Discussion on Indian Epics, Texts, Treatises & Kathas

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 11 Feb 2013 05:45

The sad part is he lost it in scrap, apparently he was a closet Christian convert and then later resorted to stupid stuff in life... Anyways, it was his book.

MurthyG · Post by **MurthyG** » 11 Feb 2013 07:00

Matricmc Saar,
Is it possible to get Ramayana Kalpavruksham by Vishwanadha Satyanarayana Garu from any source (online/print)? I have been looking for it and could not find it anywhere.
regards,
Murthy

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 12 Feb 2013 05:43

MurthyG garu, Ramayana Kalpavruksham was not available two years back. The word was that Sri Vishwanatha's son was trying to get that in print. I don't know whether he was successful.

I am waiting for a reply from Mr. Navodaya Rama Mohana Rao. Once I get something back, I will let you know. Meanwhile, please try telupu website and see if you can get hold of him through the site/Mr. Madan Mohan.

By the way, if you don't mind, I would like to make a request regarding Sri vishwanAtha's name which is that we all use the spelling vishwanAtha in preference to vishawanAdha as the latter is a "case of disappearing letters" from Telugu language. There was an informative article in telusA on-line news letter a decade back which I found to be quite persuasive. If we do not follow the rules, the language degenerates and might become a dialect of some other language. I was a little dismayed to see that the same was done by even Sri Vishwanatha's son.

Telugu lipi has the letter tha unlike its sister Tamil. Moreover Sri vishwanAtha is a Telugu writer. I humbly put forward to you and others that we should not dishonor him by distorting his name.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 12 Feb 2013 08:50

Try some books shops in Vijayawada particularly Vishaladhra books shop area. I remember seeing it some one year back. Will ask around and post any info I get.

MurthyG · Post by **MurthyG** » 12 Feb 2013 19:04

Matrimc Saar,
Thank you for your help regarding Ramayana Kalpavrukshamu.
No problem, Thank you for correcting me on the name of Shri vishwanAtha satyanarayana garu.
Thinking back I just realized how many words I was misspelling/even mispronouncing...
Regards,
Murthy

matrimc wrote:MurthyG garu, Ramayana Kalpavruksham was not available two years back. The word was that Sri Vishwanatha's son was trying to get that in print. I don't know whether he was successful.

I am waiting for a reply from Mr. Navodaya Rama Mohana Rao. Once I get something back, I will let you know. Meanwhile, please try telupu website and see if you can get hold of him through the site/Mr. Madan Mohan.

By the way, if you don't mind, I would like to make a request regarding Sri vishwanAtha's name which is that we all use the spelling vishwanAtha in preference to vishawanAdha as the latter is a "case of disappearing letters" from Telugu language. There was an informative article in telusA on-line news letter a decade back which I found to be quite persuasive. If we do not follow the rules, the language degenerates and might become a dialect of some other language. I was a little dismayed to see that the same was done by even Sri Vishwanatha's son.

Telugu lipi has the letter tha unlike its sister Tamil. Moreover Sri vishwanAtha is a Telugu writer. I humbly put forward to you and others that we should not dishonor him by distorting his name.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 13 Feb 2013 23:20

shaardula, You should try to apply Taleb's anti-fragility concepts to Sanathan Dharma to see how it survived despite so many ups and downs and useful idiots!

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 14 Feb 2013 00:07

RamaY, MurtyG and other interested parties -

I got a reply from Sri Navodaya Ramamohanrao

He said you can contact him directly at vjw_booklink attherate yahoo dat co dat in. Alternately you can go to telupu and they will forward your requests to him. Please keep in mind that he doesn't know me as matrimc

Atri · Post by **Atri** » 15 Feb 2013 21:55

Ramana ji,

The Tale of Two Butchers - A lesson on Satya and Ahimsa

der aaye, magar durust aaye.. Please let me know your feedback..

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 15 Feb 2013 22:03

Atri wrote:Ramana ji,

The Tale of Two Butchers - A lesson on Satya and Ahimsa

der aaye, magar durust aaye.. Please let me know your feedback..

Atri garu,

Excellent piece! May your keyboard produce more such gems!

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 15 Feb 2013 22:18

Wonderful article!! Personally for me, I was looking for some answers for myself. This helps!!

member_23686 · Post by **member_23686** » 16 Feb 2013 11:37

Atri wrote:Ramana ji,

The Tale of Two Butchers - A lesson on Satya and Ahimsa

der aaye, magar durust aaye.. Please let me know your feedback..

Atri ji,

brilliant piece of writing there.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 16 Feb 2013 17:28

Atri wrote:Ramana ji,

The Tale of Two Butchers - A lesson on Satya and Ahimsa

der aaye, magar durust aaye.. Please let me know your feedback..

Bahut Durust Atri-ji.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 16 Feb 2013 22:26

Thanks Atri for the exposition on how Dharma still guides and in relevant to us still.

May you spread your wisdom more!!!

Will give detailed feedback soon.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 17 Feb 2013 12:51

Atri wrote:The Tale of Two Butchers - A lesson on Satya and Ahimsa

der aaye, magar durust aaye.. Please let me know your feedback..

Atri ji, loved it.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 20 Feb 2013 00:08

Negiji,

negi wrote:Why blame the Abdullahs ? Shikhandi and Manthara are running the show.

Mixing up our epics and epic heroes?

Manthara was an out and out bad person like SG.

Shikandhi was a good person with single minded purpose to destroy Bhisma. It helped that Bhisma had his own hangups of not fighting women.

MMS is a bad person with single minded purpose to destroy independennt India while pretending to be for India's rise.

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 20 Feb 2013 00:44

Dont know if posted before -
See the embeded you tube video

http://www.drishtikone.com/did-krishna-really-exist/

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 22 Feb 2013 01:21

oops!

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Feb 2013 01:22

Are you in the right thread? Or left thread!

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 22 Feb 2013 02:00

Reading Udyoga Parva of Mahabharata. The following information about Sikhandi should put some doubts to rest.

We all know Pandavas collected 7 Akshauhinis of army. The following are the commanders of these Akshauhinis
1. Drupada
2. Viraata
3. Drishtadyumna
4. Sikhandi
5. Satyaki
6. Chekitana
7. Bhimasena

Then there was a debate on who should be supreme-commander to entire Pandava army.

Sahadeva suggests Viraata, Nakula suggests Drupada, Arjuna Drishtadyumna and Bhima proposes Sikhandi to be the supreme commander of Pandava army. This is what Bhima says about Sikhandi explaining his candidature -

"Son of Drupada, Sikhandi, is born to kill Bhishma. Many Siddhas and Seers mentioned this point who visited us. When Sikhandi applies his divyastras his radiance will be same as that of Parasurama. I haven't seen anyone who can stand against Sikhandi in battle.

When Bhishma is well prepared and fight from a chariot, only Sikhandi can stand against him.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 22 Feb 2013 16:43

Contrary to the popular belief Sikhandi is a man by the time of war and trained in warfare by his father. His birth purpose is to kill Bhishma is known to quite of few including Bhishma.

abhischekcc · Post by **abhischekcc** » 22 Feb 2013 18:11

johneeG wrote:c) The rise of muslims as a military power is a bigger mystery. Leave alone India, how did the muslims defeat the mighty empires of persia and byzantine? And that too in a very short span of time. What were the factors behind this? All we are told is that muslims had nothing but their religion. One is told that Mohammad united all the arabs and immediately these arabs fell on other nations and conquered them! Triumph of faith!!! Nice story. But, is faith enough to defeat mighty empires? Then, why did the muslims decline? Even today they have faith, perhaps, more faith than in the past, then why are they not able to re-establish the 'islamic golden age'? I think even muslims are unable to understand this mystery.

Byzantinians were more of a diplomatic and economic superpower (like Japan), than a military titan. They would prefer to purchase their enemies. But Islam was an pseudo-religious ideology as well as a political movement (a certain political movement in Germany in the beginning of 20th century comes to mind). What is critical in understanding Islam's persistence is that in Islam's internal narrative, they can only win. This is a very motivating factor for warriors. By comparison, 'merely' political entities like Byzantine and Persian empires had no such bedrock of motivation to fall back on.

Conversely, the reason Islam failed to conquer India is because we have our own bedrock of faith. Moreover, according to our world view, Islamic faith and spirituality are immature. Hence, not worthy of adapting. Interestingly, Hindu mythology, with its various 'Asuras' and 'Danavas' provided the religious-emotional energy to resist Islam.

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 22 Feb 2013 23:04

Narayana Rao wrote:Contrary to the popular belief Sikhandi is a man by the time of war and trained in warfare by his father. His birth purpose is to kill Bhishma is known to quite of few including Bhishma.

Transgender through harmones?

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 22 Feb 2013 23:16

matrimc wrote:
Narayana Rao wrote:Contrary to the popular belief Sikhandi is a man by the time of war and trained in warfare by his father. His birth purpose is to kill Bhishma is known to quite of few including Bhishma.
Transgender through harmones?

I don't know. Let's see the time lines.

1. Let us use Bhishma as the starting point - Year Zero (Age of Bhishma)
2. Vichitra Veerya is born at least 15-20 yrs after Bhishma's birth. - Year 20 (Age of Bhishma)
3. Amba is selected for Vichitra Veerya - So she must be at least few years younger than Vichitra Veerya - Year 40 (Age of Bhishma) where as Vichitra Veerya must be in his 20s.
4. Dhritarashtra/Pandu etc were born to Ambika and Ambalika sisters of Amba - Year 45-50 (Age of Bhishma)
5. Pandava/Kauravas are born at least after 10 years (remember Pandu didn't have kids for long) - Age of Bhishma (60s)
6. Pandavas are grownup and Indraprastha started - Age of Bhishma late 70s and early 80s
7. MB War - Age of Bhishma late 90s or early 100s

At this time Pandavas were in thier late 40s. (after 14 years of exile)

By this time Amba would be at least in her 70s. Amba sought Parasurama's help and the fight between Parasurama/Bhishma happened immediately after this Bhishma's abduction of Kashi princesses, so when Bhishma was in 40s.

After that Amba went to penance... there is a high possibility she ended her life after ~14 yrs of penance and reborn as Sikhandi to be same age group of Pandavas. OR can Amba got a sex-change and became Sikhandi? Then Sikhandi must be in his 70s at the time of MB war.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 22 Feb 2013 23:31

Atri wrote:Since we are on the topic, there is method of reading Puranas. They range back to much earlier days. They show the continuity of human progress from the days speech was invented. So, expecting Victorian morality in 20,000 BCE is utter stupidity.

Brief history of Hindu Marriage - 1 - Evolution of Human Pair Bonding as seen from Puranas and Vedas

Brief History of Hindu Marriage - 2 - Significance and Story of Core Marriage Ritual

Brief history of Hindu Marriage - 3 - The flux of Yugas

Brief History of Hindu Marriage - 4 - Atithi Devo Bhava

Atri ji, I came across this. thought it would be interesting...

Scientific American:
New Sexual Revolution: Polyamory May Be Good for You - What swinging couples and committed polyamorists can teach monogamists about love

And a concept that the article touches upon:
Compersion - opposite of jealousy, and antonym of Schadenfreude.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 22 Feb 2013 23:41

Geez guys,

what is wrong with good old jealousy, some true biology! Why is there any need to reach escape velocity from biology?

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 22 Feb 2013 23:52

I am proposing that a girl child was born shortly after ambA's death, say when Bhisma was 55-60 years old, and was thus thought to be a reincarnation of Amba and was a given the unisexual name of shikhanDi. I posit that she had the intellect and the learning to achieve the rank of mahA ratha. Since it is a known fact that bhIshma took a vow to not fight women, shikhanDi's physical strength had been improved to match that of a man through diet, training, and possibly hormone treatment thus making her an equal to all the others who are also mahA rathAh. But the fact that she is a woman is not only well known but would be in the interest of pAnDvAs to publicize it.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 22 Feb 2013 23:57

RajeshA wrote:Geez guys,

what is wrong with good old jealousy, some true biology! Why is there any need to reach escape velocity from biology?

After managing to skew the sex ratio, polyandry is already in vogue in some parts of Himachal and Haryana. So unless a steady stream of Ayesha brides from Bangladesh and Bhootbangla-desh (TSP) materializes, such topics such as "compersion" may become relevant to India's "youth bulge" generation!

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 23 Feb 2013 00:02

OT

Carl ji,

I've been pleading for Pakeezahs and Bangles since a long time! The economics of the situation demands such imports.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 23 Feb 2013 00:10

RajeshA ji,

I agree, but how! I read that there is some illegal smuggling of Bangla brides, but nowwhere near what is needed. I don't hear of much happening on the Paki side - in fact, they've been stealing Afghan brides in the thousands over the last 2 decades!

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 23 Feb 2013 00:13

Carl ji,

good business model! We need to get in on this!

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 23 Feb 2013 01:16

My further point about shikhanDi, provided my above theory is plausible, is that there was no glass ceiling imposed on women of pre-vedic/vedic India. it was all meritocracy and may the best man/woman win. from this point it flows that all this janana/parda and misogyny has come about after the brutal musalman conquest of India. There was a rebuttal by Vishal Agarwal on this same point to one of those witmer worthies. He did not mention this particular example which might can become an addendum to his thesis.

Our womenfolk were/are brave, intelligent and in no way inferior to men and should be treated as such.

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 23 Feb 2013 01:17

matrimc wrote:I am proposing that a girl child was born shortly after ambA's death, say when Bhisma was 55-60 years old, and was thus thought to be a reincarnation of Amba and was a given the unisexual name of shikhanDi. I posit that she had the intellect and the learning to achieve the rank of mahA ratha. Since it is a known fact that bhIshma took a vow to not fight women, shikhanDi's physical strength had been improved to match that of a man through diet, training, and possibly hormone treatment thus making her an equal to all the others who are also mahA rathAh. But the fact that she is a woman is not only well known but would be in the interest of pAnDvAs to publicize it.

It all makes sense if Sikhandi is mentioned as a She in MB. Let me read further.

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 23 Feb 2013 04:52

Blogged this today:

Moral equivalence - Exterior manifestations vs. Undercurrents

Anti-corruption movements for political reform and social justice seem to have one thing in common - seeking a better moral leadership for things like "justice" and re-directing the national sense of purpose. Various ideologies are moving into this space, each vending its version of justice and purpose, its iconic personalities, its enemies, its solutions. Some of these are presented as purely political-economic ideologies, some as religious, some as social ethics. But the question of what is moral is really interesting, and ultimately focuses on a personal exemplar: historical, epic, mythological - or more honestly its usually some mixture of all three, no matter which culture one examines.

In this regard, how does one adjudicate what is a superior morality? The personal exemplars of morality from different civilizational contexts are all complex personalities. Some of the exterior actions and words attributed to the same persona strike me as seductive and others repugnant, some as inspired and others fantasia, some as sterling boldness and other as fork-tongued cunning. Only if I can find a way to appreciate the subtleties, can I create a valid purva-paksha (comparative counter-proposal) to think about it "objectively" - or at least according to a supra-subjective scale of truth. I feel a need for this, because public discourse is swamped with the usual wishy-washy politically correct "no criticizing religion" discourse in India (or the West). Too many times the people who moderate the national discourse pass off a false moral equivalence by a practiced sleight of hand.

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 25 Feb 2013 16:44

RamaY wrote:
Narayana Rao wrote:Contrary to the popular belief Sikhandi is a man by the time of war and trained in warfare by his father. His birth purpose is to kill Bhishma is known to quite of few including Bhishma.
I don't know. Let's see the time lines.

1. Let us use Bhishma as the starting point - Year Zero (Age of Bhishma)
2. Vichitra Veerya is born at least 15-20 yrs after Bhishma's birth. - Year 20 (Age of Bhishma)
3. Amba is selected for Vichitra Veerya - So she must be at least few years younger than Vichitra Veerya - Year 40 (Age of Bhishma) where as Vichitra Veerya must be in his 20s.
4. Dhritarashtra/Pandu etc were born to Ambika and Ambalika sisters of Amba - Year 45-50 (Age of Bhishma)
5. Pandava/Kauravas are born at least after 10 years (remember Pandu didn't have kids for long) - Age of Bhishma (60s)
6. Pandavas are grownup and Indraprastha started - Age of Bhishma late 70s and early 80s
7. MB War - Age of Bhishma late 90s or early 100s

At this time Pandavas were in thier late 40s. (after 14 years of exile)

By this time Amba would be at least in her 70s. Amba sought Parasurama's help and the fight between Parasurama/Bhishma happened immediately after this Bhishma's abduction of Kashi princesses, so when Bhishma was in 40s.

After that Amba went to penance... there is a high possibility she ended her life after ~14 yrs of penance and reborn as Sikhandi to be same age group of Pandavas. OR can Amba got a sex-change and became Sikhandi? Then Sikhandi must be in his 70s at the time of MB war.

1. Let us use Bhishma as the starting point. Bhishma was born. His mother, Ganga, tried to drown him in river Ganga. His father, Shantanu, stopped Ganga from doing it. Ganga left Shantanu(according to the pre-nuptial agreement) along with her son. - Year Zero (Age of Bhishma)

2. Ganga returned the son(Bhishma) to her father, Shantanu. Bhishma was made the heir-apparent of Hastinapura by Shantanu. In the past 16 years, Bhishma had been a student of Parashurama, Brihaspati and Shukra. - Year 16 (Age of Bhishma)

3. Bhishma took the vow not to marry and gave up the rights on throne. His father, Shantanu married Satyavati. - Year 20 (Age of Bhishma)

4. Soon, 2 sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, were born to Shantanu and Satyavati. -Year 20 - 25 (Age of Bhishma)

5. Then, Shantanu died before Vichitravirya became 16 yrs old. Chitrangada was crowned. He soon defeated even Gods and Asuras. So, a Gandharva named Chitrangada invited him to battle. And Chitrangada, the son of Shantanu, was killed in that battle in the hands of Chitrangada, the Gandharva. The battle occured in Kurukshetra at the banks of Sarasvati river.

6. Vichitravirya was crowned following the death of his elder brother. Vichitravirya was still a minor(less than 16 yrs). - Less than 41 Year (Age of Bhishma).

7. Vichitravirya becomes 16 yrs old. Amba, Ambika and Ambalika are claimed by Bhishma for the sake of his brother. They are daughters of King of Khasi. - Year 41 (Age of Bhishma).

8. Amba reveals that she is in love with the king Shalva. She is allowed to go back to Shalva by Bhishma. Amba travels to Shalva from Hastinapur with an accompaniment of many old Brahmanas and her own nurse. King Shalva who was defeated by Bhishma in battle does not accept Amba. Amba may be slightly younger than Vichitravirya. So, about 15 yrs old. Meanwhile, Ambika and Ambalika are married to Vichitravirya. - Year 41 (Age of Bhishma)

9. Amba decides to take vengeance upon Bhishma. She then goes and lives in an Ashram of some rishis in a forest. The rishis repeatedly ask Amba to go back to her father's house, but she refuses to do so because she feels that would be humiliating. - Year 41 (Age of Bhishma)

10. After some time(may be 1 yr), Amba's maternal grandfather visits the ashram. He advises Amba to seek help of his friend Parashurama who lives on Mahendra mountain. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma)

11. Then the next day, Parashurama came to that Ashram. Parashurama asks Amba what she wants: to punish Bhishma, to marry Bhishma, to punish Shalva, or to marry Shalva. Amba asks Parashurama to kill Bhishma because she considers Bhishma to be the culprit of her problems. Parashurama decides that he will tell Bhishma to marry Amba and if Bhishma refuses he would kill him. Amba is about 16-17 yrs old. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma)

12. Parashurama along with Amba and other rishis go to the banks of Sarasvati river in the confines of Kuru kingdom. On the third day, He sends a message to Bhishma to come to that place. Bhishma promptly goes there. Parashurama is the teacher of Bhishma. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma).

13. Parashurama orders Bhishma to marry Amba. Bhishma refuses because it is in contradiction to his vow. Parashurama's warns Bhishma that if he does not do as he says, he would kill Bhishma. But, Bhishma remains steadfast in his vow. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma).

14. Then, they went to Kurukshetra for the battle. There, in Kurukshetra, occurs a battle between Bhishma and Parashurama. Battle continues for many days(~5-7 days), with rest at nights. One day, Bhishma uses 'Prashvapa astra'. Gods(Devas), Pitris, Brahma-rishis and Narada manifest at that place and ask Bhishma to withdraw the astra. Bhishma does so. Technically, this indicates the defeat of Parashurama. Ancestors(Pitris) of Parashurama tell him not to fight in battles anymore(which is a Kshatriya duty) and instead engage in Brahmin duties like svadhyaya and tapas. The rishis and pitris convince both Bhishma and Parashurama to stop the battle because both of them are invincible by the other. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma).

15. So, both Parashurama and Bhishma stop the battle. Technically, Parashurama has been vanquished. Bhishma worships Parashurama and Parashurama is also happy with Bhishma. Then, Parashurama tells Amba that he cannot make Bhishma do anything against his will because he could not defeat Bhishma despite his best efforts. Parashurama advices Amba to seek refuge of Bhishma himself. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma).

16. Amba acknowledges the effort of Parashurama. But, she refuses to go and seek the refuge of Bhishma. Amba is about 16-17 yrs old. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma).

17. Vichitravirya dies. - Year 42 (Age of Bhishma).

18. Amba then practices tapas for 12 years in forests. Bhishma sends spies to know about her day to day activities. Amba is 28 yrs old. - Year 42-54 (Age of Bhishma).

19. Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura are born to Ambika, Ambalika and maid of Ambika. - Year 43 (Age of Bhishma).

20. Amba was cursed by Ganga, mother of Bhishma, that her tapas for a crooked cause(death of Bhishma) would make her a crooked river. - Year 54 (Age of Bhishma).

21. Amba again performed another round of Tapas(~ 5 yrs). Then, half her body became a crooked river in 'Vatsa'. The other half remained as a woman(or a maiden). Amba was 33 yrs. - Year 54 - 59 (Age of Bhishma).

22. Then, Lord Shiva appeared to Amba and told her to ask for a boon. Amba asked for:
a) Kill Bhishma in battle.
b) Obtain manhood for the above purpose.
Lord Shiva granted the wish. Lord told her that she would be born in Drupada's household and would obtain manhood sometime after birth. And that she would remember her past life and then she would kill Bhishma in battle. Amba was 33 yrs. - Year 59 (Age of Bhishma).

23. After that the Lord vanished. Amba created a funeral pyre in that forest on the banks of Yamuna. Then, she set it on fire and entered it. While doing so, she loudly proclaimed,"I am doing this for the destruction of Bhishma." Amba was 33 yrs. - Year 59 (Age of Bhishma)

24. Pandu became King of Kurus in Hastinapur when he became major(16 yrs). - Year 59 (Age of Bhishma)

25. Karna was born to Kunti by the grace of Surya(Sun). Kunti was blessed that inspite of the birth of Karna, she would remain a virgin. Karna's birth was not usual pregnancy(of 9 months). He was born as soon as he was conceived. Kunti had not yet attained 16 yrs. - Year 59 (Age of Bhishma)

26. Bhishma had 3 girls in mind for Dhritarashtra and Pandu: Gandhari, Kunti, and Madri. - Year 60 (Age of Bhishma).

27. Dhritarashtra was married to Gandhari, daughter of Subala(of Gandhara). Pandu was married to Kunti(Pritha), daughter of Surasena(of Yadu dynasty). Kunti was the sister of Vasudeva(father of Sri Krishna). Kunti chose Pandu in Swayamvara. Then, Pandu was married to Madri. - Year 60 (Age of Bhishma).

28. Pandu started on a grand-conquest(digvijaya). He defeated one and all. He was considered a virtual chakravarti. Drupada performed a tapas for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva told him that a daughter would be born to him, who would later become a man. - Year 60 (Age of Bhishma)

29. After some time, Pandu went on honeymoon with his two wives into the forests. - Year 61 (Age of Bhishma).

30. Pandu was cursed that he would die instantly if he had intercourse. - Year 61 (Age of Bhishma)

31. Pandu renounced the throne and started living like an ascetic in the forests. A daughter was born to Drupada's wife. But, they concealed it and instead brought her up like a son. She was named Shikhandi. - Year 61 (Age of Bhishma)

32. Pandu became like a Brahmarshi due to tapas. - Year 61 - 65 (Age of Bhishma)

33. Gandhari became pregnant. - Year 65 (Age of Bhishma).

34. After 1 year of Gandhari's pregnancy, Kunti became pregnant. Then, Yuddhishtira was born after 1 year. Kunti was pregnant for 1 year. Then, Gandhari, who was pregnant for 2 years at that time, was irritated that a son was born to Kunti before her eventhough she became pregnant before Kunti. So, in extreme anger Gandhari struck her womb and hard mass of flesh was aborted. This mass of flesh was hard as iron. Vyasa divided it into 101 pieces and stored them in separate jars each filled with ghee. - Year 66 (Age of Bhishma)

35. Then, Bhima and Duryodhana were born on the same day. It happened after 1 year. It seems, according to Hindu epics the normal duration of human pregnancy is about 1 year. - Year 67 (Age of Bhishma)

36. Pandu performed a tapas for Indra. Indra appeared and granted the wish of Pandu for a great son. - Year 67 (Age of Bhishma)

37. Arjuna was born after another year. Kunti was pregnant for an year. - Year 68 (Age of Bhishma).

38. By now, all the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra were born already. - Year 68 (Age of Bhishma)

39. Nakula was born after another year. - Year 70 (Age of Bhishma).

40. Sahadeva was born after another year. Nakula and Sahadeva are twins. They are born to Madri - Year 71 (Age of Bhishma).

41. After some time(~2-3 yrs), Pandu died when he tried to romance Madri. Madri became Sati. - Year 74 (Age of Bhishma).

42. Pandavas(sons of Pandu) along with Kunti went to Hastinapura. - Year 74 (Age of Bhishma).

43. Pandavas and Kaurvas were growing in Hastinapura(~ 5 yrs).
During this time, Bhima exhibits his power. He harassed the Kauravas. Duryodhana tried to murder Bhima by poisoning him and then throwing him into Ganga. Bhima emerged stronger from this incident. Duryodhana continued to plan assassinations of Pandavas, but failed. Karna had already become a friend of Duryodhana. Kripacharya was appointed the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas during this time by Bhishma. Karna was also studying in the same school and had become a friend of Duryodhana. - Year 74-79 (Age of Bhishma).

44. Drona came to Hastinapura after obtaining all the skills in weapon from Parashurama. He was appointed as the teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas by Bhishma. Karna also studied under Drona. Ashvatthama, son of Drona, was already staying in Hastinapura with Kripacharya. Ashvatthama may be younger than Yuddhishtira and older than other Kauravas and Pandavas. Drona had already been rejected by Drupada when he went to Drupada for help. Shikhandi reached 16 years. She was brought up like a man because of Lord Shiva's boon. Now, a wife was selected for her. The marriage ceremony was conducted in such a way that the 'groom' were not present in the ceremony. Shikhandi's wife realised that her husband was a woman. She told this to her nurses. The nurses sent this news to her father. Her father was a powerful king and he was enraged at this deception of Drupada. He declared a war(without revealing the reason). Shikhandi decided to commit suicide unable to bear the humiliation and immediate danger(due to the invasion) to her family and Kingdom. She met a Yaksha in the forest who promised to help her. The Yaksha agreed to take womanhood of Shikhandi and give his own manhood temporarily. Shikhandi and Yaksha switched their sexes. Shikhandi went to his kingdom and proved to his wife's father that he was a man. His father-in-law sent some young women to ascertain the sex of Shikhandi and they reported that he was powerful man. Meanwhile, Kubera came to know about the action of Yaksha and cursed him that the switching would become permanent. The Yaksha and his friends begged Kubera to set a time-limit. Kubera said that the Yaksha would regain his manhood after the death of Shikhandi. Shikhandi returned to Yaksha to give back the manhood. But, Yaksha told her about the curse of Kubera. From then onwards, Shikhandi became a man. - Year 74 - 79 (Age of Bhishma).

45. Dronacharya taught Pandavas in the following years(~ 7 years). During this time, Ekalavya was rejected admission into Drona's school. And later, when his skill was reduced by Drona by asking him to give up his thumb as Guru-dakshina. Arjuna became the best archer. Bhima and Duryodhana became skilled in Mace(Gadha). Karna had also become a great archer. Ashwatthama was befriended by Duryodhana. Shikhandi also joined in the school and learnt weaponry from Drona. Bhishma came to know about all this through his spies and Narada. - Year 79 - 86 (Age of Bhishma).

46. An exhibition of the skill of royal princes of Hastinapura was organized. Karna wanted to duel Arjuna. But, Kripacharya told him that only royalty can duel with royalty. Duryodhana crowned Karna as the King of Anga. Karna was already a schoolmate and friend of Duryodhana before this event. Soon, the sun set down and the exhibition ended without the duel between Karna and Arjuna. From then onwards, Duryodhana began to view Karna as a match for Arjuna. Kunti saw Karna in the exhibition and recognized him as her eldest son. - Year 86 (Age of Bhishma)

47. Soon after that, Drona asked for Guru Dakshina from Pandavas and Kauravas: defeat and capture of Drupada. Kauravas along with Karna and a vast army attacked Panchala(Kingdom of Drupada). Kauravas and Karna were defeated. Then, Pandavas attacked Panchala. They defeated Panchala and captured Drupada. Arjuna played prominent role in the battle. Drupada was impressed with Arjuna's skill. Drupada was presented before Drona. Drona kept half the kingdom of Panchala for himself and gave the rest of the half of Panchala to Drupada. Drona became the King of Panchala to the north of Bhagirathi river and Drupada ruled Panchala to the south of Bhagirathi river. - Year 86 (Age of Bhishma)

48. After 1 year, Yuddhishtira was appointed as heir-apparent of Hastinapura by Dhritarashtra. Bhima started training under Balarama in mace(Gadha) and sword.
Drupada conducts a Yaga with two purposes:
a) for a daughter to marry Arjuna
b) for a son to kill Drona.
Dhristadyumna is born with natural mail and a chariot from the fire of Yaga. Draupadi is born from the middle of the fire. Both Drishtadyumna and Draupadi are born as adolescents(Kumara and Kumari) of 16 yrs. Dhirstasdyumna was born to kill Drona and Draupadi was born to marry Arjuna. - Year 87 (Age of Bhishma).

49. After some time(~1-2 yrs), the populace of Hastinapur was showing signs of wanting Yuddhishtira as the King. Kauravas, along with Dhritarashtra, were afraid that Bhishma would accede to this public opinion. Seeing the strength, skill and popularity of Pandavas, an assassination was planned in Lakshagriha(house of wax/lac) at Varnavata(is it same as Varanasi?). During this time, Dhristadyumna joined the school of Drona. - Year 89 (Age of Bhishma)

50. Pandavas lived in Lakshagriha for an year knowing fully well the plan to assassinate them. During this time, a tunnel was dug from Lakshagriha to a forest by a servant sent by Vidura. Pandavas knew that Duryodhana was powerful with all the state power at his disposal. - Year 89-90 (Age of Bhishma).

51. Lakshagriha was burnt down. People assumed that Pandavas had died along with Kunti. But, Pandavas and Kunti escaped to the forest using the tunnel. They crossed Ganga and entered into deeper woods. - Year 90 (Age of Bhishma).

52. In the forest, Bhima married Hidimba after killing her brother. After, some time Hidimba gave birth to Ghatotkacha. Rakshasis give birth as soon as they conceive. The whole duration spent in the forest may be an year. - Year 91 (Age of Bhishma).

53. Pandavas proceeded to Ekachakra town to live in disguise. Pandavas were told to live in that town by Vyasa. Bhima killed Bakasura. They lived in Ekachakra for some months. They heard about Draupadi and went to Panchala. On the way, they met and appointed Dhaumya as their priest. - Year 92 (Age of Bhishma).

54. When they arrived at Panchala, they learnt about Swayamvara of Draupadi. They attended the Swayamvara in the guise of Brahmanas. Arjuna won the Swayamvara. All the assembled Kshatriyas became angry that a brahmana won Draupadi's hand. So, they attacked Arjuna. Bhima and Arjuna together faced and defeated all the kshatriyas(including Karna). Sri Krishna appears in MB for the first time here. Sri Krishna recognized the Pandavas despite the disguise. Draupadi is sister in relation to Sri Krishna. - Year 92 (Age of Bhishma).

55. Draupadi married all the 5 Pandavas after Vyasa's council to Drupada. It became public that that Pandavas were alive and had acquired the alliance of powerful Panchalas. And Panchalas have acquired the alliance of powerful Pandavas. - Year 92 (Age of Bhishma)

56. Then, Dhritarashtra following the advice of Bhishma and Vidura called Yuddhishtira(and other Pandavas along with their new wife) back to Hastinapura. Then, Kuru kingdom was divided into two. Kandavaprastha was given to Yuddhishtira and Hastinapura to Duryodhana. This arrangement was not correct(Duryodhana had no right on the throne. Further, Kandavaprastha was a jungle). But, it was made for the sake of peace. Pandavas went to Kandavaprastha and established a city there. They were accompanied by Sri Krishna and Vyasa. - Year 92 (Age of Bhishma)

57. After some time(~1 yr), Narada came to Kandavaprastha and advised Pandavas to create a system so that they could live with a common wife, Draupadi, without any fights. The Pandavas put a rule that when one of the Pandavas is alone with Draupadi, other Pandavas must not see. If one does, then that one would have to spend 12 yrs as a brahmachari. Arjuna is forced to break this rule. So, Arjuna goes on an exile from Kandavaprastha. - Year 93 (Age of Bhishma)

58. In these 12 years: Arjuna married Ulupi(Naga) and spent one night with her. Arjuna married Chitrangada and stayed in Manipur for 3 years. Arjuna married Subhadra(Sri Krishna's sister) and stayed in Dwaraka for 1 year. The one year in Dwaraka was the last of the 12 years. - Year 93-105 (Age of Bhishma)

59. Then, Arjuna returned to Indraprastha(Kandavaprastha) along with Satyabhama. Abhimanyu was born to Satyabhama. 5 sons were born to Draupadi from 5 Pandavas each after an year. - Year 105-110 (Age of Bhishma).

60. Agni called Varuna and gave Gandiva(bow), akshaya-tunira(inexhaustible quivers) and a chariot(with an ape banner and seven white horses) to Arjuna. Then Agni gave Sudarshana chakra(disc) to Sri Krishna and Varuna gave Kaumodhaki gadha(mace) to Sri Krishna. Khandava forests were consumed by fire(Agni) for 15 days. Indra tried to stop Khandava forests from being burnt because his friend Takshaka(serpent) stayed there. But, Arjuna did not let Indra stop the fire by keeping him busy in battle. The fire consumed all the forests in Khandava region, but Takshaka had already left the place. All the creatures of Khandava forests died except 6: 4 birds(sarngaka), Aswasena, and Maya Danava(architect of Asuras). Maya was given refuge by Arjuna, so Sri Krishna and Agni spared him. - Year 110 (Age of Bhishma)

61. Then, Maya offered to do some service to Arjuna to express thanks for saving his life. Sri Krishna told him to build an extra-ordinary sabha(assembly) for Yuddhishtira. Maya brought raw materials from Kailasa in Himalayas. Maya also brought a Gadha(mace) and shanka(conch) which were kept in a lake near Kailasa by Vrishaparva(father of Sharmishta) long time ago. Maya gave the gadha(mace) to Bhima and shanka(conch), named Devadatta, to Arjuna. Maya built the hall(Maya sabha) in 14 months. - Year 112 (Age of Bhishma)

62. Yuddhishtira wanted to perform Rajasuya and sought Krishna's advice. Krishna told him that one has to be an Emperor to perform Rajasuya. Jarasandha was already a virtual Emperor by his sheer might. So, to become Emperor, Jarasandha had to be eliminated. Then, a council of Pandavas and Sri Krishna decided that a battle with Jarasandha was too difficult, so a covert operation was planned. Jarasandha was killed by Bhima in a duel lasting 14 days(without break). All the kings imprisoned by Jarasandha were released. The special chariot of Jarasandha was taken by Sri Krishna. Jarasandha's son Sahadeva was appointed the ruler of Magadha. - Year 112 (Age of Bhishma)

63. Arjuna went on a conquest of North, Bhima went to East, Sahadeva to South and Nakula to West for filling the treasury to conduct Rajasuya and to make every king acknowledge Yuddhishtira as the Emperor by paying tribute. (~ 3 yrs) - Year 112-115 (Age of Bhishma)

64. Rajsuya Yaga was performed and Yuddhishtira became the Emperor(Chakravarti) formally. All the kings from around the world attended and brought tributes of all kinds. Sri Krishna was given the status of guest of honor in that ceremony. Shishupala, king of Chedi, opposed this move and abused Sri Krishna and Bhishma(who advised Yuddhishtira to make Sri Krishna the guest of honor). Shishupala was killed by Sri Krishna with Sudarshana Chakra(disc). Yuddhishtira is 49 yrs. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

65. After the completion of Rajasuya, Vyasa foretold Yuddhishtira(and other Pandavas) that Yuddhishtira would become the cause for the destruction of all Kshatriyas after 13 yrs. Then Vyasa left. Yuddhishtira resolved that for next 13 yrs he would not say any harsh words to any kings and that he would act according to the command of his elders(like Dhritarashtra). By this resolution, he hoped to would avoid the carnage. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

66. Duryodhana had stayed back with Shakuni to view the excellent Maya sabha(hall). During his stay, he got confused and stumbled at some places in the hall due to the unique nature of the hall. At that time, some people laughed at him. Duryodhana became jealous about Yuddhishtira's prosperity and also felt insulted by the laughter. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

67. Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura and kept to himself. Shakuni consoled Duryodhana and told him that he could win all the prosperity of Yuddhishtira in a dice game. They both convinced Dhritarashtra to organize a dice game. To create an occasion, a hall was built. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

68. Dhritarashtra sent Vidura to invite Yuddhishtira for a game of dice in the newly built hall in Hastinapura. Yuddhishtira accepted the invitation as he had just taken vow to follow the commands of his elders. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

69. Game of Dice was played between Yuddhishtira and Shakuni. Yuddhishtira lost all his property(along with the entire Kingdom). Then, he waged his brothers and lost. Finally, he waged himself and lost. Then, Shakuni urged him to continue playing. Yuddhishtira told him that he had nothing left to gamble with. Shakuni ordered him to wager Draupadi in gamble, Yuddhishtira did accordingly and lost. Draupadi was brought into the hall by Dusshasana(brother of Duryodhana) while all the assembled people were watching. Duryodhana ordered Dusshasana to disrobe Draupadi and Dusshasana commenced the disrobing. But, he failed to disrobe her. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

70. Draupadi appealed to the elders(particularly Bhishma) in the assembly to pronounce the justice. Bhishma said that he could not decide the matter. Vidura condemned the action of Kauravas and told Dhritarashtra to call the whole game void. Dhritarashtra, seeing the bad omens, did as advised by the Vidura. All the property of Pandavas was restored to them. Pandavas along with Draupadi left Hastinapura. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

71. Duryodshana was very livid with the action of his father ansd complained to him bitterly. Dhritarashtra agreed to recall the Pandavas and conduct a re-match. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

72. A messenger was sent to recall the Pandavas. Pandavas were half way in their journey when they received another invitation for a re-match. Despite all the humiliation just done, Yuddhishtira accepted the invitation because of his vow. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

73. 2 Conditions were set for a re-match:
a) 12 years of exile.
b) 1 year of incognito after the 12 year exile. If the disguise in blown in the 1 year, then one would have to repeat the 2 conditions again.
Yuddhishtira lost this match as well because Shakuni was cheating. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

74. Pandavas left for forests along with Draupadi. Abhimanyu and Subhadra stayed in Dwaraka. 5 sons of Draupadi stayed in Panchala. Dhaumya, priest of Pandavas, also accompanied Pandavas to forest. Many Brahmins followed Yuddhishtira to forests. Kunti stayed in Hastinapura. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

75. Yuddhishtira prayed to surya(sun) and obtained a copper vessel that had the power to feed all of his retinue for the next 12 yrs. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

76. Kimmira, brother of Bakasura and friend of Hidimba, wad killed by Bhima. Dhritarashtra sent away Vidura in anger, displeased with his moral advise against the actions of Duryodhana. Vidura went to Pandavas in the forest to live with them. After some time, Dhritarashtra regreted his move and called back Vidura and Vidura went back to Hastinapura. Maitreya rishi cursed Duryodhana that he would die in the hands of Bhima if he did not make peace with Pandavas. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

77. Pandavas went to Dwaita-vana/Kamyaka-vana(on the banks of Lake Dwaita) in Kurujangala(Kuru forest) near Bhogavati(Saraswati) river to spend their exile time there. The place was filled with rishis and munis. Staying there, Pandavas spent their time in listening to the discourse of rishis and in performing sacred rites. - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

78. Yuddhishtira, on the advice of Vyasa, sent Arjuna to acquire divine weapons from Indra(who had obtained all the divine weapons while preparing to kill Vritra). Arjuna went to north to Himalayas. Indra told Arjuna that he needed the permission of Lord Shiva to get divine weapons. So, Arjuna started a tapas for Lord Shiva. It lasted 4 months. Meanwhile in Kamyaka-vana, Brihadaswa rishi consoled Yuddhishtira by telling him about the great and righteous Nala-Damayanti who suffered in the past. Brihadaswa imparted Aksha-hridaya to Yuddhishtira and Yuddhishtira became invincible in the game of dice. After 4 months of tapas by Arjuna, Lord Shiva, disguised as a hunter, dueled with Arjuna on the account of a hunt in Himalayas. Arjuna was defeated for the first time in his life. Then, Lord Shiva revealed His true self and blessed Arjuna. Arjuna's body became auspicious and much stronger by coming in contact with that of Lord Shiva. Then, Lord gave Arjuna Pashupata astra(weapon). After the Lord disappeared, the Lokapalas(Indra, Varuna, Kubera and Yama) came to that place and gave celestial weapons to Arjuna. Then, Arjuna was taken to Svarga(heaven) in Indra's chariot by Matali(Indra's driver). - Year 115 (Age of Bhishma)

79. Arjuna lived for 5 years in heaven learning weaponry from Indra and music & dance from Gandharvas. Arjuna befriended Chitrangada(Gandharva). Arjuna was cursed by Urvasi that he would be an enunch for an year. Indra told him that the enunch-hood would help him spend 1 year in disguise(incognito) to fulfill the conditions of game of dice. Then, Arjuna killed Nivata-Kavachas to help the Devas. During these 5 years, Pandavas heard many discourses from rishis and toured many pilgrimages in the company of many Brahmins. Lomasa Maharshi was the guide of Pandavas during the pilgrimages. During this time, Bhima met Hanuman. After that, Bhima killed Jatasura. Later, Bhima killed the army of Kubera. 5 years of exile. - Year 115-120 (Age of Bhishma)

80. Arjuna returned to the earth and met with Pandavas. 6th year of exile. - Year 121 (Age of Bhishma)

81. Pandavas spent the next 4 years near Kubera's city in Himalayas. During the time of exile, Duryodhana trained in mace(Gadha) under the tutelage of Balarama. Duryodhana also practiced with an iron statue of Bhima. 10 years of exile. - Year 121 - 125 (Age of Bhishma)

82. Pandavas left Kubera's place and went to Kailasa. Bhima met Nahusha(who had turned into a snake by the curse of Agastya). Nahusha was the temporary Indra for sometime after Indra had killed Vritra. Yuddhishtira saved Bhima from Nahusha and relieved Nahusha from his curse. Pandavas returned to Dwaitavana on the banks of Saraswati river. There, they lived in the company of many rishis and brahmins. Markandeya came there and told them many stories. Sri Krishna along with Satyabhama visited the Pandavas and Draupadi. Duryodhana along with Karna, Shakuni, Dushasana and a large retinue(including army) went to Dwaita-vana. Duryodhana's side fought with Gandharvas led by Chitrangadha(friend of Arjuna). Duryodhana's side was defeated and Duryodhana is captured. Karna fled the battlefield. Ordered by Yuddhishtira, Arjuna and Bhima rescued Duryodhana. Duryodhana unable to bear the humiliation of being saved by the Pandavas(and the magnanimity of Yuddhishtira) wanted to commit suicide. Duryodhana realized that Pandavas have become very powerful. Duryodhana is taken to Patala(netherworld) by Asuras who inform him that Duryodhana(and Kauravas) is fighting on the side of Asuras and Pandavas are fighting on the sides of Devas. They tell him that it is a continuation of unceasing Deva-asura war. The asuras assure Duryodhana of victory in war against the Pandavas. They tell him that Bhishma, Drona, Karna and Kripacharya will fight on Duryodhana's side and defeat the Pandavas(who are being helped by the Devas). Then, Karna started on a conquest. He defeated several kings and made them pay tribute to Hastinapura. Duryodhana wanted to perform Rajasuya, but he was not qualified to do so due to the existence of Yuddhishtira and Dhritarashtra. So, Duryodhana performed Vaishnava yaga(which was as prestigious as Rajasuya) by the tributes brought by the Karna. The Yaga was attended by the Kings from all over who brought gifts and tributes. Now, Duryodhana was a virtual Emperor. Durvasa was sent by Duryodhana towards Pandavas. Sri Krishna saved Pandavas from the wrath of Durvasa. Jayadratha(Saindava) tried to kidnap Draupadi, but he was caught and punished(humiliated) by the Pandavas. Jayadratha went to Himalayas and performed a tapas for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared and gave a boon to Jayadratha that he could defeat(not kill, just resist) on one day all the Pandavas, except Arjuna. Markandeya consoled Yuddhishtira by telling him the stories of Sri Rama-Sita and Savitri. 12 years of exile. - Year 125-127 (Age of Bhishma)

83. The 12th year of exile ended and the 13th year began. Indra obtained in charity Karna's immortal ear-rings and mail. In return, Karna obtained a great fame and a weapon called Shakti(which he wanted to use on Arjuna) from Indra. Yuddhishtira came to know about Karna being deprived of immortal ear-rings and mail. Yuddhishtira felt relieved. Yuddhishtira was tested by Yama(in the guise of Yaksha) by Yaksha-prashna. Yuddhishtra passed the test. Lord Yama blessed Yuddhishtira that the next 1 year in the incognito will pass successfully. Duryodhana sent spies to locate the Pandavas. - Year 128 (Age of Bhishma)

84. All the retinue of the Pandavas was sent to the Panchala kingdom. Only Pandavas and Draupadi, on foot, went to the Virata Kingdom(Matsya) through narrow forest paths(so as to avoid the spies of Duryodhana). All Pandavas and Draupadi individually joined the royal service using false identities. Pandavas spent 10 months in Virata kingdom. Bhima killed Kichaka when he started harassing Draupadi. Death of Kichaka provided opportunity to the rival of Matsya, Trigarta. Trigarta was a vassal of Hastinapura. Trigarta proposed an attack on Virata Kingdom bereft of Kichaka. The proposal was accepted. - Year 128 (Age of Bhishma)

85. 13 years are completed. Trigarta(the neighbour of Virata) attacked Virata on one front and a little later, Kauravas opened second front in another direction. All the Pandavas, except Arjuna, along with the entire army of Virata went to fight Trigartas. They successfully defeated them. But, while they were away a second front was opened by the Kauravas. Only Arjuna and Uttara Kumara(Virata's son) on a single chariot went to face the mighty Kaurava army. Kauravas recognized Arjuna. Arjuna defeated all the Kauravas including the Karna. Bhishma alone was undefeated. Then, the Pandavas revealed their true identies to Virata. Virata proposed marriage of his daughter, Uttara to Arjuna. Arjuna declined it and instead proposed the marriage of Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu, with Uttara. The proposal was accepted. Abhimanyu married Uttara, daughter of Virata. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

86. Pandavas shifted their location from Virata Kingdom to Upaplavya. Then, they sent an envoy to Duryodhana in Hastinapura to aprise him that the time of 13 years is over and the conditions of the game of dice have been fulfilled. So, Duryodhana should now return the Kingdom(Khandavaprastha) of Pandavas. Meanwhile, Pandavas sent envoys to other Kings for alliance(in case of war). Duryodhana also despatched envoys to various kings to swell his ranks. Arjuna himself went to Dwaraka to request Sri Krishna. Co-incidentally, Duryodhana also personally came at the same time to Dwaraka to request the help of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna gave an army battalion(10 crore Narayani Sena) to Duryodhana. Sri Krishna Himself would be on Pandava side, but only as an adviser, not as a fighter. Sri Krishna agreed to be a charioteer of Arjuna. Balarama did not want to take part, so he went on a pilgrimage to excuse himself from the impending war. Shalya, brother of Madri(and hence the maternal uncle of Pandavas), was beguiled into taking the side of Duryodhana. He had actually started with the intention of joining Pandava side. He reported to Yuddhishtira that he was duped to be on the Kaurava side. Yuddhishtira anticipated that the Shalya was being recruited by Duryodhana to make him the chrioteer of Karna(so as to rival Arjuna-Krishna combo). So, Yuddhishtira asked Shalya to accept the job of charioteer and then discourage Karna with nagging words. Shalya agreed. Pandavas collected an army of 7 Akshauhinis. Duryodhana collected an army of 11 Akshauhinis. Rukmi, brother of Rukmini, was rejected by both sides. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

87. The Pandava envoy came to Hastinapura and gave them the message of Pandavas. Then, Dhritarashtra sent Sanjaya as the Kaurava envoy to Upaplavya. The message from the Kaurava side was,"Don't fight, war is a bloody business and should be abandoned." It means, Kaurava side was not ready to give anything. Pandavas sent Sri Krishna as their envoy to Hastinapura with a message that the war can be avoided if just 5 villages are given to Pandavas by the Kauravas. Duryodhana declined to give any land and wanted war. Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa tried to convince Duryodhana, but he did not listen to them. Duryodhana along with Karna, Shakuni, Dhusshasana and others tried to kidnap Sri Krishna. They failed. Then, Sri Krishna took leave from the Dhritarashtra. He met Kunti who was living in Hastinapur all this time(13 years). She also wanted war. Then, Sri Krishna attempted to lure Karna to Pandava side by revealing that he was the son of Kunti. Sri Krishna promised Emperor-ship of the Kingdom and husbandship of Draupadi to Karna. Karna did not agree. Sri Krishna returned to Upaplavya. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

88. Bhishma was appointed the commander-in-chief of Kaurava army and Dhristadyumna(brother of Draupadi and Shikandi) was appointed the commander-in-chief of Pandava army. Armies of both sides moved to Kurukshethra. Shakuni's son, Uluka, was sent as a final Kaurava envoy to Pandavas. His message to Pandavas was,"Fight with all your might, if you can..." - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

89. Vyasa gave a boon to Sanjaya at the request of Dhritarashtra. Due to that boon, Sanjaya could see all the happenings in the war. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

90. War commenced. Bhishma revealed before the war itself that he would not fight Shikhandi. He also revealed that Shikhandi was the re-incarnation of Amba. This was known to both sides. It was question of 'when', not 'if'. Duryodhana requested Bhishma to classify the warriors according to their skill and ability in the opposition camp(Pandava) and own camp(Kaurava). Bhishma gave lower rank to Karna on the account of his curses. Karna declared that he would not fight under Bhishma's command. He said that he would fight for Kauravas after the fall of Bhishma. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

91. For first 10 days, Bhishma created terror among the ranks of Pandavas. On the 10th day of war, Bhishma faced Shikhandi. Bhishma gave up his arms and refused to fight. Arjuna used the opportunity to strike Bhishma. Bhishma was severely injured by the arrows of Arjuna. Shikhandi was 68 yrs. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

92. Bhishma(the land on which Bhishma fell) was moved out of the battle zone. But, he remained in the Kurukshetra. His body was filled with arrows. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

93. Drona was made the commander-in-chief of Kaurava army on 11th day. Karna joined the war from Kaurava side. Drona vowed that he would capture Yuddhishtira to end the war. From 11th - 15th day: To accomplish capture of Yuddhishtira, Arjuna was led away from the main battle by a certain battalion of Kauravas. Then, Dronacharya created the Padmavyuha formation. Pandavas appointed Abhimanyu as their lead warrior, because he alone was capable of piercing the formation. Kauravas appointed Jayadratha at the entrance of the formation. Jayadratha stopped all the Pandavas from entering the formation due to the boon given by Lord Shiva. Abhimanyu alone succeeded in entering the formation. Abhimanyu was killed in the formation by multiple warriors. With the fall of Bhishma, the warriors gave up all rules of righteous war. Arjuna learnt that Jayadratha stopped the Pandavas from coming to the help of Abhimanyu. He vowed to kill Jayadratha. Arjuna killed Jayadratha. Gatothkacha attacked the Kauravas in the night. Karna killed him with the shakti weapon(acquired from Indra). Drupada and Virata were killed by Drona. Drona was killed by Drishtadyumna after he had given up weapons when he was told a 'lie' that his son, Ashvathama, had died. Karna promised Kunti that he would not kill any pandava(except Arjuna). - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

94. Karna was made the commander-in-chief of Kauravas on 16th day. Bhima killed all the brothers of Dhritarashtra(including Dusshasana). Karna got the chance to kill all the Pandavas, except Arjuna, one after the other. But, he let them go because he had promised Kunti. Arjuna killed Karna when Karna's chariot wheel was stuck in the mud. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

95. Shalya was made the commander-in-chief of Kauravas on 18th day. Yuddhishtira killed Shalya and Sahadeva killed Shakuni. Duryodhana fled the battlefield and hid in a lake. Pandavas along with their allies found out about Duryodhana's location. They reached the bank of the lake and incited Duryodhana to come out of the lake by their harsh words. Duryodhana was allowed to choose his opponent and the weapon. Yuddhishtira promised him that if he won that opponent he could keep all the kingdom. Duryodhana chose Bhima with mace(Gadha). Bhima killed Duryodhana by striking on the thigh with the mace/gadha(an illegal move in the mace fight). Ashwatthama vowed to kill Pandavas. Ashwathama along with Kripacharya and Kritavarman attacked the camp of Pandavas in the darkness of night. They killed the 5 sons of Draupadi. Pandavas came to know about it and pursued Ashwatthama. They spared his life, but took the precious gem that was the life-force of Ashwatthama. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

96. Yuddhishtira became the Emperor. Yuddhishtira was 62 years. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

97. Bhishma waited for Uttarayana to give up his body. In the meantime, Bhishma instructed Yuddhishtira on various topics. - Year 129 (Age of Bhishma)

98. Bhishma gave up his body when Uttrayana came in the presence of Lord Sri Krishna. - Year 130 (Age of Bhishma)

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 25 Feb 2013 21:15

JohneeG garu,

Awesome!!! You should blog this... MB as life of Bhishma or something like that...

Can you pls give the source of points 18, 21? If in MB which Parva. I am not able to get my hands on all Parvas of Vyasa MB in Telugu.

W.r.t Points 41 and 42, IIRC the Kappagantual version says Pandavas were 13-14yrs old when they reached Hastina. Will double check and confirm.

Chandragupta · Post by **Chandragupta** » 25 Feb 2013 22:14

Why was Arjuna condemned to go for Vanvaas when he saw Yuddhishtira & Draupadi? Why did he barge in?

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Feb 2013 22:35

JohneeG, If Nakula and Sahadeva are twins then how to reconcile 39 and 40? Or should we consider them as aspects of the twin gods and not themselves twins per se?

Pretty good summary of MB from Bhisma's point of view.
BTW, Charles De Gualle speaking about Marshal Petain said "Old age is ship wreck!"

Misra · Post by **Misra** » 25 Feb 2013 22:39

Chandragupta wrote:Why was Arjuna condemned to go for Vanvaas when he saw Yuddhishtira & Draupadi? Why did he barge in?

Arjuna decided that his retrieval of his weapons stored in the room where Yudhishthira was with Draupadi was more important than the alternative of letting some pillagers succeed.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 25 Feb 2013 22:39

Chandragupta wrote:Why was Arjuna condemned to go for Vanvaas when he saw Yuddhishtira & Draupadi? Why did he barge in?

IIRC he was asked for help from a Brahmin to help save his cows (?) -- his weapons were in the chamber for which he had to enter the room.

Of course some say it was the part of the leela of the divine to make sure Arjun gets some fresh air and undertakes his own discovery of India.

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 26 Feb 2013 00:04

...and obtain divyAstra, get cursed by Urvashi to become brihannala thus help pass agnyatha vAsa undetected.