The Stories of Mahabharata

The Pandavas visit the grieving King Dhritarashtra and queen Gandhari. Krishna saves Bheem from being crushed by Dhritarashtra. Gandhari curses Krishna for his role in destroying the Kuru family. Kunti reveals the true identity of Karna to her sons who mourn the death of their brother. Yudhistir ascends the throne of Hastinapur, but doesn't find any joy. When the sun moves to the northern hemisphere, Bhishma leaves his body and ascends to the heavens.

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Aswathama takes his revenge by attacking the Pandava camp in the middle of the night and killing the five sons of Draupadi. He also kills Dhristyadumna to avenge his father's death. But his victory was short lived as the Pandavas chase him down and Krishna curses him to suffer a long and painful life.

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On the 18th day of the war, Yudhistir kills Shalya, the newly appointed Kaurava chief and effectively ends the war. Duryodhan flees the battle field and hides in lake Dwaipayan. The Pandavas hunt him down and challenges Duryodhan to a one on one combat. Duryodhan picks Bheem as his opponent, and in an opportune moment Bheem strikes Duryodhan's thighs and crashes them.

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On the seventeenth day of the war, Bheem kills Dussashan and in a ghastly act drinks his blood. An unarmed and helpless Karna is killed by Arjun ensuring the victory of the Pandavas.

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As per Karna's wish, Duryodhan appoints Shalya as his charioteer. Shalya accepts the offer with the intention to distract Karna from the Pandavas. Arjun and Krishna visit an injured Yudhistir in the Pandava camp. Yudhistir's caustic remarks enrage Arjun and drive him to do the unthinkable.

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Duryodhan appoints Karna as the new commander in chief of the Kaurava army. Karna vows to destroy the Pandavas. Yudhistir defeats Duryodhan in a one-on-one combat, but spares his life for Bheem to keep his promise.

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Guru Dronacharya, the commander in chief of the Kaurava army has been wreaking havoc in the Pandava army. Krishna had to devise a devious plan to ensure the fall of the great warrior, and Yudhistir for the first time in his life had to tell a lie to ensure his Guru's death.

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Provoked by Kripacharya and Aswathama, Karna launches a vicious attack on the Pandava soldiers. Krishna asks Bheem's son - Ghatotkach the Rakshas - to stop Karna. Ghatotkach uses his demonic illusions to attack Karna and the Kaurava soldiers. Overwhelmed by Ghatotkach, Duryodhan asks Karna to use his Shakti weapon to destroy him. Karna has been saving this weapon for Arjun, but to save the day, he is forced to use it on Ghatotkach.

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Jayadrath hides behind the Kaurava warriors who are bent upon protecting him from Arjun's wrath. If they can protect Jayadrath till sundown, Arjun has to kill himself to keep his promise. But Arjun has Lord Krishna with his divine powers on his side. It is impossible for the Kauravas to outsmart Krishna who is always ready to protect his dearest friend Arjun.

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Duryodhan and Dron assures Jayadrath of his protection from Arjun's wrath. They create an impenetrable formation to hide Jayadrath till sunset. On the fourteenth day of the war, Arjun and the rest of the Pandavas struggle to find and kill Jayadrath, failing which Arjun has to self immolate to keep his promise.

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Abhimanyu's death leaves the Pandava brothers heartbroken. Yudhistir loses his will to fight. Vyasa tries to console and lift their spirits. When Arjun receives the news, he is devastated and vows to avenge his son's death, failing which he'd self-immolate and kill himself.

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On the thirteenth day of the battle, Drona arranged his forces in the Chakra Vyuha ( or Wheel) formation. Only Arjun knew the secret technique to penetrate the Chakra Vyuha. With Arjun far away fighting the Samsaptaks, the Pandavas were in trouble. Abhimanyu, the teenage son of Arjun, told his uncles that he knew how to break open and enter the Chakra Vyuha but he didn't know the technique to get out of it. The Pandavas assured, if he could help break the formation, they would ensure his safe exit. Abhimanyu agreed and raced towards the Chakra Vyuha, but will he be able to come out safe? Listen to this exciting episode and find out.

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Dron's failure to capture Yudhistir frustrates Duryodhan. Trigarta King Susharma, his brothers and allies vow to draw away Arjun from the main action and kill him. But when the war begins on the twelfth day, Arjun destroys them mercilessly. King Bhagadatta, riding his huge elephant, attacks Arjun with his Vaishnavastra, a weapon that no mortal can survive. Krishna once again rises to the occasion and saves his beloved friend. Dron tries his best to capture Yudhistir, but fails again. Listen to the details of the twelfth day's battle of the Kurukshetra war on this exciting episode.

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On the eleventh day morning, Karna visits the great Kaurava patriarch Bhishma lying on a bed of arrows to seek his blessings. Meanwhile in the Kaurava camp, Duryodhan is in a fix to select his new commander-in chief. After deliberation with his advisors and especially Karna, he appoints Dronacharya as the commander in chief to lead the Kaurava army in the battle. Dron, pleased by Duryodhan's trust and honor, promises to capture Yudhistir alive and bring him to Duryodhan in chains.

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Bhishma lying on a bed of arrows

Yudhistir and his brothers beg Bhishma for his life. Bhishma obliges by giving them the only strategy that can kill him. Arjun, with a heavy heart, follows his instructions. He uses Sikhandi as his shield and attacks Bhishma on the tenth day of the war. Bhishma stops fighting and allows his body to be riddled with Arjun's arrows. Listen to this dramatic episode that marks a turning point in the Kurukshetra war.
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Bhishma in battle

On day nine of the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma unleashed his fury like never before. The Pandavas suffered severe losses and realized that if Bhishma continued his rampage in this form, nobody could prevent their defeat. Arjun, on whom the Pandavas depended the most, failed to restrain the ferocious old man. Yudhistir now has no other option but to ask from his grandfather the unthinkable gift – his life.

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Ghatotkach

The Kurukshetra battle continues for the seventh and eighth day. Pandavas clearly have an upper hand. Bhishma, Drona, Kripacharya all try their best but Arjun, Bheem and the other Pandava warriors seem indomitable.  Iravan, son of Arjun, fights valiantly but falls in battle. Angered at the death of his cousin, Ghatotkach the demon son of Bheem, launches a ferocious attack and is about to annihilate the Kaurava army by the end of day eight.

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Bhagadatta on his elephant on the Kurukshetra battlefield

As the great battle of Kurukshetra continues, both the Pandavas and the Kauravas suffer huge losses. Great warriors are killed. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives. Bhurisraba kills ten sons of Satyaki. Bhagadatta mounts his elephant and almost kills Bheem. Ghatotkach engage in a ferocious  battle with Bhagadatta. In the camp, Bhishma keeps trying to bring some sense into Duryodhan, while the blind King Dhritarashtra laments alone in the palace of Hastinapur.

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Krishna attacks Bhishma

The Kurukshetra war rages on. Bheem was unstoppable on the second day. He wrecked havoc on the Kaurava army and none of the Kaurava generals succeeded in controlling him.  On the third day, Duryodhan was almost killed by Bheem. Duryodhan's insults enraged Bhishma and he unleashed his fury on the battlefield like never before. Arjun failed to stop him. Noticing Arjun's lack of will to fight Bhishma, Krishna himself jumped into the battlefield to kill Bhishma. Ashamed, Arjun pleaded Krishna to restrain himself and not break his promise. Krishna agreed. Then the Kaurava army witnessed the real prowess of Arjun as he went all out against the Kaurava army  with his super weapons and killed thousands of enemy soldiers.

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Yudhistir and his brothers seek blessings from Bhisma.

After Krishna returns with Arjuna to the Panadava formation,  Yudhistir dismounts from his chariot and walks towards the Kaurava army to seek blessings from his gurus. Bhisma, Dron, Kripa, and Salya wish them victory. Then, with the blowing of the conch shells, the battle begins. The Pandavas and the Kauravas clash with all their might. Bhisma, Salya cause havoc in the Pandava enemy. The day ends in favor of the Kauravas with the Pandavas suffering severe losses including two of their top generals.

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Arjun listens to the enlightening words from Krishna.

On the first day of the war, Krishna drives Arjuna's chariot to the middle of the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Watching Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and many of his relatives and friends assembled on the Kaurava side as his opponent, Arjuna is struck by an overwhelming sense of grief and despair. How could he kill the people whom he had loved, respected and grew up with? Arjun felt his strength being sapped off his body. He puts down his bow and declines to fight. Krishna then enlightens and inspires Arjuna with great words of wisdom that is now known to the world as the Bhagavad Gita.

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Vyasa gives Sanjay the power of distant vision.

The huge armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas assemble on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Bhisma vows to kill 10,000 Pandava soldiers a day. Arjun assures Yudhistir of victory. The Kaurava and the Pandava generals meet and decide on the rules of engagement. Rishi Vyasa visits Dhritarashtra and gives Sanjaya the special power of distant vision, enabling him to watch the battle from the palace of Hastinapur and narrate the details to the blind king. Just before the battle begins, Arjun asks Krishna to take his chariot to the middle of the battlefield so that he could see whom he'd have to kill in this battle.

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Sikhandi, Amba, Bhisma

The war of Kurukshetra is imminent. The Kauravas and the Pandavas prepare to engage in the battlefield. The day before the war, the Kaurava generals meet to formulate their strategy. Bhisma, tells Duryodhan and his men, that although he is obliged to fight the war on behalf of the throne, he has some conditions of his own. And one of these conditions is that he'd never fight Sikhandi, the son of King Drupad. If Sikhandi ever attacked him, he'd put down his bow and accept whatever weapon SIkhandi hurls at him. Curious, Duryodhan asks why he'd impose such an odd condition. Bhishma then narrates the tale of Sikhandi and explains why he took such a vow. Click the link below and listen to the amazing tale of Sikhandi.

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Karna and Kunti

With the war looming large, Kunti is scared for her sons. Although the Pandava brothers are strong and powerful, they are not invincible. The Kauravas have great warriors like Bhishma, Dron, Kripa and Karna, and with their combined might, they have the capability of destroying the Pandavas. And of all the Kaurava warriors, Karna is the most dangerous. With his superiors skills and a wide range of powerful weapons at his disposal, Karna alone can destroy hers sons, thought Kunti. Besides, Karna has made it his mission to kill Arjun. Kunti thought, the only way to stop Karna might be to reveal his true identity. Kunti decides to pay Karna a visit. To know the outcome of this meeting, listen to the episode by clicking the link below.

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Karna and Krishna

After failing to negotiate a peace deal with the Kauravas, Krishna tries a different route. He knew, if by some means he could convince Karna to switch his allegiance to the Pandavas, Duryodhan would give up his ambition to win the battle and hence the throne of Hastinapur.  With this motive in mind, Krishna visits Karna and reveals Karna's true identity.  Krishna then asks an overwhelmed Karna to join the Pandavas  and thus prevent the impending war. Karna is tempted but his loyalty to Duryodhan takes precedence in his decision making.

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Duryodhana tries to imprison Krishna

Krishna arrives at the Hastinapur palace with his peace proposal. However, his reconciliatory words falls into deaf ears. Duryodhan ignores Krishna's proposal and claims he has done nothing wrong. Dhritarashtra makes a feeble attempt to convince Duryodhan, but fails. Duryodhan and his brothers try to attack Krishna and imprison him. However, Duryodhan was not prepared for the shock he was about to experience.

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Krishna, the emissary

When Sanjay visited the Pandavas with the peace proposal from Dhritarashtra, Yudhistir  asked for only five villages for the five brothers. But Duryodhan denied. He said, he wouldn't give the Pandavas even a spec of soil one could lift on a needle point. The Pandavas sought the help of their friend, philosopher and guide, Krishna.  Krishna agreed to give one last effort to broker a peace deal with the Kauravas. He decided to visit Hastinapur and try to talk some sense into Dhritarashtra and Duryodhan. But will he succeed in preventing the war? Listen to the rest by clicking the player below.

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Sanjay negotiates with the Pandavas

The Kauravas and the Pandavas prepare for war while the diplomatic efforts to avoid it takes its own course. Dhritarashtra sends his trusted emissary Sanjay to dissuade the Pandavas from a bloody war. Yudhistir asks for five small villages for the five brothers. Duryodhan denies the request and declares. without a fight he wouldn't give the Pandavas even a spec of land one could lift on a needle tip.

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Duryodhan and Arjun seeks Krishna's support

After Abhimanyu and Uttara's wedding, the Pandavas get busy planning to claim back their Kingdom. They knew, Duryodhan wouldn't give back their due without a fight. They begin to seek alliances of powerful kings. To fight the Kauravas they need a large and strong army. Duryodhan doesn't sit idle either. He doubles his efforts to reinforce his military might. Both the parties prepare to fight the ultimate battle which now seems inevitable.

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Draupadi and the Pandavas

King Virat was ecstatic to know that his son Uttar has defeated the indomitable Kauravas and won back their cattle. But Yudhistir's lack of enthusiasm and unabashed praise for the eunuch charioteer Brihannala enraged him. However, his rage turned to humility when he discovered that he has been hosting the mighty Pandavas in his castle for the last one year. Enthralled, he offered his daughter's hand in marriage to Arjun's son Abhimanyu. The Pandavs agreed.

While the marriage ceremony took place, Yudhistir was engrossed in another thought. As per the agreement with Duryodhan, the Pandavas have completed their twelve years in exile followed by one year in hiding. Now the time has come to claim back the throne of Indraprastha. The question remains, will Duryodhan keep his promise and give back their kingdom in peace? 

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Uttara and Arjuna discovering the arms

Uttar takes Arjun (disguised as Brihannala) to fight the Kauravas and win back the cattle of King Virat. But witnessing the might of the Kauravas, Uttar panics. Brihannala takes Uttar to the Sami tree and fetches the Pandiva weapons hanging up in the high branches. Arjun then reveals his true identity and asks Uttar to drive the chariot and allow him to fight the Kauravas. What happens next is a fierce battle and the Kaurava titans get to taste the might of Arjun.

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Bheem punishes Susharma for attacking Virat's kingdom.

Emboldened by Keechak's death the King of Trigartha, Susharma, with support from Duryodhan, attacks the Matsya Kingdom to steal Virat's cattle. Yudhistir, Bheem, Nakul and Sahadev help Virat fight the Trigarta army.

While Virat is busy fighting Susharma,  the Kaurava army attack Virat's Kingdom from the other end to rob his cows. No one is left in the palace to defend the Kingdom, except the young and inexperienced prince Uttar. Sairindhri advises the prince to take Brihannala as his charioteer.  Uttar has no other option but to use the eunuch's help to fight the mighty Kaurava army led by the great warriors like Bhishma, Dron, Karna, Kripa and others.

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Bhim Killing Keechak

In the kingdom of Virat, the Panadvas have been spending their thirteenth year in exile. As per the contract, they had to live in disguise such that nobody could recognize them as the rulers of Indraprastha. Draupadi served the queen of Virat, Sudeshna, as her personal maid Sairindhri. But she couldn't keep her beauty hidden from the lustful eyes of men in the palace. When Keechak, the arrogant and powerful brother of queen Sudeshna and the general of King Virat's army, laid his eyes on Sairindhri, he couldn't control himself.  He made an indecent proposal to Draupadi and when refused he reacted in the most brutal manner. Insulted and humiliated, Draupadi complained to Bheem, and Keechak had to pay for his insolent behavior with his life.

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Pandavas in Virat Kingdom

The Pandavas complete their twelve years in exile. Now, as per the agreement, they have to go into hiding for the thirteenth year. It is quite a challenge since the entire Bharata knows the five gallant brothers and their beautiful wife Draupadi.  So they decide to disguise and take refuge in Matsya, the Kingdom of Virat. But how would they keep their identity a secret? Listen to this fascinating episode by clicking the player below.

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Yudhistira and Yaksha

The  four Pandava brothers, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev die while trying to fetch water from a lake. When Yudhistir finds the lake, he meets a mysterious crane who claims to have killed his brothers. The crane challenges Yudhistir to answer his questions. If Yudhistir can give him satisfactory answers, his brothers live. Else they all die. Was Yudhistir able to revive his brothers? Listen to this exciting new episode of the Stories of Mahabharata.

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Karna gives Indra his gift.

Karna was born with an armor that made him invincible to any weapons. Indra, to help his son Arjuna, wanted to strip Karna of his natural defense. Indra exploited Karna's magnanimity and asked for the armor as a gift. Karna agreed, but not without a trade. Listen to this exciting episode by clicking the player below. Your comments and feedbacks are always welcome.

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Savitri, Satyavan and Yama

The story of Savitri and Satyavan is one of the most popular tales of the Mahabharata. Savitri, a princess, marries Satyavan knowing that her husband had a short lifespan. As per Narada's prediction, Satyavan dies one year after their marriage. But Savitri brings back Satyavan to life using her charm and erudition. Since then Savitri has become the epitome of an ideal and loving wife.

Listen to this fascinating story by clicking the player below.

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Draupadi Jayadratha

Jayadratha, the husband of Duryodhan's sister Duhshala, sees Draupadi in the Kamyaka forest and is enamoured by her divine beauty.  Unable to control his lust, Jayadratha tries to abduct her against her will. When the Pandavas come to know of this, they chase Jayadratha to teach him a lesson that he could never forget.

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Lord Krishna saves the Pandavas from Durvasa

In this episode, we hear two enchanting stories from the Mahabharata. In the first story, Rishi Durvasa grants Mudgal an eternal life in heaven. But Mudgal declines the offer in search of eternal truth.

The second story is more exciting. Pleased with Duryodhan's hospitality, Durvasa offers him a favor. Duryodhan asks Durvasa to pay the Pandavas a visit to embarrass them. But Lord Krishna comes to the rescue and saves the Pandavas from the wrath of Durvasa. Listen to these stories by clicking the player below or download them on your smart device from iTunes.

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Duryodhan

Duryodhan's attempt to humiliate the Pandavas went haywire. He got into a fight with the Gandharavas and was defeated and captured. The Pandava brothers fought the Gandharvas to rescue Duryodhan and his entourage. However, instead of being grateful, Duryodhan felt humiliated and belittled by the Pandavas. Suffering from extreme grief, Duryodhan decides to fast unto death. His friends try to dissuade him from being so harsh on himself, but he is adamant. But Duryodhan recovers from his depression and returns to Hastinapur. Karna renews his vow to destroy Pandavas.
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Arjuna battles with Chitra Sena to rescue Duryodhana

Duryodhan plans to visit the Pandavas during their exile and humiliate them. But he gets embroiled in a battle with the Gandharvas and is captured by the Gandharva King Chitrasena. At the request of their brother Yudhistir, Arjuna and Bheem fights the Gandharvas and rescues Duryodhan and his family. Humiliated by this magnanimous gesture of the Pandavas, Duryodhan returns to Hastinapur.

Listen to this episode which marks a turning point in the story of Mahabharata.

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Rishi Kaushik and the Bird

When asked to talk about the virtues of a woman, Rishi Markandeya tells Yudhistira how a housewife advised Rishi Kaushik about the ways of life and led Kaushik to meet the butcher of Mithila to learn about Dharma. We also hear Draupadi advise Krishna's wife Satyavama about how a woman should treat her husband and gain his loyalty.

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Matsya saves Manu from the great deluge

Rishi Markandeya visits the Pandavas and tells them several stories from his vast experience. He narrates the story of the Matsya, Manu and the great deluge. He tells them about the celestial cycles of creation and destruction, and how the demons Madhu and Kaitava was slain by Lord Vishnu. Listen to these tales of Mahabharata in this exciting episode.

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Arjuna Fights the Demons

Arjuna returns from Indra's palace in the heavens back to his brothers and his wife Draupadi in the Gandhamadan mountains. He tells them the stories of his conquests against the Nibata Kabacha demons and the demonesses Paulam and Kalaka's army.  Next  we hear the fascinating story of how the mighty prince Bheema was about to be devoured by King Nahusha in the form of a giant snake. Nahusha asks Yudhistira,  who is a true Brahmin? Only the right answer from Yudhistira would save Bheema's life.

Listen to the enchanting episode with flying airships, incredible weapons and deep philosophical thoughts by clicking the player below.

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Bheema meets Hanuman

Draupadi asks Bheema to fetch her the divine lotus.  Bheema, eager to please his wife, embarks on a journey to find the precious gift. On his way, he meets an old and frail little monkey. Little did he know, it was his brother the mighty lord Hanuman.

Listen to this delightful story which connects the two great epics of India, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.

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Rshi Ashtavakra

The young Rishi Ashtavakra was born crooked at eight parts of his body. The deformity was caused because of his father's curse. But later Ashtavakra saves his father from his ill fortune. Listen to this story and the stories of how lord Vishnu slays the demon Narakasura and later saves the earth by taking the form of a boar or a Varaha.

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King Ushinara

In this episode of the Stories of Mahabharata, Rishi Lomasha tells the Pandavas two exciting stories. In the first story, he tells the story of Rishi Chyavan who regained his youth with the help of the celestial physicians the Ashwini Kumar twins. The second story narrates the tale of King Ushinara who was willing to give his body and life to save a little dove who took his refuge.

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Parashurama kills Kartavirya

According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu appeared on earth nine times to purge the earth of evil (his 10th appearance is yet to happen). Parashurama was the sixth incarnation. In this episode, Rishi Lomasha tells the Pandavas the story of Parashurama and how he passed his father Rishi Jamadagni's cruel test and later killed the evil King KartyaVirya who had a thousand arms. Parashurama later went on to cleanse the earth of the evil Kshatriyas for twenty-one times before retiring to his hermitage in the Mahendra Mountains.

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Bhagirath and Ganga

Rishi Lomapada tells Yudhistira and his entourage the tale of Bhagiratha and how he brought Ganga from the heavens to the earth and then led her to the oceans, thus forming the mighty river.

He then tells them the story of Rishwasringa and how he was seduced by a clever courtesan who brought the young Rishi to the Kingdom of Anga to help bring rains to the cursed land.

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Agastya drinks the ocean

After spending few years in the Kamyaka forest, the Pandavas embark on a grand pilgrimage to visit the various holy places around the country. and learn about their glorious legends. Rishi Lomasha volunteered to be their guide. On their first stop, they visit the Ashrama of Rishi Agastya. Lomasha tells them the stories of the strange miracles performed by Agastya.

Listen to this exciting episode, and don't forget to give us your feedback.

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Urvashi curses Arjuna

Arjuna visits the heavens to acquire more weapons from his father Indra. Apart from acquiring the skills in using the divine weapons, Arjuna also begins taking lessons in music and dance from the Gandharva Guru Chitrasena.  There he meets the beautiful Apsara, Urvasi and Arjuna's resolve gets tested once again.

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Kirata and Arjuna Story

Yudhistira realized that to conquer the Kauravas, he needs to have powerful weapons. He sends Arjuna on a quest to acquire divine and powerful weapons from the gods. Arjuna travels far and meets Lord Shiva in a strange circumstance. The pleased lord Shiva fulfils our heroes wish.

Listen to this special episode of the Vana Parva or the Forest Chapter of the Mahabharatas.

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Bhishma abducts Amba, Ambika and Ambalika

After a long hiatus, we bring to you the fully produced version of the episode 2 of the Stories of Mahabharata Series – Amba's Plight. In this episode, he learn how Bhisma abducts the three princesses of Kashi, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika by force and brings them to Hastinapur to get them married to his brother Vichitravirya.  Amba declines to marry Vichitravirya. Vichitravirya marries Ambika and Ambalika but dies without leaving an heir. Satyavati then invokes the practice of Niyoga and asks Vyasa to give the Kuru dynasty an heir. Listen to this crucial and exciting episode and share your thoughts with us.

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Krishna fights Salwa and his Vimana (airship) Sauvanagar

The Pandavas are now in exile in the forest. One day Krishna visits the Pandavas in the forest to express his solidarity.  He apologizes for not being able to attend the game of dice and stop this misfortune from befalling on the Pandavas. He then tells the Pandavs the story of how he destroyed King Salwa and his airship (Vimana) called Sauvanagar.  Later, Draupadi rebukes Yudhistira for his pacifism and challenges him to fight the Kauravas and win back their Kingdom.  Yudhistira tries to defend his stand, but he feels that time has come to change his course of action. 

Listen to this exciting episode below. Subscribe to our iTunes podcast for a seamless listening experience.

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Sudipta Bhawmik and Avi Ziv

The other day, Avi and I sat together to chat about what goes on behind the scenes of “The Stories of Mahabharata”  podcast. We talked about how Avi goes about designing the sound for the podcast. And I spoke about the development process of each episode from the writer and performers point. Our objective was to connect to our listeners and to share our process with them. We hope you like it.

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Ganga, Devabrata and Shantanu

The first episode of the Stories of Mahabharata podcast series has been missing for a long time. The episode was not added because it did not have the production quality that we have been striving for. After a long break, we finally found some time to rerecord this episode and mix the vocal track with sound effects and music to make it at par with the rest of the episodes. We hope you like it.

This episode tells the story of the beginnings of the great saga told by Rishi Vyasa and written by lord Ganesha. The story begins with the narrative of King Shantanu's marriage with Ganga and the birth of Devabrata. Later we learn how prince Devabrata becomes the great Bhishma because of his “Bhisham” or profound vow – a vow which kickstarts the story of the Mahabharata and the destiny of the Kuru dynasty.

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The Sun God and Yudhistira

The Pandavas go into exile as per the conditions of the game.  The Sun god gifts Yudhistira with the magic bowl to feed his followers. Upset by Vidura's harsh comments Dhritarashtra banishes him. But he couldn't live without him either. So he calls Vidura back to the palace. Rishi Maitreya visits Hastinapura and curses Duryodhana for his arrogance.

Listen to this episode which marks the beginning of the third chapter of the Mahabharata – The Vana Parva or The Forest Chapter.

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The Pandavas going into exile

Duryodhana was not happy when Dhritarashtra returned the Pandavas their kingdom and all the wealth they had lost in the game of dice to Shakuni. So he and Shakuni came up with another plan. They invited Yudhistira back to Hastinapura and challenged him to play one last game of dice. But this time, the wager was different. It was proposed, whoever loses the game will have to go into exile in the forests for a period of twelve long years. After the twelve years of exile, they will have to stay in hiding for one more year. And in the thirteenth year, if anyone found them, they would have to go into exile for twelve more years.
But will Yudhistira accept this challenge knowing well that it was impossible to beat Shakuni in the game of dice? Or would he walk out to save himself and his brothers from this impending doom?

Listen to this exciting episode by clicking the link below.
You can also subscribe to the podcast on your smartphone or computer  from http://bhawmik.com/mahabharata.

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Draupadi's Insult

Yudhistira bets his wife Draupadi in the game of dice and loses her to the Kauravas. Dussasana drags Draupadi to the assembly hall in front of everybody. And there, the Panchal princess is subject to the cruelest humiliation while her husbands sit still with their eyes shut and heads hung low. The Kuru elders, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Dhritarashtra also sit and watch the inhuman behavior of their descendants without raising a single voice of protest.  Listen to this exciting episode to know what happens next.

You can also subscribe to the podcast in  iTunes at http://www.bhawmik.com/mahabharata

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The Game of Dice

The greatest mistake Yudhistira made in his life was to agree to play the game of dice with Duryodhana. He knew, the game wouldn't be fair, but still he couldn't refuse. His excuses were, that he couldn't say no to his uncle Dhritarashtra, and also he would never retreat when challenged. But was that the real reason? Listen to this episode and be the judge.

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Shakuni

Duryodhana's envy of the Pandavas keeps consuming him. Moreover, he is humiliated by falling for the illusions of the grand palace Maya had built for them. But scheming Shakuni has a plan to rob Yudhishthira of his kingdom. Even the righteous emperor has a blind spot. Duryodhana and Shakuni work out their game plan to shred Yudhistira to pieces.

Listen to this exciting episode below:

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The Slaying of Sishupala

Sishupala, the King of Chedi, was an invited guest to King Yudhistira's Rajasuya sacrifice ceremony. He had accepted Yudhistira as his emperor. But when Yudhistira decided to offer Krishna his first worship as the most revered man present in the audience, Sishupala lost his cool. He had an old animosity with Krishna, and he lashed out at him with outrageous insults. Krishna tried to stay calm, but finally he couldn't take it anymore. He summoned his Sudarshana Chakra and severed Sishupala's head from his body in front of the assembled Kings and royalties.

Listen to this exciting and dramatic episode by clicking the play button below.

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Bhima Slays Jarasandha

Jarasandha, the mighty King of Magadha, was feared by everybody, including the almighty Lord Krishna. Jarasandha planned to offer one hundred Kings as human sacrifice to his Lord. He had captured eighty-six of them and was in the process of capturing fourteen more to complete his mission. Krishna takes Bheema and Arjuna with him to Magadha to kill Jarasandha and release the captive kings.

After killing Jarasandha, the Pandava brothers begin their conquest of the land of Bharata to win the allegiance of the Kings.  Soon all the Pandavas eliminate all obstacles for the Rajasuya sacrifice and begin to prepare for the great ceremony.

Listen to this action filled episode by clicking the player below. Also join our facebook page for the latest updates. Subscribe to our iTunes podcast.

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The Blazing Khandava Forest

Agni requests Arjuna and Krishna to help him burn down the Khandava forest for the flesh and fat of the animals in the forest would cure him of his loss of appetite. Arjuna and Krishna helps him, and a great fire rages through the forest killing all creatures who lived there. Krishna and Arjuna spared Maya Asura's life, and to express his gratitude Maya builds a magnificent assembly hall for the Pandavas. Narada visits Indraprastha and advises Yudhistira to perform the Rajasuya Fire ceremony. But Krishna warns Yudishtira that he must kill the vicious king Jarasandha if he would like to succeed in his bid to become the emperor.

The image is a sculpture from Banteay Srei temple, in Cambodia. Arjuna and Krishna are seen on chariots on either side; Indra is atop his elephant Airavata in the sky; Numerous arrows in mid-air counter the downpour of rain; Different birds and animals are seen scattering; Takshaka's wife and Aswasena are seen rising in the sky. Image and description taken from the jayarama.wordpress.com blog.
Listen to this exciting episode by clicking the player below.

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Arjuna Abducts Subhadra

This is the thirteenth episode of the stories of Mahabharata. We have progressed quite a bit, but we have a long way to go. In this episode we hear couple of fascinating stories. In the first story, Arjuna rescues the five Apsaras from their curse. And in the second story, Ajuna falls in love with Krishna's sister Subhadra, and at Krishna's suggestion, he forcefully abducts Subhadra and finally marries her. Listen to the episode and let us know how you like it. Visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/MahabharataPodcast) and join the discussion.

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Arjuna and Ulupi

Dhritarashtra offered Pandavas the land of Khandava, a barren and uninhabited piece of land, to set up their Kingdom. To everybody's surprise, Yudhishtira accepts the offer. In Khandava, the Pandavas setup their capital in Indraprastha, a grand city build by Lord Indra himself.  Rishi Narada tells the Pandavas the story of Sunda and Upasunda and advises them to setup a rule among themselves regarding the companionship of Draupadi with her husbands. But Arjuna had to break the rule to avoid a crisis. And as his punishment Arjuna goes into exile for twelve long years where he encounters several other romantic adventures. Listen to this intriguing episode by clicking on the audio player below. The episode can also be heard on iTunes. And join our Facebook page to stay updated.

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Dhritarashtra and Yudhistira

When the blind king Dritarashtra learned that the Pandavas have survived the fire in Varanavata and have gained a strong ally, King Drupada of Panchala by marrying his daughter Draupadi, he was in deep trouble. He had already declared Duryodhana to be the crown prince of Hastinapura. Now if the Pandavas come back to Hastinapura and demand the throne, what would he do? Listen to this exciting episode by clicking on the player below.

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Draupadi's Marriage

After passing Drupad's test, Arjuna wins Draupadi as his bride. But when the Pandavas arrive at their home, their mother Kunti asks them to do something that changes their lives for ever. Listen to this amazing episode below.

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Arjuna attempts to hit the target while Krishna, Draupadi and Drupada watch.

Listen to another episode of the stories of Mahabharata. In this episode, we go to the city of Kampilya in Panchala, where the Pandavas attend the Swayavara of Draupadi, King Drupada's daughter. There, Arjuna passes the most difficult test set for an archer and wins Draupadi as his bride. Listen to the podcast below. And don't forget to join our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MahabharataPodcast.

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The Flaming House of Varanabata

The stories of Mahabharata continues with this eighth episode – The Flaming house of Varanabata. With the advice from Shakuni, Duryodhana comes up with a devious plan to kill the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra sends the Pandavas to Varanabata to attend a festival. But the Pandavas escape the trap set for them and flee into the forest. There Bheema encounters the demons Hidimb and Hidimbaa. Listen to this exciting episode in the podcast below.

(Story told by Sudipta Bhawmik, Audio Engineering and Sound Design by Avi Ziv)

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Drona takes his revenge on Drupada

The stories of Mahabharata are not only about kings and gods and demons. It is also a tale of ethics, morality and politics.  The needs and conflicts that drive each character are the same that drives us today. The great weapons teacher Drona Acharya was a Brahmin. A Brahmin was supposed to have the noblest of qualities and free of petty politics and trivialities of life. Their main purpose in life was to acquire wisdom and spread knowledge to their pupils.  But Drona, had his own axe to grind.  He became the royal weapons teacher of the Kuru princes with a single objective in mind. He wanted to take his revenge on Drupada, the King of Panchala, for the insult he had to tolerate in Drupada's court. We also learn how the Kaurava brothers start planning for their next step to eliminate their arch rivals, the Pandavas.

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Kunti and Karna

In this episode of the stories from Mahabharata, Drona arranges for a grand show where his students, the Kuru princes demonstrate their prowess with arms. Arjuna dazzles the audience by his prowess with a variety of arms and weapons. But suddenly Karna enters the arena and the story takes a dranstic turn which none could have expected. Listen to this episode on the player below, or by subscribing to this podcast on iTunes.

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Drona tests his students

In this episode, Guru Dronacharya arrives in Hastinapura and awes the Kuru princes with his skills. Bhishma retains him as the royal arms and weapons trainer for the Pandava and Kaurava brothers. Arjuna excels in archery. Ekalavya, a tribal boy, comes to Drona to learn from him. Drona refuses to accept him as a student. But Ekalavya masters the art of archery by practicing in front of a statue of Dronacharya for which he had to pay the ultimate guru dakshina.

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Young Bheema fight with the Nagas

The stories of Mahabharata continues. The conflict between the Pandava brothers and the Kaurava brothers began at an early age.  In this episode we learn of the first attempt by the Kaurava brothers, primarily Duryodhona and Duhsashana, to eliminate their arch rival Bheema. The story gives us a glimpse of the extent to which the Kauravas could go to achieve their goals. Enjoy and do not forget to give your feedback.

(Note: You can also subscribe to this series (for free) as podcast on iTunes store or any other podcast aggregator. Just search for Mahabharata and Bhawmik.)

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Pandu Hunts the Deer Couple.

The stories of Mahabharata continues. In this episode we learn about the birth of the Kuru princes, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. We also learn about the tragic death of King Pandu caused by a curse from the dying sage Kindama.

Audio engineering and sound design by Avi Ziv.

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