Reading Notes: Mahabharata: Karmic Revolution, Part B

This is a summarization of the Mahabharata: Karmic Revolution, Part B. Part continues the Mahabharata by journeying through the stepping stones, growth, and truths between the Pandavas and their cousins the Kauravas. There is a constant rivalry between the cousins that interfere in various aspects. 

King Shantanu meeting his son Devavrata for the first time since Ganga left him. Web Source: Wikimedia Commons

• Episode 9: The story regarding Kunti's secret from her past begins. When she was a young woman, she was wise and full of life growing up in her uncle's court. He loved her as his own daughter. One day Durwasa visited the court and Kunti did not fear his reputation of being a scary hostile sage. Durwasa was delighted with Kunti, and when it was time to go he left her a gift to summon any god she wants. She spoke the mantra and the sun god appeared, and shortly thereafter a wonderful child was given to her. She was saddened and knew she could not keep the child because she was unmarried. So she placed her son in a basket, sent him on the bank of a river, and begged Surya Deva to watch over him. 

• Episode 10: Pandu and his wives journey to the woods to spend time together and admire the beauty of nature. The tribes within the forest though they were gods who came down to grace the forest. Pandu decided to go hunting in the woods but made a mistake that deemed more than costly. He had shot an arrow at a hermit couple who were embracing one another. He was then cursed by the hermit. The curse made sure that any time Pandu longed for and desired for a woman, he would die. Pandu sent word to Hastinapura that he would not return to the kingdom. Kunti told Pandu about the mantra and that they would be able to have a child by means of the gift she received to summon any god.

• Episode 11: Kunti summons the god of truth and death who is Yama. He gave her a son who signified virtue and patience. Yudhishthira would serve as a mental block for his brothers to rely on during trialing times and would always be able to keep composed and calm. The second god summoned is Vayu dev the wind god. He gave her a son who would be as strong and fast as the wind itself. They named him Bheem, and he would gain fame and be unmatched in his strength and courage. Lastly, Kunti summoned Indra the King of the Devas. Her son was destined to become one of the greatest warriors the world had ever known. He was named Arjun. Kunti agreed to help Madri also become a mother to twins. Altogether they had 5 sons. But, the curse was still inescapable for Pandu. In a moment of passion, Pandu forced himself upon Madri and died. Madri went with Pandu, and Kunti was left to take care of the Pandavas.

• Episode 12: Gandhari grew nervous upon finding out that Kunti was pregnant with a Deva. Gandhari's pregnancy was rough and excruciatingly painful and disturbing. The day she gave birth was the saddest day of her life. When she gave birth, a huge clump of dead flesh was upon her. She urged someone to chuck it in the forest. This was when Ved Vyasa brought his prophecy to life. He forbade the dasi from disregarding what came from Gandhari. He assured her that she would have 100 sons. Vyas divided the lump into 100 pieces and had the dasi separate the big lump into 101 pieces with oil in vats. Her children came into being inside the vats and ill omens began to circulate around Hastinapura. Her eldest son Duryodhana wreaked of evil, but she could not see it because she was blindfolded. 

• Episode 13: The Pandavas brothers are loved by all, but Duryodhana becomes visibly upset because it seems as if Bhishma pays them more attention. Duryodhana is angered and challenges Bheem to a wrestling match and found he was too weak for his cousin. The hatred in Duryodhana had grown even greater. Duryodhana organizes a lakeside retreat and tries to make the Pandavas vulnerable. He laces their food with sleep-induced herbs. He then ties up Bheems hands and feet before pushing him into the lake.

• Episode 14: Multiple snakes dig their fangs into Bheem, and he wakes up and unties himself while attacking and killing off the snakes after him. He finds himself extremely deep in another world that is home of the serpents. He realizes Vasuki is related to him through the Naag chief. He showers Bheem with affection and gives him a magic drink to use to defeat many threats to him and his brother's life. It gave him the strength of a thousand elephants. Bheem swims up and realizes it is time for him to grow up and face the dangers that lurked all around him and the Pandavas.

• Episode 15: Bheem returns unharmed and alive, this angers Duryodhana. Bheem said he had no recollection of what happened to him even though he did. Their grandfather decided as they grew it was time to find a teacher to teach them mastery of all weapons and way of war. Destiny brought a teacher to Hastinapura. Drona approached them and showcased his precision through various tasks. Drona was embraced by Bhishma with respect and the boys acknowledged Drona was the key to helping them become strong, courageous, and noble warriors. 

• Episode 16: The Pandavas begin to learn the way of war under Drona's instruction. Drona examined his students closely and recognizes their potential and talents early on. Yudhishthira proved to be an excellent charioteer. Nakul and Sahadev became talented swordsmen. Bheem was skilled at the mace. His strength overpowered anyone he came across. Arjuna turned out to be the perfect warrior and archery was his forte. Arjuna and Ashwatthama showed enough promise to be taught how to use divine weapons. These weapons were only revealed to the most worthy students. Arjuna realizes Drona has vengeance in mind. 

• Episode 17: The Pandavas were out in the forest and discovered Ekalavya. They noticed a dog had been shot with perfect precision to fill its mouth with arrows, without hurting it at all. Arjuna thought his dreams of becoming the best warrior was over. The Pandavas found a nishaad boy was behind the great skill. He kneeled before the princes. Arjuna angrily sought to know who taught him his skill. He proclaimed Drona was his teacher. Arjuna questioned Drona's loyalty and found that he had not actually taught Ekalavya his technique. The boy showed Drona an image that he had crafted of him. He said he asked to be taught by Drona but refused him because he said he only taught Kshatriyas. So he made an image of Drona and practiced in front of it, which lead him to become the world's best archer. Drona and Arjuna were in shock. Drona demanded he cut off his right thumb and give it to him. This signified there would be no way Ekalavya would ever be the world's greatest archer. 

Mahabharata: Karmic Revolution, Part B

Authors: Epified TV (India)

Web Source: Epified Mahabharata Part B