MAHABHARATA
MAHABHARATA
MAHABHARATA
Ancient Bharata
INTRODUCTION
▪ The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic, a
timeless and captivating tale that has been
cherished for generations.
▪ It's a colossal story, filled with exciting
adventures, complex characters, and valuable life
lessons. This epic takes us back to a time when
powerful kings ruled vast kingdoms in India.
▪ Even though it's a story from thousands of years
ago, its teachings on morality and ethics continue
to resonate with people today.
▪ It's not just a story; it's a source of wisdom and
inspiration, and its influence can be seen in
various forms of art and culture across the world.
▪ Day 2-5: Fierce clashes occur as the Kauravas and Pandavas deploy their troops and
powerful warriors. Bhishma, the Kaurava commander, shows his prowess and devastates
the Pandava army. Arjuna, on Krishna's advice, shoots arrows to cut Bhishma's bow, but
he refuses to kill him, respecting his elder's request not to fight at full strength.
▪ Day 6-9: Bhishma falls, unable to be defeated in battle but choosing to leave the mortal
world by his own will. Dronacharya, the Kaurava guru, takes command. The Pandavas
and Kauravas suffer heavy losses. Arjuna's son Abhimanyu enters the battle and
valiantly fights but is trapped and killed unfairly.
▪ Day 10-13: Dronacharya is eventually killed when the Pandavas use a deceptive
strategy. Karna, a key Kaurava warrior, becomes the commander-in-chief but faces
challenges from the Pandavas, particularly Arjuna. Karna's powerful weapons and
valor make him a formidable foe, but he is unable to defeat Arjuna.
▪ Day 14-16: Karna's death marks a turning point. Duryodhana, the Kaurava leader, is
now the commander, and the war intensifies. Lord Krishna intervenes to broker
peace, but Duryodhana remains obstinate. Several notable duels take place during
these days, including Bhima's duel with Duryodhana and Yudhishthira's duel with
Drona's son Ashwatthama.
▪ Day 17: The Kaurava army is almost entirely wiped out. Duryodhana refuses to
surrender and hides in a lake. He is discovered by the Pandavas, leading to a fierce
mace battle between Duryodhana and Bhima. Duryodhana's thighs are crushed, but
he refuses to give up.
▪ Day 18: On the final day, Duryodhana succumbs to his injuries. With his death, the
Kaurava forces are defeated. The Pandavas emerge victorious but at a great cost of
lives, including many respected warriors and family members. The epic concludes
with the Pandavas ruling the kingdom, having achieved their rightful place after
years of struggle.
▪ The Mahabharata's 18-day battle is not just a physical war but also a moral and
ethical conflict, symbolizing the eternal struggle between righteousness (dharma)
and unrighteousness (adharma). It is a timeless tale that imparts profound lessons
on duty, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
CONCLUSION OF THE WAR
▪ The conclusion of the Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata saw the Pandavas
emerge as victors, reclaiming their kingdom and restoring peace.
▪ However, victory came at a heavy cost, with many lives lost on both sides. The
aftermath was marked by grief and moral reflection, highlighting the profound
consequences of conflict and the complexities of life's choices.
LESSONS FROM MAHABHARATA
▪ The Mahabharata imparts valuable life lessons, including the importance of
righteousness (dharma), the consequences of actions, family bonds, wisdom,
resilience, humility, forgiveness, detachment from outcomes, and the complexity of
human nature.
▪ It also explores deep philosophical and spiritual questions, guiding individuals in
their quest for truth and meaning in life.
REFERENCES
▪सम्पर्
ू ण महाभारत हहिंदी {महाग्रिंथ}
HARSHIT PAREEK
BTECH CSE
GUIDELINES: SEC C1
SEEMA MA’AM 23BCON0296