this, Draupadi got married to the five Pandavas.
Draupadi’s one-line reply to Praatikami just after the

infamous game of dice.
Praatikami: Come Draupadi, emperor Yudhisthira had put you at

stake in the game of dice, and lost. So, come and join the other
servants of the palace.
Draupadi : What? Which sane person would put his wife at

stake ?
Praatikami: Yudhisthira staked his brothers and lost them. Then

he put himself at stake and lost. After that, he put you at stake
and lost again. Hurry up, you are Duryodhona’s servant now.
Draupadi: Hold on! Yudhisthira lost himself in the game of dice,

and then ‘put’ me at stake. But, once a person loses ‘himself’, he
can not put anything else at the stake! He can not even continue
his game, as he has lost the ‘right’ to play the game of dice
and gamble, by losing ‘himself’ in the penultimate
round. This makes the last round of that ‘game of dice’ INVALID.
Praatikami did not have an answer to that and came back to

‘Sabha’ and explained the Draupadi’s reply to all the people. Every
one including the elders like Bhishma, Vidura, or anyone else
present there did not have a reply. It was not a ‘begging’. It
379
was a question of LAW. She, questioned the validity of the
last round Yudhisthira played!
For me, it is the single-most smartest thing anyone has said under
pressure in the Mahabharata.
But, how could Draupadi ever come up with that logic? This
question baffled me for long, until recently when I read about the
following factoid about Draupadi’s upbringing:
She studied law, under the supervision of (THE) ‘Brihaspati’

himself. She took lessons from the old maestro along with Drupad
and Dhrishtadyumna.
Well, now that I know her background, I can see how she came up
with that stellar reply
Arjuna and Duryodhana go to Krishna to ask for his help in

the battle
The Kurukshetra war was imminent and the Kauravas and the
Pandavas had started mobilising their forces, meeting different
kings and relatives to get them on their respective sides. When Sri
Krishna was having his afternoon nap, both Duryodhana and
Arjuna come to his place. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas
came first and seeing Krishna sleep, he sat down, waiting for
Krishna to wake up. Krishna’s feet were pointing towards him. He
thought “He is not even a king; he is a cowherd. I am a great
emperor. Why am I sitting at his feet?”. So, he got up and sat
close to Krishna’s head. Arjuna, an ardent devotee of Krishna,
came a bit later and seeing Krishna in deep sleep, sat beside
Krishna’s feet. He considered Krishna’s feet pointing at him to be a
blessing.
After a while, Krishna woke up and his eyes fell on Arjuna.
Krishna : “Oh, Arjuna you have come.”
Arjuna : “Yes Bhagwan, I have come.”
Before they could talk further Duryodhana cleared his throat to

make his presence felt.
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Krishna : “Oh Duryodhana, even you? Both of you at the same
time – what brings both of you here?”
Duryodhana was alarmed by the presence of Arjun and thought he

would ask for the army of Krishna and said : “Oh Krishna I came
first and hence you have to give me audience first.”
Duryodhana : “I have also come here to take help from you, and
I have come before him so you have to fulfil my desire first.”
Krishna : “Duryodhana You could have come first but I saw Arjun
first and also he is younger to you and hence it is natural and
customary for me to listen to his demands first.”
Saying this he turned to Arjun and asked him what his demand
was? Arjun told him of the impending war and wanted Krishna to
help the Pandavas. Then Krishna turned to Duryodhana and he
also demanded the same and wanted Krishna’s help on the side of
Kauravas.
Krishna : “Both of you are asking for the same thing, so let me
put it this way. I have a million Narayanars, the Yadav soldiers,
who are the best soldiers and well equipped to fight anybody and
they will fight on one side and I will be on the other side without
armaments and will not be fighting but only advice and help.
Because my vision fell upon Arjuna first, he gets the first choice.”
Duryodhana protested : “I came here first!”
Krishna : “But what can I do? I saw him first.”
Arjuna said to Krishna with great joy, “Bhagwan we want you,

I don’t care about the army. We just want you with us.”
Krishna warned : “I am not going to fight for you. I’ll just come
with you.”
Arjuna : “You don’t have to do anything, we just want you with

us.”
Then Duryodhana let out a sigh of relief – he was so happy! He

thought, "What a stupid fellow Arjuna is. He wants Krishna alone
that too unarmed." The best thing for him was to have Krishna’s
army. He knew the Pandavas were idiots, but he had never
thought that they were such idiots, that they would choose one
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man against 10,000 trained men. And this one man was not going
to fight. 10,000 trained men against one man who was not going
to fight – what a foolish choice.
He asked Krishna for his huge army, got it and went away with
that Army to fight in the battle of Kurukshetra.
But that choice made all the difference. That choice made all the
difference for what happened to the result of the war.
5.Duryodhana's conversation with Yudhisthra & Bhishma

while he mourns Karna’s Death and before the final battle
of his life
The body of Karna lay on the battlefield. Dussana was also dead.
Duryodhana did not want to live and thought that he would go
mad. After many hours sitting and weeping, he decided to go to
his grandfather Bhishma, still lying on his bed of arrows.
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Bhishma looked at Duryodhana and reminded him that Karna died
a good death. “He is first a warrior. He must die on the
battlefield,” said his grandfather. This did not pacify Duryodhana
and he inquired, “Who was this noble man? Tell me who he is
grandfather?” Bhishma told him that Karna was a Pandava, the
eldest of Kunti’s sons. He continued that Karna made him promise
not to tell anyone until he died.
Duryodhana was silent. His tears were blinding him. Finally, he

looked up and asked his grandfather, “ Karna knew and he would
not go them because he loved me so? Why am I not dead? Karna,
my friend, I will come to you soon, as soon as I can come. I
cannot live without you. Now nothing can hurt me because my
mind is cleansed of all sins when I heard about the noblest man
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that ever lived. I can meet death with a smile on my lips. I am free
of the love of the kingdom. I want to share it with Karna. I want
one thing, death. I must go now and make preparations for my
death. Duryodhana walked away without turning back.
In 18 days all the Kaurava had been killed and the war was nearly
over. Duryodhana was nowhere to be seen. He walked away from
the battlefield and came across a cool, placid lake. He stood there
to cool his limbs and finally went to the bottom of the lake and sat
there for a long time. The Pandavas knew that Duryodhana was
sitting in the middle of the lake. Yudhishthira finally called to
Duryodhana, “Why are you hiding in this lake?”. Duryodhana
answered, “I was hurt and sad and saw the cool lake. After I am
rested I will fight with you. Actually, I do not want to fight with
you anymore. I don’t want the kingdom; the world has lost its
splendor. You can have all the lands of the Kuru’s. Yudhishthira
said: I don’t want you to give it to me. I will win it. For years you
have tried to destroy us. I will not allow you to live. Come out and
fight!”. Duryodhana replied, “I will kill all of you and then I will kill
myself so that I can join Karna. What is the point of living a life or
getting a kingdom when your loved ones are unable to live with
you? Duryodhana then rose from the lake and appeared on the
surface of the lake. Yudhishthira said, “You are not a coward. If
you win, take this world and rule it if you can fight with anyone of
us and with any weapon you choose.
Here for Duryodhana, no power, no kingdom ( which he

desired for the entire lifetime ) was enough to fulfill the
loss of his dear ones.
6.The conversation between Pitamah Bhishma and And His

mother Ganga.
When bhishm told his secret to yudhisther then in the night he go

out for walk and reach at the battle ground kurukshetra. Where he
saw his mother who was cleaning something on land.
Bhishma – pranam mate ( my respect mother )
383
Ganga saw him and said - oh bhishma ! what blessing shall I give
you ?
Bhishma – the blessing of salvation, mother. The blessing of

salvation .
Ganga – But how did you come at this time here ?
BHishma – I was thinking, weighing the past. Trying to decide

whether my life was worthwhile or useless.
Ganga – But my son , you have to bear this unbearable pain .
Bhishma smile and said – My whole life is the definition of pain, my

mother. However if my Hastinapur will be secure then my life have
been successful. Until then my mother I have to live and feel this
pain.
He did wait for about 58 nights for the winter solstice or first day
of uttarayana to give up his body on the arrow bed. Mahabharata
states that he attained salvation after his death. He was granted
the Maatru Lok (which is considered even above vaikunth
dhaam).
Pitamah Bhishma is often considered as a great example of

devotion and sacrifice. He always be remembered as the sign of
loyalty and truth. The words like great also fail in front of his
greatness.
We Indians are honored that a great man such as Bhishma

was born here
7.This conversation between Arjun and Krishna, that I feel

best. Here it goes.
Krishna tells Subhadra that he has some important work to do and

has to leave Dwaraka, listening to them Arjun tells.
384
A: Vasudev, where are going? If you don't mind can I come with
you?
K: Are you sure Arjun? If you accompany me it'll be very helpful,

but it is difficult and dangerous for you.
A: Yes Vasudev I'm ready to do anything.
K: (laughs out loud) Okay! Let's go. :-)
They reach the place, beautiful town was visible from a elevated
plateau.
A: So this is Kundinpur, it is much more beautiful than we have

heard of it.
K: This is the capital city of Vidarbha. (Points out a palace) that

building is the residence of king of Vidarbha.
A: Main entarance of the city is in other side, but why are we

here?
K: we have come here because we have to go inside the city but

not from main enterance, Vidarbha’s security will be present and
they'll not let us in.
A: But Madav, you told that you have a marriage invitation, they’ll
allow if we show that invitation?
K: Yes, I don't have permission to be part of marriage, but to

marry.
A: (confused) Rajkumari Rukmini is engaged to Shisupal, entire

Aryavrath knows about it.
K: But Rukmini will get married to me and I congratulate you,

because none in entire Aryavrath knows about it rather then
you. ;-)
A: If father has not organised swayamwar is it right to

kidnap his daughter, Madav?
Here comes one of the greatest reply.
Lord Krishna: Swayamvar is organised or not, EVERY

WOMEN HAS FREEDOM TO CHOSE HER LIFE, ESHWAR HAS
385
GIVEN FREEDOM FOR EVERY ANIMAL TO LIVE LIFE ON IT’S
OWN, SNATCHING THAT FREEDOM AWAY FROM THEM IS
ALWAYS ADHARMA (illegal), RUKMINI DOESN’T WANT TO
MARRY SHISUPAL, but TODAY RUKMINI’S brother is
snatching away her freedom. It is my duty to help her.
I feel this is the best conversation, because most of the girls

even today doesn't have freedom to take decisions on their
own, be it marriage, job, education. Women life is always
influenced either by parents, relatives or husband.
8.CONVERSATION BETWEEN KUNTI AND KARNA:
karna-the unluckiest person in Mahabharata and also a brave and

loyal person.
kunti-she is the most selfish person.she is the one of the reason

for karna’s death.
but this conversation is the best one
she is unable to answer his questions and standing speechless.
Kunti:
Leave the Kauravas and fight from our side;
O brave Karna! Don’t set my request aside.
You are my eldest son, though born out of sin;
You are the crown prince; you’ll be crowned if we win.
I am so unfortunate; just a lamenting suffering mother;
Who couldn’t declare your royal birth or who is your fath

386

You’ll fight with your own brothers! No more can I bear;
My heart is anxious and trembling with fear.
Karna:
How can a mother abandon her child?!
And float him in the river or leave him in the wild?
The lady who adopted me and from her breast fed me milk;
She is my true mother, though she could never dress me in silk.
How can I leave her even if I am crowned?
I would rather prefer to jump in the river and get drowned.
Regard me not your son, but son of a poor charioteer;
And allow me to fight with your sons without sorrow or fear.
How can I betray my friend who never bothered about my caste or

creed?
I’ll fight loyally for him without falling prey to greed.
People will remember forever my sacrifice and loyalty;
I can even kill my brothers without thinking myself guilty.
People believe you have five sons. You shall still have five.
Because tomorrow in the battlefield either Arjun or myself will

survive.
If you really wanted us together, why did you submit to shame?
And why didn’t you announce me as you son and reveal my

father’s name?
You had left me. Now on me do you have any claim?
Now if I have to kill my brothers, am I the one to blame?
And tell me truly; do you want myself or Arjun to die?
387
I can spare Arjun’s life and die keeping my head high.
I have most destructive weapon; Arjun’s death is certain;
I can force death to forever draw his curtain.
Listen noble lady; I can spare Arjun’s life;
Though I regard you not my mother but Pandu’s wife.
Kunti:
Your words pierce my heart; it is almost bleeding;
How can you deny a mother’s earnest pleading?
Why should I lose either, when both of you can live?
It is so simple: Your friend’s camp you can leave.
Karna:
Does ever light abandon the sun or shadow leave a person?
My decision is firm; I don’t want to hear argument or reason.
When I was insulted, my friend made me king;
I can’t betray him for crown or any earthly thing.
I regard my words most precious since birth;
I won’t depart from my promise for all kingdoms on earth.
On Indra’s request, I granted him my heavenly armor;
I never turn down anybody’s request, be he king or a farmer.
I can’t grant your wish. I beg with all humility;
Please bless me and forgive my inability.
source:conversation between Kunti and Karna | Sulekha Creative
9., Exploring war Parvas Of Mahabharata
388
The conversation that was ultimate happened between Krishna and
Arjuna on the first day of battle,that is Gita..
But to be honest,I got much needed relief,mental piece and

satisfaction after going through this explosive yet mind
blowing lines spoken by Arjun to Yudhishtir on 17 th day. I
express my gratitude to Rishi Veda Vyas for recording this
without deliberation..It was much needed for Arjun and
me…I don’t know what his other admirers feel ..so I can
not say on behaif Of them..
Here it goes…Yudhishtir to Arjun…( I am not presenting the

whole passage ..it will get too long..only that part which I
find noteworthy..to mention)
Arjuna did not kill Karna yet…so Yudhishtira in a fit of anger said
Excerpt
Hearing also the words of praise always uttered about thee by

many foremost of Rishis, I never expected that Suyodhana would
win success and prosperity or that thou thyself wouldst be afflicted
with the fear of Karna! Thou ridest upon an excellent car
constructed by the celestial artificer himself, with axles that do not
creak, and with standard that bears the ape. Thou bearest a sword
attached to thy belt of gold and silk. This thy bow Gandiva is full
six cubits long. Thou hast Keshava for thy driver. Why,
then,through fear of Karna hast thou come away from
battle. th O Partha? If, O thou of wicked soul.though hadst
given this bow to Keshava and become his driver,then
Keshava could have (by this time) slain the fierce Karna like the
lord of the Maruts (Sakra) slaying with his thunder the Asura
Vritra. If thou art unable to resist the fierce son of Radha today, as
he is careering in battle, give this thy Gandiva today to some other
king, that may be thy superior in (the use and knowledge of)
weapons. If that be done, the world will not then behold us bereft
of sons and wives, deprived of happiness in consequence of the
loss of kingdom, and sunk, O son of Pandu, in an unfathomable
hell of great misery. It would have been better for thee if
thou hadst never been born in the womb of Kunti,, or having
taken thy birth there,if thou hadst come out on the fifth
389
month an abortion than to have, O prince, thus come away from
battle, O thou of wicked soul! Fie on thy Gandiva, fie on the might
of thy arms, fie on thy inexhaustible arrows! Fie on thy banner
with the gigantic ape on it, and fie on thy car given thee by the
god of fire!"'"
Krishna advises Arjun to blame Yudhishtir to keep his

vow..and here are the words shot by the best archer
himself….from the bottom of his heart finally..
Excerpt
. I always strive to do thee good with my soul,life,sons and

wives. Since, not withstanding all this, thou still piercest me with
such wordy darts, it is evident that we cannot expect any
happiness from thee.Lying on Draupadi’s bed thou insultest me,
though for thy sake I slay the mightiest of car-warriors. Thou art
without any anxiety, O Bharata, and thou art cruel. I have never
obtained any happiness from thee. It was for thy good, O chief of
men, that Bhishma, firmly devoted to truth, himself told thee the
means of his death in battle, and was slain by the heroic and high-
souled Shikhandi, the son of Drupada, protected by me. I do not
derive any pleasure from the thought of thy restoration to
sovereignty, since thou are addicted to the evil practice of
gambling . Having thyself committed a wicked act to which they
only are addicted that are low, thou desirest now to vanquish thy
foes through our aid. Thou hadst heard of the numerous faults and
the great sinfulness of dice that Sahadeva spoke about. Yet dice,
which are worshipped by the wicked, thou couldst not abandon. It
was for this that all of us have fallen into hell. We have never
derived any happiness from thee since thou wert engaged in
gambling with dice. Having, O son of Pandu, thyself caused all this
calamity, thou art, again, addressing these harsh words to me.
Slain by us, hostile troops are lying on the field, with mangled
bodies and uttering loud wails. It was thou that didst that cruel act
in consequence of which the Kauravas have become offenders and
are being destroyed. Nations from the North, the West, the East,
and the South, are being struck, wounded and slain, after the
performance of incomparable feats in battle by great warriors of
both sides.It was thou that hadst gambled. . It was for thee
that we lost our kingdom. Our calamity arose from thee, O king!
390
Striking us, again, with the cruel goad of thy speeches, O king, do
not provoke our wrath.'"
Why I like this heated exchange of words between the

Dharmaraj and his loyal brother..
Arjuna has to fight the biggest battle of his life ahead..with

Karna..I consider Karna Arjun battle as the best..
It is essential for Arjuna to relieve his burden ..he should unleash

his suppressed emotions..and be prepared to tackle his rival who
competed with him since Gurukul days..
Karna was not as great a warrior as Arjuna..Still he will pool up his

spirits and fight with Arjuna ,he won’t have a chance to run away
from the final battle..
When Yudhishtir targeted Arjuna for not killing Karna yet…

he did it in such a way that the one who faced him would
forget all the norms and rules..and raise his swordhand..to
keep his vow regarding Gandiv.
But Krishna knew it better..that Arjun has to cough up and get free
of suffocation.
I am grateful to Krishna for making his Parth speak..for

once..what all he suppressed in the name of his regard and
loyalty for his Eldest brother..
Got so much relief..hearing Arjun..this is not conversation..this is

explosion.Everything he said was truth….fact..
Kisari Mohan Ganguli English Translation Karna Parva Section

68,69,70
9.Pitamah Bhishma and Lord Krishna:
Bhishma was fighting like he was possessed, hell bent on

annihilating the entire Pandava army as if he wanted to end the
very war on that day. Arjuna on the other hand fought placidly. He
391
just stopped Bhishma, but he was not aggressive like the Kaurava
general....
Arjuna was beginning to feel uneasy. He knew something was

wrong....terribly wrong.
That was when he saw the Lord Krishna throwing the reins of the
chariot in disgust. He looked at Arjuna with such a pure
undisguised anger that Arjuna shivered for a few minutes. Krishna
turned and looked at Satyaki who was standing nearby, with his
eyes blazing. 'There is no use trusting in Arjuna anymore! I
thought he was a good warrior and I wanted to guide him and
look....' Krishna pointed at Bhishma with anger. 'Look at the way
he is fighting....Pathetic!' Krishna shook his head. Krishna got
down from his chariot and from the battlefield picked up the
broken wheel of a chariot.
'If Arjuna will not do it....I will!' Krishna started swirling the chariot
wheel high above his head. 'Whoever wishes to run.....can do so
now....whoever is left behind....I am going to kill them....All of
them. I am going to destroy the entire Kaurava army today!'
Krishna advanced towards Bhishma with anger. 'And I start by
killing Bhishma!'
Anyone who had seen the blazing Krishna would have trembled
and fled. But Bhishma was too seasoned a warrior and too wise a
man to even worry about it. He threw down his weapons a great
peace stealing on his face. 'Madhusudhana! Do it now! Please kill
me right now, with your own hands! Once you have killed me....I
am sure to attain heaven!' Bhishma practically begged Krishna.
'Please kill me and put an end to my life!'
Arjuna watched the entire scene his heart thundering. The Lord

Krishna had trusted him....The Lord Krishna had wanted him to
fight, with everything he had and to the best of his potential...The
Lord Krishna had promised that he would not raise any weapons in
the war...He, Arjuna had failed in keeping up the promise because
of which Krishna was breaking his promise and going to kill
Bhishma...No! He would not let Krishna break his promise.
392
Without realizing it Arjuna ran forward clutching Krishna's feet.
Krishna may have noticed him or may not...Krishna was so
incensed that Arjuna did not even know what his Krishna was
thinking....
Krishna stubbornly went forward the chariot wheel still in his

hands. 'Krishna! Please do not break your promise! Please you
said....you would not raise weapons....Please! Do not break your
word!' Arjuna begged.
'You are not fighting, Partha! What you are doing is not fighting...'
Krishna started yelling. 'The man has practically destroyed your
army. Your soldiers are running away from fear of the man and all
you can do is defend against him....No!' Krishna looked at Arjuna
with such an angry expression making Arjuna wish that he would
never see that expression in his Krishna's face ever....'If you won't
kill the man...I will!'
Arjuna managed to calm himself and spoke slowly. 'Krishna! I will

fight! I will fight the exact way you want me to fight...I will fight to
the best of my abilities...I will not fight my grandfather....I will
fight the man who is destroying my army....Please Krishna! Just
put down the wheel....I will fight...Just guide me!' Arjuna spoke
with utter sincerity in his voice.
Krishna looked at Arjuna and then looked at Bhishma. Bhishma

knew the exact minute when Krishna believed Arjuna. Krishna
gave a genuine smile to Arjuna and dropped the chariot wheel.
Arjuna led Krishna back to the chariot.
10.Suryaputra Karna and Lord Krishna:
Krishna is however, afraid of Karna’s presence because this man

has never committed a sin. So he does not have a counter for
Karna and since Karna has a Vasava shakti, it is a big barrier
towards the victory of Dharma. If Karna uses his Vasava Shakti,
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Arjuna is dead and if Arjuna is dead, the loss of Pandavas is
certain.
Karna getting the Vasava Shakti from Indra in exchange of his

biggest defense – Kavach, Kundal. This is the weapon he will
reserve for Arjuna but alas, for time has other plans.
So Krishna tries to trick Karna through words.
Krishna:
Do you know that you are the eldest Kunti Putra. You deserve to
be the king of Hastinapura. Come, join us. All the Pandavas will
welcome you. Draupadi will become your queen, why are you
fighting with Duryodhana?
Karna –
“They are not my brothers. And I have no wish to become the

king. Thank you for telling me that I am the eldest Kunti Putra, I
have been searching this answer all my life.
Krishna –
Now that you know who you are, why don’t you join the camp of
Dharma?
Karna –
With all due respect to you, who are you to define what is my
dharma?. I am aware of my dharma and I am doing it every single
day.
Krishna –
And what is your dharma, may I know?

Karna –
My Dharma is to protect my friend when he needs me the most.

Krishna –
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Even at the cost of siding with a force which is doing Adharma
towards hundreds of thousands of men? Do you know that your
presence in the Kaurava camp ensures that Dharma has to fight
harder for victory?
Karna –
The force has its own reasons, I have my own reasons. Where
were you when Drona denied me to teach lessons because I do not
belong to a royal family? Where was Dharma when I was not
allowed to compete in the Swayamvar of Draupadi and I was
insulted of being a person from lowerly caste? Where was dharma
when I had to answer every single person how a suta putra
became the king? Dharma or righteousness for that matter has
never been my friend. I have only one friend and only one
dharma.
Its called Duryodhana.
Dhoop Surya ka saath chor sakti hai,

upaj dharti ka saath chor sakti hai,
disha vaan ka saath chor sakti hai,
kintu yeh soot putra karna Duryodhana ka sath nahi chor sakta.
Krishna –
Do you agree that Duryodhana is wrong and that he is the only

one responsible for this war?
Karna –
I do.
Krishna –
What is your motivation for fighting this war? Pandavas have their
reasons, Duryodhana has his, what is your reason? What will you
gain from this war?
Karna –
I am not fighting this war to gain anything. After Ganga putra

Bheesma, I am the most unfortunate lone warrior in this
battlefield. Fighting for nothing. He has his Pratigya and hence he
is helpless. But I am not helpless. I can walk away from the war.
395
But No, I won’t. I cannot leave my friend when he needs me the
most. I know he is wrong but that has nothing to do with my
gratitude.
Krishna –
What if both the parties decide to do peace? What if the war never
starts? How are you going to re-pay your debt of friendship?
Karna –
Are you kidding me? When god is standing at my doors trying to

persuade me in changing tracks, be rest assured that war is
inevitable. Why would the god come to my doors if the doors of
peace were open?
Krishna –
Fine. What if Pandavas win and they invite you to become the king
of Hastinapura? You will have to marry Draupadi then, will you do
it?
Karna –
No that is not even a possibility. At the end of this war, either I will
be alive or Arjuna will be. No matter who wins this war, one of us
is going to die. And as far as Draupadi is concerned, that is the
only regret I have. I have wrongly insulted her, called her a whore
in the court room. I shouldn’t have said that. So even if she
approaches me, I am not worthy of her now. At one point, I was.
But not now. It’s too late.
Later, Krishna discusses this situation with Satyaki and how he
failed to persuade Karna. He says that time must have an answer
to this and that we should wait for that counter to evolve (that
counter to Karna was Ghatotkacha – Bheema’s asura son)
This conversation just shows how much virtues and valor Karna
had and how dutiful he was towards his Dharma (protecting his
friend when he needs him the most).
Unfortunately, none of us likes, how it ended with The Great

Warrior Karna!
396
11.Kuntiputra Karna and Pitamah Bhisma:
The fall of Bheeshma affects Karna. He feels afraid, runs to meet

the god-like great man, lying on his death bed, with his eyes
closed! Overcome with emotion the teary eyed Karna
speaks, 'Kurushreshta! It is Radheya! The man you hated, for no
fault of mine, as soon as you set your eyes on me'.
Bheeshma hears him, opens his eyes with difficulty and looks at
Karna. He then sends his attendants away, hugs Karna, like a
father would hug his son, with his arm around him. 'Come my
dear opponent, if you had not come to visit me now, it would not
have been praiseworthy. You are not a Radheya, you are a
Kaunteya. I have no hatred for you child, I spoke to you harshly to
bring down your ego and pride. I feel that you hate pandavas
without reason. It is the reason why I spoke to you harshly. I am
aware of your great courage and your limitless generosity. You are
like a god. There are not many like you. You are equal to Arjuna
and Krishna in your ability. There is no anger in me now. Man
cannot go against the will of gods. Pandavas are your brothers. If
you want to make me happy, go and join your brothers. Let the
enmity die with me, let all the kings live happily.
Karna replies, 'Grandfather, I know that I am a kaunteya. But

when Kunti did not want me and let go of me, a suta brought me
up! Duryodhana made me a rich man. I cannot turn these facts
into lies. I have pledged my body, my wealth, my reputation and
everything else to Duryodhana. Under his shelter, I have provoked
pandavas. What is required to be done cannot be changed by
anyone. Who has the ability to change god's will? It is the time for
destruction of the world. You have seen signs of this, and also
spoke about it in the sabha.'
'I know that pandavas and Vasudeva are invincible. The reason
why I am enthused to fight them. If you consent with love and
affection, I believe I can fight them. If I have spoken ill of you out
of anger or misbehaved, please forgive me.'
Bheeshma replies, 'Karna! If you are unable to control your

intense enmity, I consent! Fight expecting to go to the heaven of
the brave. Give up your anger and sorrow and perform the duties
397
of a khsatriya well and achieve a happy state of mind. Try your
best to be virtuous, your wishes will come true. Depend on your
strength and bravery, forsake arrogance. There is no better
dharma for a khsatriya than to fight in a war. I tried my best for
peace, but could not succeed. The victory will be for those who
have dharma with them.' Karna salutes Bheeshma and goes to
meet Duryodhana.
Finally the two ill-starred men, grandfather and grandson, meet

and manage a closure.
Karna had many titles but I used Kuntiputra because he

went to Bhisma as Kuntiyaputra, he deserved that title but
called sootputra instead. Bhisma and Karna were two
greatest warrior.
Footnote:
http://lonelyphilosopher.com/dialogue-between-krishna-and-
karna-before-kurukhestra-war
http://hindumythologyforgennext.blogspot.in/2013/08/krishna-
and-bhishma-part-3-of-3.html
Karna's final meeting with Bheeshma. Mahabharata 143
12.When Yudhishthir cursed his own mother...Kunti!
After the Great War
The Mahabharata war lasted eighteen days, and it was every bit as
ugly as the vision of Arjuna, every bit as ugly as any war has ever
been. The war was corrupting - at some point or another, every
warrior, including Yudhishtira and Arjuna, resorted to trickery and
deceit. The great war of the Bharatas destroyed all the promise in
the world and all the best hope. When it was over, only the
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Pandavas and a handful of others survived. But their world had
changed.
Yudhisthira’s grief
aving offered water unto all the deceased friends and relatives, the
Pandavas continued to live on the banks of the Ganges for the
period of one month. Many great sages and rishis came to see
King Yudhisthira and offer him some consolation. Thousands of
brahmanas came to comfort the King who was mourning the death
of so many kinsmen. At that time the great sage Narada visited
the King and wondered about Yudhisthira’s state of mind.
Narada questions Yudhisthira
Narada spoke to him, “O Yudhisthira, by the prowess of your arms

and by the grace of the Supreme Lord Krishna, you have
conquered the earth. By good luck, you have escaped this great
slaughter of men. O son of Pandu, after defeating the sinful
Duryodhana, are you not happy? I hope that grief and lamentation
are not afflicting you.”
Yudhisthira’s grief
O Narada, Yudhisthira replied, indeed, I have conquered the whole

earth relying on the grace of Krishna, the blessings of the
brahmanas and the strength of Bhima and Arjuna. There is,
however, a heavy grief that is still sitting in my heart. I feel that
my own greed has caused this great slaughter of kinsmen.
Lamenting the death of Abhimanyu and the sons of Draupadi, I
feel victory to be defeat. What will Subhadra say to me? The
lamentation of Draupadi is more than I can bear.
Yudhisthira mourns for Karna
Yudhisthira said, “It was after the slaughter of all these men that I
came to know that Karna was my brother. He was born of the
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union of the Sun god and my mother Kunti. He was regarded by
the whole world to be the son of Radha, but in actuality, he was
my mother's eldest son. I have, unknowingly, caused him to be
slain. This is burning my limbs like fire burns a heap of cotton.
“Neither Arjuna nor Bhima nor the twins knew him to be our eldest
brother. However, he knew that we were his younger brothers. He
was informed of this by Lord Krishna and my mother. Because of
his close ties with Duryodhana, he could not come to our side. He
did, however, agree not to take our lives. If I could have had both
Arjuna and Karna, I could have conquered the world.”
During the gambling match, even though provoked by Karna's

words, I became pacified by his sight. He always seemed to
resemble our mother in many ways. I tried to find out the reason
for the likeness, but I never came to any conclusion. O Narada,
why has the earth swallowed up his chariot wheels? Why was my
elder brother cursed? The royal King Yudhisthira could not control
his emotions and began to shed tears.
Kunti’s consolation
Kunti then came forward and spoke to her son, O my mighty

armed Yudhisthira, do not grieve in this way. I tried previously to
inform Karna of his relationship with you. I tried to persuade him
to give up his enmity. The Sun god also spoke to him. However,
because of his intimate friendship with Duryodhana, he would not
change his position. I tried to persuade him otherwise, but he
would not agree. I then gave up the attempt.
Yudhisthira curses Kunti
400
When King Yudhisthira heard his mother's words of consolation, he
could not contain his anger and grief. He said to her, Because you
have concealed this knowledge from me, I will be subdued, not by
war, but by sinful reactions. I curse all womenhood that
henceforward no woman shall succeed in keeping a secret.
Reflecting over the death of so many kinsmen, the King could not
be pacified.
10
The power of keeping a secret
Secrets are the secrets of success. Some people usually keep

them. They become successful in life and conscience keepers of
friends. Others usually do not keep secrets. They are the human
vehicles of Word of Mouth, socially known as gossip. It has a
powerful role to play in the society. The Mahabharata gives a
subtle dimension to this social phenomenon, making it a universal
phenomenon. It is the capacity to know the secrets of other
without anyone telling them.
11
Karna's one burning desire was to know his mother. Krishna came
to him and in the course of his conversation informed him of his
birth to Kunti and Surya. It came to Karna as a relief and a
revelation. He then understood why the Sun constantly figured in
his life. In the battlefield, Karna approaching Bhishma on his bed
of arrows was greeted by the words, "Come, Kunti putra." Karna
was startled and said, "Oh, you know." This again happened with
Kripachariyar. It happened once more.
12
Socially, the word is passed on from mouth to mouth. Spiritually,

ideas are afloat in the atmosphere and enter into minds that are
receptive. Bhishma and Kripa are advanced souls living in a
spiritual atmosphere. Such people can know anything they choose
to know. On hearing of Karna's death, Kunti reached his dead body
to mourn over it. The Pandavas who were passing by were
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wondering why their mother subjected herself to such an indignity.
It was an insult to Arjuna who beheaded him.
13
To hear out of her sacred mouth that he was not Radheya but
Kunteya, was an outrage to Yudhisthira. One secret, an earth-
shaking secret, kept by his own mother who was a virtual goddess
to him, was the cause of this war, the death of thousands of
soldiers, and scores of brave warriors on either side. Had he
known it earlier, Yudhisthira said, there would have been no war.
Why did she ever keep it a secret?
14
How did she come by the POWER to withhold such a secret whose
might was equal to the 18 day war? Yudhisthira, an embodiment
of Truth, was outraged at the magnitude of that power and was
scandalised by the way it was used. He too felt thwarted. Mild as
he was, he discovered in his human depths the revolt human
nature is capable of. He wished to destroy that power at its
genesis. He instantly cursed all womanhood with a total inability to
withhold ANY secret whatsoever.
15
Karna and the three curses
Among the galaxy of stars that fought on the dusty grounds of

Kurukshetra, there was one who shone brighter than the rest on
the horizon of Indian mythology. Although he ended up dying on
the battlefield at the hands of his own brother Arjuna, Karna is
widely considered by many, including Krishna and Bhishma, as a
noble spirit who rarely appears in the human race. Inspite of
devoting his services to evil Duryodhana, Karna remains an
adulated figure for millions of Hindus and Indians.
16
402
Very few people are aware of the fact that he had learnt the art of
warfare and mastered deadly weapons under the able tutelage of
Parashuram. Karna who was brought up by Adhirata, a charioteer
of the king Dhritarashtra of Hastinapur, after being abandoned by
his mother, Kunti, aimed to be a skillful fighter. He went to
Dhronacharya, who was in-charge of training the princes of
Hastinapur,. However, Dhrona refused to accept him as his disciple
citing his low caste as the reason.
17
Karna like he did so many times throughout his life, fought all odds
and decided to be self-taught with his brother, Shrona's help. In
accordance with the ancient tradition that one must learn any art
form only under a guru, Karna decided to make Surya his teacher.
Such was the dedication of this man that he gathered information
about various ayudhas (weapons) during the day and then after
sundown, he practiced them.
18
In a bid to fulfill his dream of being among the best fighters of his
generation, Karna decided to approach Parashuram. However,
Parashuram was only known to accept Brahmins as his students.
Disciples like Gangaputra Bhishma and Dhronacharya had made
Parashuram proud earlier and Karna longed to make this great
saint, his tutor. Karna appeared before the sage as a Brahmin.
Parashuram accepted him and trained him to such a point, that he
declared Karna to be equal to himself in the art of warfare and
archery.
19
The first curse
Legend has it that one day while his teacher was resting on his
lap, Karna was stung by a giant scorpion. Despite the excruciating
pain, Karna did not move. Parashuram was woken up by the blood
from Karna's thigh. He soon realized that Karna was a not a
Brahmin as no one in the priestly class could bear the gruesome
403
pain for such a long time. So, he cursed Karna that his skills
including the use of Brahmastra would desert him when he needed
them most.
20
A respite from Parshurama
Karna, who was unaware of his royal lineage, pleaded with his
master that any student in his place would have acted the same
way. While he regretted cursing Karna in a moment of anger,
Parashuram's curse was irrevocable. He, gifted Karna with a
celestial weapon called Bhargavastra along with Parashuram's
personal bow called Vijaya and blessed him that in the end, Karna
would achieve what every mortal aspires the most - everlasting
glory and immortal fame.
21
Was it Indra?
In fact mythological sources say that it was the king of Gods -

Indra who had stung Karna in the form of the bee so that he would
be cursed by the great sage. The same Indra later exploited
Karna's generosity and took away the the Kavacha (body armour)
and Kundana (ear rings) that virtually made Karna invincible. It is
beyond any doubt that had Indra, father of Karna's sworn enemy,
Arjuna, not interfered in the matter, Arjuna would have never
been able to beat Karna.
22
The second curse
Dejected at being cursed by his own Guru, Karna is said to have

wandered in the forests. While he was practising the 'Shabdavedi
Vidhya' (art of hitting the target by detecting the source of sound),
he mistook a Brahmin's cow for a wild animal and shot it. Enraged,
the Brahmin cursed Karna that as he had killed a helpless animal,
he too would be killed when he was the most helpless, when his
concentration was diverted from his enemy.
23
The friendship between Karna and Duryodhana

404
However putting these things behind him, Karna went on to
become the King of Ambha (modern Bhagalpur) after he
impressed Duryodhana when he surpassed Arjuna's feat in a
tournament held by Dhrona in Hastinapur to display the skills that
he had given to the Kuru princes. This event established key
relationships in the Mahabharat, namely, the strong bond between
Duryodhana and Karna, the intense rivalry between Karna and
Arjuna, and the enmity in general between the Pandavas as a
whole and Karna.
24
The third curse
Sometime later, when he was on a tour of his new kingdom, Karna

is said to have encountered a girl who was crying out of fear of her
step mother since her ghee had fallen to the ground. Being
generous enough Karna told her that he would give her new ghee.
But, the child insisted that she wanted only the ghee that was
mixed with the soil and refused to take the new ghee.
25
The third curse
Taking pity on the girl, Karna took the soil mixed with ghee in his
fist and squeezed it with all his might to extract the ghee and pour
it back into the pot. However, Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth) was
furious at him for hurting her. So, the Earth goddess cursed him
that in a very crucial battle of his life, she would trap his chariot
wheel in the same way that he held the fistful of soil, thereby
making him vulnerable to his enemy.
26
Karna: The unfortunate one
Thus, Karna was cursed on three separate and independent

occasions. Unfortunately, each of these curses became operational
at the same crucial moment in the Kurukshetra war, later making
him weaponless, left without a chariot and helpless. On the
sixteenth day of the great battle of Kurukshetra, Karna led the
Kaurava army. He first defeated the mighty Bhima but spared his
life saying that he was elder to Bhima. Later he went on to beat
405
Yudhistir but left him alive saying that "practice and then come to
fight".
27
Also he defeated the twins, Nakul and Sahadev but didn't kill them
as he had promised Kunti that he would not kill any of the
Pandavas except for Arjuna. Then Karna proceeded towards Arjuna
and unleashed the deadly weapon Nagastra at him. But Krishna
saved Arjuna. On the seventeenth day, the much anticipated
contest between Arjuna and Karna took place. Karna was
hampered when his chariot wheel sank into the ground in loose
wet soil (Bhoomi Devi's curse thus came into effect).
28
He also found himself unable to remember the incantations for

divine weapons, as his teacher Parashuram had foretold.
Descending from his chariot to remove the wheel, he requested
Arjuna to wait until it is set right as per the rules of battle. Krishna
told Arjuna that Karna has no right to refer to the rules at this
point, after having violated the same himself while killing
Abhimanyu. He urged Arjuna to kill Karna while he was helpless
(Brahman's curse came into effect here).
29
Lord Krishna told Arjuna that if he did not kill Karna at this critical
juncture of the war, he might never be able to kill him and the
Pandavas may never win the war. Thus, Arjuna fatally injured
Karna using a divine arrow. It is believed that on the night before
his death, Karna's guru, Parashuram appeared to him in his
dreams. He is said to have told Karna that he was well aware of
Karna's caste when he had approached him to become his disciple.
30
406
Parashuram agreed to teach Karna, a Kshatriya, as he was fully
aware of Karna's capability and impeccable character. Besides,
Parashuram went on further to explain the reasons for him cursing
his own disciple. Parashuram said that if Karna would not die then
the Kauravas would have won the battle and the Earth would be
ruled by Duryodhana. As such, Adharma would prevail and people
would have suffered in his reign.
31
The true hero
Though the three curses and interventions from Indra and Kunti
led to his death on the battlefield, Karna achieved the feat of
immortality as foretold by Parashuram. His generosity and the
manner in which he carried himself throughout his life is praised
several times in mythology and literature. In fact, Karna, more
than anyone else, is the true hero of the Mahabharata
Add Comment
13, The conversation
between Bhishma and Yudhisthira after the Mahabharata.
So, after the Mahabharata war was won

by Pandavas and Yudhisthira was crowned the king,
the Pandavas along with Krishna came to Bhishma, lying on the
bed of arrows, to liberate him from that pain. That
time, Bhisma advices Yudhisthira certain policies on Politics, on
ruling the Kingdom maintaining friendship and much more. So one
can call it more of an advice than a conversation, but still I admire
it. This conversation is basically found in Aapaddharma
anushashana Parva of Shanti Parva of Mahabharata.
There have been many interesting advises, some of which I

highlight below;
A person is not born with friendship or enmity with someone.

Friends and enemies are developed by one's nature.
407
Someone is your Friend only because of his selfishness,
because of a cause. Once the cause is over, it doesn't take time
to turn into your foe. Thus, selfishness is mightier than
friendship.
Friends should be known and enemies should also be known.
P.S.: Would be really grateful if someone could help me with the
English translation of these verses.
… (
408
50
0
8
14. Draupadi’s Words During Disrobing:
Maun ho jaiye !!
Maun ho jaiye guru dron!
Maun ho jaiye Mahamahim Bhishma !
Aur app bhi , Aryaputron
Dharma ke naam par ho Rahe adharm ko Rokne ka Sahas Nahi tha

aap main se kisi ke pass!!
Woh dharm hi Kya jo shakti ko nirbalta bana de

Woh Satya hi Kya jo dushton ke karyon ko Bhasm Karne ke sthan
par Bolne wale ke sahas ko hi jala de !
Aap sabme se kisi ne dharm ke vastvik roop ko samjha hi Nahi
409
Deepak Prakash avashya deta hai parantu wahi Deepak Jyoti Bhuj
Jane par Hathon ko kala bhi kardeta hai !
Aur aap sab ke dharm se ab Prakash jaa chuka hai !
Mera Rakshan aap log Nahi Kar payenge ! Mera rakshan yadi hona
hoga, toh ab swayam Ishwar karenge !
Add Comment
15: Conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna right
before the war was about to start (Bhagavada Gita)
Arjuna was confused and didn’t want the war to start. He asked
Lord Krishna to go to the middle of the battlefield so that he could
see both sides.
Lord Krishna:
Yahan Yuvraj Duryodhana khade hain. Smaran karo Paarth,

Paanchali ko daasi bana kar Dyuth sabha mein laane ka aadesh
inhone ne hi diya tha.
Yahan dekho Paarth. Yeh hain tumhare mamashri Shakuni. Aaj tho
inke haathon mein talwar hai, kintu chhal se sanghar karne ka
prayas karthe hain yeh sada. Smaran karo kaise inhone tum 5
bhai aur tumhari mata ko Varnavrat mein bhasm karne ka
prapanch racha tha.
410
Ab idhar dekho Paarth - Dushasan. Inhi haathon ne Panchali ke
kesh kheechne ki udandtha ki thi.
Mahamahim aur Guru Drona ko dekho. Maurn reh kar Panchali ka

apmaan dekhte rahe.
Udhar Aswathama ko deko aur smaran karo kis prakar ke

abshabdon ka prayog kiya tha usne.
Kya ab tumhara hirday prathishod se nahi jalta Paarth? Kya nyaay

maangne ke liye ab tumhara mann nahi tadaptha? Kya ab shastra
uthane ka sankalp nahi janm leta hriday mein? Kya ab yudh
aniwarya nahi lagta?
Arjuna: Haan Madhav, yeh yuddh aniwarya hai.
Lord Krishna:
Ab yeh yudh tumhare liye aniwarya hai.
Tho Mahamahim ko ek baar punha dekho Paarth aur smaran karo

kaise unhone tumhein prem aur rakshan diya pad pad par.
Swayam balidaan dekar tumhe aur tumhare pariwar ko adhikar
dilane ka prayatna kiya.
Ek baar punha Guru Drona ko dekho aur smaran karo kitne garw
aur prem ke saath unhone tumhein apna param gyan diya tha.
Tumhe vishwa ka sabse bada dhanurdhaari banane ke liye unhone
apne maathe par paap ka bhaar uthaya tha (citing Eklavya
instance)
Aur udhar Vikarna ko bhi dekho. Ek wahi tha jisne Dyuth sabha
mein virod karne ka saahas kiya tha.
Kya yeh sab wadh karne yogya hain Paarth?
Arjuna: Nahi Madhav. Mein inka wadh kaise kar sakta hoon.
Lord Krishna:
Avashya. Kintu apne paksh ko bhi dekh lo Paarth.
Tumhare jeshta bratha Yudhishtar, Bhima, tumhare anujon ko

dekho. Tumhari santano ko dekho. Inmein se anek ki mrityu ho
411
jayegi iss yudh mein. Inn sab ki mrityu ki sambhavna se tumhara
hriday durbal nahi hota Paarth?
Ab yeh bhi vichaar karo ki Braatha Duryodhan ka kya dosh yadi

unhein rajya ki laalsa ho. Unki maata pehle garbwati bani thi yeh
satya hai.
Dushasan ne yadi Panchali ke wastra kheech kar apraadh kiya tha,

yadi woh apradh hai, tho tumne bhi tho apne jeshta braatha ka
aadesh mankar apradh hone diya! Kya woh apradh nahi tha?
Mahamahim ne apne pran ko adhik mahatvapurna maana aur apni

kulvadhu ki laaj ko kum mehatva ka jaana, kya woh adharma
nahi?
Aur tumhare jesht braatha Yudhishtar ne apne maane huey

dharma ka vahan karne ke liye Dyuth sabha mein bhaag liya. Kya
woh adharma nahi tha?
Tho kya braatha Duryodhan ko shatru maanna uchit hai? Kya

tumhein apne paksh mein dharma dikhayi deta hai Paarth?
Arjuna: Aap yathartha keh rahe hain Madhav. Mujhe dono hi paksh
mein dharma bhi dikhayi de raha hai aur adharma bhi!
Lord Krishna: Arthath, tum naa yudh ka tatparya jaan paye aur
naa hi dharma ka swarup jaan paye Paarth!
Arjuna: Madhav, anyaya ka vichaar ya prathishod ka sankalp aisa

koi karan nahi hai mere paas ki mein itne bade vidhwans ka
sveekar kar sakun. Nahi Madhav!
Lord Krishna:
Vidhwans hi navnirman ka kaaran hai Paarth! Paudhe ki ek daali

kaati jaye tho 2 daaliyan janma leti hain. Tum aaj ke vidhwans se
kyon bhaybhith hote ho? Kal punha navnirman hoga, kya yeh
satya nahi jaante?
Yeh napunsakta tumhein shobha nahi deti Paarth! Yudh karna

tumhara kartavya hai Paarth!
Conversation continues…
412
16: Conversation between Bhishma and Lord Krishna during
the war (just before Bhishma’s surrender and death)
Bhishma: Jo bhi Hastinapur ke samaksh shastra uthayega, mujhe

uska wadh karna hi hoga!
Lord Krishna: Aap yatharth keh rahe hain Mahamahim. Yudh mein
aapke samarthya ka pradarshan nahi ho raha. Apitho aapke
nirbaltha ka pradarshan ho raha hai.
Yadi aap vastav mein samarth hote, tho apne pautra aur
prapautron ke pran lene ke sthaan par apne praanon ka tyaag kar
dete.
Bhishma: Mein apne Dharma se bandha hoon Vasudeva
Lord Krishna: Dharma tho mukti deta hai. Yeh kaisa dharma hai jo
aapko baandh raha hai? Avashya yeh koi dharma nahi koi paash
hai, koi bedi hai!
Bhishma: Mere dharma par prashna math kijiye Vasudeva! Meine

jeevan mein ek shan ke liye bhi adharma nahi kiya hai. Apne pitha
ko diye huey vachan ka nirvaha karte huey wahi sab kiya jo
aavashyak tha.
Lord Krishna: Aap apne vyaktikat dharma ke liye samagra sansaar

ko sankat mein daal rahe hain. Ise mein chaaritra ki shakti nahi
kehta. Chaaritra tho woh hota hai jo prathi shan dusron ke kalyan
413
ka vichar karta hai. Aapka chaaritra bhi mithya hai, aur aapka
dharma bhi mithya hai!!
Bhishma: Vasudev (in anger)!! Aap maryada bhang kar rahe hain!
Mein aapka sammaan karta hoon kintu kisi dusre ke dharma ko
mithya kehne ka aapko koi adhikar nahi hai! Mera dharma satya
hai. Aur isiliye mujhe koi parajit nahi kar sakta, koi nahi!
Lord Krishna: Mein aapko parajit kar sakta hoon. Isi shan aapko
parajit kar sakta hoon Mahamahim Bhishma! Meri krod ki agni ko
badaane ka karya math kijiye. Aisi koi dhaatu nahi jo agni mein
thap kar pighal naa jaye aur aisa koi pran, koi shraap, koi
aashirvad nahi jise mein mithya naa kar sakun! Aap srishti ke sukh
aur niyati ki yojnaon mein baadha banke khade hain! Ab yadi
aapne shastron ka tyag nahi kiya toh mein avashya aapka wadh
kar dunga!
Lord Krishna: Aapka wadh karne hetu mujhe kisi shastra ki bhi
aavashyakta nahi. Iss rath ke paiye se bhi aapka wadh kar sakta
hoon.
Bhishma shoots an arrow towards Krishna and Lord Krishna jumps

from his charriot and move towards Bhishma. Lord Krishna takes a
charriot wheel in his hands and Bhishma’s arrows fail to hit Lord
Krishna. Right before Lord Krishna, the arrows fall down on the
ground instead and Lord Krishna spins the wheel similar to
sudarshan chakra. Bhishma was astonished and asks Lord Krishna
why the arrows failed to hit him.
Lord Krishna: Mein naa Vasudeva Krishna hoon. Mein naa

Yadhuvanshi hoon. Mein naa hi manav hoon. Mein parbrahma
hoon. Mein hi satya, gyan aur dharma hoon. Meri hi anumati se
aap yudh kar rahe hain. Meri hi anumati se aap jeevit hain. Meri hi
anumati se aap mrityu ko prapt honge.
Bhishma gets off his charriot and folds his hands towards Lord
Krishna.
Bhishma: Mujhe shama kar diye Vasudeva. Mein aapke vaastavik

rup se anabhigya tha. Aap avashya mera wadh kar sakte hain
kintu aap mera wadh karne hetu apne pran ko tyaagne ke liye saj
huey hain tho avashya hi mera koi dosh hoga. Kya dosh hai mera
Vasudeva?
414
Lord Krishna: Agyaan aapka dosh hai Mahamahim. Aapne Dharma
ke vaastavik rup ko jaanne ka tho kabhi prayas hi nahi kiya.
Karuna ke chhatra tale jab thak samagra sansar sama nahi jaata,
thab thak samaaj mein dharma adhura rehta hai. Kintu aapne
keval apne pariwar ka vichar kiya. Sansar ke kalyan ka tho vichaar
hi nahi kiya aapne. Isliye aap ka tyaag bhi swaarth ka hi rup hai!
Bhishma: Meine apne pitha ke sukh hetu rajya ka tyaag kiya.

Aajeevan Bhramacharya ki pratigya li. Ismein mera koi swaarth
nahi tha Vasudeva.
Lord Krishna: Bhramacharya ki pratigya aur rajyasinghaasan ka

tyaag avashya uttam karya the, kintu aapne samaaj ke prati apne
uttar daitva ke tyaag kyon kar diya Mahamahim?
Bhishma: Kuruvansha mein aapsi sangharsh naa ho. Hastinapur ke

raajyasinghaasan ke liye yudh naa ho aur Kururashtra ki praja ko
dukh naa ho isiliye mein yeh pratigyan li Vasudeva.
Lord Krishna: Apne chaaron aur drishti daaliye Mahamahim. Kya

chal raha hai yahan? Aapki pratigya ne iss yudh ko taala tho nahi.
Vichaar kijiye Mahamahim. Aapne apni pratigya ko dharma maana.
Yadi woh vaastav mein dharma hota, tho yeh mahayudha hi kyon
hota!
Vaastav mein dharma kisi mritya vichaar ka naam nahi, naa hi kisi
parampara ka naam hai. Dharma tho jeevan ka naam hai aur
jeevan nirantar badalta rehta hai. Parivartan hi jeevan ka gun hai
aur parivartan hetu manushya ko karma karna padta hai. Aur
aapne karma ka hi tyaag kar diya Mahamahim?
Bhishma: Kintu meine tho jeevan ke pratyek pad par uchit karma
kiye hain Vasudeva.
Lord Krishna: Nahi Mahamahim. Iss janma mein aap karma ke

bandhan se naa bandhein isliye aapne koi vaastavik karma kiya hi
nahi! Karma ka artha hota hai nirnay lena aur apne nirnay ke
parinamon ko sveekar karna. Kintu aapne kab koi nirnay liya
Mahamahim?
Yuvraj Pandu ke rajya abhishek ka nirnay kya aapka nirnay tha

(reminding him it was Vidhur’s decision not his). Yuvraj
Dhritrashtra aur Maharani Gandhari ke vivah ka nirnay kiska tha
(reminding him it was Queen Satyavati’s decision not his)?
415
Maharaj Dhritrashtra ko rokne ka prayas kyon nahi kiya
Mahamahim? Dyth sabha ka nirnay aur usmein Paanchali ke
apmaan ko naa rokne ka nirnay (reminding him he was silent and
made no decision during Draupadi’s disrobing).
Sabhi adharmon ko rokne ka aapke paas samarthya bhi tha aur

shakti bhi. Kintu aap nirnay nahi le sake Mahamahim. Aap keval
apni pratigya aur apne pran se bandhe rahe. Vaastav mein
kartavya ke naam par nirnay lene ke uttar daitva se aap bhaagte
rahe.
Bhishma: Kya nirnay lene se hi bandhan nahi bandhte Vasudeva?
Lord Krishna: Bandhan se chhutne ke liye nishkaam karma ke

siddhant ko samajhte tho aap ka jeevan dharmay ho jaata
Mahamahim. Bandhan se chhutne ke liye aapne karma kya tyaag
kyon kiya? Karma ke phal ka tyaag karte. Kisi ke aadesh ko
kartavya maanne ke sthaan par apne karma ko kartavya maante
tho bhi bandhan se chhut jaate.
Bahut samay purva aapne pratigya li. Kya uss samay aap saara
bhavishya jaante the? Paristhitiyan badal gayi Mahamahim, samay
mein parivartan aa gaya, kintu aapne apni pratigya nahi thodi aur
naa hi kisi parivartan ko sveekar kiya. Usi ka parinaam hai ki aaj
yeh yudh ho raha hai.
Bhishma: Toh kya pratigya ka koi mulya nahi?
Lord Krishna: Avashya hai. Jiss pratigya se saare sansar ko labh

ho uska mulya avashya hai kintu jis shan manushya ki pratigya,
uska nirnay saare sansar ko haani pahunchane lage, usi shan us
pratigya ko todna anivarya ho jaata hai Mahamahim. Aaj Pandavo
ke paksh se yudh karne ka nirnay agar aap naa le paye, tho kum
se kum shastron ka tyag karke apni mrityu ko sveekar kar lijiye.
17.The dialogue between Krishna and Karna is a classic

example of understanding the difference between ignorance
and awareness. However, when you stand up many times to hold
yourself erect and speak your truth, you release yourself from all
the unnecessary drama.Life is a lesson and one should accept all
they are to experience.
416
Karna asks him the most painful question that had pained him all
his life, followed by many other such questions.
Karna asks Krishna – “My mother left me the moment I was

born.
Is it my fault I was born an illegitimate child?

I did not get education from Dhronacharya because I was
considered a non Kshatriya.
ParshuRam taught me but then gave me the curse to forget
everything since I was a non kshatriya.
A cow was accidentally hit by my arrow &
its owner cursed me for no fault of mine.

I was disgraced in Draupadi’s swayamvar.
Whatever I received was through Dhuryodhana’s charity.
So how am I wrong in taking his side?”
Krishna replies,


I got only cow herd’s shed, dung and multiple attempts on my life
teachers,
I had not even received any education.

I joined gurukula of Rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16!
I didn’t get the girl I loved &
rather ended up marrying those who wanted me or the ones I

rescued from demons.
417
I had to move my whole community from the banks of Yamuna to
far off Sea shore,
to save them from Jarasandh.
I was called a coward for running away.
If Dhuryodhana wins the war you will get lot of credit.
What do I get if Dharmaraja wins the war?
Only the blame for the war and all related problems.
Everybody has challenges in life.
*LIFE IS NOT FAIR ON ANYBODY..*
Dhuryodhan also has a lot of unfairness in life and so has
Yudhishthir.
But what is Right (Dharma) is known to your
Mind (Conscience)….
No matter how much unfairness we got,
how many times we were disgraced,
how many times we were denied what was due to us,
what is important is,
How you REACTED at that time…

Stop whining Karna.
Life’s unfairness does not give you license to walk the wrong path
of *अधर्म.*
What Krishna really meant to make Karna understand -
Life wasn’t fair to anyone. In fact, it can never be because in this

human form all of us were here to learn certain lessons and it was
important that we did.
धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः ।

तस्माद्धर्मो न हन्तव्यः मानो धर्मो हतोवाधीत् ॥
Meaning - One who destroys Dharma is destroyed by Dharma/

One who protects Dharma is protected by Dharma
418
He explained just because life has been unfair to you and a certain
person has been good to you, who is essentially a threat to the
entire society; you will, in the end, have to choose your conscience
above the person. It is the right dharma. It is the only way.
Footnote:- The best conversation between two characters from

Mahabharat
Add Comment
.18.GLORIOUS SANATANA DHARMA ( HINDUISM ) HAS

BEEN MURDERED AND BURIED BY THE WHITE INVADER TO
MAKE THE HINDUS SELF LOATHING AND TO "DIVIDE AND
RULE".
Let me give a simple example:
We all know about Bhishma , the great grandsire of Mahabharata

war (4000 BC ). He had the boon of Ichcha mritya - this means ,
he decides when he will die.
In the thick of war, it was clear to Krishna that Arjuna would die at
the hands of Bhishma , the grandfather of both camps Pandavas
and Kauravas..
Bhishma was an unparalleled warrior and even Parashurama could

NOT defeat him in a fight of several days.
Bhishma was known as the complete Guru. He had the stature of

kings and was THE most respected man, as the upholder of
Dharma , on the entire battle field of Kurushketra.
Do not get carried away by stories about Shikandi , the

transgender and Arjuna cowering behind him on the 10th day, to
kill Bhishma by deceit ( Bhishma would never raise his hand
against a woman ).
Krishna felt Arjuna was getting awed again, with such a worthy foe
in front of him.
419
At that time Krishna engaged Bhishma in conversation about his
Dharma .
Krishna stopped the kala chakra ( the wheel of time ) , which

caused arrows to be frozen in mid flight, and took his almighty
form , to show Bhishma who he really is.
As soon as Bhishma saw this Vishwaroopam of Vishnu, he just laid

down his arms and Arjuna teras streaming from his eyes,
peppered Bhishma with arrows.
But what do we Hindus know?
What we know is that Krishna ( with a mistress Radha ) uprooted a

chariot wheel and rushed towards Bhishma in impotent rage ----
-- causing Arjuna to beg him NOT to break the rules of war as a

charioteer, and that he was ready to fight Bhishma.
EVERY PROFOUND THING IN SANATANA DHARMA HAS BEEN

CONVERTED INTO THE PETTY AND MUNDANE BY THE IMMORAL
WHITE INVADER USING THEIR FAKE MUTTS AND INDIAN
STOOGES ..
After the Saraswati river dried up in 4000BC due to a tectonic shift

blocking the river mouth, Vishnu avatar Parashurama came down
to Kerala with Namboodiris teachers in tow holding 4 Vedas, 108
Upanishads and 18 Puranas.
Namboodiris were basically professors from Kerala , proficient in

Sanskrit and subjects like astronomy, math, ayurveda ,
meditation, yoga, etc. - and they just came home bag and
baggage.
420
Parashurama grabbed all fertile lands in Kerala and handed it to
these Namboodiris . He also started thousands of “medicinal herb
environmental reserves “ dubbed as King cobra snake groves. .
http://ajitvadakayil.blogspot.in/2015/09/sanatana-dharma-
hinduism-exhumed-and.html?m=1
19.In the Mahabharata, Kunti meets her first-born son when he is

finishing his late morning prayers by the Ganges. She waits in the
scorching sun till he finishes his prayers at noon. Tagore transfers
the meeting to the glow of twilight deepening into a starlit night.
The softer setting is more appropriate for Tagore’s purpose of
highlighting the human emotions. Also in the epic, Karna does not
really learn about his birth for the first time from Kunti. Krishna
has already told him the details before Kunti has had a chance to
do so, and in any case, Karna seems to know the essential facts
already what Krishna says being merely a confirmation. Tagore,
interested in making a different kind of audience impact, makes
Karna hear about who his natural mother is from her own mouth,
thus making the encounter much more meaningfully dramatic. At
the same time, Tagore’s Kunti, more of a Victorian aristocratic
matron, is too embarrassed to reveal the actual details of how she
had conceived him out of wedlock, whereas in
the Mahabharata, both Krishna and Kunti relate them to Karna in a
matter-of-fact manner in keeping with the mores of the old epics.
In the original poem, Karna is much sterner with his mother, more
outspoken, acerbic, and unambiguous in his condemnation of her
actions, past and present, more sharply Hindu in his understanding
of right action and caste ethics. He actually offers Kunti the
consolation that he will not kill all her sons: he will either kill
Arjuna or be killed by him, so that she will still remain the mother
of five sons! He is, of course, eventually killed by Arjuna. Tagore’s
treatment is more psychological: Karna is humanized to suit the
tastes of Tagore’s own times. Tagore’s Karna berates his mother
indirectly, rhetorically, through questions, with a mixture of
sentiment and irony. He wavers, is flooded with nostalgia and filial
affection, then retreats to a noble resolve.
421
Jahnavi and Bhagirathi are names for the Ganges. Kripa is a
martial instructor. In the transliterations of proper names I have
given a slight tilt towards the original Bengali sound-values by
making them end-stopped when they are so in Bengali
pronunciation, i.e. Adhirath, not Adhiratha; Bhim, not Bhima;
Arjun, not Arjuna. I have also written Durjodhan and Judhisthir
instead of Duryodhan and Yudhisthir. These are just a few gentle
hints to remind potential readers/performers that this is after all a
Bengali text that has been translated, and it is right that the
names should be heard as they would be in Bengali. Those who
intend to perform the text should find out from native Bengali
speakers how all the names need to be pronounced. It is
impossible to indicate all the sounds without an elaborate
academic apparatus.
This translation was done in the spring of 2000 at the request of

Bithika Raha of London, who choreographed a dance performance
to accompany the words.
Rabindranath Tagore
Dialogue between Karna and Kunti
Karna:
On sacred Jahnavi’s shore I say my prayers
to the evening sun. Karna is my name,
son of Adhirath the charioteer, and Radha is my mother.
That’s who I am. Lady, who are you?
Kunti:
Child, in the first dawn of your life
it was I who introduced you to this wide world.
That’s me, and today I’ve cast aside
all embarrassment, to tell you who I am.

422
Karna:
Respected lady, the light of your lowered eyes
melts my heart, as the sun’s rays melt
mountain snows. Your voice
pierces my ears as a voice from a previous birth
and stirs strange pain. Tell me then,
by what mystery’s chain is my birth linked
to you, unknown woman?
Kunti:
Oh, be patient,
child, for a moment! Let the sun-god first
slide to his rest, and let evening’s darkness
thicken round us. – Now let me tell you, warrior,
I am Kunti.
Karna:
You are Kunti! The mother of Arjun!
Kunti:
Arjun’s mother indeed! But son,
don’t hate me for that. How I still recall
the day of the tournament when you, a young bachelor,
slowly entered the arena in Hastina-city
as the newly rising sun enters the margin
of the eastern sky, still pricked out with stars!
Of all the women watching from behind a screen
423
who was she, bereft of speech, of luck,
who felt within her tortured breast the pangs
of hungering love, a thousand she-snake fangs?
Whose eyes covered your limbs with blessing’s kisses?
It was Arjun’s mother! When Kripa advanced
and smiling, asked you to announce your father’s name,
saying, ‘He who is not of a royal family born
has no right to challenge Arjun at all,’ –
then you, speechless, red with shame, face lowered,
just stood there, and she whose bosom your gleam
of embarrassment burnt like fire: who was that
unlucky woman? Arjun’s mother it was!
Blessed is that lad Durjodhan, who thereupon
at once crowned you prince of Anga. Yes, I praise him!
And as you were crowned, the tears streamed from my eyes
to rush towards you, to overflow your head,
when, making his way into the arena,
in entered Adhirath the charioteer, beside himself
with joy, and you, too, in your royal gear
in the midst of the curious crowds milling around
bowed your only-just-anointed head, and saluted
the feet of the old charioteer, calling him Father.
Cruelly, contemptuously they smiled –
the friends of the Pandavs; and right at that instant
424
she who blessed you as a hero, O you jewel amongst heroes,
I am that woman, the mother of Arjun.
Karna:
I salute you, noble lady. A royal mother you are:
so why are you here alone? This is a field of battle,
and I am the commander of the Kaurav army.
Kunti:
Son, I’ve come to beg a favour of you –
Don’t turn me away empty-handed.
Karna:
A favour? From me!
Barring my manhood, and what dharma requires,
the rest will be at your feet if you so desire.
Kunti:
I have come to take you away.
Karna:
And where will you take me?
Kunti:
To my thirsty bosom – to my maternal lap.
Karna:
A lucky woman you are, blessed with five sons,
and I am just a petty princeling, without pedigree –
where would you find room for me?
Kunti:
425
Right at the top!
I would place you above all my other sons,
for you are the eldest.
Karna:
By what right
would I enter that sanctum? Tell me how
from those already cheated of empire
I could possibly take a portion of that wealth,
a mother’s love, which is fully theirs.
A mother’s heart cannot be gambled away
nor be defeated by force. It’s a divine gift.
Kunti:
O my son,
with a divine right indeed you had one day
come to this lap – and by that same right
return again, with glory; don’t worry at all –
take your own place amongst all your brothers,
on my maternal lap.
Karna:
As if in a dream
I hear your voice, honoured lady. Look, darkness has
engulfed the entire horizon, swallowed the four quarters,
and the river has fallen silent. You have whisked me off
to some enchanted world, some forgotten home,
426
to the very dawn of awareness. Your words
like age-old truths touch my fascinated heart.
It’s as if my own inchoate infancy,
the very obscurity of my mother’s womb
was encircling me today. O royal mother,
loving woman, – be this real, or a dream, –
come place your right hand on my brow, my chin
for just a moment. Indeed I had heard
that I had been abandoned by my natural mother.
How often in the depth of night I’ve had this dream:
that slowly, softly my mother had come to see me,
and I’ve felt so bleak, and beseeched her in tears,
‘Mother, remove your veil, let me see your face,’ –
and at once the figure has vanished, tearing apart
my greedy thirsty dream. That very dream –
has it come today in the guise of the Pandav mother
this evening, on the battlefield, by the Bhagirathi?
Behold, lady, on the other bank, in the Pandav camp
the lights come on, and on this bank, not far,
in the Kaurav stables a hundred thousand horses
stamp their hooves. Tomorrow morning
the great battle begins. Why tonight
did I have to hear from Arjun’s mother’s throat
my own mother’s voice? Why did my name
427
ring in her mouth with such exquisite music –
so much so that suddenly my heart
rushes towards the five Pandavs, calling them ‘brothers’?
Kunti:
Then come on, son, come along with me.
Karna:
Yes, Mother, I’ll go with you. I won’t ask questions –
without a doubt, without a worry, I’ll go.
Lady, you are my mother! And your call
has awakened my soul – no longer can I hear
the drums of battle, victory’s conch-shells.
The violence of war, a hero’s fame, triumph and defeat –
all seem false. Take me. Where should I go?
Kunti:
There, on the other bank,
where the lamps burn in the still tents
on the pale sands.
Karna:
And there a motherless son
shall find his mother for ever! There the pole star
shall wake all night in your lovely generous
eyes. Lady, one more time
say I am your son.
Kunti:
428
My son!
Karna:
Then why
did you discard me so ingloriously –
no family honour, no mother’s eyes to watch me –
to the mercy of this blind, unknown world? Why did you
let me float away on the current of contempt
so irreversibly, banishing me from my brothers?
You put a distance between Arjun and me,
whence from childhood a subtle invisible bond
of bitter enmity pulls us to each other
in an irresistible attraction. –
Mother, you have no answer?
I sense your embarrassment piercing these dark layers
and touching all my limbs without any words,
closing my eyes. Let it be then –
you don’t have to explain why you cast me aside.
A mother’s love is God’s first gift on this earth;
why that sacred jewel you had to snatch
from your own child is a question you may choose
not to answer! But tell me then:
why have you come to take me back again?
Kunti:
Child, let your reprimands
429
like a hundred thunderclaps rend this heart of mine
into a hundred pieces. That I’d cast you aside
is a curse that hounds me, which is why
my heart is childless even with five dear sons,
why it is you that my arms go seeking in this world,
flapping and flailing. It is for that deprived child
that my heart lights a lamp, and by burning itself
pays its homage to the Maker of this universe.
Today I count myself fortunate
that I have managed to see you. When your mouth
hadn’t yet uttered a word, I did commit
a horrendous crime. Son, with that same mouth
forgive your bad mother. Let that forgiveness burn
fiercer than any rebukes within my breast,
reduce my sins to ashes and make me pure!
Karna:
O Mother, give – give me the dust of your feet,
and take my tears!
Kunti:
Son, I did not come
simply in the happy hope of clutching you to my breast,
but to take you back where you by right belong.
You are not a charioteer’s son, but of royal birth –
so cast aside the insults that have been your lot
430
and come where they all are – your five brothers.
Karna:
But Mother, I am a charioteer’s son,
and Radha’s my mother – glory greater than that
I have none. Let the Pandavs be Pandavs, the Kauravs
Kauravs – I envy nobody.
Kunti:
With the puissance of your arms
recover the kingdom that’s your own, my son.
Judhisthir will cool you, moving a white fan;
Bhim will hold up your umbrella; Arjun the hero
will drive your chariot; Dhaumya the priest
will chant Vedic mantras; and you, vanquisher of foes,
will live with your kinsmen, sole ruler in your kingdom,
sitting on your jewelled throne, sharing power with none.
Karna:
Throne, indeed! To one who’s just refused the maternal bond
are you offering, Mother, assurances of a kingdom?
The riches from which you once disinherited me
cannot be returned – it’s beyond your powers.
When I was born, Mother, from me you tore
mother, brothers, royal family – all at one go.
If today I cheat my foster-mother, her of charioteer caste,
and boldly address as my own mother a royal materfamilias,
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if I snap the ties that bind me to the lord
of the Kuru clan, and lust after a royal throne,
then fie on me!
Kunti:
Blessed are you, my son, for you are
truly heroic. Alas, Dharma, how stern your justice is!
Who knew, alas, that day
when I forsook a tiny, helpless child,
that from somewhere he would gain a hero’s powers,
return one day along a darkened path,
and with his own cruel hands hurl weapons at those
who are his brothers, born of the same mother!
What a curse this is!
Karna:
Mother, don’t be afraid.
Let me predict: it’s the Pandavs who will win.
On the panel of this night’s gloom I can clearly read
before my eyes the dire results of war:
legible in starlight. This quiet, unruffled hour
from the infinite sky a music drifts to my ears:
of effort without victory, sweat of work without hope –
I can see the end, full of peace and emptiness.
The side that is going to lose –
please don’t ask me to desert that side.
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Let Pandu’s children win, and become kings,
let me stay with the losers, those whose hopes will be dashed.
The night of my birth you left me upon the earth:
nameless, homeless. In the same way today
be ruthless, Mother, and just abandon me:
leave me to my defeat, infamous, lustreless.
Only this blessing grant me before you leave:
may greed for victory, for fame, or for a kingdom
never deflect me from a hero’s path and salvation.
Add Comment
20.The conversation between Krishna and Karna, just

before Karna's death.
Arjuna and Karna were fighting. Krishna knew that to end the war
quickly, Karna had to die today. So, he tried to convince Karna and
explain how he has been on the wrong side all his life and how he's
not able to see Duryodhan's selfish motives.
Karna: (Convinced) I accept your order Vasudeva. I accept death.

Please ask forgiveness for me from my mother Kunti. Tell Panchali
that I've spilled my blood to wash my sins. But, I have one
question for you Vasudeva. Will the world never know of my
might, my virtue?
Krishna: Radhey, when you are not holding your weapon, your
chariot is stuck in the ground and you are unable to remember
your learnings, we are banking on such an opportunity to kill you.
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Is this not a testament to your might? The world shall always
remember this.
Karna hugs Krishna.
Karna: The sun is about to set. You better kill me now. If I'm able
to free my chariot, I will escape. And, I will surely try to free it.
I'm a warrior- it's my duty to keep trying till the last moment.
When Karna is struggling to free his chariot, Krishna pursuades

Arjun to kill him. This is how, arguably, the best warrior of
Kurukshetra was killed.
21.This is during a fight between arjuna and karna.
With all his might arjuna fired an arrow to karna’s chariot. with a
great thundering speed, arrow strikes the chariot, pushing it
backwards to some 10 steps.
With an egoistic smile on his face, arjuna looks at krishna

expecting some words of applaud. Krishna doesn't speak a word
and just smiles back at him humbly.
Now its the time for karna to take his shot. Karna takes out his
weapon,in no time fires it at arjuna’s chariot. This time arjuna’s
chariot is pushed back by a small distance of some 2 steps.
Krishna : (with a loud and enthusiastic voice) Shabhash karna,

that was great’.
Arjuna gets confused, jelous and angry.
Arjuna : ‘when i moved his chariot to that long distance,

you didn't say a word and now you are praising him.’
Krishna : (with a soft and pleasing voice) what you pushed was

just a man with chariot. And what he pushed , was the
entire world in a chariot. (Meaning entire world lies within
almighty lord krishna and karna was able to move it all.)
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Arjuna still confused and trying to understand krishna’s words,
continues to fight karna
22.Sri Krishna and Bhim
Every one knows that Lord Krishna was loved and respected by all
but the kind of bond he had with Arjuna was not explainable. This
story shows how much Arjuna was devoted to Lord Krishna.
So, one night, after the whole day's fight, continuous brutal
attacks, mental and physical atrocities, Arjuna was sleeping on his
bed calmly and Lord Krishna was watching him with all the love
and just moving his feather-like gentle and soft hand over his
wounds.
The mighty Bhim was also sitting nearby and was watching
everything very keenly.
Out of curiosity and a little jealousy, he gathered the courage to

ask Lord Krishna his doubt.
Bhim : Govind, why is it so that your whole love is inclined

towards Arjuna only ?
Krishna : just smiles..
Bhim : I mean we all have fought equally well in the battlefield.

We all have suffered same wounds and same agony. Then why
just Arjuna only on the receiving end when it comes to getting
love from you. ?
Krishna : Go on..
Bhim : This is very unjust of you. You dont love us equally. You

favour partiality.
Krishna : Ok my dear Bhim, I agree with you. But, answer my

one question, Do you love me the way Arjuna do ?
Bhim : Ofcourse.
Krishna : I dont think so. How can you say that ?
Bhim : How can you say that Arjuna loves you the most than all
of us do ?
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Krishna holds the ears of Bhim, drag him down, put his ear on the
feet of Arjuna and says, “Listen carefully..”
What Bhim hears, shocks him to the core.
There were sounds of 'Hare Krishna' coming from each and

every hair on Arjuna's body.
Krishna : So, can you say now you love me as much as the

Arjuna do ?
Bhim : No my lord, I cant even think of matching the level of

devotion that Arjuna has for you.
Add Comment
23.In the history of mankind, there has been just one such
conversation, which isn’t just the best conversation, it also
gave us one of the lost widely read scriptures. It was
between two most revered characters: Bhagvan Shri
Krishna & Arjun!
The Conversation as we know it, is the BHAGVAD GITA. (this, as

we know is the most important message of the MAHABHARATA).
Strangely enough, this conversation of the highest spiritual

loftiness and of peace, love and devotion, underlining the value
and importance of performing our DHARMA and how that results
in KARMA.
In this series of Questions asked by Arjuna, and answered by Shri

Krishna, guides human beings how they should live their lives,
perform their duties without expecting the fruits of their actions
(and trust God to deliver it). Here we learn to value every living
being/life form.
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The finest message comes when Shri Krishna explains how
mankind should seek the ultimate goal - MOKSHA (freedom
form the cycle of life, death and rebirth).
These are some of the quotes by some of the greatest men who
have walked on Earth. I am too small a man to put my comments
here. So, I will just put some Shlokas here to add to the quotes
above.
Krishna explains why He, though a God, has to perform His

duties:
यदि उत्सीदे युरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चे दहम्‌। - Yadi Utsideyurime Lika Na
Kuryan Karma Chedaham;
सं करस्य च कर्ता स्यामु पहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः ॥ -Sankarasya Cha Karta
SyamuPahanYamimah Prajah:
Translation: (Shri Krishna explains here, why He, though being

God also performs his duty to set example for human beings) Thus
if I don’t perform my duties, humans will take it as an example
and forego their duties. Then the difference between truth and lie
will cease to exist, illusion will increase, and in the end society will
be destroyed.
बीजं मम सर्व भूतनं - Beejam mam sarva bhuutanam - -
Translation: (Shri Krishna says) I am the origin of all beings (all

forms of life)”. That’s the reason all life forms are respected by
followers of Sanatana Dharma - Hindus.
437
अनन्यचे ताः सततं यो मां स्मरति नित्यशः । ananya-cetah satatam yo mam
smarati nityasah
तस्याहं सु लभः पार्थ नित्ययु क्तस्य योगिनीः ॥ tasyaham sulabhah partha
nitya-yuktasya yoginah
Translation: O Arjun! A person whose mind is unbounded by
pleasures, who continuously and perpetually remembers me, he
can reach me easily.
मामु पेत्य पु नर्जन्म दुःखालयमशाश्वतम्‌। - mam upetya punar janma

duhkhalayam asasvatam
नाप्नु वन्ति महात्मानः सं सिद्धिं परमां गताः ॥ - napnuvanti mahatmanah
samsiddhim paramam gatah
Translation: Having attained me, the great souls never return

to this house full of sorrows and take transitory rebirth as
they have reached the ultimate bliss
पत्रम पु ष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्यो प्रयच्चति - patram pushpam phalam

toyam yo me bhaktyo prayacchati,
तद अहम् भक्ति-उपहारतम असनामी प्रयत्यनामः - tad aham bhakti-

upahratam asnami prayatmanah:
Translation: Whether a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water offered to

me with devotion and love, I accept it.
438
सर्वस्य चहम ह्रदि सं निविस्तो - Sarvasya Chaham hridi san-nivisto
Translation: "I DWELL IN EVERY HEART"
सर्व धर्मं परित्याग्यम मम एकम शरणम् व्रज अहम् त्वं सर्व-पापे भ्यो मोक्षयिसमी म सु चः
Sarva Dharma parityagyam mum ekam sharanam vraj tvam
sarva-papobhy mokshayisami ma sucha:
Translation: FOREGO ALL FORMS OF RELIGION AND JUST

SURRENDER UNTO ME, I WILL RELIEVE YOU OF ALL SINS. YOU
SHOULD FEAR NOT!
न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किंचन । - Na Me Paarthasti Kartavyam

Lokesu Kinchan;
नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि ॥ - NaanaVaptaMavaptavyam Vara Ave
Cha Karmani:
Translation: O Arjun! There is nothing left for me to do in the

three worlds, yet (for the sake of mankind to follow, I set excellent
example) I perform my duties.
What has happened was Good, What is happening is Good, What

will happen will be Good. What was your's for which you cry? What
did you bring with you which you have lost? What have you
produced which is destroyed? What you took, you got from here.
What you gave, you got it here, What is your's belonged to
someone earlier and it will belong to someone else later! CHANGE
IS THE LAW OF THE UNIVERSE! ~Shri Krishna~
439
Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata abhyutthanam
adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham”
Translation: “Whenever and wherever there is a decline in
virtue/religious practice, O Arjuna, and a predominant rise
of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself, I manifest
Myself as an embodied being."
"paritranaya sadhunamvinasaya cha duskritam dharma-

samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge"
Translation: To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants,
as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear,
millennium after millennium."
Karmany evadhikaras te ma phalesu kadachana ma karma-phala-

hetur bhur ma te sango ’stv akarmanicc-
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not
entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of
the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing
your duty."
Na jayate mriyate va kadacin nayam bhutva bhavita va na bhuyah

ajo nityah sasvato ’yam purano na hanyate hanyamane sarire" -
"The soul is never born nor dies at any time. Soul has not come
into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being.
Soul is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. Soul is not
slain when the body is slain."
440
Vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya navani grhnati naro ’parani tatha
sarirani vihaya jirnany anyani samyati navani dehi" -
"As a human being puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the
soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and
useless ones."
"Nainam chindanti shastrani nainam dahati pavakah na chainam

kledayanty apo na sosayati marutah"
Soul can’t be cut by sword, nor can fire burn it, water can’t
wet it, and wind can’t wither it. (It is indestructible).
I don’t have to explain further why the BHAGAVAD GITA is

the BEST conversation ever by any two individuals - even if
one of them is a God.
Add Comment
24.Battle of wits between Maharishi Vyasa and Lord

Ganesha
So yeah, Maharshi Vyasa conceived the idea of Mahabharata, and

thought of penning it down and he was looking for a scribe who
could write it down while he dictates.
441
He meditated on Lord Brahma, the creator; seeking advice to find
the right scribe. Lord Brahma referred Lord Ganesha’s to Vyasa.
Lord Ganesha accepted Vyasa’s request on one condition i,e. The

narration should never pause even for a moment, and he is going
to walk away the moment Vyasa pauses.
…But Maharishi Vyasa was no ordinary sage, He accepts

Ganesha’s condition and himself sets a condition for Ganesha, that
the Lord is going to pen it down only if he understands the verses
and the meaning.
So the Lord accepts the challenge.
And the narration begins..
Mahabharat was a not an ordinary poem. It had several hundreds

of stories, thousands of characters, each character having a
background which is inter-twined which several characters.
And Vyasa had a big task in hand, composing the verses at the
same time, taking the story forward.
So Vyasa used to dictate the verses in the most complex phrases

which had several meanings, or introduce a new character in such
a way that, even the great son of Lord Shiva, had a pause for a
few moments to understand the story.
In the meantime, the sage used those moments to compose new

verses and on how to take the story forward.
The verses where the Lord has paused, came to be known

as Vyasa Rahasya.
By the way, I’m too lazy to search for relevant images to be added
on this answer

25.During the Kurukshetra War, after knowing that Karna is

his brother.
442
Arjuna : I killed my own brother (Karna) because of you!
Krishna : Do you think it is you who killed him? No, it is not you.
Before you, Six people killed him:
Indra procured Karna's kavacha kundala (armour) from him as

alms.
Parasuram with his curse on Karna that the brahmastra be
useless.
A Brahman who lost his son because of Karna, cursed that his
chariot will not function at the time of need.
Your mother Kunti who made Karna vow that the Nagastra
shouldn't be stroked on you for the second time.
… (more) King Shalya(charioteer) did not assist when the
chariot stuck in the middle of the war (Brahman's curse)
And finally, I, who saved you from Nagastra( by lowering the
chariot).
Thus, 6 people have saved you by killing him in all these ways. But
you're mourning here believing that it is you who killed him.
Source : Karnan movie
Image Source: Google Images.
Literary Sources :
Indra
Indra realized that Karna would be invincible in battle and unable
to be killed as long as he had his Kavach and Kundal. He
approaches Karna as a poor Brahmin during Karna's sun-worship.
Surya warned Karna of Indra's intentions, but Karna
thanked Surya and explained that he was bound by his word and
could not send anyone from his door empty-handed. When Indra
approached Karna in the form of a Brahmin beggar and asked his
Kavach and Kundal as alms, Karna reveals that he knew the
Brahmin's true identity but assured that he would never turn
anyone away. Indra became ashamed and took his normal form.
Cutting the armor and earrings off his body, Karna handed them
to Indra. As he does so, heavens opens up and all the gods and
celestial beings in all realms appeared in sky and showered flowers
on Karna. They praised that it was the greatest charity the world
have ever witnessed. In order to escape from such severe shame
Lord Indra asked Karna to accept a gift in return. Karna rejected
this offer telling that he didn't give charity expecting anything in
443
return. All Gods, Deva's, sages and celestial beings requested
Karna to accept any gift in return in order to save them from the
insult that was caused by Indra upon them. Obeying the celestial
beings and as per the request of Lord Indra, Karna, as his father
had instructed him, asked for the Vasavi Shakti. Indra granted the
boon, with the stipulation that Karna could only use the weapon
once. In some versions of the story, Indra gives Karna the name
"Karna" for this great act”[1]
Parasuram
“Since thou hast, from avarice of weapons, behaved here with
falsehood, therefore, O wretch, this Brahma weapon shalt not
dwell in thy remembrance 1. Since thou art not a Brahmana, truly
this Brahma weapon shall not, up to the time of thy death, dwell
in thee when thou shalt be engaged with a warrior equal to
thyself!”[2]
Brahmana
“Filled with wrath, the Brahmana, rebuking him, said these words,
'O thou of wicked conduct, thou deservest to be killed. Let the fruit
of this act be thine, O thou of wicked soul. While fighting him, O
wretch whom thou always challengest, and for whose sake thou
strivest so much every day, the earth shall swallow the wheel of
thy car! And while the wheel of thy car shall thus be swallowed up
by the earth, thy foe, putting forth his prowess, will cut off thy
head, thyself being stupefied the while!”[3]
Kunti
“But you must promise about the safety of four of your brothers.
You have given me that pledge and you must discharge that
promise”[4]
Shalya
“…. Both the warriors fired celestial weapons at will. Karna pulled
out his Nagastra and aimed it straight at Arjuna's head was about
to fire it when he was interrupted by Shalya. 'Karna! Do not aim
for the head....Aim for the chest!' Shalya shouted. In the heat of
the battle, Karna unfortunately did not heed Shalya's warning....or
probably he thought that Shalya was still trying to distract him by
degrading him and fired the nagastra straight at Arjuna's head.
Arjuna was not quick enough and could not defend against it.” [5]
Krishna
444
“I will today slay that hero of fierce prowess, like an exceedingly
infuriate elephant slaying an infuriate compeer. I shall, by my
mind alone, hurl today at Partha, for my victory, that weapon of
immeasurable energy, called the brahmastra. Arjuna will never be
able to escape that weapon, if only the wheels of my car do not
sink into the Earth in battle today”[6]
Footnotes
[1] http://Sayantan Gupta (2014). The Karna Pages.
Authorspress. p. 400. ISBN 978-81-7273-922-5
[2] Santi Parva: Rajadharmanusasana Parva: Section III
[3] Santi Parva: Rajadharmanusasana Parva: Section II
[4] http://Debroy, Bibek. Mahabharata: Vol. 5. Best Books, 2012.
[5] Karna - Part 8 of 8
26.It is the conversation
between Gandhari and Dhritarastra. The conversation is
retrospective, it is sad, it is romantic, it is nostalgic, and it
contains in it both the fruitfulness and fruitlessness of life.
It happens when they, towards the end of their life, are
living in Himalayas along with Vidura and Kunti.
After the morning’s tasks in the hut were completed, Vidura took
Dhritarastra’s hand, and Kunti led Gandhari to a cool, shaded spot.
They seated the blind couple, then sat down themselves a little
behind. Gandhari was sitting quietly. she let out a deep sigh.
52
Dhritarastra turned his face towards her and said a little scornfully,
‘What’s the use of sighing now? Our life has been just what two
blind people could expect.’ His word and tone startled Gandhari.
She would not normally have replied back but the scorn in his
word pricked her. She answered a little drily, ‘I wasn’t sighing for
my sorrow, Your Majesty. Since we came here, the mountain
breeze, the thick carpet of needles underfoot, the light smell of the
pines, the sighing of the forest in the breeze, and the constant
murmuring of the river, all have reminded me of Gandhara; and
without realising it, I sighed. That’s all.’ At her words, Dhritarastra
lost all desire to hurt her. He said with pity, ‘Really, Gandhari, your
life was ruined by being bound to a blind man, wasn’t it? All your
life you must have yearned for your parents’ home.’ Gandhari
445
answered, ‘Not at all. The day I married you I suppressed all
thoughts of my parents’ home. Today I was recalling the country
of Gandhara, not the people. Your Majesty knows that though I
lived in the same courtyard as my brother, I never spoke to him.’
Several moments went by in silence. Vidura and Kunti sat with
astonished expressions. Kunti looked as if she was worrying about
the trend of the couple’s conversation. It was now Dhritarastra’s
turn to speak. The scorn was gone from his voice. Almost
pleadingly he said, ’You were deceived. Without being told of my
blindness you were married to me. We did you a thousand wrongs,
Gandhari. But you have paid them back. Can’t you ever forgive
and forget?’
Thinking that such a conversation should not be overheard by a

third party, Vidura and Kunti rose silently and started to leave. But
the blind Dhritarastra’s ears were quicker than the ordinary man’s
eyes. Turning towards Vidura and Kunti, he said, ‘Wait, don’t go.
Sit here. So far in our relationship as husband and wife nothing
has taken place in private. There is no reason for any privacy now.
As your elder I order you to stay.’ As soon as he heard the two sit
down he turned again to Gandhari and said in a choked but excited
voice, “Really, you have punished me severely, Gandhari. I didn’t
think so at first; at the wedding ritual when you stood with your
eyes bound, I did not take it too seriously. I thought that I would
plead with you and be able to extinguish your anger with my love.
But that was not to be. At night when you came to the
bedchamber, your eyes were still bound, and you came stumbling,
clutching someone’s hand. I was born blind. I had become used to
moving about without seeing. But you had deliberately covered
your eyes. Your body was not used to blindness. What a horrible
night! I don’t know why I didn’t kill you right then.” Gandhari too
retorted bitterly, “I wish you had. At least we would have avoided
this horrible future.” “Don’t talk like that, Gandhari,” Dhritarashtra
said passionately. “No matter how weak we Kuru men have
become we are still Kshatriyas. We don’t show our manhood by
killing women.”
Then he went on as if he had not been interrupted, “I was king. I

could have torn off that blindfold. But I thought that instead of
forcing you with my authority, I would persuade you in time. But
your first day’s resentment became permanent. When you had
children I thought of saying, ‘Gandhari, if not for me, at
446
least to see the face of your child unbind your eyes.’ But by
that time my heart too had hardened. Perhaps you would have
done it for the children, but I was not ready to give you the
chance. I had a kind of revengeful pleasure in knowing you would
never see the face of your son. Going around with your eyes
bound you were playing the part of a devoted wife. You were
chained by the results of your own actions. Never again could you
open your eyes of your own accord. You could only have done it
by my order. And that I would not give.”
“Through love for our children — blind love though it was — we

came close. Until that time you never felt that I belonged to
you. We Kuru men have done great injustices to
women. And we have paid in full for them too. In Amba’s wrath
Bhishma was burned. I am still burning in yours. My children too
have been destroyed in it. Kunti also was married to a deficient
man. But at least she fulfilled the role of a faithful, if not a very
beloved wife during her husband’s life. After his death she
constantly guarded the welfare of her children. Every person gets
entangled in a mesh of injustices. I wronged you. Pandu wronged
Kunti. And whose wrongdoing was it that Pandu and I should lead
such fruitless lives? Can we say that the wrongs done to our
mothers, the misery they suffered, brought this curse on us? Poor
Vidura was the only one completely sound in mind and body. He
was the son of the same father as we were. But because his
mother was a servant, he could not become king. He did not try to
take revenge on anyone for his life’s disappointment. Kunti and
Vidura were the only two people in our whole clan who were
consciously watchful. You feel, Gandhari, that you have been
cheated and deceived, but think for a moment: in the three
generations of our family every person has been cheated
and deceived. I am pleading with you not merely to ask for
forgiveness, but to persuade you to give up your fight against life.
Give up your anger, not only against me, but against life itself. My
injustice to you does not give you the right to do an injustice to
your children, to your whole life. How can one wrong compensate
another, Gandhari? At least now take off that blindfold. Learn to
look at the world, at human beings, and at your own past life
objectively. Our life is nearly over. At least do not die with your
eyes bound.” Dhritarashtra could not speak any more. The others
too were immersed in the thoughts he had stirred. After a long
while Gandhari said softly, “Your Majesty, I have uncovered my
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eyes, but I still can’t see clearly.” For the first time in his life
Dhritarashtra gripped her hand hard and cried like a child. In the
Kuru clan Dhritarashtra and Gandhari were the participants of joys
and sorrows; Vidura and Kunti were merely witnesses. But today
the witnesses also became involved and their eyes were filled with
tears. After his emotion had subsided, Dhritarashtra said gently,
“Gandhari, in a day or so, with Kunti’s help, you will learn to see.
The day you can see clearly, take me by the hand and seat me
here.” No one could speak any more. After returning to the hut
too, each one was absorbed in his own thoughts.
Two days went by. Gandhari had learned to get about using her
eyes. Taking the king’s hand, she led him to his usual seat. Again
everyone sat down, and as if the two days had not intervened,
their conversation continued. Dhritarashtra kept Gandhari’s hand
in his. He began to speak, “Gandhari, you are younger than I am.
When I am gone you will be able to manage by yourself now.”
Hearing these words, Gandhari put her hand on his lips. “Never,
Your Majesty, that will never happen. I did not hold your hand in
order to let it go again. I have opened my eyes not merely for
myself but for both of us.” Again Dhritarashtra could not speak.
After a long time he quieted his mind and said, “Gandhari, I can
smell and hear what you cannot see. Look, there is a forest fire
somewhere. Since morning I have been smelling smoke. I have
been hearing the cries of frightened animals. I think that
somewhere on this side of the river, behind us, the forest is on
fire. It is not yet close enough to feel the heat. Look and see.”
Vidura, Kunti, and Gandhari rose and looked. Yes, in the distance
they began to see smoke. They saw reddish, yellowish tongues of
flame moving. All three sat down again. Gandhari said softly but
clearly, “Your Majesty is right. The fire is not even a half mile
away.” Dhritarashtra said, “It will be harder than you thought to
hold my hand till the end. I am tired of living here waiting for
death, of having the children visit us every five or six months,
stirring up old griefs, so that I have to quiet my mind all over
again. You can cross the river and escape from the fire.” Gandhari
gripped Dhritarashtra’s hand more firmly, “Your Majesty, now I am
not going to leave you. Come,instead of waiting for the fire, let us
walk towards it.” “You are right, Gandhari.” Dhritarashtra stood
up. He and Gandhari started forward. Hearing Vidura and Kunti
coming behind them, he stopped, “You too—” That was all he said.
Again he turned and started forward.
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An extraordinary thing was happening. A sati was holding her
living husband’s hand and walking to the pyre. Instead of lifting his
dead brother’s widow from the flames, a brother-in-law (Vidura)
was walking to the fire with her.
From “Yuganta: The end of an epoch” by Iravati Karve.
27.The best conversation in Mahabharat as per me is

between Shri Krishna and his brother Balram.
Background:
When it was evident that the battle between Kaurav and Pandavs
will happen both sides reach out to Shri Krishna and Balram for
help. While Shri Krishna decided to stay with Pandav's (although
said that he will not fight or use any weapon); Balram decided not
to support anyone, stayed neutral and went on to pilgrimage.
Fast Forward: Last day of Mahabharat Final battle between Bhim

and Duryudhan - Balram was present at this point to see the battle
of his two studentsBheem and Duryodhan, both students of Balram
had final mace fight (gada-yudh). As a rule in a mace fight one
must not hit below the belt.
Bheem had taken a pledge to break Duryodhan's thigh when

Duryodhan insulted Draupadi (Bheem's wife) in a game of
gambling.
So during the battle Bhim broke Duryodhan's thigh and defeated

him in the mace fight; this didnot go down well with Balram who
thought that Bhim lost all his dignity by hitting below the belt to
win the fight and andvances to kill him.
At this point Shri Krishna stopped Balram and said;"I agree that
Bhim lost his dignity by hitting below the belt however where were
you when Duryodhan demean his dignity by cheating Pandvas to
death by burning the palace named lakshgrah to kill all of them,
when his uncle's pretence in game of gambling was visible to
everyone, when Draupadi was pulled by her hairs and brought in
plenum, when this despicable Duryodhan slapped his bare thigh
and asked Drupadi to sit there.
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You did not raise an eyebrow then and now you want to kill Bhim
who fulfill his Pledge. Listen my brother this thigh had to be
broken.
Tell me brother what had you done if you were in Bhim's place.
Hey! Balram don't forget when Arjun and Duryodhan came to you
seeking help in this Dharam Yudh (Holy War) what you
choose...you choose to walk away, you choose to go for
pilgrimage. Brother in the battle of Dharam and Adharam (Right
and Wrong) their is only one pligrimage which is the war zone.
Don't try to make an impact on the war, at the last moment, in

which you did not participate and stayed neutral.
Here is a link to the B R Chopra's Mahabharat Serial of the same

conversation
Add Comment
28.I don’t know whether it is the best conversation but it is

one of the good ones.
It is between Krishna and Arjuna.
Rukmini wrote a letter to krishna that is going to be married

forcefully by her brother Rukmi. Lord krishna devised a plan along
with Arjuna so that they can escape Rukmini from her palace and
marry her running away.
Arjuna: It is dharma(right) to run away with a girl. Is it right to

marry her without participating in swayamvara.
Krishna: Hindering a person’s independence or restricting a girl to

follow her path, not allowing to marry the person of her choice is
the biggest adharma… So no wrong in doing this.
Now here comes the question- if what Krishna told is dharma,

since all the hindus worship him as God are they really following
him?
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Do Hindus really follow dharma as preached in the religion. If so
what are they doing all these years. How many of the Hindu girls
are suppressing their feelings because they cannot marry the
person of their choice because they feel that their parents will
become low in society??And why does the society feels it as a
wrong thing to do??
I think they only say they are following the religion, but really
never knows what is actually in it. They are following the principles
of their own dharma
Add Comment
29.Bhagavad-Gita: A Conversation between Sri Krishna and

Arjun
Bhagavad-Gita: A Conversation between Sri Krishna and

Arjun
Five thousand years ago, when Arjun refused to fight the

upcoming battle at Kurukshetra, Krishna overcame Arjun’s
reluctance to fight by analyzing the idea of the self, and showing
that the man is in error who thinks that he is doing this, that or
something else. And when it is found that what Arjun calls “I” is a
sort of fiction created by avidya, his own metaphysical ignorance,
a great part of difficulty ceases to exist. Krishna further proceeds
to demonstrate the existence of a higher individuality, of which
Arjun had no previous knowledge. Then He points out that this
individuality is connected with Parbrahman, the Causeless Cause
or the First Cause of the Western world and goes on to describe
the Nature of Parbrahman and says that It is none other than
His avaykta form. In order to make him firm of purpose, Krishna
gives Arjun further teachings on the battlefield. However, for our
benefit, Sanjaya, the counselor and charioteer of the blind
king Dhritraashtra, with antenna raised in the ‘line of sight’ of the
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battle, received a clear video and an audio signal
from Kurukshetra, the partial text of which is given hereunder:
Arjun: “na yotsya iti govindam, na yotsya iti govindam…Hey

Govind, the very thought of war itself gives me grief and I feel
dejected, therefore, I will not fight.”
Krishna: “ashochann vashochatsvam pragyaaddanshch

bhaashase, gataasoon gtaasoonshch naanushochanti panditaah…
Hey Arjun, you grieve for those who should not be grieved for and
yet seemingly speak like a wise man; but the wise men do not
grieve for the living or the dead.”
Arjun: “nimittaani ch pashyaami vipritaani Keshav…Hey Keshav!

Wherever I look, I see nothing but evil and unpleasant omens in
the upcoming battle.”
Krishna: “yah sarvatraanbhistrehast-tattpraapya
shubhashubham…a karma-yogi does not care for omens. He is
unattached to everything because he neither rejoices when
meeting pleasant circumstances nor does he ever feel dejected if
he encounters any unpleasant events.” And furthermore:
“shubhaashubh parityaagi bhaktimaanyah sa me priyah…my
devotee always renounces good and evil premonitions and
circumstances, and he, while fixing his mind on me, by my grace,
overcomes all difficulties.”
Arjun: “In this battle, I do not foresee any good resulting from the
slaughter of my friends and relatives.”
Krishna: “sarva-dharmamapi chaavekshya na vikampitum-

arhasi…there is nothing more welcome to a warrior than a
righteous war, Arjun. One’s own duty though devoid of merit is
preferable to the duty of another well performed, because even
death in the performance of one’s duty brings happiness.”
Arjun: “na kaankshe vijayam krishna na ch raajayam sukhaani

ch…But I do not covet victory, kingdom or even luxuries. And of
what use will this kingdom, luxuries or even life be to us, hey
Keshav, if we kill all the friends of our childhood days.”
Krishna: “A Karma-yogi should fight while treating victory and

defeat alike, gain and loss alike, pain and pleasure alike and
fighting thus, he does not incur sin.”
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Arjun: “ye shaamarthe kaankshitam no raajayam bhogaah
sukhaani ch…those for whose sake we seek kingdom and pleasure-
teachers, uncles, sons, nephews, grand uncles and other relatives,
they all stand here today on the battlefield staking their lives,
property and wealth.”
Krishna: “niraashi nirmamo bhootva yudhyasva vigatjvarah…

Dedicating all actions to Me and with your mind fixed on Me, freed
from the feelings of hope and sadness and cured of mental fever,
Hey Arjun, you must fight. Because he who has given up all
desires and has become free from the feelings of “I” and “Mine”
eventually attains peace.”
Arjun: “nihatya dhaartraashtraanah kaa preetih syaaj janaardan…

Hey Govind, I have yet to understand, what delight can we derive
by slaying the relatives of Dhritraashtra.”
Krishna: “raagdvesh_viyukttaistu vishayaanindriyaishchran…
Delight is not derived either by fighting or by not fighting. On the
contrary, it is derived by being free from likes and dislikes and that
too, only after controlling one's senses.”
Arjun: “Will I not incur sin by slaying my friends, relatives and my

teachers?”
Krishna: “Hey Arjun, if you refuse to fight this righteous war and

shy away from your innate duty, you will lose your reputation as a
warrior and thus you will definitely incur sin.”
Arjun: “How can we be happy by slaying our own friends, relatives

or even the noble elders. Because even after killing them, we will
only enjoy the blood stained pleasures in the form of wealth and
sense-enjoyments.”
Krishna: “Happy are the warriors who obtain such an unsolicited

opportunity for war which opens the door to heaven. Stand up and
perform your duty and, therefore, fight with peace in thy soul.”
Arjun: “In this war, don’t you think that we should restrain
ourselves and withdraw from the sin of the destruction of the
family?”
Krishna: “kalaibyam maasm gamah paarth

naittalavaya_padyate…don’t yield to this unmanliness and shake
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off this faint heartedness also, Arjun. Stand up and perform your
duty and, therefore, fight.”
O son of Pritha, yield not to unmanliness,
It is not worthy of you, a man of prowess,
This petty weakness of the heart cast off,
O oppressor of foes; now try to get up.
Arjun: “If we fight, will it not result in the destruction of Dharma,

that is, virtue, duty and moral action.”
Krishna: “At first, you are not even ready to fight this righteous
war and yet, you ask what would happen to Dharma. In my
judgment, Dharma will be lost any way.”
Arjun: “dharme nashte kulam kritasnam- dharmo-abhibhavatyut…

This war will result in vitiation of women and in the admixture of
castes by which the manes and their races will fall; social virtues
and family merits will also be ruined.”
Krishna: “utseedeyurime lokaa na kuryaam karma chedaham…

Have you ever consideredwhat might happen if I don’t perform my
duty conscientiously? I shall be the cause of confusion of the social
norms. The admixture of castes will be caused even without
waging the war and I will still be held responsible for it.”
Arjun: “narke aniyatam vaaso bhavateetya nushushrum…I think

that this war will definitely lead us to hell.”
Krishna: “sukhinah kshatriyaah paarth labhante yudh

meedrisham…On the other hand, Arjun, such warfare is always an
open gateway to heaven and happy are the warriors who easily
find in war an open door to heaven.”
If in the war you are slain,
The bliss of heaven you shall gain;
Or if you may become the victor
Shall enjoy the earthly pleasure
Hence, O son of Kunti, do get up

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And your mind for the battle make up.
Arjun: “aho bat mahatpaapam kartu vyavasitaa vayam…it is a

shame that, though possessed of intelligence, and yet, motivated
by greed, we are bent upon perpetrating the great sin of killing our
relatives and friends.”
Krishna: “kaam esh krodh esh rjoguna samudbhavah…it is greed

in the form of desires which is insatiable and grossly wicked. Its
man’s enemy and conduces him to commit sin. Therefore, in all
circumstances, it is the greed that should be renounced.”
Arjun: “katham bhishmaham sankhye dronam ch madhusudan…

Hey Madhusudan! How shall I fight; with arrows against my
teachers, such as Bhishma and Drona, who are also worthy of
worship.”
Krishna: “kaalo asmi lok-kshaya krit pravridho…Hey Arjun, do you

fail to recognize that as much as everything else, I am death, the
Inflamed Kaal, the destroyer of the worlds. For your information, I
am here to exterminate all these people and even without you, all
those warriors arrayed in the enemy’s camp must die. Therefore,
Hey Arjun, rise and win glory and enjoy the affluent kingdom.
These warriors that you see in the battlefield, they stand already
slain by me. maiyevaite nihitaah poorvamev nimittmaatram bhav
savyasaachin…Therefore, O ambidextrous one, in this war you be
merely an instrument; rise above the dualities that exist in this
universe, and, therefore fight, with peace in thy soul.”
Arjun: “gurunhatvaa hi mahaanubhaavam, shreyo bhoktum

bhaikshyamapeeh loke…Is it not better to live on alms than to slay
these noble elders.”
Krishna: “shreyaan svadhrmo vigunah par

dharmaatasvanshthitaat, svadharme nidhnam shreyah pardharmo
bhayavahah…How many times should I remind you that it is better
to do one’s duty though imperfect, than the duty of another even
well performed. Even death in the performance of one’s duty
brings happiness and salvation.”
Arjun: “You are continually insisting upon waging the war

Madhusudan. But I see a potential a potential policy trap that is
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ready to snare us because we don’t even know what is preferable
for us, that is, to fight or not to fight.”
Krishna: “shareer yaatraapi ch te na prasidhyed karmanah….

Perform your obligatory duty, for action is better than inaction.
Since action is rooted in the Imperishable, therefore, if you only do
just that, you will surely conquer the enemies in the war. It’s a fait
accompli that desisting from action, you cannot even maintain
your body, much less to think of your relatives or this kingdom.”
So you perform your allotted action
Since action is better than inaction;
Even maintenance of physical life
Is not possible if you stop the strife
Further, the study of Gita reveals that the Mighty One, besides
answering Arjun’s questions, like any friend or teacher, added
many explanations, of his own accord, and gently whispered thus:
“Free from the fetters of hope and fear, a karma-yogi engages

himself with enthusiasm in the great battle against evil and grief;
the evil of his own nature and the grief of his fellow man. Atman is
for ever free in Its’ own being and for atman, good and evil are but
empty words and the fight against the later is in vain. And the
knowledge that has just been revealed to you, Hey Arjun, for it to
be useful, it must be practiced and absorbed into your heart by
constant endeavor and let no man in the Age of Kali think that the
battle at Kurukshetra is won at the first triumphant blare of
trumpets such as Devadatta and Panchajanya.
Secondly, this Secret Path of Wisdom is free for everyone to take.

Each person has the right to enter this Path but none should ever
compel you to encroach the least upon your will. Iti te gyaan
maakhyatam guhyyaadguhytarm mayaa, vimrishaiye tad
sheshena yathechchasi tathaa kuru This secret wisdom that has
just been revealed to you is more secret than secrecy itself.
Therefore, reflect on it fully and do as you wish. And before we
conclude our discussion, I want to ask: kashchid gyaan samohah
pranashtaste dhananjaya… O Dhanajaya, the winner of wealth and
a millionaire in many currencies, two questions, and they are: 1)
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“did you hear this gospel of Mine with one pointed attention and 2)
has your delusion born out of ignorance melted away or not.”
Arjun: “nashto moha smritir labdhaa tvat prsaadnmyaa achyut,

sthito asmi gat sandeha karishye vachanam tav…After hearing
your discourse, my delusion born out of ignorance is destroyed
and O the Unchanging One, by Your grace, I have recollected my
memory. My doubts are gone and from now on, I shall surely do
your bidding and, therefore, I will fight. However, in the short run,
your policy is workable, but in the long run it creates a major
dilemma.”
Krishna: “First things first, Arjun. You have to first give up your

ego-centricity, and before I go on revealing more esoteric secrets
to you, where the Goal, the Path and the one who treads the Path,
all become the same; you have to first gain some practical and
useful experience. And, once you have fully anchored yourself in
the matters of karma-yoga, in our next encounter let us dwell
on akarma-tattva. If that is agreeable to you, then next time come
fully prepared for it. Until then what do you want me to do?”
Arjun: “Hey Govind, as a friend, charioteer and counselor, you

have performed your duty well. Ready and eager for the upcoming
battle, my brothers must be anxiously waiting for us. Therefore,
Hey Madhusudan, please take my chariot near them so that I may
blow my trumpet, the conch-shell Devadatta and begin to worship
the All Pervading and the Nameless One by performing my natural
duty.”
Krishna: “In that case, Arjun, I will also blow my trumpet, the

conch-shell Panchjanya; and may I ask; what you intend to do
after the war is over.”
Arjun: “Hey Krishna Gopal, I am thinking of emigrating to the

United States.”
Krishna: “America! That sounds like a winner. Since you do not

know the past or the future but I do, therefore, let me give you a
glimpse of the future, as I see it. By the time you get your H-1B
visa or your green card, the human genome would have been
sequenced. Bio prospecting would be at its peak and even my
favorite Basmati rice would be patented. And among other things,
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in America, to the dismay of the people, they would be trading
electricity, bandwidth and even spirituality on the Internet.
In the land of abundance and customer choice, there will be

emotional and spiritual starvation everywhere. Few will understand
the economic psychopathology of their daily lives. The leisure class
will build a super structure of credits, loans and make-believe
capitalization where opportunities for profit will constantly appear,
disappear and reappear. The leisure class, the so called controllers
of the financial super structure, in collusion with the legislature,
will constantly create uncertainty in the society through legislation
so as to create profit for themselves without really working; while
millions will toil beneath the controlled uncertainties.
Instead of believing in their own selves or a higher principle and to

comfort themselves; common people, because of their insecure
lives will believe in almost any brand name product or anyone who
shows up on the lecture circuit. And at the same time, because
of El Nino, there will be a draught of real sages. However,
according to the General Accounting Office, with over two hundred
billion dollar a year non-profit charitable industry in America, there
will be an over-abundance of spirituality entrepreneurs, who will
venture out of the tropical rain forests, especially during
chaumaasaa--the four month rainy season. Self-interest will be
predominant and with very little or no accountability on their part,
only blind faith will be demanded by them and there will be a
pathetic commercialization of faith everywhere.
Furthermore, after technology and the insurance sector,

monetizing spiritual ignorance will become the most profitable
economic activity in America. You will also develop a tendency to
become a celebrity, any celebrity. Also, to satisfy your latent
desire to become a member of the leisure class, you will acquire
three American vices, such as: 1) punctuality 2) efficiency and 3)
the desire to succeed. However, apart from leading a normal daily
life in the mercantile economy you will have many other options to
choose from, namely; 1) Pursue the politicians in power 2)Pursue
the spiritualists3) Go after technologyand the venture capitalistsor
4) Go after your-Self and be a karma-yogi, and for you, Hey Arjun,
this will be as difficult and illusive a goal as detecting ‘neutrinos’ in
the particle accelerator at the Fermi Laboratory in Illinois. But
whatever you decide Arjun, beware, before you forget once again
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and lose yourself in the taamsik drag of the tides of consumerism
in America.”
Arjun: “Hey Govind, why are you so concerned about my drowning

in consumerism now. Don’t you establish the exchange rates and
the easy money policy of America.”
Krishna: “Of course I do and, furthermore, you know very well

that there is no end to my material or divine glories. And, lest you
should forget, let me once again give you a glimpse of a few
moments of my exclusive American splendor or anything else you
may wish to behold even with your fleshy eyes: “bhooya eva
mahaa-baaho shrinu paramam vachah…”
O mighty armed, to my supreme word listen,
Wishing to benefit you I shall tell again.
Know the origin of mine since I am the source,
Of high blood pressure and cholesterol,
In every way, of course
Having embraced the Internet, that is my own;
The host of new technologies that I create alone
In Las Vegas, I am the play of the dice of the cunning,
Also, I am the splendor of the Empire State Building.
Profit and loss, recessions, fame and infamy,
Employment and lay-offs proceed from me.
In America, hotel and motel, know me you,
Dow Jones in New York and Nasdaq too.
Among ballots, O Arjun, I am the vote that counts,
In courts, without me, no elected official ever wins.
To me, O son of Kunti, the voice of dissent prays too;
Because equal and unequal protection of law, I am too.

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In addition, even though I have declared in no uncertain
terms: samoaham sarva bhuteshu, na me dveshoasti na
priyah… that is, I am equally present in all beings, and yet, I have
a feeling that in the Age of Kali also known as the Age of
Consumerism, unlike real sages, the spiritual merchants will
regularly perform dravya-yagyas and use my name to greatly
benefit themselves without even protecting, what the World Trade
Organization refers to as TRIPS or my trade related intellectual
property rights.”
Arjun: “Are you complaining, Madhusudan. How many times

should I remind you, O the Unchanging One, the ways of this
world. Having established your permanent residency in heavenly
place, indeed a place brimming with breathtaking beauty, where
even the Sun’s rays don’t reach, Hey Govind, you seem to have
lost touch with reality, the ‘virtual reality’ as we understand it here
upon this earth. And let me ask you, Hey Madhusudan, in the first
place, who put us in this mess any way? Furthermore, there is a
common saying in the West: ‘As you sow, so shall you reap.’
Therefore, no matter how you look at it, the real option you have
now, while on this earth, is to face the consequences of your
actions, your karma, just like we do, and to soften their blow, use
your will to establish yourself in your inner fortress, and for the
time being, just learn to endure.”
Krishna: “There is nothing difficult in principle. However, very

often, it is easier said than done. On this planet, I am beginning to
feel dejected and you are no help, Arjun. Moreover, my visa is
expiring and soon I will be going back to my permanent abode.
Thanks a million, anyway.”
Arjun: “You are welcome, Krishna. I also have to go now to visit

my mentor…. avajo vahala fari malishu! Goodbye dear, I will see
you around.”
Krishna: “Just thinking about America itself, Arjun, you are

already showing severe symptoms of a common American malady
known as the Listening Deficiency Syndrome, and I wonder, what
will become of you once you go there to live. And before I leave,
let me remind you once again that this malady cannot be cured by
soothsaying or by any over the counter or a prescription medicine.
After your house is paid up and the kids are grown and in your
empty nest, you begin your quest for spiritual wealth; because you
460
are dear to me, therefore, let me, as a friend, give you a
suggestion which, I am sure, will come handy during your long
stay in America; and it is: yaavaanarth udpaane sarvatah
sanpalutodake, taavaansarveshu vedeshu braahamansya
vijaanatah… In your quest for perfection, unless you perform
your Saadhanaa yourself, that is, your sustained spiritual effort; a
mentor will have as much use for a person established in Me, The
Absolute Truth Incarnate and the controller of Maya and not just a
sectarian truth, as is the use of a small well near a lake which is
overflowing with crystal clear water everywhere, Arjun.
Special use of pond is not there
The place is flooded with water everywhere.
So is the use of Veda for a twice-born
Who is conscious with true illumination. 2:46
Furthermore, in the litigious American society, I promise that at

my sole discretion, I shall exercise “Force Majeure” and release
you from all bondage. Thereafter, in no event you shall be liable
for direct, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, whether
based on negligence or violation of the local, state or the
federal karmic laws; as amended from time to time, or otherwise;
and you will also be free to consult and get spiritual advice from
whomsoever you decide. And if you are not totally satisfied in one
year, you can have your money back. But wait a minute, how
much did you pay me.”
Arjun: I am beginning to understand your point of view and I want

to ask you one last question before you leave us on earth and go
back to your Ananadmaya Dham. You always say: “Think of me all
the times while performing your inherent duty, however, please let
me know as to where do you focus your attention when you
meditate, Hey Vasudeva.”
Krishna: “That’s a remarkable question and you are smart for you

have the right resolve. It is not very well known even among the
seers, that whenever I am at the Gandha-
Maadan forest, Pushkar lake or at the Badri mountain, I always
meditate on the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjun. How else do you think I am
able to govern the three-worlds.”
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Having heard the conversation between Sri Krishna and
Arjun, Sanjaya, the silent witness, feeling immensely happy and
reflecting over and over on what he had just heard, and in a
surprising display of reflection, once again says: “yatra
yogeshwarah krishno, yatra paartho dhanurdarah, tatra shrirvijayo
bhootirdhruva neetirmatirmamah … It is my firm conviction that
wherever Krishna, the Master of Yoga is, and wherever the Son
of Pritha, the mighty archer may be, there with certainty are 1)
fortune 2) victory 3) wealth and 4) wise action.” Arjun is Krishna
and Krishna is Arjun, and where these two, together have become
One, all prakriti offers obeisance.
Thus ends the conversation between Sri Krishna and Arjun

commonly known as the Gita-Upanishad(amended).
Ref: Bhagavad-Gita: A Conversation between Sri Krishna and

Arjun | Sulekha Creative
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.30.Conversation between Lord Krishna and Karna

- TEMPTATION OF KARNA
Well, this is one of the beautiful conversations between Lord

Krishna and Karna where krishna tries to tempt karna, of course
by telling the truth of karna.
But KARNA is KARNA.
Source of the below conversation is Temptation Of Karna
462
Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya to narrate him the conversation that
followed between Krishna and Karna , after Krishna had asked the
latter to mount the chariot with him.
Sanjaya tells him that the words that Krishna spoke to mighty
Karna were both pleasant and in conformity with Dharma. And
then he goes On to narrate the conversation between the two.
Krishna at first praises Karna for being knowledgeable

about the truth, dharma and the sacred teachings of Vedas.
And those who are aware of the dharma and sacred teachings of
dharma know that a son born to a maiden is as much a son of hers
as a son born to her after marriage. And then he reveals that
Karna was born to Kunti before her marriage to Pandu, and
thus according to dharma, he then is the son of Pandu.
After revealing the truth about his mother and father, Krishna
then tries to tempt Karna with all kinds of favours and
comforts and luxuries that he will enjoy if he so chooses to
side with Pandavas. Krishna tells him that if he comes with
him, he will become the king, the Pandavas will recognize
him as the eldest brother, for he was born even before
Yudhishthira. All those who have gathered to fight in favour of
Pandavas, including the Pandavas and their sons will bow down to
him, and also that he will be able to approach Draupadi with her
own willingness.
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He will have the assistance of the Pandavas, the five sons of
Draupadi, the Panchalas, and Chedis, and Krishna himself will
instate him as the king and ruler of the earth.
Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti will only be the heir to the

throne and therefore will mount the chariot only afier him.
Similarly, Bhimasena will hold a white umbrella above his
head during his consecration, and
Arjun will hold his chariot.
Narula, Sachdeva and the five sons of Draupadi will always
be there to take his instructions and act accordingly.
He, Krishna, himself will follow, Karna, if he so chooses to side
with the Pandava's camp. He finally asks the mighty warrior to
change his side so that he can enjoy the fruits of the kingdom
along with his brothers, i.e. Pandavas and then tells him that he
should make his decision to let Dravidas, Kuntalas, Andhras,
Talachakras, Chuchupas, Venupas follow him. If he decides to
side with Pandavas, the bards and minstrels will sing in his praise,
and his decision will immensely delight his mother, i.e, Kunti.
Therefore, today he must make his choice so that fraternity
between him and his Pandavas brothers is established.
Karna replies to Krishna by saying that he is aware that everything

that Krishna said was as a well-wisher and someone who wants his
well being. He then tells him that he is aware that he is the son of
Pandu, and that he was born to Kunti from the Sun, even before
she was married to Pandu. But on the instruction of Sun, she
abandoned him and did not think about his welfare. But it was out
of affection that the Suta Adhiratha took him and gave him to his
wife Radha. And it was out of affection for Karna that milk began
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to flow from her breast, even though she had not begotten him,
and she tended to his needs as a child. And for this reason he
has always thought of Adhiratha as his father and Radha as
his mother, as they think of him as their son. And it was his love
for Karna that Adhiratha had Brahmans performed his rites, and
got him wives, through whom he (Karna) was able to enjoy the
pleasure of having sons and grandsons. And for this reason his
heart,
he says, tied to them with great affection, and the riches

and wealth of the entire world will not be able to tempt him
to do false to them.
He further Says, that Duryodhana gave him refuge when he was
shunned and insulted by everyone else. And it was because of him,
that he enjoyed his kingdom for thirteen years. And Duryodhana is
ready to wage war against his enemies because he thinks that
he(Karna) is on his side, and therefore he (Karna) has decided to
fight Arjuna in the upcoming battle while being on Duryodhana's
side. He adds that it would be wrong for him to betray
Duryodhana for fear of death or bondage or for the greed of
wealth and kingdom. And if he chooses not to fight with Arjuna
and switches side just before the war, it will bring ill fame for both
him and Arjuna. Karna then urges Krishna not to reveal the
contents of this conversation to anyone, for if Yudhishthira
were to know that Karna is the first born son of Kunti, he would
never accept the kingdom even if he has won the war and
will hand over the kingdom to him(Karna) who will hand it
over to Duryodhana.
But Karna knows that the war will be won by the Pandavas, and he
says that Yudhishthira has warriors like Arjuna and Bhimasena at
his side, Krishna as his leader, and also he has dharma in his soul.
He then names other warriors of Yudhishthira and says that with
them being on his side, the victory of Yudhishthira is sealed. There
is nothing in the world that could prevent Pandavas from winning
the war. Dhritarashtra’s son Duryodhana will undertake a sacrifice
with weapons, and when this sacrifice is performed, Krishna will
be adhvaryu (one who recites from Yajur Veda), and Bibhatsu
(Arjuna) will be hotar (one who reads from Rigveda). The butter
used in this sacrifice will be valour of men, and Abhimanyu will be
the gravastotra (Gravastotra is an invocation when the soma
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juice is extracted. Gravastotra is also a priest who chants this
invocation).
In this sacrifice of Duryodhana, Bhimasena will be udgatar (one

who recites from Sama Veda) and Prastota (a priest who
prepares the presentations during Sama Veda sacrifice). Madri's
sons, Nakula and Sahdeva, will play the role of shamitars (priests
in charge of sacrificing animals). He then describes a scene of the
war and says that the 'blood spilled in the war will be the
oblation. The person who will perform this ‘sarifice will be
Dhritarashtra and the role of his wife will be played by the
great army that will assemble in Kurukshetra. Ghatotkacha
will be shamitar in the sacrifice, and because of his birth from the
fire, Dhrishtadyumna will be the dakshina.
Karna then expresses his regret for the harsh word that he used
against Pandavas so that he can please Duryodhana. He says that
he is now tormented by his action. Karna exhibits the knowledge
of his own death, and says that when Krishna will see him die at
the hands of Arjuna, it will be punashchiti (A type of sacrifice
associated with Yajur Veda). In this context, however, the term
can be understood as the second part of the sacrifice. When
Pandavas will drink Duhshasana's blood in the battlefield, it will
be drinking of soma, and the conclusion of the sacrifice will be
the death of Drona and Bhishma at the hands of
Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi respectively. And the end of
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sacrifice will be when Bhimasena will kill Duryodhana. After the
war, the relatives of the Kauravas will gather, including Gandhari,
and will weep and cry over the corpses of the dead ones. Karna
then requests Krishna to let all these things happen, and let all
the Kashtriya meet in Kurukshetra so that their deaths are
not fruitless. He asks Krishna to let all the Kashtriyas meet their
death through weapon in the Kurukshetra, so that their souls can
ascend to heaven. He then says that people and Brahmanas will
speak of this great battle of Bharata as long as mountains are
there and as long as the rivers will flow. Karna ends his speech by
asking Krishna to bring Arjuna to fight with him, and to not let the
content of this conversation be known by anyone.
After listening to Karna, Krishna smiles and then asks Karna if he

is not tempted by everything that he(Krishna) offered him.
He asks if he does not desire to rule the earth that Krishna will
offer him, if he chooses to come with him. There is no doubt that
the end of war will see the victory of Pandavas. He tells Karna
there will be no more krita age, or dvapara age or treta
age when he sees the white horses in the battlefield with Krishna
as its charioteer with the weapons of Indra, Agni, and Maruts;
when he see Yudhishthira trying to protect his great army with
incantations and oblations, and tormenting the armies of his
enemies; when he sees Bhimasena drinking the blood of
Duhshasana in the battle field; when he sees the sons of Madri,
Nakula and Sahdeva, destroying the sons of Dhritarashtra; and
when he sees Arjuna restraining the attacks of warriors like
Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa.
Krishna asks Karna to go tell all the kings and warriors who are
assisting Duryodhana in the war. Seventh day from now Will be
the new moon, and the battle will begin on that very day. He also
asks Karna to tell all the kings who have come to battle, that all
the kings and princes who are on Duryodhana's side will be killed
in the battle and will attain the supreme goal.
31.Dialogue between Krishna and Karna

467
Karna : "lot of unfairness has happened to me. Is it my fault that
I am born illegitimate? My mother left me the moment I was born.
I , who should have been brought up in palace was brought up in
'sutha's house. I did not get full education (in war science) from
Dhronacharya because I was considered as a 'sutha'. Even though
Parasurama taught me full, he gave me a curse that I should
forget everything , since I was a kshatriya. Is it my fault. I didn't
even know I was a kshatriya. Some boy came running and was hit
by my chariot. t was not my fault, it was an accident. Even then
the boy's father cursed me. Even in Draupadi's 'swayamvara' I was
disgraced for being a 'sutaputra' even though I was the
'suryaputra'.
Kunti had affection only for her other children. She never told me
the truth and finally when she did tell me , she asked me not to
use any weapon on her son's second time. Even though she never
behaved like a mother , I gave her whatever she asked. I should
have got the throne of ' Kurukula'but am ruling a kingdom I got
out of Dhuryodhana's charity.
Bhishma never gave me any respect as a worthy person and he

also disgraced me and disallowed me to fighting in the army under
his Generalship.
I am beating all this due to friendship of Dhuryodhana. You all

might think that he is a villain, but he has done only good to me.
Even when Gods left me Dhuryodhana stood by me. So what is
wrong in my being in his side. "
Krishna answers
"Karna, I was born in a jail. Death was waiting for me even before
my birth.
The night I was born I was separated from my mother. At least

you had some education in 'sutha' house.

horses,bow and arrows.
For me I got only cow herd's shed. No swords, no chariots, but

only cattles, cow dung, milk maids with attempts on my life by
Kamsa.
468
No army, no education. In young age I was accused of killing my
own uncle. In fear of Jaradandha I had to move my whole
community from the banks of Yamuna to far off Sea shore a very
new place.
I could hear people saying I am the reason for all their problems. I
was also called a coward for running away. When all of you were
being appreciated for your valours by your teacher (guru) I had
not even joined a Gurukula. I joined the gurukula of Rishi
Sandipani only at the age of 16. You have a kingdom, but what
about me. When girls whom I don't even know, want me to protect
them by marrying them I have to rush there leaving whatever I
am doing. I never got the girl I loved but any one who loves me ,
get me.
If Dhuryodhana wins the war you will get lot of credit and will
become more famous. I am just a Sarathi ( charioteer). What do I
get if Dharmaraja wins the war? Already I am being blamed for the
war and all problems. This blame will not vanish if Dharmaraja
wins or loses.
Remember one thing Karna. Everybody has challenges in

life. LIFE IS NOT FAIR ON ANYBODY. Dhuryodhana has lots
and lots of unfairness in life. So also Yudhishtra.
But what is Right (Dharma) is known to your mind

( conscious). How much unfairness we got, how many times
we were disgraced, how many times we were denied what
is due to us, is not important.
What is important is how you REACTED at that time decides

your personality. Stop whining Karna. Learn to walk in the
path of consciousness ( विवे का). Life's unfairness does not
give you license to walk the wrong path (अधर्मा
32.Dialogue between Karna and Kunti
Karna:
469
On sacred Jahnavi’s(name for Ganges,aka Bhagirathi) shore I say
my prayers to the evening sun. Karna is my name,son of Adhirath
the charioteer, and Radha is my mother.
That’s who I am. Lady, who are you?
Kunti:
Child, in the first dawn of your life it was I who introduced you to
this wide world.
That’s me, and today I’ve cast aside all embarrassment, to tell you
who I am.
Karna:
Respected lady, the light of your lowered eyes melts my heart, as

the sun’s rays melt mountain snows. Your voice p

Karna:
Respected lady, the light of your lowered eyes melts my heart, as

the sun’s rays melt mountain snows. Your voice pierces my ears as
a voice from a previous birth and stirs strange pain. Tell me
then,by what mystery’s chain is my birth linked to you, unknown
woman?
Kunti:
Oh, be patient,child, for a moment! Let the sun-god first slide to

his rest, and let evening’s darkness thicken round us. – Now let
me tell you, warrior,
I am Kunti.
Karna:
You are Kunti! The mother of Arjun!
Kunti:
Arjun’s mother indeed! But son,don’t hate me for that. How I still
recall the day of the tournament when you, a young
bachelor,slowly entered the arena in Hastina-city as the newly
470
rising sun enters the margin of the eastern sky, still pricked out
with stars!
Of all the women watching from behind a screen who was she,
bereft of speech, of luck, who felt within her tortured breast the
pangs of hungering love, a thousand she-snake fangs?
Whose eyes covered your limbs with blessing’s kisses?
It was Arjun’s mother! When Kripa(Kripa is a martial instructor)

advanced and smiling, asked you to announce your father’s name,
saying, ‘He who is not of a royal family born has no right to
challenge Arjun at all,’ –
then you, speechless, red with shame, face lowered, just stood
there, and she whose bosom your gleam of embarrassment burnt
like fire: who was that unlucky woman? Arjun’s mother it was!
Blessed is that lad Duryodhan, who thereupon at once crowned

you prince of Anga. Yes, I praise him!
And as you were crowned, the tears streamed from my eyes to

rush towards you, to overflow your head, when, making his way
into the arena,in entered Adhirath the charioteer, beside himself
with joy, and you, too, in your royal gear in the midst of the
curious crowds milling around bowed your only-just-anointed
head, and saluted the feet of the old charioteer, calling him Father.
Cruelly, contemptuously they smiled –
the friends of the Pandavs; and right at that instant she who
blessed you as a hero, O you jewel amongst heroes,
I am that woman, the mother of Arjun.
Karna:
I salute you, noble lady. A royal mother you are:
so why are you here alone? This is a field of battle,
and I am the commander of the Kaurav army.
Kunti:
Son, I’ve come to beg a favour of you –

471
Don’t turn me away empty-handed.
Karna:
A favour? From me!
Barring my manhood, and what dharma requires, the rest will be

at your feet if you so desire.
Kunti:
I have come to take you away.
Karna:
And where will you take me?
Kunti:
To my thirsty bosom – to my maternal lap.
Karna:
A lucky woman you are, blessed with five sons,
and I am just a petty princeling, without pedigree –
where would you find room for me?
Kunti:
Right at the top!
I would place you above all my other sons, for you are the eldest.
Karna:
By what right
would I enter that sanctum? Tell me how from those already

cheated of empire I could possibly take a portion of that wealth, a
mother’s love, which is fully theirs.
A mother’s heart cannot be gambled away nor be defeated by

force. It’s a divine gift.
Kunti:
472
O my son,
with a divine right indeed you had one day come to this lap – and
by that same right return again, with glory; don’t worry at all –
take your own place amongst all your brothers,
on my maternal lap.
Karna:
As if in a dream
I hear your voice, honoured lady. Look, darkness has engulfed the
entire horizon, swallowed the four quarters, and the river has
fallen silent. You have whisked me off to some enchanted world,
some forgotten home, to the very dawn of awareness. Your words
like age-old truths touch my fascinated heart. It’s as if my own
inchoate infancy, the very obscurity of my mother’s womb was
encircling me today. O royal mother,
loving woman, – be this real, or a dream, –
come place your right hand on my brow, my chin for just a

moment. Indeed I had heard that I had been abandoned by my
natural mother.
How often in the depth of night I’ve had this dream:
that slowly, softly my mother had come to see me, and I’ve felt so
bleak, and beseeched her in tears,
‘Mother, remove your veil, let me see your face,’ –
and at once the figure has vanished, tearing apart my greedy

thirsty dream. That very dream –
has it come today in the guise of the Pandav mother this evening,
on the battlefield, by the Bhagirathi?
Behold, lady, on the other bank, in the Pandav camp the lights
come on, and on this bank, not far, in the Kaurav stables a
hundred thousand horses stamp their hooves. Tomorrow morning
the great battle begins. Why tonight did I have to hear from
Arjun’s mother’s throat my own mother’s voice? Why did my name
ring in her mouth with such exquisite music –so much so that
473
suddenly my heart rushes towards the five Pandavs, calling them
‘brothers’?
Kunti:
Then come on, son, come along with me.
Karna:
Yes, Mother, I’ll go with you. I won’t ask questions –without a

doubt, without a worry, I’ll go. Lady, you are my mother! And
your call has awakened my soul – no longer can I hear the drums
of battle, victory’s conch-shells. The violence of war, a hero’s
fame, triumph and defeat –
all seem false. Take me. Where should I go?
Kunti:
There, on the other bank, where the lamps burn in the still tents
on the pale sands.
Karna:
And there a motherless son shall find his mother for ever! There
the pole star shall wake all night in your lovely generous eyes.
Lady, one more time
say I am your son.
Kunti:
My son!
Karna:
Then why did you discard me so ingloriously –
no family honour, no mother’s eyes to watch me –
to the mercy of this blind, unknown world? Why did you let me
float away on the current of contempt so irreversibly, banishing
me from my brothers? You put a distance between Arjun and me,
whence from childhood a subtle invisible bond of bitter enmity
pulls us to each otherin an irresistible attraction. –
474
Mother, you have no answer?
I sense your embarrassment piercing these dark layers and

touching all my limbs without any words, closing my eyes. Let it be
then –
you don’t have to explain why you cast me aside.
A mother’s love is God’s first gift on this earth; why that sacred
jewel you had to snatch from your own child is a question you may
choose not to answer! But tell me then:
why have you come to take me back again?
Kunti:
Child, let your reprimands like a hundred thunderclaps rend this

heart of mine into a hundred pieces. That I’d cast you aside is a
curse that hounds me, which is why my heart is childless even
with five dear sons, why it is you that my arms go seeking in this
world, flapping and flailing. It is for that deprived child that my
heart lights a lamp, and by burning itself pays its homage to the
Maker of this universe.
Today I count myself fortunate that I have managed to see you.

When your mouth hadn’t yet uttered a word, I did commit a
horrendous crime. Son, with that same mouth forgive your bad
mother(?!). Let that forgiveness burn fiercer than any rebukes
within my breast, reduce my sins to ashes and make me pure!
Karna:
O Mother, give – give me the dust of your feet,
and take my tears!
Kunti:
Son, I did not come simply in the happy hope of clutching you to
my breast,but to take you back where you by right belong.
You are not a charioteer’s son, but of royal birth –
so cast aside the insults that have been your lot and come where
they all are – your five brothers.
475
Karna:
But Mother, I am a charioteer’s son,
and Radha’s my mother – glory greater than that I have none. Let
the Pandavs be Pandavs, the Kauravs Kauravs – I envy nobody.
Kunti:
With the puissance of your arms recover the kingdom that’s your
own, my son.
Yudhisthir will cool you, moving a white fan;
Bhima will hold up your umbrella; Arjun the hero will drive your
chariot; Dhaumya the priest will chant Vedic mantras; and you,
vanquisher of foes, will live with your kinsmen, sole ruler in your
kingdom, sitting on your jewelled throne, sharing power with none.
Karna:
Throne, indeed! To one who’s just refused the maternal bond are
you offering, Mother, assurances of a kingdom?
The riches from which you once disinherited me cannot be

returned – it’s beyond your powers.
When I was born, Mother, from me you tore
mother, brothers, royal family – all at one go.
If today I cheat my foster-mother, her of charioteer caste, and

boldly address as my own mother a royal materfamilias, if I snap
the ties that bind me to the lord of the Kuru clan, and lust after a
royal throne,
then fie on me!
Kunti:
Blessed are you, my son, for you are truly heroic. Alas, Dharma,
how stern your justice is!
Who knew, alas, that day when I forsook a tiny, helpless child,
that from somewhere he would gain a hero’s powers, return one
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day along a darkened path,and with his own cruel hands hurl
weapons at those who are his brothers, born of the same mother!
What a curse this is!
Karna:
Mother, don’t be afraid.
Let me predict: it’s the Pandavs who will win.
On the panel of this night’s gloom I can clearly read before my

eyes the dire results of war: legible in starlight. This quiet,
unruffled hour from the infinite sky a music drifts to my ears: of
effort without victory, sweat of work without hope – I can see the
end, full of peace and emptiness. The side that is going to lose –
please don’t ask me to desert that side.
Let Pandu’s children win, and become kings, let me stay with the
losers, those whose hopes will be dashed.
The night of my birth you left me upon the earth: nameless,

homeless. In the same way today be ruthless, Mother, and just
abandon me: leave me to my defeat, infamous, lustreless.
Only this blessing grant me before you leave:
may greed for victory, for fame, or for a kingdom never deflect me
from a hero’s path and salvation.
Add Comment
33.When Kaurav & Pandav were students at Dronacharya’s

gurukul, it all happened.
Once in the night, when darkness was prevalent everywhere. The

little child Arjuna heared some champing sound. In that deep
silence it caught attention of little Arjuna. He followed it, and
ultimately found that it was non other than Bhima,who was eating
something for his never satiating stomach. He was such a
gourmet, known to all.
477
But with utmost curiosity Arjuna got a question to ask,”How can
anyone eat in darkness? How will our hand know that the
mouth is here or there ? Why doesn't the food miss the
mouth and drops down?”
Bhima shared his experience that when anything gets used to

with any specific skill, it gets proficiency over time. And
after that even in adverse situations it works with
uncompromised accuracy.
That idea sparked Arjuna’s thought,and immediately he was damn

dedicated to practice his archery skills.
Though Bhima was not preaching anything intentionally at that

moment, but that conversation led Arjuna to pamper the passion
of being the best Archer in the world. He got attention of Guru
Dron and rest is the history till Kurukshetra war!
Add Comment
34.After the fight of Mahabharat was over , all

the Pandav started discussing that who was the best
warrior among them. They argued among themselves but
were not able to reach any conclusion.
Then Pandav went to Lord Krishna to ask who was the best warrior
among themselves.
Krishna replied that he was riding the chariot of Arjun, and din’t
got to see the whole war, so he was not the right person to tell
who was the best warrior.Then Krishna took Pandav to Barbarik,
who had watched the whole Mahabharat war.
Then Pandav asked Barbarik the same question. Barbarik smiled

and without doubt he utter the name of Lord Krishna. Barbarik told
Pandav that in whole Mahabharat there was only one person who
was controlling the whole war and it was Lord Krishna. All Pandav
were only following to the instruction of Krishna.
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35.Never a victim , forever a fighter
.1 Duryodhana’s Big Mistake
There is a beautiful situation or incident that occurred in the

Mahabharat. The Kurukshetra war is imminent and these two
parties are going about campaigning. At that time there were only
two fronts – the Kauravas and the Pandavas. They are trying to
gather all the support they can because they are going to war and
every man matters. You would like to have the maximum numbers
because it’s life and death, it’s not an election. They’re going from
kingdom to kingdom campaigning and both of them have acquired
formidable armies behind them.
Krishna is not a king, but he has a well trained army with over
10,000 men, who have been in many campaigns – a great asset.
So in the afternoon Krishna is pretending to sleep. He is like that –
he is pretending to sleep because when you know what is the next
step and you still don’t want to disturb the game, a certain amount
of pretension is needed. So he is pretending to sleep, stretched
out on his bed. Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas came,
walked into this room and saw Krishna was sleeping. He sat down,
wanting to wait. Krishna was just sleeping with a gentle smile on
his face. His feet were pointed towards Duryodhana. Duryodhana
looked at it and he didn’t like it. “He is not even a king; he is a
cowherd. I am a great emperor. Why am I sitting at his feet?” So
slowly he got up and came and sat close to his head. Then Arjuna
came, a devotee of Krishna, and sat where Duryodhana had sat
earlier. Krishna’s feet were pointing at him, he sees that as a
blessing. So he sat there. Krishna opened his eyes after sometime,
pretending to wake up. See this is the problem. Once you pretend
to sleep you have to pretend to wake up. One act leads to many
complex acts.
So he pretended to wake up, opened his eyes, and said, “Oh,

Arjuna you have come.” Arjuna said, “Yes Bhagwan, I have come.”
Before they could talk further Duryodhana cleared his throat to
make his presence felt. Krishna said, ”Oh Duryodhana, even you?
Both of you at the same time – what brings both of you here?” He
knows the whole act.
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Then both of them said that they have come to ask for his help in
the war. Krishna said, “Both of you have come and both of you are
asking for the same thing, so let me put it this way. One of you
can have my army, another can have me. But I won’t fight, I’ll just
come with you. Because my vision fell upon Arjuna first, he gets
the first choice.” Duryodhana protested, “I came here first!”
Krishna said, “But what can I do? I saw him first.”
Then Krishna told Arjuna , “You choose what you want.” Arjuna
said, “Bhagwan we want you, I don’t care about the army. We just
want you with us.” Krishna warned, “I am not going to fight for
you. I’ll just come with you.” He said, “You don’t have to do
anything, we just want you with us.” Then Duryodhana let out a
sigh of relief – he was so happy! He knew the Pandavas were
idiots, but he never thought they were such idiots, that they will
choose one man against 10,000 trained men. And this one man is
not going to fight. Just going to come with you, drive with you.
10,000 trained men against one man who is not going to fight –
what a foolish choice. But that choice made all the difference. That
choice made all the difference for what happened to the result of
the war.
2.
Scene from the MahaBharat War:
Karna attaches an arrow to his bow, pulls back and releases – the
arrow is aimed at Arjun’s heart. Krishna, Arjun’s Charioteer, drives
by sheer force the chariot into the ground several feet. The arrow
hits Arjun’s headgear and knocks it off. Missing its target –
Arjuna’s heart.
Krishna yells, “Wow! Nice shot, Karna.”
Arjuna asks Krishna, ‘Why are you praising Karna?’
Krishna tells Arjun, ‘Look at you! You have Lord Hanuman on the
flag of this chariot. You have me as your charioteer. You received
the blessings of Ma Durga and your Guru, Dronacharya before the
battle, have a loving Mother and an aristocratic heritage. This
Karna has nobody, his own charioteer, Salya belittles him, his own
Guru (Parusurama) cursed him, his Mother abandoned him when
he was born and he has no known heritage. Yet, look at the battle
480
he’s giving you. Without me and Lord Hanuman on this chariot,
where would you be?’
This is a question that is fit for every one of us. ‘Where would you
be?’ Where would anyone of us be without God’s grace? We are
not the doer. So, when Arjun is upset because of Krishna’s praise
of Karna – Krishna reminds him that he is not the doer. One way
or another, Krishna removed all of Arjuna’s obstacles throughout
his life. Krishna, via Dronacharya, eliminated Ekalavya as a future
threat. Krishna, via Indra, made Karna give up his golden
impenetrable armor. Krishna, via Ghatocatcha(Bhima’s Son), made
Karna use his deadly dart reserved for Arjuna. To Which Krishna
laughed and laughed. When asked why he was laughing by Arjuna.
Krishna said, one minute ago – Karna could not be defeated even
by the Gods, but, right now he has become human for the first
time. Prior to that, Krishna would drive the chariot in such a way
as to avoid Karna’s side of the field.
Whereas, all of Arjuna’s obstacles were removed one by one –

Karna’s odds were stacked against him one by one.
36.Mahabharata the Epic of Epics has some beautiful

aspects of humanity for us to understand and adhere to. If
you really want to learn the truest aspect of what it is to be
in a human form and play the character well, Krishna’s
conversation with various characters in the Epic, especially
Arjuna, Karna and Draupadi are priceless and are sure to
answer so many question we keep searching answers for.
In one such dialogue between Karna and Krishna;[1] Karna asks

him the most painful question that had pained him all his life,
followed by many other such question.
He asks Krishna – “My mother left me the moment I was born. Is

it my fault I was born an illegitimate child?”
Krishna in a firm tone yet patiently answered that He was born in a

jail and his death was destined even before he opened his eyes in
this world, adding on to all the questions that Karana had asked.
What Krishna really meant to make Karna understand was –
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Life wasn’t fair to anyone. In fact, it can never be because in this
important that we did.
He explained just because life has been unfair to you and a certain
person has been good to you, who is essentially a threat to the
entire society; you will, in the end, have to choose your conscience
above the person.
It is the right dharma. It is the only way.
The fact of the matter is, whether be Karna or Krishna, they were
essentially here expressing themselves in a human form. This
world is a stage and we are all mere characters fulfilling the
destiny of the biggest play of all time we call Life. Universe has a
way of manifesting things and we are all in alignment with our soul
path.
Those who realise and align themselves with their path are freed
from the Karmic bondage those who don’t, they come back again
to complete the lesson and knowledge that is still unavailable or
partially available to them.
The dialogue between Krishna and Karna is a classic example of

understanding the difference between ignorance and awareness.
Sulking in self-pity has never given any solution. However, when
you stand up many times to hold yourself erect and speak your
truth, you release yourself from all the unnecessary drama.
Life is a lesson and one should accept all they are to experience.
Footnotes:
[1] Here's the most important conversation between Karna and Sri

Krishna that is an eye opener
https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/heres-the-most-important-
conversation-between-karna-and-sri-krishna-that-is-an-eye-
opener
Add Comment
482
37.In the battle field of Mahabharat, Lord Krishna was the
chariot for Arjuna ..Arjuna says lord Krishna to take the
chariot in middle of the battlefield , one side was his army
and the other side was army of the enemy but lead by his
Favourite Guru .
He broke down in front of Krishna, how killing these innocent

people will give peace to the city , how killing my guru will make
me happy .
His compassion for people and his own guru created a pain in his
heart.He was not able to take a step after having a visionn of
destruction, killing all over at the end of the war. He was not able
to convince himself for the internal battle which he was having in
his mind.
That day, lord Krishna was there to answer all his queries and
make peace for the chaos which was being created in his mind .
Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, war happens because people are not
able to let go their selfish desires and motives and we cannot let
such evil forces run the present and future generations.This is your
karma to end the negative forces and bring peace and harmony for
the people and their coming generation.
Every individual is responsible for his own Karma , every moment

a person is also thrown with positive and negative forces .One
needs to scan through both the choices and then do his Karma.
Most of the time, people make decisions thinking that they don't
have option , but that is never the case.There is always a choice ,
only person looking for other option will be able to see, analyze
and make correct decision and do his/her Karma.
One of the beautiful conversation which make sense in even our

present daily life is between Arjuna and Lord Krishna.
Add Comment
483
38.This is the best conversation from Mahabharat, between
Lord Krishna and Karna.
This was the incident when Lord Krishna asked Karana to take
Pandava’s side in the battle.
Karna asks Krishna – “My mother left me the moment I was born.

everything since I was a Kshatriya.
A cow was accidentally hit by my arrow & its owner cursed me for
no fault of mine.
I was disgraced in Draupadi’s Swayamvar.

Lord Krishna replied:


teachers,
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I joined Gurukula of Rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16!
I didn’t get the girl I loved & rather ended up marrying those who
wanted me or the ones I rescued from demons.

far off Sea shore, to save them from Jarasandh.
Remember one thing Karna.

*LIFE IS NOT FAIR ON ANYBODY*

Yudhishthir.
But what is Right (Dharma) is known to your Mind (Conscience)!
No matter how much unfairness we got, how many times we were

disgraced, how many times we were denied what was due to us.
But, What is important is, How you REACTED at that time!
Stop moaning or complaining Karna.

of Iniquity.
Story source: Life’s unfairness does not give you license to walk

the…
Stay United, Stay Strong!
485
39.The second best conversation is between Yaksha and
Yudhisthir, which goes like this:
Yaksha: What is heavier than the earth?

Yudhisthir: Mother
Yaksha: What is higher than the sky?

Yudhisthir: Father
Yaksha: What is faster than the wind?

Yudhisthir: The mind
Yaksha: What is more in number than twigs?

Yudhisthir: Worries
Yaksha: Who is friend of the person close to his death?

Yudhisthir: Charity
Yaksha: Where does religion, success, heaven and happiness

reside?
Yudhisthir: Religion resides in awareness. Success resides in
charity or philantrophy.
Heaven resides in Truth. Happiness is Chastity (celibacy)
Yaksha: What is a man’s soul?

Yudhisthir: His children
Yaksha: What has covered the earth?

Yudhisthir: Ignorance
Yaksha: What is laziness?

Yudhisthir: Ignorance towards own’s dharma is laziness
Yaksha: Who is truly happy?

Yudhisthir: A person free from debt of any form
Yaksha: What is true cleansing?

Yudhisthir: The cleansing of the mind
Yaksha: What is darker than charcoal?

Yudhisthir: Disrepute
Yaksha: What is the best religion?

Yudhisthir: Pity / empathy / consideration
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Yaksha: What can prevent mourning?
Yudhisthir: Controlling the mind
Yaksha: What is the definition of shame?

Yudhisthir: Keeping yourself away from unworthy things
Yaksha: What is Piety?

Yudhisthir: Wishing happiness of all (including your enemies) is
Piety
Yaksha: What kills a nation?

Yudhisthir: Slavery and Anarchy
Yaksha: What is the true test of Brahminhood? Dynasty,

character, teaching or Knowledge?
Yudhisthir: Dynasty, knowledge or teaching does not prove
Brahminhood. The true test of Brahminhood is character of an
individual. A person of lowerly caste with a strong character is
more respectful than a Brahman who has knowledge and is born
into a renowned family but has no character
Yaksha: Is religion or Dharma a logic?

Yudhisthir: No it is not
Yaksha: Is religion or Dharma found in the philosophy of sages?

Yudhisthir: No. Each sage differs in opinion from another sage
and there lies conflict between their arguments. No philosopher,
brahman or learned man has understanding of complete truth
Yaksha: Then where is complete truth?

Yudhisthir: Within the heart, soul and mind of a person who
believes
Yaksha: What is the greatest wonder?

Yudhisthir: Every man knows that death is the ultimate truth of
life. However, he wishes otherwise
Yaksha: You have answered all my questions correctly. If you

want, you can have one of your brothers alive
Yudhisthir: If that is your wish, I would want Nakula to be alive.
Yaksha: Hey Rajan(King), why do you want Nakula to be alive

when you have Maharathis such as Arjuna and Bheema?
Yudhisthir: To me, both mothers are alike. I am the eldest son of
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Kunti and I am alive. So I would want the eldest son of mother
Madri to be alive. I cannot do injustice with her.
Yaksha: And if I say that two of your brothers will be alive, whom
would you choose?
Yudhisthir: I would choose Sahadeva because he is younger than
both Bheema and Arjuna.
Yaksha: Hey Bharatshrestha, I am pleased with your answers. All

your brothers will get their life back
Yudhisthir: Yaksha cannot give life to anyone. Please tell me your
real identity.
Yaksh then shows his real identity to Yudhisthir, he was Dharma

raaj, the father of Yudhistir. He came here to test his son.
And…
The best conversation is between Shri Krishna and Arjun and it is

known as Bhagvad Gita.
Source: Complete dialogue between Yudhisthir and Yaksha from

Mahabharata
http://www.lonelyphilosopher.com/complete-dialogue-between-
yudhisthir-and-yaksha-from-mahabharata/
40.Karna asks Krishna – “My mother left me the moment I

was born.

everything since I was a kshatriya.
A cow was accidentally hit by my arrow &
its owner cursed me for no fault of mine.

I was disgraced in Draupadi’s swayamvar.
488
Krishna replies,
Karna, I was born in a jail.


teachers,

I joined gurukula of Rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16!
I didn’t get the girl I loved &
rather ended up marrying those who wanted me or the ones I

rescued from demons.
far off Sea shore,
to save them from Jarasandh.
*LIFE IS NOT FAIR ON ANYBODY..*
Yudhishthir.
But what is Right (Dharma) is known to your
489
Mind (Conscience)….
No matter how much unfairness we got,
how many times we were disgraced,
how many times we were denied what was due to us,
what is important is,
How you REACTED at that time…

Stop whining Karna.
of *अधर्म.*
Add Comment
41.It is between Krishna and Karna,
When Karna meets Krishna for the first time. After greeting each
other Karna tells Krishna that in entire nation you and your
dharma is famous:
Karna: I am obliged to see you as you and your dharma are

famous in entire nation.
Krishna: Every body talks about dharma but very few understand
about its true meaning.
Karna: What is dharma? Tell me .
Krishna: If ever in life you face humiliation that means you are not
on the path of dharma.
Karna: And what about a person who has not received anything
other then humiliation for all his life.
Krishna: He should strive to attain respect but only following right

path and should never follow adharma.He should try to achieve
whatever he wants but should not get obsessed to achieve the
thing over which he has no right.A huge mountain has no desire to
contain even a small river, because the ocean has right over river.
490
Karna: Are you talking about the weakness of mountain or the
power of ocean.
Krishna: I am talking about the destiny of river…
I found this conversation quite interesting
Jai Shree Krishna…
Add Comment
42.This conversation is between Karna and Indra when

later came disguised as a Brahman to
have Kavach and Kundal as alms.
Karna was born with Kavach and Kundal as a gift from his father

lord Suryadev. The speciality of this Kavach was that it couldn't be
broken by any weapon available at that time. The Kundal was said
to contain Amrit and till the time Karna was wearing it, he could
not be killed. Thus, it was near impossible for Pandavas to
defeat Kauravas with Karna at their side. Also, Karna had a feeling
of hatred and compitition for Arjuna so his life was also at stake.
In this senario, lord Indra out of love for his son Arjuna became

worried and thought of a plan to strip Karna of
his Kavach and Kundal.
Karna was known for his charity and had never turned down
anyone who came to him asking something and was famously
called Danveer.
One day lord Indra disguised as a

poor Brahman visited Karna when he was worshipping the lord
Sun. Karna greeted him and asked in a polite manner-
“I am Karna at your service, you seem to be a poor

Brahman and can ask anything from me let it be money,
land or any other gift”.
Indra got mesmerising after seeing this humility and could not

utter a word for sometime.
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Sensing his hesitation Karna said in a firm voice
“Brahmandev, without hesitation ask any thing you want

and I hereby take a vow to oblige you with that”.
Karna’s this attitude of charity filled the heart of Indra with guilt

and he said
“I am more than happy to have this word of promise and

didn't want anything else from you”.
Karna found something special about this Brahman and said
“Ask anything of your choice even my life or me as a

servant to accompany and serve you”.
This statement further escalated Indra’s guit but finally he spoke in

a meek voice
“I want your Kavach and Kundal”.
These words penetrated Karna like an arrow but he recollected

himself and said
“Now, I understood you are none but Lord Indra himself

and I am privileged to know that you had been drawn here
by my charity. I also beg your pardon because I could not
identify you due to your disguise and assure you that you
would get what you have asked”.
Karna could not stop himself from lamenting his fate and further

added with a heavy heart
“Lord Indra, I don't understand what was the purpose

behind my origin. Even after a royal birth, I had to spent my
childhood in obscurity. I was always discriminated and
looked down even after aquiring good qualities. I became
famous for my benovelency and called Danveer but today,
my this quality has brought me here. But being a warrior, I
have full trust on my ability and didn't require any other
weapon to win this war of Mahabharat. So, I happily offer
you my Kavach and Kundal”.
492
These words of Karna have been very beautifully portrayed
by Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’ in his great epic
“Rashmirathi” which I would like to quote here.
'यह लीजिए कर्ण का जीवन और जीत कुरूपति की,
कनक-रचित निःश्रे णि अनूपम निज सु त की उन्नति की.
हे तु पांडवों के भय का, परिणाम महाभारत का,
अंतिम मूल्य किसी दानी जीवन के दारुण व्रत का’
'जीवन दे कर जय खरीदना, जग मे यही चलन है ,
विजय दान करता न प्राण को रख कर कोई जन है .
मगर, प्राण रखकर प्रण अपना आज पालता हूँ मैं ,
पूर्णा हुति के लिए विजय का हवन डालता हूँ मैं ’
With these words Karna stripped himself of Kavach and Kundal and

handed over to lord Indra.
Indra now ashamed of his deeds requested Karna to

accept Amodh astra from him which could only be used once. Even
this gesture could not help Indra to alleviate his guilt.
Add Comment
493
द्रौपदी चीर हरण
महाभारत काल गाथा
शकुनि की फिर बारी आयी, धूर्त ,कपट, कलियु ग का भाई |
सृ ष्टि ने भी उथल मचाई, क् रूर कालिमा गगन में छाई |
प्रेम विलीन दुष्ट दिखलाता , पर धर्मराज को समझ न आता |
पासों का जाल फैलाता , रोष ,वं चना ,कपट ही छाता |
भयं कर इक नाद हुआ , पाप का विस्तार हुआ |
पांचाली को भी हार गया , लील गया पं गुल का जु आ |
हा हा धर्मराज फिर हारे , भाई -बन्धु प्राण तक वारे |
मन भी दुर्योधन को त्यागा , पाप असाध्य, चहुँ ओ भागा |
दुर्योधन ने फरमान किया , कृष्णा का अपमान किया |
कौरव सभा मैं रजस्वला को , दासी , वे श्या नाम दिया |
महानीच कामी ने द्रौपदी को , इं गित कर मखौल उड़ाया
निष्ठु र हृदय ने कृष्णा को , जँ घा पर बै
निष्ठु र हृदय ने कृष्णा को , जँ घा पर बै ठने बु लाया |
चीत्कार परचम पर होले , गु रुवर तक के हृदय डोले |
दुःशासन ने जकड़े केश , तब भीम कुपित हो बोले |
हिय चीर ते रे लहू से , पांचाली के अलक धु लाऊँगा |
हठधर्मी मैं पाण्डुपु त्र , कौरव विनाश बन जाऊंगा |
रे दुर्योधन, मैं हिडिं बजीत , मैं बाहुबल्य , मैं कृष्णमीत |
गदा से ते री जं घा तोड़ , तब करूँगा दे ह-प्रीत |
पर दुःशासन निर्बल न था , भांप गया पांडव व्यथा |
काल गाल शिव ब्रम्ह विष्णु , रच रहे थे जयसं हिता |
494
पितामह ! क्या यही दुष्ठता सी माया है ,
क्या? ते री कायर की काया है |
कहाँ गया सु रपगा लहू जो ,
दुःशासन मु झे खींच लाया है |
पितामह मोड़ चु के कंठ थे , हार गयी थी कृष्णा शमन से |
धनञ्जय प्राणप्रिया लोचन से , सभा भींग गयी अश्रु वमन से |
पांचाल सु ता जु ल्म की हारी , रोम रोम पु कारे बनवारी |
दानव वो निर्वस्त्र किये था , अबला को गिरिधारी ध्ये य था |
त्रास , भीति , आतं क न था अब , क् रं दन भी सीमा परे था |
फिर चक् रपाणि को आभास हुआ , वस्त्रों का विस्तार हुआ |
गीता के प्रवचन से ले कर, कौरवों का काल हुआ |
जिसकी जै सी करनी थी, उसका वै सा हाल हुआ |
जय श्री कृष्णा
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43.Pandavas in Naraka; Kauravas in Swarga
When Yudhishtira stepped into Swarga, he saw all the kauravas

including Duryodhana and Dusshasana there. Seeing them in
Swarga, he asked the devas in disguist “How did these people
reach here?”
Devas: They were killed on the holy land of Kuru-kshetra. That

has purified them of all misdeeds and earned them the right to
enter Swarga.
Yudhistira: And my brothers? And my wife? What about them?

Where are they? Are they here too?
495
Devas: They are not here. They are in another place.
Yudhistira then asked the Devas to take him to them. The Devas
agreed to his request, and took him to a place deep under the
Earth which was dark and miserable. There, he heard cries of pain
and sufferings. The place was everything Swarga was not. It
was Naraka!
Yudhistira cried in disbelief “My brothers are here?”
In response, he heard the moans of his brothers including Karna.

“Yes, we are here” they said.
Yudhistira knew that:

Bheema was paying because of his greed
Arjuna for his envy and jealousy
Nakula for his insensitivity
Sahadeva for his excessive pride in self achievements
Draupadi for her partiality
But Karna? Why him? Had his elder brother not suffered enough in
life?
Devas: Karna promised Kunti to spare four of her five sons
despite knowing that Duryodhana relied on him to kill all five
Pandavas. He is paying for breaking his friend's trust.
That’s how the Pandavas including the legendary Karna who was
well known for his charity and bravery ended-up in
Naraka. Karma is a bitch.
Source: Jaya - An Illustated Retelling of the Mahabharata by

Devdutt Pattanaik
Live || Laugh || Love
496
44.Most of the people will not be knowing a ‘warrior’ named
‘Barbaric’, grandson of the mighty powerful warrior
‘Bhima’.
So this is about the conversation between Lord Krishna &

Barbaric.
On the eve of the day before war, there was a meeting, discussing
the rules and regulations to be followed during the war (which
were not followed for most part of the war).
Krishna, on a random talk after the meeting, asked all the warriors
that what approximate time would they take to complete the war.
All the warriors replied some random number in terms of days
(15–24days).
n the the mean time Barbaric was on the way to watch the war,
‘Mahabharat’, which was one of his greatest desires.
When Barbaric was on the way to watch the war, Krishna intrupted
him and asked him what time will he take to finish the war
(knowing that Barbaric was a warrior). To which Barbaric replied
“1 minute”. Lord Krishna was shocked. Krishna had a look around
Barbaric and observed that he had only 3 arrows. It added to his
surprise. So to test the skills of Barbaric posed him a challenge.
The challenge was that the arrow that Barbaric fires should pass
through all the leaves of a near by tree.
Barbaric accepted the challenge and took the arrow and started to
chant the prayer. In the mean time Krishna plucks a leaf and
places under his feet. So the arrow pierces all the leaves through
and starts circling around the leg of Krishna. Krishna asks why the
arrow is circling his leg. To which Barbaric replied “there might be
a leaf under you feet”. As soon as Krishna lifts his feet the arrow
pierces the left out leaf too.
Background story of Barbaric’s war skills:
Impressed by the war skills of Barbaric Lord Shiva himself offered

him 3 arrows.
1st arrow would mark the objects that he wanted to destroy.
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2nd arrow would mark the objects that he wanted to be
unaffected.
3rd arrow would complete the task.
So Krishna after knowing about the great warrior, he asked

Barbaric which team he wanted to fight for. To which Barbaric
replied “the team which is weaker”. Then Krishna thought for a
while that if he would fight for a team then the opposite team
would be weak so he had to keep changing the teams repeatedly
and atlast everything would be destroyed with no winners left.
So Krishna asked Barbaric for a help to behead a warrior. To which

Barbaric assured he would do whatever Krishna says. So Krishna
brought a mirror and showed the face of Barbaric to himself and
asked Barbaric to behead himself.
Barbaric agreed, but requested that he really wanted to watch the

war.
So Krishna made arrangements to place the head of Barbaric near

the war zone.
And later the war critics was given by Barbaric.
So when the question arises who was the greatest warrior, it was
Barbaric (by the war time).
Add Comment
45.The conversation between Krishna and Arjuna (aka

the Bhagavad Gita) would be way too obvious. But their are
other conversations, i consider the conversation between
Arjuna and Yudhishthira as the best conversation, because
both brothers were accusing eachother and finally a
younger brother exposed Yudhishthir’s
character/personality.
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Extract of what Arjuna said to Yudhishthir:[1]
You are strong in words and very unfeeling. You think i am like
you. I always strive to do you good with my soul, life, sons and
wives. You still pierce me with such wordy darts, it is obvious that
we cannot expect any happiness from you. Lying on Draupadi's
bed you insult me, though for your sake I slay the mightiest of
car-warriors. You are without any anxiety, and you are cruel. I
have never obtained any happiness from you. It was for your
good, that Bhishma, told you the means of his death in battle, and
was slain by Shikhandi, the son of Drupada, protected by me. I do
not obtain any pleasure from the thought of you becoming king
again, since you are addicted to the evil practice of gambling.
Having yourself committed a sinful act to which they only lowlifes
are addicted too, you desire now to win this war through my aid.”
“
Note: I have edited some of the words to make them more

readable to those that understand English.
Footnotes
Add Comment
46.This is a conversation between Yama (in the form of

yaksha) and yudhishthir in the 12th year of exile. His four
brothers had gone to fetch water and died one after the
other near a water body. When yudhishthir comes there
finally and sees his dead brothers he asks who is
responsible at which time the Yaksha appears and tells him
that if he answered the questions posed by him correctly he
will let one of his brothers live.
The questions reflect a summary of some basic principles of

sanatan dharma as per vedas…people should definitely read this if
they want to understand what our ancient sages believed in as the
true wisdom
499
So here below are my favourite 3 questions and answers of that
conversation: Yaksha asks and Yudhishthir answers
Q.1. What makes a Brahmana and kshatriya Divine, what makes

them human, what is good conduct for them and what is bad
conduct
A. A Brahmana becomes Divine with his knowledge of vedas and A

kshatriya with the use of his knowledge of weapons, a brahmana is
human if he is mortal and a kshatriya if he has fear. Good conduct
for a brahman is living an austere life and bad conduct is abusing
others while good conduct for a kshatriya is sacrifice and bad
conduct is desertion
Q.2. What is worthy of appreciation, what is best wealth, what is

the best gain and what is the ultimate happiness
A. Skill is worthy of appreciation, knowledge is the best wealth,

health is the best to gain and satisfaction is ultimate happiness
Q.3. If abandoned, what makes one pleasant, if abandoned what

prevents regret, if abandoned what brings prosperity, if abandoned
what brings happiness
A. Abandoning Pride makes one pleasant, abandoning anger

prevents regret, abandoning desire brings prosperity, abandoning
greed makes one happy
Eventually yudhishthir correctly answers all questions and

yaksha/yama asks whom should he revive to which yudhishthir
says revive Nakul if it has to be one then it is only fair that one of
Madri's sons should live, if Kunti has a son alive
Then a pleased yama devices all four.
47. In Mahaprasthanika Parva, When Pandavas set out for

their last journey, a dog also starts following them.
While the Pandavas set out for the forest, a dog followed them. [1]
When all the other brothers eventually dies, the dog still follows
him.
He had only one companion, the dog, that followed him now. [2]
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Suddenly, Indra appears before Yudisthira and asks to ascend with
him, but Yudisthira refuses to go without the dog.
Yudhishthira said, ‘This dog, O lord Indra, is exceedingly devoted

to me. He should go with me. My heart is full of compassion for
him.
Shakra said, ‘Immortality and a condition equal to mine, O

king…. Do thou cast off this dog. In this there will be no
cruelty.
Yudhishthira said, ‘Lord, it is exceedingly difficult for one that is of

righteous behaviour to perpetrate an act that is unrighteous. I do
not desire that union with prosperity for which I shall have
to cast off my companion’
Indra said, ‘There is no place in Heaven for persons with

dogs.
Yudhishthira said, ‘It has been said that the abandonment of one’s
companion is infinitely sinful. It is equal to the sin that one incurs
by slaying a Brahmana. Hence, O great Indra, I shall not
abandon this dog today from desire of my happiness. I shall
never give up this dog till my own life is at an end.
By refusing to enter paradise without the dog, Yudhisthira once

again proved his greatness.
Footnotes
[1] Mahaprasthanika Parva: Section 1
[2] Mahaprasthanika Parva: Section 2
Add Comment
48.This didn't actually happen per-se in the original

Mahabharat. This was something I once read in my elder
501
brother's school text book titled “Ekanki Sanchay.” It was a
fictional dramatic account of the time when Bheem injures
Duryodhan and left him to die, at the time of sunset eldest
Pandava Yudhishthir came where Duryodhan was lying and
counting his last breath, the conversation that followed was
about brotherly love, regretting the war and destruction
etc.
the entire dialogue as it was a bit lengthy but there was just one
thing said by Duryodhan which,even though fictional, isby
Duryodhan which,even though fictional, is one of the best ending
sentence I have ever read in any drama book. It goes like this :
Duryodhan - “Kaash, mere Pitah andhe Na hote”. ( If

only,my father wasn't blind).
Dies.
This one single line perfectly sums up this entire monument and
mammoth scripture in one short sentence.
Kudos to the writer.
49.I like this conversation the most . This is best presented

by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar in his book Rashmirathi
The situation was when Krishna went to Duryodhan to demand half

of kingdom for Pandavas after they successfully completed there
13 years in exile. But Duryodhan refused and ordered the guards
to arrest Krishna .
Conversation followed as :
वर्षों तक वन में घूम-घूम,

बाधा-विघ्नों को चूम-चूम,
सह धूप-घाम, पानी-पत्थर,
पांडव आये कुछ और निखर।
सौभाग्य न सब दिन सोता है ,
दे खें, आगे क्या होता है ।
502
मै तर् ी की राह बताने को,
सबको सु मार्ग पर लाने को,
दुर्योधन को समझाने को,
भीषण विध्वं स बचाने को
भगवान् हस्तिनापु र आये ,
पांडव का सं देशा लाये ।
‘दो न्याय अगर तो आधा दो,

पर, इसमें भी यदि बाधा हो,
तो दे दो केवल पाँच ग्राम,
रक्खो अपनी धरती तमाम।
हम वहीं खु शी से खायें गे ,
परिजन पर असि न उठायें गे !
दुर्योधन वह भी दे ना सका,
आशीष समाज की ले न सका,
उलटे , हरि को बाँ धने चला,
जो था असाध्य, साधने चला।
जब नाश मनु ज पर छाता है ,
पहले विवे क मर जाता है ।
हरि ने भीषण हुंकार किया,

अपना स्वरूप-विस्तार किया,
डगमग-डगमग दिग्गज डोले ,
भगवान् कुपित होकर बोले -
‘जं जीर बढ़ा कर साध मु झे,
हाँ , हाँ दुर्योधन! बाँ ध मु झे।
यह दे ख, गगन मु झमें लय है ,
यह दे ख, पवन मु झमें लय है ,
मु झमें विलीन झं कार सकल,
मु झमें लय है सं सार सकल।
अमरत्व फू लता है मु झमें ,
सं हार झलू ता है मु झमें ।
‘उदयाचल मे रा दीप्त भाल,

भूमंडल वक्षस्थल विशाल,
भु ज परिधि-बन्ध को घे रे हैं ,
मै नाक-मे रु पग मे रे हैं ।
दिपते जो ग्रह नक्षत्र निकर,
सब हैं मे रे मु ख के अन्दर।
503
‘दृग हों तो दृश्य अकाण्ड दे ख,
मु झमें सारा ब्रह्माण्ड दे ख,
चर-अचर जीव, जग, क्षर-अक्षर,
नश्वर मनु ष्य सु रजाति अमर।
शत कोटि सूर्य, शत कोटि चन्द्र,
शत कोटि सरित, सर, सिन्धु मन्द्र।
‘शत कोटि विष्णु , ब्रह्मा, महे श,

शत कोटि विष्णु जलपति, धने श,
शत कोटि रुद्र, शत कोटि काल,
शत कोटि दण्डधर लोकपाल।
जञ्जीर बढ़ाकर साध इन्हें ,
हाँ -हाँ दुर्योधन! बाँ ध इन्हें ।
‘भूलोक, अतल, पाताल दे ख,

गत और अनागत काल दे ख,
यह दे ख जगत का आदि-सृ जन,
यह दे ख, महाभारत का रण,
मृ तकों से पटी हुई भू है ,
पहचान, इसमें कहाँ तू है ।
‘अम्बर में कुन्तल-जाल दे ख,

पद के नीचे पाताल दे ख,
मु ट्ठी में तीनों काल दे ख,
मे रा स्वरूप विकराल दे ख।
सब जन्म मु झी से पाते हैं ,
फिर लौट मु झी में आते हैं ।
‘जिह्वा से कढ़ती ज्वाल सघन,

साँसों में पाता जन्म पवन,
पड़ जाती मे री दृष्टि जिधर,
हँ सने लगती है सृ ष्टि उधर!
मैं जभी मूँदता हँ ू लोचन,
छा जाता चारों ओर मरण।
‘बाँ धने मु झे तो आया है ,

जं जीर बड़ी क्या लाया है ?
यदि मु झे बाँ धना चाहे मन,
पहले तो बाँ ध अनन्त गगन।
सूने को साध न सकता है ,
वह मु झे बाँ ध कब सकता है ?
504
‘हित-वचन नहीं तूने माना,
मै तर् ी का मूल्य न पहचाना,
तो ले , मैं भी अब जाता हँ ,ू
अन्तिम सं कल्प सु नाता हँ ।ू
याचना नहीं, अब रण होगा,
जीवन-जय या कि मरण होगा।
‘टकरायें गे नक्षत्र-निकर,
बरसे गी भू पर वह्नि प्रखर,
फण शे षनाग का डोले गा,
विकराल काल मुँ ह खोले गा।
दुर्योधन! रण ऐसा होगा।
फिर कभी नहीं जै सा होगा।
‘भाई पर भाई टू टेंगे ,

विष-बाण बूँद-से छट ू ें गे ,
वायस-श्रग ृ ाल सु ख लूटेंगे ,
सौभाग्य मनु ज के फू टें गे ।
आखिर तू भूशायी होगा,
हिं सा का पर, दायी होगा।’
थी सभा सन्न, सब लोग डरे ,

चु प थे या थे बे होश पड़े ।
केवल दो नर ना अघाते थे ,
धृ तराष्ट् र-विदुर सु ख पाते थे ।
कर जोड़ खड़े प्रमु दित,
निर्भय, दोनों पु कारते थे ‘जय-जय’!
These lines give me goosebumps whenever I read them . I have
read them more than 100 times and everytime it excites the blood
flow in my veins
Poem source: Rashmirathi-By Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’

,
50.Conversation Between Krishna and Karna Before

Kurukshestra War
The conversation between Karna and Krishna is quite fascinating.
505
Krishna:
Do you know that you are the eldest Kunti Putra. You deserve to
be the king of Hastinapura. Come, join us. All the Pandavas will
welcome you. Draupadi will become your queen, why are you
fighting with Duryodhana?
Karna –
“They are not my brothers. And I have no wish to become the

king. Thank you for telling me that I am the eldest Kunti Putra, I
have been searching this answer all my life.
Krishna –
Now that you know who you are, why don’t you join the camp of
Dharma?
Karna –
With all due respect to you, who are you to define what is my
dharma?. I am aware of my dharma and I am doing it every single
day.
Krishna –
And what is your dharma, may I know?

Karna –
My Dharma is to protect my friend when he needs me the most.

Krishna –
Even at the cost of siding with a force which is doing Adharma

towards hundreds of thousands of men? Do you know that your
presence in the Kaurava camp ensures that Dharma has to fight
harder for victory?
Karna –
The force has its own reasons, I have my own reasons. Where
were you when Drona denied me to teach lessons because I do not
belong to a royal family? Where was Dharma when I was not
allowed to compete in the Swayamvar of Draupadi and I was
insulted of being a person from lowerly caste? Where was dharma
when I had to answer every single person how a suta putra
506
became the king? Dharma or righteousness for that matter has
never been my friend. I have only one friend and only one
dharma.
Its called Duryodhana.

Krishna –
Do you agree that Duryodhana is wrong and that he is the only

one responsible for this war?
Karna –
I do.
Krishna –
What is your motivation for fighting this war? Pandavas have their
reasons, Duryodhana has his, what is your reason? What will you
gain from this war?
Karna –
I am not fighting this war to gain anything. After Ganga putra

Bheesma, I am the most unfortunate lone warrior in this
battlefield. Fighting for nothing. He has his Pratigya and hence he
is helpless. But I am not helpless. I can walk away from the war.
But No, I won’t. I cannot leave my friend when he needs me the
most. I know he is wrong but that has nothing to do with my
gratitude.
Krishna –
What if both the parties decide to do peace? What if the war never
starts? How are you going to re-pay your debt of friendship?
Karna –
Are you kidding me? When god is standing at my doors trying to

persuade me in changing tracks, be rest assured that war is
inevitable. Why would the god come to my doors if the doors of
peace were open?
Krishna –
507
Fine. What if Pandavas win and they invite you to become the king
of Hastinapura? You will have to marry Draupadi then, will you do
it?
Karna –
No that is not even a possibility. At the end of this war, either I will
be alive or Arjuna will be. No matter who wins this war, one of us
is going to die. And as far as Draupadi is concerned, that is the
only regret I have. I have wrongly insulted her, called her a whore
in the court room. I shouldn’t have said that. So even if she
approaches me, I am not worthy of her now. At one point, I was.
But not now. It’s too late.
Source : Conversation Between Krishna and Karna Before
Kurukhestra War
51.The following conversation between KRISHNA and

Arjun… , when Arjun refused to fight the upcoming battle at
Kurukshetra.
Arjun: “na yotsya iti govindam, na yotsya iti govindam…
Hey Govind, the very thought of war itself gives me grief and I feel
dejected, therefore, I will not fight.”
Krishna: “ashochann vashochatsvam pragyaaddanshch

bhaashase, gataasoon gtaasoonshch naanushochanti panditaah…
Hey Arjun, you grieve for those who should not be grieved for and
yet seemingly speak like a wise man; but the wise men do not
grieve for the living or the dead.”
Arjun: “nimittaani ch pashyaami vipritaani Keshav…
Hey Keshav! Wherever I look, I see nothing but evil and

unpleasant omens in the upcoming battle.”
Krishna: “yah sarvatraanbhistrehast-tattpraapya
shubhashubham…
508
a karma-yogi does not care for omens. He is unattached to
everything because he neither rejoices when meeting pleasant
circumstances nor does he ever feel dejected if he encounters any
unpleasant events.” And furthermore: “shubhaashubh parityaagi
bhaktimaanyah sa me priyah…my devotee always renounces good
and evil premonitions and circumstances, and he, while fixing his
mind on me, by my grace, overcomes all difficulties.”
Arjun: “In this battle, I do not foresee any good resulting from the
slaughter of my friends and relatives.”
Krishna: “sarva-dharmamapi chaavekshya na vikampitum-

arhasi…
there is nothing more welcome to a warrior than a righteous war,

Arjun. One’s own duty though devoid of merit is preferable to the
duty of another well performed, because even death in the
performance of one’s duty brings happiness.”
Arjun: “na kaankshe vijayam krishna na ch raajayam sukhaani

ch…
But I do not covet victory, kingdom or even luxuries. And of what

use will this kingdom, luxuries or even life be to us, hey Keshav, if
we kill all the friends of our childhood days.”
Krishna: “A Karma-yogi should fight while treating victory and

defeat alike, gain and loss alike, pain and pleasure alike and
fighting thus, he does not incur sin.”
Arjun: “ye shaamarthe kaankshitam no raajayam bhogaah

sukhaani ch…
those for whose sake we seek kingdom and pleasure- teachers,

uncles, sons, nephews, grand uncles and other relatives, they all
stand here today on the battlefield staking their lives, property and
wealth.”
Krishna: “niraashi nirmamo bhootva yudhyasva vigatjvarah…
Dedicating all actions to Me and with your mind fixed on Me, freed
from the feelings of hope and sadness and cured of mental fever,
Hey Arjun, you must fight. Because he who has given up all
509
desires and has become free from the feelings of “I” and “Mine”
eventually attains peace.”
Arjun: “nihatya dhaartraashtraanah kaa preetih syaaj janaardan…
Hey Govind, I have yet to understand, what delight can we derive

by slaying the relatives of Dhritraashtra.”
Krishna: “raagdvesh_viyukttaistu vishayaanindriyaishchran…
Delight is not derived either by fighting or by not fighting. On the

contrary, it is derived by being free from likes and dislikes and that
too, only after controlling one's senses.”
Arjun: “Will I not incur sin by slaying my friends, relatives and my

teachers?”
Krishna: “Hey Arjun, if you refuse to fight this righteous war and

shy away from your innate duty, you will lose your reputation as a
warrior and thus you will definitely incur sin.”
Arjun: “How can we be happy by slaying our own friends, relatives

or even the noble elders. Because even after killing them, we will
only enjoy the blood stained pleasures in the form of wealth and
sense-enjoyments.”
Krishna: “Happy are the warriors who obtain such an unsolicited

opportunity for war which opens the door to heaven. Stand up and
perform your duty and, therefore, fight with peace in thy soul.”
Arjun: “In this war, don’t you think that we should restrain
ourselves and withdraw from the sin of the destruction of the
family?”
Krishna: “kalaibyam maasm gamah paarth

naittalavaya_padyate…
don’t yield to this unmanliness and shake off this faint heartedness
also, Arjun. Stand up and perform your duty and, therefore, fight.”
Add Comment
510
52.The conversation which I am talking about is much
lengthy as compare to the conversation which other people
have suggested I am talking about the whole conversation
takes place between Lord Krishna and Arjun when Arjun put
his weapons down and refuses to fight at that time Krishna give
him the supreme knowledge that changes Arjun’s whole
perspective and after that he enters into the battle ground and the
rest is history that whole conversation is none other than Shrimad
Bhagavad geeta its a live book because each and every word of
their conversation are still help full to us we can lead our life very
efficiently if we follow Geeta
There are some of the Inspiration quotes from the Geeta
511
Add Comment
53.Mrutunjay by Shivaji Sawant which is Mahabharat

through the eyes of Karna. According to popular conception,
Karna’s character has not got the glory and recognition that
it truly deserves. The author appeals to Karna to tell his
story and tell the world that he is a ‘Rajvastra'(royal robe)
and not a ‘latkar'(piece of rag).
Karna was the greatest warrior of his generation, who conquered

entire ‘Aryavrath’ (almost entire India) single-handedly. He was
extremely principled and stood by them even in the face of death.
He was also known as ‘Danveer’ (extremely generous). Indra, the
king of Gods, comes to his door asking for his Kavach-Kundal.
(Kavach is an unpenetrable shield that is attached to his skin.
Kundal are radiating earlobes which he gets at the time of his birth
from his father Sun God.) Karna rips his Kavach from his body and
chops off his Kundal within a split second. There is a very
interesting story, the night before Indra comes to ask for his
Kavach Kundal.
Karna wakes up in the morning and calls upon his brother Shon to
discuss about the dream he had last night.
Karna : Sun god appeared in his dream last night and told that if
Indra comes asking for your Kavach-Kundal, do not give it to him.
(Shon sees that Karna is extremely tensed)
Shon : I request you not to give him your Kavach Kundal as it is

trap from Indra.
Karna : I am not tensed because i have to give my Kavach-

Kundal, but i am not able to think of a way to remove the Kavach
as it is attached to my skin.
Jaytu Karna! (Long live Karna)
512
Footnotes
[1] Mrityunjay - Wikipedia
[2] Shivaji Sawant - Wikipedia

0
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54.This is a conversation between Dharmaraja and

Abhimanyu, at which point the Pandavas decided to send
Abhimanyu to the battle. While sending off Abhimanyu,
Dharmaraja laments the situation he is in. He says:
“I have been the king and enjoyed all the pleasures of life. You are
too young that you haven’t really experienced much of your life.
Yet, I am sending you into a fierce battle field, only for me to gain
material possessions and kingdom. Knowing all these things, I still
am sending you to fight for our side. My reason is that - we cant
win without someone leading, and unfortunately if we loose, then
“dharma” looses., but not because I want the kingdom for myself.
If we loose and kaauravas win, then it proves to the world that
cheating (in the gambling) and grabbing eventually wins while
fighting for your own right ends up on the loosing side. This story
propagates on to next generations of humanity that people will
believe in doing wrong deeds (adharma) to become victorious and
stop doing the right thing (dharma) since it looses. So, in order to
keep the dharma in our lives and for the generations to come, I
ask you to fight for it”.1
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55.One of the the best conversation between two

characters is Karna and Kunti. The frustration, suppressed
anger, the guilt,the lost love, and the ultimate refusal all
bring out the pathos of both the characters.
“may greed for victory, for fame, or for a kingdom never deflect
me from a hero’s path and salvation"~~ Ketaki Kushari Dyson
It moves me as many times as we read it!
56.The conversation between the king Dhrithrashtra and his

minister Vidura is the Vidura Neethi. The Vidura Neethi is
from the “udyoga parva”(Chapter 32-40) of the
Mahabharatha. This is one interesting conversation
between two characters in Mahabharata.
The Yaksha Prashna, also known as the Dharma Baka Upakhyan or

the Ashkardhama, is the story of a riddle contest between
Yudhishthira and a Yaksha in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It
appears in the Vana Parva, Aranyaka-parva or Aranya-parva and
the story is set as the Pandavas end their twelve years of exile in
the forest. This is another must-read portion of the Mahabharata.
6
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57.Conversation between shri krishna and karna was best.

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“quote from bori ce.
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58. Another best one according e is the one between Lord

Krishna and karna.
Karna asked Krishna,”Hey lord ,will i ever get the reputation i

deserve or not.Won't i ever get the respect for my knowledge and
power?”
To which krishna replied.
Hey karna you are the biggest worrier of Mahabharata and we

have to kill you when you are not on your chariot and the wheels
of chariot are stuck in mud.
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Is it not something that's show how great you are as a worrier.
Karna again asked krishna,”Why i always get cursed for gaining

knowledge and for bringing a change?”
Krishna politely listening to all these answered that knowledge is

the eternal part of soul.
To gain knowledge one don't need to work hard ,and speak lie .
Knowledge always comes with patience and following right path.
You were a great worrier and a great philosopher but still you
chosse to help the wrong side ,rather you could have work for
bringing a change in society by your ethics,and so hey karna this
end of your's is just because of you own karma .you cannot blame
anyone for you destiny but you have to create it on your own.
These lines remains with me forever.
“Mahabharata is love”
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59.Karna and beeshma
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Mahabharata the Epic of Epics has some beautiful aspects of

humanity for us to understand and adhere to. If you really want to
learn the truest aspect of what it is to be in a human form and
play the character well, Krishna’s conversation with various
characters in the Epic, especially Arjuna, Karna and Draupadi are
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priceless and are sure to answer so many question we keep
searching answers for.
In one such dialogue between Karna and Krishna Karna asks him
the most painful question that had pained him all his life, followed
by many other such questions.He asks Krishna “My mother left me
the moment I was born. Is it my fault I was born an illegitimate
child?”
Krishna in a firm tone yet patiently answered that He was born in a

jail and his death was destined even before he opened his eyes in
this world, adding on to all the questions that Karana had asked.
What Krishna really meant to make Karna understand was life

wasn’t fair to anyone. In fact, it can never be because in this
important that we did.He explained just because life has been
unfair to you and a certain person has been good to you, who is
essentially a threat to the entire society; you will, in the end, have
to choose your conscience above the person. It is the right
dharma. It is the only way. The fact of the matter is, whether be
Karna or Krishna, they were essentially here expressing
themselves in a human form. This world is a stage and we are all
mere characters fulfilling the destiny of the biggest play of all time
we call Life. Universe has a way of manifesting things and we are
all in alignment with our soul path.Those who realise and align
themselves with their path are freed from the Karmic bondage
those who don’t, they come back again to complete the lesson and
knowledge that is still unavailable or partially available to
them.The dialogue between Krishna and Karna is a classic example
of understanding the difference between ignorance and awareness.
Sulking in self-pity has never given any solution. However, when
you stand up many times to hold yourself erect and speak your
truth, you release yourself from all the unnecessary drama.Life is a
lesson and one should accept all they are to experience…
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60This conversation that holds together the faith of nearly
1.1 billion people . The song of the lord,The Bhagvad Gita.
The Gita in its entirety is a conversation between Lord
Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield. It has to be one of
the most significant conversations in the longest piece of
epic poetry in the history of world literature.
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The Yaksha Prashna (यक्ष प्रश्न) or bakopakhyaana in which

Yudhishtira is asked 33 sets of questions by the Yaksha is one of
the most interesting.
For instance, to the question :
'What is the most wondrous thing in the world?'
Yudhishtira replies:
Day after day countless people die. Yet the wish to live
forever. O Lord, what can be a greater wonder?
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61.One of the conversations in serial is best I have ever

come across. It goes like this.
Karna: Vasudev(Krishna), kya mere samarthya ka parichay kabhi

nahi ho payega?
Krishna: Radheya(Karna), aapke haath me dhanush nahi, apke

rath ka paiya bhoomi me dhasa hai, apko apni vidya ka vismaran
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ho gaya hai, aise avsar ka laabh uthakar apka vadh karna pad
raha hai. Kya yahi aapke samarthya ka praman nahi?
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Thats pretty easy… The Bhagvad Gita updesh from Shri Krishna
and Arjun in the battlefield is the best conversation between two
characters. Another one which comes close is the Yaksha Prashna
between Yaksha and Yudhishthir.
Jai Shri Krishna
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62.In Star plus mahabharat all conversations of Krishna

with other characters are phenomenal. Specially in the
'kurukshetra war” when krishna teaches “Dharma gyan” to
everyone(Drona, Bhisma. Karna) is amazing.
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The conversation between eldest of pandavas and lord yama in the

guise of a yaksha in the forest, during incognito period of the
pandavas, appeals to me to be the best conversation in the great
epic Mahabharata:
Yaksha- which is the fastest thing in the world?
Yudhishtra- human mind.
Yaksha- what is the greatest wonder in the world?

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Yudhishtra- every day people see others dying but act as if they
are going to live for ever.
Yaksha- who will help a person who is in great danger?
Yudhishtra- one's own courage.

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The conversion Draupadi had with prathukami when he was sent

by Dhuriyodhana to bring Draupadi to the kings court.
To honour the great Villputhurar, I am writing in Tamil...
தருமர் தன்னை தேற்ற பின் என்னை தேற்றாரா
அல்லது
என்னை தேற்ற பின் தன்னை தேற்றாரா
Arjuna- Oh, Lord what are the words that make a happy person
sad and make a worried person happy?
Krishna- “THIS TIME WILL PASS AWAY”.
What a wonderful line that was.
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s every conversation which included Krishna , whoever it might be

the second person may be Arjun,Yudhistar , Bhishma , Kunti,
Draupadi, Karna, Arjuns Son, Dhritrashtra and anyone in the
whole mahabharat whenever Krishna spoke a word it was best and
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possesed the trueness of life thus if i start writing his lines here it
will be a very long answer .
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Ohh there are so many…! Every conversation reveals something

which is worth learning..
Krishna- Arjun, Krishna- Karna, Bhishma- Vidur, Bhishma-Karna,

Draupadi- Satyabhama, Dhritrashtra- Vidur, and many more.
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63.Dialogue between Krishna and Karna
Karna : "lot of unfairness has happened to me. Is it my fault that

I am born illegitimate? My mother left me the moment I was born.
I , who should have been brought up in palace was brought up in
'sutha's house. I did not get full education (in war science) from
Dhronacharya because I was considered as a 'sutha'. Even though
Parasurama taught me full, he gave me a curse that I should
forget everything , since I was a kshatriya. Is it my fault. I didn't
even know I was a kshatriya. Some boy came running and was hit
by my chariot. It was not my fault, it was an accident. Even then
the boy's father cursed me. Even in Draupadi's 'swayamvara' I was
disgraced for being a 'sutaputra' even though I was the
'suryaputra'.
Kunti had affection only for her other children. She never told me
the truth and finally when she did tell me , she asked me not to
use any weapon on her son's second time. Even though she never
behaved like a mother , I gave her whatever she asked. I should
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have got the throne of ' Kurukula'but am ruling a kingdom I got
out of Dhuryodhana's charity.
Bhishma never gave me any respect as a worthy person and he

also disgraced me and disallowed me to fighting in the army under
his Generalship.
I am beating all this due to friendship of Dhuryodhana. You all

might think that he is a villain, but he has done only good to me.
Even when Gods left me Dhuryodhana stood by me. So what is
wrong in my being in his side. "
Krishna answers
"Karna, I was born in a jail. Death was waiting for me even before
my birth.
The night I was born I was separated from my mother. At least

you had some education in 'sutha' house.

horses,bow and arrows.
For me I got only cow herd's shed. No swords, no chariots, but

only cattles, cow dung, milk maids with attempts on my life by
Kamsa.
No army, no education. In young age I was accused of killing my

own uncle. In fear of Jaradandha I had to move my whole
community from the banks of Yamuna to far off Sea shore a very
new place.
I could hear people saying I am the reason for all their problems. I
was also called a coward for running away. When all of you were
being appreciated for your valours by your teacher (guru) I had
not even joined a Gurukula. I joined the gurukula of Rishi
Sandipani only at the age of 16. You have a kingdom, but what
about me. When girls whom I don't even know, want me to protect
them by marrying them I have to rush there leaving whatever I
am doing. I never got the girl I loved but any one who loves me ,
get me.
If Dhuryodhana wins the war you will get lot of credit and will
become more famous. I am just a Sarathi ( charioteer). What do I
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get if Dharmaraja wins the war? Already I am being blamed for the
war and all problems. This blame will not vanish if Dharmaraja
wins or loses.
Remember one thing Karna. Everyone features difficulties

in life. LIFESTYLE ISN'T FAIR ON ANYONE. Dhuryodhana
has a significant load of unfairness in life. Therefore in
addition Yudhishtra.
But what is Appropriate (Dharma) is known to your

thoughts ( aware). Exactly how much unfairness we got,
what number of times we had been disgraced, just how
many times we had been denied what is because of united
states, isn't essential.
What is very important is the way you REACTED in those

days determines your character. Stop whining Karna. Learn
How To walk in the path of awareness ( विवे का). Life's
unfairness doesn't provide you with license to go not the
right path (अधर्मा)
Some of your favorite dialogues from the Epic Mahabharata
1.ASWATHAMA HATHAHA .....kunjaraha !!
This small dialogue, changes the course of the entire Mahabharat war.
STORY:
Dronacharya the guru of both pandavas and kauravas, the most powerful
in the battlefield is fighting for the kauravas. There is absolutely no
way to defeat him in any way . It is said that as long as Drona has a
weapon in his hand , he is indestructible. The only way he can be
defeated is if he willingly allows himself to be defeated. He was literally
the boss in the battlefield.
Now to defeat/kill him, Krishna the master of cunning hatches a plan. He

asks Yudister to tell a lie. A lie that drona's son Ashwathama has been
killed in war. Yudister who has always followed dharma and never spoken
a lie in his life is hesitant. So in order to satisfy Yudister's moral
523
dilemma krishna tells him that an elephant by the same name
Ashwathama is to be killed and a half truth be given to Drona.
According to plan Bhemma kills the said elephant, and starts shouting
Ashwathama hathaha! (ashwathama is killed). Hearing this drona stops in
his tracks and drops his weapons. He now asks Yudister if he the news is
true, Yudister replies loudly Ashwathama hathaha....and mutters slowly
Kujaraha (the elephant) . Drona hears only the half sentence and drops
all fight and sits down. seeing this oppurtunity he is immediately
beheaded by dristadhyma who is nearby.
LESSON :
Drona knew his son was indestructible just like him, but he still believed
the words. What we have to learn from this episode is , whatever the
circumstance is , however bad it appears , it might not be the truth.
Seeing is believing. There will be many factors/people who will try
convince you to do the wrong thing but its very important to isolate
yourself from all these and get a perspective of your own.
AFTERMATH:
Even though the dialogue was a truth, convincing Drona that his son is
dead is morally a lie. As a result of this Yudister loses his powers. His
chariot which used to fly over the ground in a battlefield,drops down
never to fly again.
2. This is our beloved wife, dearer to us than our lives. She should
be protected like a mother and worshipped like an elder sister.”
—Yudhisthira to his brothers
3“On having seen Panchali molested in the assembly hall, how can my
anger towards Suyodhana be pacified without him being killed? O
Krishna! If Bhima, Arjuna and Dharmaraja wish to stick to dharma, I
will give up dharma and wish to fight them in battle.”
—Sahadeva to Krishna
4“Droupadi was in her season and they disrespected her. They (tried to)
deprive her of her garment there. Behold. Through Yajnaseni’s
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austerities, in the battle, the sons of Dhritarashtra have been slain
by the Pandavas.”
—Bhima to everyone in the battle-field
5“In return for the love, I always place my soul in their souls. I
always serve them without any sense of pride. I protect the hearts
of my husbands, without being anxious about wrong words, wrong
situations, wrong looks, difficult seats, difficult roads and difficult
signs. That is the way I serve the maharatha Parthas, who are
extremely terrible in their energy and are equal to the sun, the fire and
the moon and who are capable of killing with their glances. My mind
never turns to other men —be it a god, a man, a gandharva, a
young one with ornaments, one who is rich or one who is handsome.”
—Draupadi to Satyabhama
6“Today, you will see Karna uprooted by me, like a flowering tree
brought down by a maddened elephant. O Madhusudana! After that, you
will hear pleasant words today. Today, you will be able to comfort
Abhimanyu’s mother (Subhadra) and repay her debt. O Janardana!
Kunti, your father’s sister, will be delighted. O Madhava! The tears on
Krishnaa’s face will be comforted today. You will be able to speak
immortal words to Dharmaraja Yudhishthira.”
—Arjuna to Krishna
7“Bibhatsu, Yudhishthira, Bhimasena and the twins are not dearer to

me than Krishnaa. When I saw her brought to the assembly hall, it
brought me greater pain than anything I had confronted before.
Without wishing for it, Droupadi was brought before her fathers-in-law.
While all the Kurus watched, she was brought to the assembly hall in a
single garment. She was brought there by an ignoble one, who was
overcome by anger and avarice. Dhritarashtra, the great king Bahlika,
Kripa, Somadatta and the distressed Kurus were present there.
Among all those who were there in the assembly, I respect Kshatta
(Vidura) alone.”
—Kunti to Krishna
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8“My breath of life depends on you and so do those of the Kurus.
How can someone who grants others their breaths of life give up his
own breath of life? This relationship was ordained by the creator.
It is eternal and indestructible. Know that relationship and make that
relationship come true. My husband has been slain through my son now.
If I do not see him alive now, I will cast aside my life. I am miserable
and timid, having been separated from my husband and my son. There is
no doubt that while you look on, I will fast to death.”
—Chitrangada to unconcious Arjuna
9These are some of my favorite dialogues from the Mahabharata. These

may not seem great. But for me, these are beautiful, rare and almost
unbelievable. The purity of these relationships warms my heart. This is
the essence and the soul of the Mahabharata. What’s not in them for me
to not call them my favorite dialogues?
Some of your favorite dialogues from the Epic Mahabharata
1.ASWATHAMA HATHAHA .....kunjaraha !!
This small dialogue, changes the course of the entire Mahabharat

war.
STORY:
Dronacharya the guru of both pandavas and kauravas, the most
powerful in the battlefield is fighting for the kauravas. There is
absolutely no way to defeat him in any way . It is said that as long
as Drona has a weapon in his hand , he is indestructible. The only
way he can be defeated is if he willingly allows himself to be
defeated. He was literally the boss in the battlefield.
Now to defeat/kill him, Krishna the master of cunning hatches a

plan. He asks Yudister to tell a lie. A lie that drona's son
Ashwathama has been killed in war. Yudister who has always
followed dharma and never spoken a lie in his life is hesitant. So in
order to satisfy Yudister's moral dilemma krishna tells him that an
elephant by the same name Ashwathama is to be killed and a half
truth be given to Drona.
According to plan Bhemma kills the said elephant, and starts

shouting Ashwathama hathaha! (ashwathama is killed). Hearing
526
this drona stops in his tracks and drops his weapons. He now asks
Yudister if he the news is true, Yudister replies loudly Ashwathama
hathaha....and mutters slowly Kujaraha (the elephant) . Drona
hears only the half sentence and drops all fight and sits down.
seeing this oppurtunity he is immediately beheaded by
dristadhyma who is nearby.
LESSON :
Drona knew his son was indestructible just like him, but he still
believed the words. What we have to learn from this episode is ,
whatever the circumstance is , however bad it appears , it might
not be the truth. Seeing is believing. There will be many
factors/people who will try convince you to do the wrong
thing but its very important to isolate yourself from all
these and get a perspective of your own.
AFTERMATH:
Even though the dialogue was a truth, convincing Drona that his
son is dead is morally a lie. As a result of this Yudister loses his
powers. His chariot which used to fly over the ground in a
battlefield,drops down never to fly again.
2. This is our beloved wife, dearer to us than our lives. She should
be protected like a mother and worshipped like an elder
sister.”
—Yudhisthira to his brothers
3“On having seen Panchali molested in the assembly hall, how

can my anger towards Suyodhana be pacified without him
being killed? O Krishna! If Bhima, Arjuna and Dharmaraja wish to
stick to dharma, I will give up dharma and wish to fight
them in battle.”
—Sahadeva to Krishna
4“Droupadi was in her season and they disrespected her. They

(tried to) deprive her of her garment there. Behold. Through
Yajnaseni’s austerities, in the battle, the sons of
Dhritarashtra have been slain by the Pandavas.”
—Bhima to everyone in the battle-field
527
5“In return for the love, I always place my soul in their
souls. I always serve them without any sense of pride. I
protect the hearts of my husbands, without being anxious
about wrong words, wrong situations, wrong looks, difficult seats,
difficult roads and difficult signs. That is the way I serve the
maharatha Parthas, who are extremely terrible in their energy and
are equal to the sun, the fire and the moon and who are capable
of killing with their glances. My mind never turns to other men
—be it a god, a man, a gandharva, a young one with
ornaments, one who is rich or one who is handsome.”
—Draupadi to Satyabhama
6“Today, you will see Karna uprooted by me, like a flowering tree
brought down by a maddened elephant. O Madhusudana! After
that, you will hear pleasant words today. Today, you will be
able to comfort Abhimanyu’s mother (Subhadra) and repay
her debt. O Janardana! Kunti, your father’s sister, will be
delighted. O Madhava! The tears on Krishnaa’s face will be
comforted today. You will be able to speak immortal words to
Dharmaraja Yudhishthira.”
—Arjuna to Krishna
7“Bibhatsu, Yudhishthira, Bhimasena and the twins are not

dearer to me than Krishnaa. When I saw her brought to the
assembly hall, it brought me greater pain than anything I
had confronted before. Without wishing for it, Droupadi was
brought before her fathers-in-law. While all the Kurus watched,
she was brought to the assembly hall in a single garment. She was
brought there by an ignoble one, who was overcome by anger and
avarice. Dhritarashtra, the great king Bahlika, Kripa,
Somadatta and the distressed Kurus were present there.
Among all those who were there in the assembly, I respect
Kshatta (Vidura) alone.”
—Kunti to Krishna
8“My breath of life depends on you and so do those of the

Kurus. How can someone who grants others their breaths
of life give up his own breath of life? This relationship was
ordained by the creator. It is eternal and
indestructible. Know that relationship and make that relationship
528
come true. My husband has been slain through my son now. If I
do not see him alive now, I will cast aside my life. I am miserable
and timid, having been separated from my husband and my
son. There is no doubt that while you look on, I will fast to
death.”
—Chitrangada to unconcious Arjuna
9These are some of my favorite dialogues from the Mahabharata.

These may not seem great. But for me, these are beautiful, rare
and almost unbelievable. The purity of these relationships warms
my heart. This is the essence and the soul of the Mahabharata.
What’s not in them for me to not call them my favorite dialogues?
Karna’s Love Letter To Draupadi: It Is You Who Defines Me

The Most
The love of Karna and Draupadi was forbidden, love. And nobody ever
knew if Draupadi actually ever confessed her love for Karna or not. But
whatever it was their names are spoken together in history even if they did
wrong each other to a great extent – Draupadi insulting Karna at the
Swayamvar and Karna turning a blind eye to Draupadi’s Bastraharan. Did
Karna love Draupadi? Did Draupadi love Karna? Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
in her book The Palace of Illusions says that if Draupadi ever loved anyone
it was Karna and the love was reciprocated.
In her book she spoke about their strange love where in their lifetime they
hardly spoke or even met but were constantly on each other’s mind. In
fact, if Draupadi dressed up it was for Karna and no one else, not even
Arjun. To think of it if Karna had got his legitimate place among
the Pandavas then Draupadi would have been his wife. But love stories that
don’t have a destiny are the real love stories, we guess. Such was the love
of Karna and Draupadi, which is beautifully expressed in this letter.
A Beautiful Love Letter From Karna To Draupadi
Yajnaseni,
529
A letter that I will never send to you. But would love to believe that you
know about it, nevertheless.
That day when a social networking site asked me to choose my

‘relationship status’, it took me aback. Which relationship is that one that
defines me, that spells out my identity, my self? Is it that wife, who is
dutiful enough to play a wife and sensitive enough to not demand a
husband of me, or that mother who loves me so or the one who leaves me
so, or you? Really, is it you who defines me most? I’m afraid it’s you. And I
swear, ‘it’s complicated!’
We have some uncanny similarities, don’t we?
For one, our families are the same. The Pandavas. And neither of us ever
belonged, in a real sense. But again, how different we are in that. I’ve
always yearned to live a life there, where my heart always belonged since
the day I knew of it, with the worthiest of the brothers that a man can ever
have. How much you had to give up, in your heart and your soul, to live
there, to kill your sensibilities, to play wife to five brothers, to surrender
and to not say a word.
They call me a true Kshatriya. Just because I bore the pain of an insect

drilling into me, and didn’t move. They don’t know what a true Kshatriya
means. They don’t know what courage it takes to not tell your father that
you aren’t a trophy to be won in an archery contest. To not tell a mother-
in-law that you’re no property to be distributed to avoid sibling rivalry.
That to get you is not to own you. That you cannot be given away, only
your company can be earned. So you oblige. So you cook, and dress up
and entertain. And so you mate. With whoever they ask you to mate with.
To not tell them you don’t care enough to disobey. To not tell them that
they are wrong, and to not tell them that you gave up fury for forgiveness.
They say God could not be everywhere and so He made mothers. Is that
why He got Radha for me and saved me from the wrath of Kunti? If only
that woman knew that the biggest mistake she ever made wasn’t giving
birth to me, but choosing to come to me to make a deal, then send you.
530
She told me she can get you to belong to me, that I can lay claim to you,
being the eldest of her sons.
She’ll never know how I have always belonged to you, all my life. And that you
never really belonged to any of her sons in the way she presumed.
I want you to know this. I love you. For being yourself. For forgiving them,
for they don’t know what they have done to you. For letting the world
chant hymns in praise of the stalwarts of Hastinapur, as you’d never tell
them they’re actually not worth a dime. For loving Arjuna, the worthiest
enemy I could ever have. And so I love you all the more.
Krishna at
But I hate you too, Yajnaseni. For all the same reasons. For wasting your
life. For compromising. For giving up so easily. For giving your virginity,
first, to the cowardliest of the lot. For dedicating all your youth and your
beauty to the grime of the Indraprastha kitchen. For not giving a damn in
being used. For not caring to seek what you were worthy of. And finally,
for sacrificing your sons to the unworthiest of the causes, and without a
sigh. How could you be so indifferent, Yajnaseni? How could you not feel a
thing?
And I pity you. For a life like yours so ill-spent.
While it’s your grace that you forgave, it’s a disgrace that you didn’t find your
equal.
You married five but didn’t find one husband you could belong to, who
you could both trust and love. I pity you that you could never stop loving
Arjuna. Knowing well that neither did he love you back, nor did he deserve
your love. And I pity you that you could never get yourself to
love Bhima, the only brother I stand proud of, till today. It’s a shame that
there was not one single man who stood up and killed Duhshashan for
touching you, or the unpardonable Yudhisthira, even before that. I pity you
that you couldn’t, at that point, throw everything aside and come to me.
Alone and fearless. Because you’ve known me deep inside. Known that you
could come to me. Anytime.
You got everything that I could also have had. And what I can never have.
531
And at this moment of confession, let me also tell you how I always envied
you. Because you lived your life where I could not. Because you could
touch Bhishma’s feet and seek his blessings, whenever you needed to.
Because you always had a shoulder to weep on, that most dependable
friend, Krishna.
It’s funny that we saw each other just twice in our lives. Once when you
humiliated me at the Swayamvar, enough for me to wish to die. And once
when I gave that right back to you. Not moving an inch but watching you
being disrobed. Watching you look at me for help. That glance that only I
understood. I’m glad you didn’t consider me to marry. I couldn’t bear
living a life with you, to discover the reflection of each and every one of my
vices and virtues in another body, another soul. “You are more myself than
I am!” Because I don’t love myself, let me love you. And let the distance be.
Stay away, my goddess.
I can never be, yours, truly!
Karna
Source
https://www.bonobology.com/it-is-you-who-defines-me-the-most-karnas-love-letter-to-draupadi/
532
Good picture Quotes From The
Mahabharata That’ll Give You Fresh
New Perspective On Life which you
can put in your wall or screen saver
One of the biggest epics known to mankind, the Mahabharata is a vast treasure
of knowledge and wisdom. Beneath the omnipresent premise of war, lies an
infinite pool of teachings and lessons. Very few narratives have been able to
capture the true essence of love, loathing, envy, lust, helplessness, greed and
power the way Mahabharata has.
Hence, these 30 quotes from the grand epic that'll add some more clarity to
your life and make you see it in a different perspective. Check 'em out.
533
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541
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) of the author-

chinu
NAME : S.SRINIVASAN
WORKED WITH : I.O.B
DESIGNATION : Special Assistant Branch
: Chembur, Mumbai
DATE OF BIRTH : 12-03-1952
DATE OF JOINING : 18-03-1974
DATE OF RETIREMENT : 21-03-2012
AGE : 66 YEARS
QUALIFICATION : B.Sc (Maths) I Class First Rank Holder in

Bombay University
Residential Address : NL-6, Type, 20/4, Sector-9,

Nerul, New Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400 706
Residential Phone : 022-27702969, 09869466595,9591104499
E-Mail : ambujchinu@gmail.com
EXPERIENCE AS A UNION ACTIVIST:
1974 Conference : Tea Club Secretary of Matunga Br.

1975 : Staff Club Secretary of Matunga Br.
st
1976 – 1978 21 Conference : Asst. Branch Secretary Matunga Br.
nd
1978 – 1980 22 Conference : Branch Secretary of Matunga Br.
rd
1980 – 1982 23 Conference : Executive Committee Member
1982 – 1985 24
th
Conference : Assistant General Secretary
1985 – 1987 25
th
Conference : Assistant General Secretary
1987 – 1990 26
th Conference : Assistant General Secretary
th
1990 – 1991 (Feb) 27 Conference : Assistant General Secretary
542
On 11-02-1991 : WORKMEN DIRECTOR
Feb'91 – Jul'92 : Secretary
Jul'92 – 1993 : General Secretary (Ag.)
25-02-2003 : WORKMEN DIRECTOR
1993 to August 10, 2014 : General Secretary

Membership base 16000
Posts held in national affiliation Jt .secretary of National Confederation Bank
Employees
(NCBE) from 1991-2012 Membership base 2.5

lakhs
President of National Union Of Bank Employees (NUBE) From 2012 TO 2014 Membership
base 25000
Posts held in international affiliation Vice president of Union Network International (UNI)
for a term
Membership base 20 million workers from over 150 different countries
SOLIDARITY ACTIONS:
1. Participated actively in the Great Historic Bombay Textile Strike (1982-84) of
2.5 lacs workers by organising over one thousand workers in a locality solidarity
committee called Chembur Kamgar Samithy (Ref: Book: Log Haul: Rajini Bakshi)
along with Blue and White collar workers and middle class intelligent of the locality.
2. Took vital role in organising the necessary infrastructure for unionising

widely scattered contract labourers in various small-scale industries and trades in the
city of Bombay – from 1984 onwards.
3. Initiated several programs for developing trade their united actions and for
working class solidarity including specific campaigns (eg: Price rise, infringement on
Trade Union rights, solidarity actions with other workers in Public and Private
Sectors).
SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS:
1. Education: a) Complimentary classes in Maths, Statistics and Econometrics

for Inter.Sc.
M.Sc. B.A., B.Sc., B.Com. Students 1972 – 1984
b) Book Bank
543
c) Adult Education programmer for the slum dwellers
d) Trade Union education secessions and material preparations for the same. e)
Compiling, writing and publishing of the Trade Union
information books.
f) Author of Know Your Rights (service conditions manual for
IOB &)
other bank Employees)
Preliminary edition 1980 (Hand written & cyclostyle –15 Pages)

st
1 Edition 1984 (Typed & Cyclostyle – 50 Pages)
nd
2 Edition 1984 (Typed & Cyclostyle – 75 Pages)
rd
3 Edition 1987 (Offset & zeroxes – 150 Pages)
th
4 Edition 1989 (Printed Offset – 300 Pages)
th Edition
5 1993 (Printed Offset – 462 Pages)
th Edition
6 1997 (Printed Offset – 700 Pages)
th Edition
7 2000 ( Printed Offset –650 Pages
History of All India Overseas Bank Employees’ Union, NUBE

Know Globalization beyond Jargon
108 & IOB and many useful reference material and books on union matters
Other Publications in net
KNOW GLOBALIZATION BEYOND JARGON
https://www.scribd.com/doc/122129855/gsnube
THE GOLDEN PARADOX
https://www.scribd.com/doc/121967781/the-golden-paradox
5 DAY WEEK
https://www.scribd.com/doc/121967452/5day-week
DEFEND PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS –OPPOSE MERGERS
https://www.scribd.com/doc/238317567/Defend-Public-Sector-Banks-Final
INCREASE IN RETIRMENT AGE
https://www.scribd.com/doc/116184278/NUBE-CIR-10-2012
WHAT CONSTITUTES A REASONBALE WAGE
https://www.scribd.com/doc/116184183/What-Constitutes-Reasonable
FDI ON RETAIL: MYTHS AND TRUTHS
https://www.scribd.com/doc/116184092/Fdi-on-Retail-Trade2
https://www.scribd.com/doc/116184075/Fdi-on-Retail-Trade
Sauce for the goose is (not) sauce for the gander
Expose double standards
https://www.scribd.com/doc/242392436/Comaprison-of-6th-and-7th-Pay-Commsion
FINAL BOOK
http://www.scribd.com/doc/239132043/Final-Book100days
544

Synopsis of the final book
http://www.scribd.com/doc/239553236/Synopsiis-Final

Chinu’s epilogue final
http://www.scribd.com/doc/239247462/Chinu-Epilogue-Final
REALISTIC AND PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO END STALEMATE IN THE
SCHEDULED MEETING OF IBA AND NEGOTIATING UNIONS ON 26TH
SEPTEMBER

http://www.scribd.com/doc/240566538/Suggestions-for-26-Septemebr-Meetin-Gin-Ending-
Stalemate-2
Towards nationalization –objective realities and subjective compulsions
https://www.scribd.com/doc/251313243/Towards-Nationalisation-Mya-Rticle-on-Decemebr-
2014
Chinu’s nursery rhymes of our times

https://www.scribd.com/doc/251694139/Chinu-s-Nursery-Rhymes-of-Our-Times

The Great Indian Bank Robbery
https://www.scribd.com/doc/252106565/The-Great-Indian-Bank-Robbery
An euphemism called NPA well explained by chinu
https://www.scribd.com/doc/252355108/Euphemism-CaLled-NPA
Know Indian black money

https://www.scribd.com/doc/245092978/Know-Indian-Black-Money
Chinu’s nursery rhymes of our times
https://www.scribd.com/doc/251694139/Chinu-s-Nursery-Rhymes-of-Our-Times
https://www.scribd.com/document/381507492/Justifiable-or-Justiciable-Wage-in-the-
11-Bipartite
Chinu’s short stories

https://sites.google.com/a/sies1969.net/chinus-lair/my-short-stories
Volume 1: KNOW YOUR DEFENCE IN DOMESTIC ENQUIRIES (a guide, tool and

weapon for defence representatives) pages 702, MRP Rs.700
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=gxiKDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT2&lpg=PT2&dq=chinu
%27s+notes&source=bl&ots=94hNadhfNz&sig=ACfU3U1yvHcg7rfLqCQ5zxZlRK-
0OrIVsw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi_meP26b3jAhUCXn0KHfUNCDwQ6AEwDHoEC
AgQAQ#v=onepage&q=chinu's%20notes&f=false
&
Volume 2: PART 1 KNOWS ART OF CROSS EXAMINATION IN DOMESTIC ENQUIRIES
(PART 1) (A rare book with concepts explained lucidly with number of practical
illustrations)
And
545

PART 2:PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DEFENCE REPRESENTATIVES IN HANDLING
CHARGE SHEETS AND ENQUIRIES (part 2)( With Practical Illustration of Reply to
Charge Sheets, Defence Brief, Model /Mock Enquiry Proceedings with Several Case
Studies)pages of part 1 and 2 combined 772 ,M.R.P Rs.799

https://www.amazon.in/Chinus-Notes-Know-Cross-Examination-
Illustrations/dp/1684660785/ref=pd_bxgy_2/259-3257863-7184214?
_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1684660785&pd_rd_r=0addcd59-415e-11e9-9778-
8f6157a798d3&pd_rd_w=DFkff&pd_rd_wg=EquZ3&pf_rd_p=3a4d5c12-ea93-42b3-
a003-
3aed914cac55&pf_rd_r=E4H4SBRGHREK6QSS6VQM&psc=1&refRID=E4H4SBRGHRE
K6QSS6VQM
sauce for the goose is not soauec for the gander

expose double standards
comparison between 6th and 7th pay commission
Corona Virus the Spluttered Economic Chakravyuh — Who Will Bell the Cat?
https://www.scribd.com/document/462367468/Corona-Virus-the-Spluttered-Economic-
Chakravyuh-Who-Will-Bell-the-Cat
Mantra for Diseases Dhanwantari Mantra - (1)
https://www.scribd.com/document/462795558/Mantra-for-Diseases-Dhanwantari-
Mantra-1
oldest hom kund an som yanga
https://www.scribd.com/document/462648154/Octagonal-Yupo-Bhavati-Satapat-1-1
BUGGED WITH BHAKTS TODAY
https://www.scribd.com/document/463518758/Bhakts-bug-bear
WHAT YOUR PREDECESSORS ACHIEVED IN 60 YEARS ?
https://www.scribd.com/document/463515296/letter-to-Modi-What-Your-Predecessors-
Achieved-in-60-Years
OR
https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive
IN PRAISE OF THE RED I LOVE
Read more at my links
546
https://www.scribd.com/document/463762084/In-Praise-of-the-Red-I-Love
The Other India Today- unemployment
https://www.scribd.com/document/464226314/The-Other-India-Today-Unemployemt-
Scribd
THE OTHER INDIA TODAY- unemployment
Or
Copy ,paste
https://www.scribd.com/document/464227259/The-Other-India-Today-Unemployemt
The Other India Today- Under Employment
https://www.facebook.com/sankaran.srinivasan.16/posts/3523968794284006
WAGE DIFFERENTIALS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN INDIA
THIS DOCUMENT OF WORLD BANK IS BLUE PRINT FOR OUR WAGE ( REVISION /)
FREEZE WHICH SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENTS SCRUPULOUSLY OBEY AND
FOLLOW – UNIONS RARE MERE BYSTANDERS
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s5LFTJMcggUBQpgGfKQmdBFvlZv9Aadh/view?
usp=sharing
puranic stories https://www.scribd.com/document/464543676/Puranic-Stories-revised
or
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3us-VmpUmsDCGt7KipVdcaRwOaHvP-p/view?
usp=sharing
https://www.academia.edu/s/3b3fd03679?source=link
547
my Kallidaikurichi musings
https://groups.google.com/forum/?utm_source=digest&utm_medium=email#!searchin/sies-
1969/tirunelveli/sies-1969/ueGfLqmTF5Y/HgmIgPPFAAAJ
2. Health and Hygiene: Propagation of Health and Hygiene and preventive

medicines along with doctors of Indian Medical Association and Scientists of
B.A.R.C. by various methods including street comer campaigns, informal meetings
with unions, rigorous door to door survey for over 6 months covering 10 slums,
Audio visual programmes, medical camps, Blood donation and other drives.
3. Scientific Temper : Campaign against superstition and propaganda of

Scientific Temper along with People's Science Movement in various localities with
extensive repertoire.
4. Civil Liberties Right: Various campaigns and agitations with several Democratic
rights and
Democratic Organisations.
5. Culture and Developing and campaigning for Culture and Arts for
working people
Arts for People : vide street corner, selling of progressive literary and
cultural magazines
Books and hoisting of Street theatre plays.
6. Environment : Campaign against Industrial pollution, noise pollution in

Chembur and campaign for the victims of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
SECTIONS OF THE PEOPLE:

Students: Assisted in organising various sections of students in developing
agitations for their legitimate demands and introducing them to organisations of their
interests.
Youth: (Unemployed and under employed)

Channelised scores of youth into constructive organised activities for their own
and social progress.
Women: (Wives of workers and working women)
548
Organised various sections of women to fight for their rights and participated in
several of their agitational and educational programs (Anti dowry campaigns,
celebration of women's day, National Women Conferences, film festivals).
Slum Working with several sections of slum dwellers at various levels of

poverty and
Dwellers: recognising them as workers living in slums. Participated and
attended to numerous of their personal problems of socio economic nature.
Tribals & Organised Coffee Plantation workers at Ooty to form trade unions,
Backward Co-operatives and assisted in organising socio economic projects
for backward Communities: communities in Chengalpattu District (Madras).
Children: Conducted “non informal Education” classes for slum

children in Bombay.
549

Chinu's Notes Know Answers To 108 Questions in Mahabharata

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Chinu's Notes Know Answers To 108 Questions in Mahabharata

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1

The Story of Mahabharata

A storyteller sage named Vaishampayana is summoned. He is seated on a high seat and

First child is Dhrithrashtra, father of Kauravas.

Second child is Pandu , the father of Pandavas.

Third child is Vidura, the wise minister of the King on Throne.

Gods approve of this, and open up the gates.

I hope this e- book reading will good for all.

7 life lessons we all can learn from the Mahabharata

2 What were the names of the 100

6 How were all 100 Kauravas born together?

9 What were the names of the 100 Kauravas,

20 What was happening in South India during

22 Where was America and other countries

23 Did the Pandavas or Kauravas have any

35 Who is the worst character of

39 What is the birth story of Subhadra

45 Why did Sadhus ask Draupadi for alms in

54 When did Draupadi have her children?

55 Why did Draupadi marry all Pandavas?

56 Why did Pandavas do Vanvas? And why

59 How many years did Pandavas do Vanvas?

67 How is it possible that none of the

73 How do the Pandavas win the battle of

89 What are some unknown facts about

105 What are some lesser known facts about

106 The foreign reader...is at once struck by

b) . List Of 50 Bhagavad Gita Quotes On

d) Collection of Best conversation between two

e) Some of your favorite dialogues from the Epic

f) Karna’s Love Letter To Draupadi: It Is You Who

h About the author

There were only Duryudhana and Dusashana Vikarana and

Vikata-Six times- four out of which were in conjunction with tens

Just to give a comparison

Sahadeva, the Pandava whose name was mentioned the least,

3)How biologically possible is it that Gandhari gave birth to

B) It is possible . Ill show you in a minute. I will use the most

Which means Mahabharaat took place in the Dwapara Yuga.

According to Vedas the Life span of Man in Kalyuga is 100 years.

Since Mahabharat took place in the Dwapara Yuga. This means

In todays times (Kalyug ) the fertility period of a woman is from

A period of 30 years. (45–15 =30)

Though pregnancy is possible before 15 and after 45 too. But ill

Since the life expectancy in DwaparaYug is double of Kalyug. Then

How many months in 75 years? 75 x 12 = 900 months.

How much time does a baby need to take birth? 9 months.

Therefore in 900 months . A woman can give upto 100 babies.

100 babies back to back. I am not even considering twins and

I haven’t considered age beyond 90 and before 15 . I had an extra

4)Why did Gandhari agree to marry Dhritarashtra even

Have a look at the geographical location of Gandhar and

Bheeshma wanted Gandhari to marry Dhritarashtra because she

He gave this proposal to the king of Gandhar, Subal.

Hence rejecting him was an open invitation to death.

For the sake of her father’s kingdom, Gandhari had to marry

5) Was Duryodhana really that bad?

In order to understand Duryodhan, we have to get into his skin

Let us discuss the positive traits of Duryodhan. He did not believe

His negative traits:- 1.His lack of diplomacy and failure of

So Duryodhan can be termed as a grey character like most of us.

If you think that Duryodhana is a bad person ( some even tend to