MAHABHARAT

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“Mahabharat” is an Indian mythology, which was written mainly by sage “Viyasa” and reached its final stage in the 4th century. This story is mainly about the conflicts which arouse between the Paandavaas and Gauravaas and ended up at the Gurushetra war. Even though this is the brief story line, there are many sub-stories which connect with Mahabharat and expand its boarders. Just for an elaborated idea, I wish to give an explanation about the story.(Even though the names will be confusing, this is the most simplified story-line )

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Ancient India was ruled by a king named “Bharathan”. As a result India was known with the name of “Bharathavarsham”. Later, another king from the blood-line of King Bharathan, named “Santhanu” also ruled India. He got married to “Ganga” ( the human form of river Ganga ) and had a son called ”Dhevaviradhan”( This person was later named “Bheeshma” and respected as the godfather of both Paandavaas and Gauravaas). After this, King Santhanu and Ganga were separated and Santhanu got married to another woman named “Sathiyawathi”. But for this to happen, Bheeshma had to sacrifice not only his right to become the next king, but also his marriage and family life. So finally he led his life as a bachelor and a protector of the kingdom. The father of Paandavaas , King Paandu and the father of Gauravaas, King Thirudharaashtran both were sons of the same father (Son of Santhanu and Sathiyawathi). But their mothers were different. Even though King Thirudharaashtran was the eldest, as he was born-blind, his brother King Paandu was given the right to rule the country. But after the sudden death of King Paandu, King Thirudharaashtran ruled it with the help of Bheeshma.

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All five Paandavaas and hundred Gauravaas, were taught and brought up together in the same palace. As Paandavaas were very much talented than the Gauravaas, a dispute grew in the hearts of the Gauravaas. The eldest of the Gauravaas, “Dhuriyothan” had a wish to become the next king. But as Yudhishtran (the eldest of the Paandavaas), was older than him, he was honored with the title of “Yuvraaj” (the next king). This created jealousy in Dhuriyothan’s heart which made him plot and plan in order to kill all five Paandavaas. This dispute and conflicts led to the final war at Gurushetra in which all the Gauravaas were killed and Paandavaas won their kingdom.
Apart from all the opinions about the reliability of this mythology, it carries many messages to the society. It can be called as the greatest creation of India which inspired many, all over the world. Even though it was initially written in Sanskrit, but now it has been translated in many other languages around the world. One of the greatest scriptures, “Bhagavat Gita” is also connected to Mahabharat.
Now it’s time to know the important characters on both side.
PAANDAVAAS
YUDHISHTRA/DHARMA – the eldest of all; a person who always sticks to dharma.
BHEEMA – the most strongest person; great wrestler.
ARJUNAA -the hero of the story; great archer.
NAKULA – excellent sword -fighter; can speak to animals.
SAHADEVA -intelligent; great predictor of future.

GAURAVAAS
DHURIYOTHAN -ambitious & proud
THUCHAATHANA -wicked
SAKUNI -an uncle of Dhuriyothan; cunning; great gambler; the person who exploits the Gauravaas
KARNA –best friend of Dhuriyothan; great archer; a greatphilanthropist
DHRONA- the teacher of both Paandavaas and Gauravaas

Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and also a cousin of the Paandavaas, plays an important role in this story. As the reason behind Krishna-avatar is to destroy the evilness and establish morality, he supports Paandavaas to kill all the Gauravaas. In the Gurushetra war, he serves as the charioteer of Arjunaa’s Chariot and leads him towards the victory.
According to the characteristics, there are many incidents mentioned in Mahabharat, which teach great lessons. It is said that if a person completely read and understand Mahabharat, he would have reached the goal of his life. So here after in my following articles I’ll mention some of those important incidents for all to read and get the lesson.

Source : en.wikipedia.org
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