The Mahabharata is one of the longest and most revered epic poems in Hindu mythology, traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. It is a vast narrative that consists of approximately 100,000 shlokas (couplets) and is divided into 18 parvas (books or sections). Here is a concise summary of the Mahabharata:
1. The Background: The Mahabharata begins with the story of the Kurukshetra War, a great conflict between two branches of the Kuru dynasty—the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The root cause of the war is a complex web of familial and political issues, including the longstanding rivalry between the cousins.
2. The Birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas: King Shantanu of Hastinapura marries Ganga and later Satyavati. Ganga gives birth to Devavrata, who later becomes Bhishma. Satyavati’s sons, Vichitravirya and Chitrangada, die prematurely, leading to the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas through different queens—Kunti and Madri.
3. The Pandavas’ Challenges: The Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—face numerous challenges, including the infamous game of dice in which they lose their kingdom and are forced into exile for thirteen years.
4. The Bhagavad Gita: During the Kurukshetra War, just before the battle commences, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, is filled with doubt and moral dilemma about fighting against his own relatives. Lord Krishna, serving as his charioteer, imparts the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical and spiritual discourse on duty, righteousness, and the nature of existence.
5. The War of Kurukshetra: The epic climaxes with the great Kurukshetra War, where the Pandavas and Kauravas engage in a fierce battle. The war lasts for eighteen days, resulting in the victory of the Pandavas, but with significant losses on both sides.
6. Aftermath and Dhritarashtra’s Lament: Following the war, Yudhishthira becomes the king, but the aftermath is marked by grief and lamentation. Dhritarashtra, the blind king and father of the Kauravas, reflects on the consequences of the war, particularly the loss of his sons.
7. The Departure of Pandavas: After ruling for a while, the Pandavas decide to renounce the kingdom and embark on a journey towards the Himalayas, accompanied by a dog symbolizing the god Dharma.
8. The Ascension: In the end, the Pandavas and several other characters from the epic ascend to the heavenly realms, marking the conclusion of the Mahabharata.
The Mahabharata is not just a story of war but a compendium of diverse narratives, including mythological tales, moral and ethical discourses, and profound philosophical insights. It remains a cornerstone of Hindu literature and philosophy, influencing countless generations with its timeless wisdom and storytelling.