Mahabharata - Bhavan's Book University

The tale unfolds in the distant past, where two families were destined to inherit the vast expanse of the Kuru Empire. Among them, the Pandavas, five sons of Pandu, emerged as virtuous and valiant warriors, their veins coursing with divine blood. Gifted with wisdom, patience, strength, knowledge, and compassion, they embodied the epitome of humanity.

In contrast, their cousins, the Kauravas, a hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, were characterized by greed, ceaselessly craving more wealth. As neither Pandu nor Dhritarashtra were deemed fit to rule the kingdom, an equal division of the throne was intended between the two families. However, the Kauravas cunningly deprived the Pandavas of their rightful share, forcing them into a prolonged exile. Throughout their banishment, the Kauravas relentlessly sought to eliminate the Pandavas, but the virtuous warriors endured.

Upon their triumphant return to reclaim their heritage, the Kauravas refused to relinquish even a fraction of the kingdom. Thus, the stage was set for an epic confrontation. The Pandavas and Kauravas clashed in a colossal battle on the blood-soaked field of Kurukshetra. This battlefield had witnessed numerous washings with the blood of warriors, and now, it would be the backdrop for a war that left both sides scarred.

Guiding the Pandavas through this turmoil was the Blue God, Krishna, who elucidated their righteous duty to eliminate their malevolent cousins. The Mahabharata, thus, unfolds as a narrative encompassing love, avarice, wisdom, patience, and respect for one's fellow beings. This saga conceals within its folds every known moral, establishing itself as one of the greatest stories ever composed, resonating with timeless lessons and enduring significance.