Kurukshetra

There was no doubt in everybody’s mind that war was inevitable. Many people felt that cousins ought not resort to war, fighting over land. Others were of the opinion that Duryodhana ought not have been so adamant. The fact that Lord Krishna had himself tried to mediate between the hostile…

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Krishna’s Mediation

Duryodhana was a very adamant person. He could never concede anything at all. The messenger sent by the Pandavas through Drupada, read out before Duryodhana his various misdeeds against the Pandavas and called upon him to return their kingdom. The messenger also warned Duryodhana of the consequences of war if…

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To the defense of Virata

When Duryodhana heard about the mysterious way in which Kichaka was killed, he guessed that Bhima could have killed Kichaka, because it was a well-known fact that only Bhima was as strong as Kichaka. So, Duryodhana surmised that the Pandavas were living under a different identity in the kingdom of…

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The Slaying of Kichaka

As per the condition laid down during the wager, the Pandavas completed twelve years of exile in the forest. They now had to live incognito for one year. During the year if their true identity was to be found out, they were to spend another twelve years in exile. The…

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The Exile

o be in exile in a forest is a very tough experience, because a forest is full of wild animals. It is an area where Rakshasaas roam about freely. Mostly it is dark in the forest. One has to go in search of water and live on tubers and fruits….

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The Gamble

Shakuni was the prince of Gandhara. Gandhari was his sister. Thus, Shakuni was Duryodhana’s maternal uncle and was his constant companion in Hastinapur. Shakuni was fully aware of Pandava’s might and also knew of Duryodhana’s intense hatred towards them. The evil-minded Shakuni nurtured this hatred and advised Duryodhana to destroy…

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The Rajasuya Yagna

Dhrithrashtra totally ignored the Pandavas. He seemed to have forgotten that they were his brother’s children. Their popularity and prosperity were unbearable to him. Hence, when he was forced into giving half the kingdom to the Pandavas, he deliberately allotted a barren and desolated land to them. Without grudging this…

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Draupadi’s Swayamvar

Draupadi was the daughter of Drupada, king of Panchala. Dhristadyumna was her brother. Drupada who had once been defeated by Aijun decided that a great warrior like him would be the best match for Draupadi. Drupada had earlier believed the Pandavas to be dead but had also heard rumours that…

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The Wax Mansion

Pandava’s courage and the love and affection people had showered on them had created a deep jealousy within Duryodhana. His thoughts were always about killing the Pandavas. His plot to poison Bhima had failed. So, he wanted a good plan to wipe them out totally. His brothers aided him in…

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Karna and Duryodhana

Whenever people talk about friendship, they always refer to Kama and Duryodhana. For, they had a very strong bond of friendship between them. Drona had taught the princes everything about warfare. He had also told them about the methods to be followed during a war. He had explained about the…

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The Thumb

Hiranyadhanu was the king of Nashua. Hunting was the main occupation of his people, as they were trials. Ekalavya was the only son of Hiranyadhanu. It was his ardent desire to learn the art of archery from Dronacharya. So, one day he travelled to Hastinapur and witnessed Drona teaching the…

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Duryodhana’s Plot

Right from the day the Pandavas , entered Hastinapur, the Kauravas, especially Duryodhana, disliked them intensely. He was also extremely jealous of the Pandavas for they had earned the love and respect of the entire kingdom. By some means or the other, he wanted to kill the Pandavas, especially Bhima….

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Gurukul-The School

It is very important for the Kshatriyas, that is the warrior clan, to be proficient in archery and sword fencing. We already know that the Pandavas and the Kauravas were being brought up together by Ehishma. He always showed keen interest in their education and proficiency in warfare. He therefore…

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The Pandavas and the Kauravas

Vichitravirya had two sons. The eldest was Dhritarashtra, born blind. Hence Bhishma crowned the second son, Pandu, as the king. Pandu was a very capable king and ruled the land well. Vichitravirya had a son by name Vidura through a chamber maid. Vidura was an able statesman and a scholar….

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Amba’s revenge

Santana and Sarasvati led a happy married life. Subsequently Satyavati gave birth to two sons. The eldest was Chitrangadh. After the demise of Santanu, Bhishma crowned Chitrangadh as the King. But the king died shortly thereafter. So, Bhishma coroneted Vichitravirya, the second son, as the king. But since the boy…

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Bhishma’s Vow

This is not a recent story. It is a very ancient story which occurred thousands of years ago. Santanu was the king of Hastinapur. He was wise, kind and just. All the citizens loved him and respected him. The river Goddess Ganga was Santanu’s first wife. Santanu had met Ganga…

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