Who leads the way in the Mahabharata?
Whichever wins, leads the way. One such great battle was the Mahabharata. While the conclusion of the battle was that Kauravas were sent to hell, there was one Kaurava, who could occupy a place in heaven for himself. Most Read: What Is Karma?
Who was the first one to fall in the Mahabharata?
While ascending the Himalayas, Draupadi becomes the first one to fall, followed by Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna, and Bhima. Yudhishthira provides the explanation of their falling due to various sins committed during their lifetime. Only the Yudhishthira and the dog continue on their ascent.
Who wrote the Mahabharata?
Traditionally, the authorship of the Mahābhārata is attributed to Vyāsa. There have been many attempts to unravel its historical growth and compositional layers. The bulk of the Mahābhārata was probably compiled between the 3rd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, with the oldest preserved parts not much older than around 400 BCE.
Who instigated the Mahabharata war?
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.
Who went to heaven after Mahabharata?
—From The Mahabharata by Meera Uberoi, Penguin, 2005. Legend has it that Yudisthira is angry that Duryodhana, the cause of much evil, has earned a place in heaven. Lord Indra explains that he has served his time in hell, and has also been a good king. Duryodhana is seen as a villain in Indian mythology.
Did Pandavas reach heaven?
In reality, Pandavas and Draupadi reached heaven just after their deaths. Yama explained everything and Yudhishtira reached heaven with his mortal body.Pandavas were the incarnation of previous Indra's.
Who is enter in heaven in Mahabharata?
Yudhishthira refuses, says he could not go to heaven with Indra without his brothers and Draupadi. Indra tells Yudhishthira, all of them after their death, entered heaven.
Did Karna go heaven?
Karna did not go to heaven because he didn't do anything to stop draupadi vastraharan He was so blinded by revenge that he chose to side with adharma!
Is Ashwathama still alive?
NO, Ashwatthama is NOT alive. He was cursed by the Supreme Krishna to wander in suffering for 3000 years.
Why did Shakuni go to heaven?
So Shakuni, was highly obliged with his planning skills, and he was very intelligent in conspiracies against Kauravas. It was his pledge to destroy the rajya of Bhishmpitamah… This is the reason, he got Heaven. Shakuni was the prince of gandhar kingdom later he became its king after the dead of his father (subala).
Did Bhishma go heaven?
Mahabharata states that he attained salvation after his death. He was granted the Maatru Lok (which is considered even above Swarga, the heaven). Magha (month) Shukla Ashtami marks the death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah(Father), the day being known as Bhishma Ashtami.
Where is Ashwathama now?
He was cursed around 3200 BC on last day of Mahabharata war, the curse to be on earth till end of the Kaliyuga of present Kalpa. Very few people/saints doing Narmada river parikrama have seen him or meet him in Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary which is spread across MP and Gujarat.
Did Krishna go heaven?
Krishna helps the Pandavas in the defeat of the Kauravas. - After the death of Jarasandha and the defeat of the Kauravas, Krishna is declared Narayana, or Ardha-Chakri. - For causing so much bloodshed, Krishna does not rise to heaven, but experience death, and in a future life will be born as a Tirthankara.
Who was Duryodhana in his next birth?
The eldest Kaurava was Duryodhana. His best friend was Karna. Karna was actually the eldest son of Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. Because of circumstances, he was brought up as the son of charioteer.
Where is Karna now?
In his dying breadth, Karna asked the Lord to bury him at a virgin land which he obliged and cremated Karna at the holy land of Karnaprayag.
Did Karna loved Draupadi?
No, but there was actually a time when karna liked draupadi and wanted to marry her but as known draupadi rejected him in swayamvar as he was a sutputra and she was a princess After that they never liked/loved each other after the insult.
Who was blindfolded in the Mahabharata?
Gandhari, blindfolded, supporting Dhrtarashtra and following Kunti when Dhritarashtra became old and infirm and retired to the forest. A miniature painting from a 16th-century manuscript of part of the Razmnama, a Persian translation of the Mahabharata
What is the longest book in Mahabharata?
12. Shanti Parva (The Book of Peace) 86–88. The crowning of Yudhishthira as king of Hastinapura, and instructions from Bhishma for the newly anointed king on society, economics, and politics. This is the longest book of the Mahabharata. Kisari Mohan Ganguli considers this Parva as a later interpolation.
What is the date of the Kali Yuga epoch?
The late 4th-millennium date has a precedent in the calculation of the Kali Yuga epoch, based on planetary conjunctions, by Aryabhata (6th century). Aryabhata's date of 18 February 3102 BCE for Mahābhārata war has become widespread in Indian tradition.
What is the Kurukshetra war?
The historicity of the Kurukshetra War is unclear. Many historians estimate the date of the Kurukshetra war to Iron Age India of the 10th century BCE. The setting of the epic has a historical precedent in Iron Age ( Vedic) India, where the Kuru kingdom was the center of political power during roughly 1200 to 800 BCE. A dynastic conflict of the period could have been the inspiration for the Jaya, the foundation on which the Mahābhārata corpus was built, with a climactic battle, eventually coming to be viewed as an epochal event.
How many years did it take for the Puranas to come out?
The evidence of the Puranas is of two kinds. Of the first kind, there is the direct statement that there were 1015 (or 1050) years between the birth of Parikshit (Arjuna's grandson) and the accession of Mahapadma Nanda (400-329 BCE), which would yield an estimate of about 1400 BCE for the Bharata battle.
What is the ritual of the Pandav Lila?
Every year in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, villagers perform the Pandav Lila, a ritual re-enactment of episodes from the Mahabharata through dancing, singing, and recitation. The lila is a cultural highlight of the year and is usually performed between November and February. Folk instruments of the region, dhol, damau and two long trumpets bhankore, accompany the action. The actors, who are amateurs not pr, professionals, often break into a spontaneous dance when they are "possessed" by the spirits of their characters.
What are some of the plays that use themes from the Tamil language versions of Mahabharata?
These include the Tamil street theatre, terukkuttu and kattaikkuttu, the plays of which use themes from the Tamil language versions of Mahabharata, focusing on Draupadi.
Who is the Kauravas that Indra sees in heaven?
Yudhishthira receives a grand welcome in heaven from everyone. But as soon as he enters heaven, he sees 100 Kauravas, including Duryodhana & Dusshasana, spreading their arms to welcome him.
Why did the Kauravas come to heaven?
Indra tells him the reason, that why, and how the Kauravas came to be in heaven. It was because of the Kurukshetra land itself. It is named after the King Kuru of the Kuru clan. When King Kuru came on this land, it was known as Uttaradevi. He performed several righteous acts and embedded 8 good virtues in this land.
How long did the Pandavas rule Hastinapur?
After the war ended, the Kauravas lose, and the Pandavas win and rule over Hastinapur for over 36 years. After that, they advance to Vanaprastha ashram, in order to renounce the world and begin their journey toward Swarga (heaven).
What does the Kauravas who die at Kurukshetra do?
This is how the Kauravas who die at Kurukshetra doing their duty as Kshatriyas (warriors) will find a place in heaven. It explains the complexity of karma. At the time of doing karma, nobody could ever know whether they are doing good or bad. Yudhishthira not satisfied with this explanation, enquire about his brothers and wife.
What does Vanaprastha mean?
Vanaprastha literally means “retiring into a forest”. It is one of the four ashramas (stages) of human life according to Vedas. It is the third of four ashramas, which starts when a person hands over household responsibilities to the next generation, takes an advisory role, and gradually withdraws from the world.
Where did Yudhishthira go?
Yudhishthira refuses. Finally, he reached the top of the mountain, which is believed to be the entra nce to the Swarga (heaven). There he was welcomed by the Indra. Indra said, “You have been the true Dharamraj (king of dharma) by being virtuous at all times, so come to Swarga”.
Where will Draupadi and Pandava brothers go?
We will enter the realm of the gods with this flesh.”. The journey of Draupadi and Pandava brothers through India, then in the Himalayas towards Mount Sumeru.
Where did Lord Krishna go to meditate?
Eventually, the Yadavas became drunk and killed each other with iron rods. None of them survived. Lord Krishna went to a forest near Somnath in Bhalka Tirth to meditate.
Who ordered the divine charioteer to return?
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.
What did Krishna suggest to Yudhisthira and other Pandava brothers?
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.
What mountain did the Pandavas climb?
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.
Why did Yudhisthira decide to remain?
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........
What did Lord Yama say to Yudhisthira?
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.
How long did the Pancha Pandavas rule?
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.
Where did the Pandavas go to go to heaven?
After taking leave of them and all the people of Hastinapura, the Pandavas and Draupadi started their journey to heaven. First, they went to Dwarka and saw it immersed in the sea. Then, Agni came and said to Arjuna, "Your gandhiva and quivers have served their purpose. I have obtained these from Lord Varuna.
Who worshiped his gandhiva and quivers?
Arjuna worshiped his gandhiva and quivers and returned then to Agni. The Pandavas then reached Himavana. On the way, Draupadi, Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna and Bhima dropped dead, one by one. Only one dog, who had been with them, remained.
Who was the king who died a brave's death?
A surprising presence there was that of Duryodhana. Narada explained to Yudhisthira that Duryodhana never showed cowardice, he had been a just and good king, he died a brave’s death, that too in a holy place. 0 COMMENT.
Who is the father of Yudhisthira?
He was Dharma, the father of Yudhisthira. In the grand hall of the heavens, Yudhisthira saw Krishna surrounded by all the gods. Karna was sitting among the Adityas, Bhishma among the Vasus, and his ancestors and heroes and warriors who had died in the war, were also there.
Did the Pandavas lose interest in Krishna?
Add to Spiritual Diary. This was tragic for the Pandavas. Yes, after hearing about Krishna’s death, the Pandavas lost interest in the world. Yudhisthira and the Pandavas decided to go to heaven. They, along with Draupadi, once again donned deer skin and tree bark. Parikshita was appointed the king.
Why did Duryodhana use the Kaurava sons as puppets?
With the fire of revenge burning in his heart and the aim of destroying the entire clan of Dhritarashtra, he used the Kaurava sons as puppets to meet his ultimate goal. In fact, it is said that whatever Duryodhana did, was the outcome of having excessive faith in his uncle Shakuni.
Who said a warrior, a saint and a philosopher do not have a caste or source?
It was only Duryodhana at that time who defended him saying that ''a warrior, a saint and a philosopher do not have a caste or source. They are not born great, but they become great'. This showed that his beliefs were not a victim of the caste differentiation and that he believed in equality.
What is the Hindu belief in oi-renu?
oi-Renu. By Ishi. on February 11, 2019. The common belief in the Hindu philosophy is that the actions of humans can be divided into two types: good Karma and bad Karma (also called Punya and Paap, respectively). Good Karma is that which is done for the benefit of others and with benevolent intention.
Was Duryodhana a good king?
Duryodhana was a very kind, good and the righteous king of his kingdom. While not only did his subjects favour him, there was one incident which reflected his abilities and achievements as a successful king. According to the legend, Duryodhana was about to die after the battle, and Lord Krishna was sitting near him.
Who was playing dice with Duryodhana?
Once when Duryodhana was not there, Karna was playing the game of dice with his wife. While the wife of Duryodhana was facing the main door, Karna' s back was towards the door. Karna was leading and the lady was to get defeated. Just the same moment, Duryodhana came in.
Whichever wins leads the way?
Whichever wins, leads the way. One such great battle was the Mahabharata. While the conclusion of the battle was that Kauravas were sent to hell, there was one Kaurava, who could occupy a place in heaven for himself.
Was Duryodhana a victim of Shakuni?
Duryodhana Was Actually A Victim Of Shakuni's Malicious Intentions. Similar to these, there have been various other incidents that justify that Duryodhana was a good king, friend, husband, human being as well as a son. However, what made him bad, were the conspiracies that his maternal uncle Shakuni played.
Who asks Yudhishthira to come to heaven with him?
As the dog and Yudhishthira climb up the mountain, Lord Indra appears on his chariot and asks Yudhishthira to come to heaven with him. Yudhishthira insists to take the dog along with them. Indra disapproves of the request, however Yudhishthira remains adamant.
What is the death of the central characters in Mahabharata?
The death of central characters in Mahabharata. Dhritrashtra and other four, die in a forest fire in meditating position which they could have escaped but rather chose to die peacefully. 8. Pandavas renounce their kingdom and mortal life and begin their final journey to heaven from the Himalayas.
What is Arjuna's power?
It is said the extraordinary power that Arjuna possessed was to fight the righteous war (Dharm Yudh). However, things drastically changed after the Kurukshetra war ended.
Why did Bhima taunt the old couple?
In some versions of Mahabharata it is maintained that Bhima used to taunt the old couple due to which they left the kingdom for penance into woods. Kunti the mother of Pandavas and Sanjay also leaves with them. 7. The death of central characters in Mahabharata.
What happened to Krishna in the Dwaraka?
The violence in the Dwaraka cracks open, with Yadavas killing each other. Mausala Parva describes the Lord Krishna’s death in the 36th year, which occurs as a result of an arrow mistakenly shot at him by Jara. A dying Krishna consoles the apologetic Jara and merges in the image of Lord Vishnu.
How does Mahabharata affect Indian culture?
It has a deep-rooted impact on Indian culture, customs and even the way people conduct themselves today. It also has an impact on understanding, what is morally wrong and correct in the Indian culture. However, most of the knowledge people have about Mahabharata is not from reading or analyzing the actual texts but through various TV series ...
What did Draupadi create?
Draupadi creates a council of women consisting of all the widows of war. The council looks after their rehabilitation and ensures that everyone could support their families financially by providing them with dignified work opportunities.
Overview
Synopsis of the Epic
The Mahabharata is an account of the life and deeds of several generations of a ruling dynasty called the Kuru clan and the fates of the princes and their successors. The core story of the work is that of a dynastic struggle for the throne of Hastinapura, the kingdom ruled by the Kuru clan. The two collateral branches of the family that participate in the struggle are the Kaurava and the Pandava. Although the Kaurava is the senior branch of the family, Duryodhana, the eldest Kaura…
The Battle of the Ten Kings
The Battle of the Ten Kings is a battle, first alluded to in the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda (RV), between a Bharata king and a confederation of tribes. It resulted in a decisive victory for the Bharatas and the subsequent formation of the Kuru polity.
In Book 3, the Bharatas are noted to have crossed Beas and Sutlej, in their progress towards Kurukshetra where they came across a nascent (and temporary) inter-tribal alliance. This led to t…
Critical Edition
Between 1919 and 1966, scholars at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune, compared the various manuscripts of the epic from India and abroad and produced the Critical Edition of the Mahabharata, on 13,000 pages in 19 volumes, over the span of 47 years. This is the text that is usually used in current Mahābhārata studies for reference. This work is sometimes called the "Pune" or "Poona" edition of the Mahabharata.
Textual history and Structural Analysis
The epic is traditionally ascribed to the sage Vyāsa, who is also a major character in the epic. Vyāsa described it as being itihāsa (Sanskrit: इतिहास, meaning "history"). He also describes the Guru-shishya parampara, which traces all great teachers and their students of the Vedic times.
The first section of the Mahābhārata states that it was Ganesha who wrote down the text to Vyasa's dictation, but this is regarded by scholars as a later interpolation to the epic, and the "Cri…
Historicity and Dating of the Kurukshetra War
The historicity of the Kurukshetra War is unclear and subject to scholarly discussion and dispute. It is possible that the Battle of the Ten Kings, mentioned in the Rigveda, may have "formed the 'nucleus' of the story" of the Kurukshetra war, though it was greatly expanded and modified in the Mahabharata's account making the Mahabharata's version of very dubious historicity. Though the Kurukshetra War is not mentioned in Vedic literature, its prominence in later literature led British I…
Bhagavad Gita
In the Indian tradition, the Bhagavad Gita, as well as the epic Mahabharata of which it is a part, is attributed to the sage Vyasa, whose full name was Krishna Dvaipayana, also called Veda-Vyasa. Another Hindu legend states that Vyasa narrated it while the lord Ganesha broke one of his tusks and wrote down the Mahabharata along with the Bhagavad Gita.
Scholars consider Vyasa to be a mythical or symbolic author, in part because Vyasa is also the t…
See also
• Mahabharata
• List of characters in the Mahabharata
• Hindu texts
• Kali Yuga
• Navneet