Entries by Srivalli Rekha Mantrala

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Omens and Astrological Indications About the War – Stories from Bhishma Parva

Even a few hours before the war, Vyasa tried to convince Dhritarashtra to do the right thing (return Indraprastha to the Pandavas as per the terms of the agreement) and prevent the war from destroying many lives. However, Dhritarashtra said he couldn’t do it. Vyasa then offered to give him a temporary sight to witness […]

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The Battle Between Parasurama and Bhishma – Stories from Udyoga Parva

The Pandavas and Kauravas set up camps on either side of the extensive Kurukshetra battlefield. On the night before the start of the war, Duryodhana asked Bhishma to rank the warriors on both sides. Bhishma did so and explained that he would not raise his weapons against Shikandin, Draupada’s eldest child.  Bhishma revealed that Shikandin […]

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The Conversation Between Vidula and Her Son – Stories from Udyoga Parva

Kunti narrated a conversation between Queen Vidula and her son to Krishna and asked him to share it with her sons, the Pandavas, to inspire them for the war. Krishna’s peace talks didn’t convince Duryodhana. In fact, Duryodhana and his trusted advisors (Karna, Shakuni, and Duhshasana) planned to imprison Krishna so that he wouldn’t help […]

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The Secret of Karna’s Birth – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

In the last part of the Aranyaka Parva, Rishi Vaisampayana narrated how Indra planned to take Karna’s golden armor. Surya Deva appeared in Karna’s dreams to warn him. When Karna didn’t listen, Surya Deva told him to ask Indra for the shakti missile in exchange for the armor. At this point, King Janamejaya asked Vaisampayana about […]

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The Story of Sati Savitri – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

After Rishi Markandeya finished narrating Ramayana, Yudhistira said he didn’t grieve for himself but for his brothers and Draupadi. He then asked if the rishi knew of any woman who was as devoted to her husbands as Draupadi was. Rishi Markandeya shared the story of Savitri and how she convinced Yama Dharmaraja to return her husband’s […]

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Ravana Birth and Background – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

Surprisingly, the Mahabharata provides us with the details of the birth and family relationships of Ravana. Rishi Markandeya shared this information with Yudhistira when consoling him that a great many women had to face hardships, and Sita was one of them. He continued to narrate the Ramayana. Ravana’s great-grandfather was Prajapati, the self-creating ascetic. One of […]

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Rishi Markandeya Narrated the Ramayana – Stories from Aranyaka Parva

After Draupadi had been rescued from Jayadratha and the king of Sindhu had been let off with a warning and a shaved head, Yudhistira went into depression once again. Rishi Markandeya arrived to console the Pandavas and help them adjust to the situation. Yudhistira said he felt sad for Draupadi for having to face such atrocities […]