Mahabharata
7 videos • 26 views • by Unwind your mind The **Mahabharata** is an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of two sets of cousins, the **Pandavas** and the **Kauravas**, and their struggle for power and righteousness. It is the longest epic poem in the world, with over 100,000 verses, composed by the sage **Vyasa**. ### 1. **The Kingdom of Hastinapura** The Kuru dynasty, ruled by King **Shantanu**, sets the stage for the conflict. Shantanu’s son, **Bhishma**, takes a vow of celibacy to ensure his father’s happiness. After the deaths of Shantanu's other sons, the kingdom is ruled by Dhritarashtra (born blind) and Pandu (younger brother). Pandu’s sons become the **Pandavas**: **Yudhishthira**, **Bhima**, **Arjuna**, **Nakula**, and **Sahadeva**. Dhritarashtra’s sons, led by **Duryodhana**, are the **Kauravas**. ### 2. **Rivalry Between Pandavas and Kauravas** The Pandavas are righteous and virtuous, while Duryodhana is envious of their success. The conflict escalates when Yudhishthira is tricked into a dice game where he loses his kingdom, wealth, and even his wife **Draupadi**. As a result, the Pandavas are exiled for 13 years. ### 3. **The Kurukshetra War** After returning from exile, the Pandavas demand their kingdom, but Duryodhana refuses, leading to the great **Kurukshetra War**. This battle involves legendary heroes, including **Bhishma**, **Drona**, and **Karna**. Before the war, **Krishna**, acting as Arjuna’s charioteer, delivers the **Bhagavad Gita**, imparting profound wisdom on duty, life, and morality. ### 4. **Victory and Aftermath** The Pandavas eventually win, but the victory comes with immense loss. Almost all warriors perish, and the kingdom is devastated. Yudhishthira, crowned king, rules with justice but remains burdened by the losses. ### 5. **The Pandavas' Final Journey** After ruling for many years, the Pandavas renounce the world and embark on a journey to the Himalayas. One by one, they fall, except for Yudhishthira, who ascends to heaven. The **Mahabharata** is not just a story of war but a deep exploration of human nature, dharma (righteousness), and the complexities of life and morality.