Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part D

This final section of the PDE Mahabharata focuses on the climactic battle of the epic. Arjuna slays Bhishma in a somewhat underhanded way, waiting on Shikhandin to cause Bhishma to lower his arms out of principle. Every feels lament over the death of Bhishma, as he was unrivaled in combat. We see Arjuna's son isolated and defeated, causing Arjuna and Krishna to set out for revenge. We then see the demise of Ghatokacha, Bhima's rakshasa son. We see the Pandavas convince Drona of his son's death. Drone, in sorrow, lays down arms only to be stricken down by the Pandava general Dhrishtadyumna. Karna finally has his moment, as both Drona and Bhishma have perished. As Karna battled with Bhima, having cast down Yudhishthira, he's given aid by Dushana (the defiler of Draupadi). Arjuna returns to battle Karna and because of this Bhima is able to set upon Dushana. He destroys his chariot with a mace blow, then disposes of Dushana and drinks his blood, causing enemy forces to retreat. Arjuna and Karna battle until Karna is slain. Duryodhana hides beneath the water until addressed by Yudhishthira. Duryodhana emerges and fights Bhima, nearly winning, until Bhima strikes his leg, disabling him. Krishna stays Duryodhana's combative ally's hand. We then see Ashwatthaman raid the Pandava camp under cover of darkness. This raid is allowed after Ashwatthaman offers himself as a sacrifice to Shiva, who takes pride and allows him passage. Ashwatthaman steals into camp and murders Draupadi's children before making his egress and receiving the blessing of Duryodhana. Arjuna pursues Ashwatthaman and takes the jewel from his forehead. After time passes we see a ghoulish occurrence, with omens warning of trouble, the city of Dwarka is swallowed after Krishna is mistaken for a gazelle and mortally wounded. Following the death of Krishna, we see the Pandavas and Draupadi one by one leaving the earth. Yudhisthira's time comes and he must face a final test. Yudhisthira arrives in the afterlife and sees his rivals on thrones. He refuses to be with these people and as such goes in search of his family and friends. He finds them in a forest of torment and gives up his time to be with them. At this point the illusion is broken and he's given leave to bathe in the Ganges before entering the celestial city of Indra, wherein he's met by all his friends and family, as well as those most wise of his rivals. This city is home for all men who have shown their worth.


Bibliography:
PDE Mahabharata | Vyasa

Photo Source:
Dark and Difficult Was the Road | Evelyn Paul Monroe

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part C

This section begins with the Pandavas entering exile as a result of the recent string of failed bets and games. This appears to be a recurring theme in Indian epics; we consistently see protagonists being exiled only to return down the line as wiser and stronger because of it. Krishna visits the Pandavas, shedding light on their situation and why he was unable to prevent it. After Krishna's exit Draupadi and Bhima air their sorrow to Yudhishthira, lamenting over what they'd lost and the lack of action from the Pandavas. Arjuna journeys alone, fighting the god Mahadeva, who gives him a divine bow. Arjuna continues, met by many gods, including his father Indra, who proceed to give him many gifts before transporting him to Swarga. In Swarga, Arjuna is cursed by one Urvashi, but we're told this curse will ultimately benefit Arjuna. The Pandavas set out for the Himalayas, rejoined by Arjuna. Along their way they encounter Hanuman, who explains the roles of the Varnas. Karna makes an oath to kill Arjuna, out of service to Duryodhana. Indra, to protect Arjuna, takes the celestial armor with which Karna was born, but gives Karna a dart with which he can slay one powerful foe without fail. The Pandavas enter into the service of King Virata, with Arjuna becoming a eunuch dancing instructor and this filling the role of the curse. The brother of Queen Sudeshna, Prince Kichaka, attempts to rape Draupadi, but is stopped by Bhima. Duryodhana's forces attack King Virata for his cattle, but are thwarted by the Pandavas. Ultimately, battle is drawing closer, with Arjuna choosing the aid of Krishna. Krishna manifests as Vishnu and attempts to persuade Karna to fight alongside Arjuna as they're brothers, but Karna will hear nothing of it, choosing to either claim fame through slaying Arjuna, or die an honorable death at Arjuna's hand. The forces assemble and all the cast from the previous chapters are present. We see in the early days of the fight that Bhishma is dominant on the battlefield, even pushing back Arjuna, but seems to prevent himself from ending things entirely, causing Duryodhana to doubt him repeatedly. Arjuna's son falls in battle, causing Bhima's Rakshasa son to go on a war path through the enemy forces, even Duryodhana's elephant forces.



Bibliography:
PDE Mahabharata | Vyasa

Photo Source:
Ghatotkacha | Statue in Bali