All events of Mahabharata 1 - the beginning

 ALL events of Mahabharata 1

Part 1: Begining

Part 2: The War

Part 3: Aftermath

1. Adi Parva (आदि पर्व) 

Story of detail clan background up to Kauravas & Pandavs grown up 

(19 sub-parvas, 225-236 chapters depending on the editions)

* The first sloka of Mahabharata: नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम् । देवीं सरस्वतीं व्यासं ततो जयमुदीरयेत् ॥

Ugrashravas Sauti (उग्रश्रवस् सौती) narrates to assembled rishis at Naimisharanya (नैमिषारण्य) jungle that how the Mahabharata was written, describes the significance of Mahabharata, claims comprehensive synthesis of all human knowledge, and why it must be studied. (Anukramanika Parva -chapter 1) 

*Following few chapters talks about Kurukshetra, various Rishi Muni, samundra manthan, etc. 

*Shantanu marries Ganga, have 7 sons but all drowned, the 8th son Devavrata (Bhishma) survives. 

*Story of Shantanu, Satyavati, and Bhishma. (Adivansavatarana Parva -chapters: 59–64)

*Chitrangada becomes King, gets killed, and then his brother Vichitravirya becomes king. 

*Bhisma kidnaps Kasi princesses (Amba, Ambika, Ambalika) for Vichitravirya. Later Ambika and Ambalika marries Vichitravirya.

*As Amba was in love with King Salva, she gets released to meet him, but he refuses to marry her. Bhisma explains why the cant kill Shikhandin, as Shikhandin is considered the reincarnation of Amba. (Udyog parva, Ambopakhyanaparvan sub parva)

*Birth of Dhritarashtra (from Ambika), Pandu (from Ambalika), and Bidur (from Dasi).

*Stories of Karna's birth (Karna's detail background explained in (3. Vana/ Aaranya Parva, Kundalaharana Sub Parva - chapters: 299–309). 

*Lord Krishna's birth. 

*Pandu became King.

*Wedding of Dhritarashtra to Gandhari, Pandu to (Kunti & then Madri), and Bidur. (Sambhava Parva - chapters: 65–142)

*Pandu kills the sage, get curse and renounce the throne, Dhritarastra becomes regent.

*Story of Pandava & Kauravas birth, and Pandu's death, Madri went sati, Pandavas & Mata Kunti back to Hastinapur.

*Grow up and conflict between Pandava & Kauravas.

*Archary show, Karna awarded King-of-Ang title by Duryodhan, and they become friends.

*Pandavas survives Lakshagriha (लाक्षागृहम्) house born conspiracy and retreat to forest.  (Jatugriha /  Jatugriha-daha Parva  - chapters: 143–153)

*Bhim kills Hidambasur demon in the forest, marries his sister Hidimbi and Ghatotkacha born. (Hidimva-vadha Parva - chapters: 154–158)

*Pandavas kill Bakasur in Ekachakra. Draupadi, is born in holy fire. Word spreads that the Pandavas may be alive. (Baka-vadh Parva - chapters: 159–166)

*Draupadi's swayamvara. Pandavas arrive in Panchal in disguise of Brahmanas, Arjun excels in the swayamvara and wins Draupadi's. Other participants object, fight erupts, but Bhima and Arjuna defeats all. While taking Draupadi to their cottage, Kunti mistakenly orders to share the win (Draupadi), thus she becomes shared wife of all five pandavas. Krishna, Dhrishtadyumna knows the true identity of Pandavas. (Swayamvara Parva - chapters: 186–194)

*Vidura's attempt to reconcile the Kaurava and Pandava. Various speeches by Karna, Bhishma, Drona and Vidura. Pandavas return to Hastinapur. The construction of the city Indraprastha. (Viduragamana Parva - chapters: 202–209)

*Arjuna violates dharma. He accepts voluntary exile and goes to pilgrimage for 12 years. Arjuna marries Ulupi and Chitrangada, and rescues Apsaras. Arjuna and Krishna become close friends. Arjuna goes to Dwarka, lives with Krishna. (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva - chapters: 215–220)

*Arjuna falls in love with and takes away Subhadra, Krishna's sister. Krishna encouraged and assisted. The upset Vrishnis prepare war with Arjuna but finally desist. (Subhadra-harana Parva - chapters: 221–222)

*Arjuna returns from exile, with Subhadra. They marry. Their son Abhimanyu is born. Story of the Upa-pandavas, the five sons of Draupadi. (Harana-harana /Harana-harika Parva - chapter: 223)

* The reign of Yudhishthira. Krishna and Arjuna go to the banks of Yamuna and meet Agni.  Agni gives Arjuna the Gandiva bow and the ape-bannered chariot, while Krishna receives the discus. Agni starts consuming Khandava forest when Indra and other deities obstruct. The fight of Krishna and Arjuna with celestials, their combined abilities, and their victory. Maya rescued by Arjuna. (Khandava-Daha Parva - chapters: 224–236)

 

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2. Sabha Parva 

Story of Indraprastha and loss in Juwa

(9-10 upa-Parvas, 72-81 chapters depending on the edition)

*Indraprastha city founded by the Pandava. Maya Danava builds palace and sabha in Indraprastha built o n  barren land of Khandavaprastha that the Kauravas granted to the Pandavas to prevent conflict. Sabhakriya Parva (chapters: 1-4)

*Sage Narada arrives and explains about kings, rule, justice, war, tax, gov support, dharma, karma, etc. Lokapala Sabhakhayana Parva (chapters: 5–13). 

*Krishna explains Magadha king Jarasandha powers, evil deeds, story of Vrihatratha, and why Jarasandha should be killed. Rajasuyarambha Parva (chapters: 14–19)   Krishna, Arjuna and Bhima arrive at Magadha, Bhima kills Jarasandha. The prisoners targeted for human sacrifices are freed. (Jarasandha-vadha Parva - chapters: 20–24) 

*Pandavas expand their empire on all direction and Yudhishthira is declared Dharmaraja. It describes the geography, tribes and various kingdoms as pandavas go in different directions to expand their empire. (Digvijaya Parva - chapters: 25–31)

*Rajasuya ceremony by Pandavas: Kings, sages and visitors from around the world arrive for that. As Sahadeva offers Arghya to pray Krishna, Shishupala objects. Hostilities begin. Shishupala leaves with some kings following him. Yudhishthira tries to reconciliation. (Arghyaharana Parva - chapters: 35–38). Krishna first refuses to fight Shishupala, but after Shihupala makes 101th offence Krishna finally kills him and leaves. (Shishupala-vadha Parva - chapters: 39–44)

*Shakuni provokes Yudhishthira for the game of dice. Yudhishthira loses his kingdom, his brothers, himself, and finally his wife in the 20th round of the game of dice to Shakuni. Draupadi is humiliated in the Assembly Hall by disrobing her saree but God protects her. Draupadi argues and establishes the game was flawed because it wrongfully treated her as property. The entire gambling game is declared invalid; Yudhishthira recovers everything he had lost. (Dyuta Parva - chapters: 45–73) 

*Another round of dice occurs. Yudhishthira loses again. As a result, Pandavas go into EXILE for 12 years and the 13th year, incognito in some inhabited place, and if they are recognized in the 13th year, they are found then they would go into exile for another 12 years. Dhritarashtra comes to power and refuses the Sages advice to make peace with Pandavas. (Anudyuta Parva - chapters: 74–81) 

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3. Vana Parva / Aranyaka Parva/ Aranya Parva 

Story of 12 years of exile in forest

(16-21 Sub pervas, 299-324 chapters depending on the edition)

*Pandavas exiled to Kamayaka forest. Surya grants Yudhisthira supply food for 13 years. Vidur and Vyas request Dhritarashtra to recall Pandavas but he refuses. Vidur goes to Pandavas but returns. Rishi Maitraya comes to Duryodhan, but as he dont listen him, he curses him to die at the hand of Bhima. (Aranyaka Parva -chapters: 1–10)

*Bhima kills a giant man-eating demon Kirmira in a battle. (Kirmira-vadha Parva - chapter: 11) 

*Krishna criticizes gambling as sin and Yudhishthira expresses remorse. Discussion on forgiveness, anger, karma, dharma, artha, kama, etc among Pandavas team. Vyasa arrives and shares knowledge of Pratismriti. Pandavas shift from Dwaitvana to the bank of river Saraswati. Arjuna leaves alone towards North, meets Indra (as Brahmana) and get advice to pray to Lord Shiva to obtain weapons. (Arjunabhigamana Parva - chapters: 12–37)

*Arjun starts dhyan with self-punishment, Rishis go to god Sthanu (Shiva). Kirata (Shiva) and Arjun fight. Ultimately Arjun start to worship mahadev, Sthanu reveals his true identity and bless Arjun with Pusupata weapon. Also other god provide Arjun their wappens  like Yama - mace, Varuna- divine noose, Kubera -Antarddhana, etc. (Kirata Parva - chapters: 38–41) 

*Arjun visits heaven. Urvasi try to sedue Arjun but he refuses, urvasi curse him, but intra conver the curse into a boon. (Indralokagamana Parva - chapters: 42–51)

*As Yudhishthira regrets his gambling, Vrihadashwa consoles him with the story of Nala and Damayanti and how he lost kingdom on dice after being picked by Damayanti on Swayamvara, and how they reunited in second Swayamvara and took over their kingdom back.  (Nalopakhyana Parva - chapters: 52–79) 

*Pandava brothers start a pilgrimage to holy places as suggested by Narada. Story of  Ushinara, the pigeon, and the hawk. Story of Janak sacrifice,  king Somaka and his liberation from hell; how Bhagiratha brought the Ganges river to earth from heaven; the births of Ashtavakra, Mandhata and Rishyasringa; and Bhima's for celestial lotuses. (Tirtha-yatra Parva - chapters: 80–157) 

*Demon kidnaps Yudhishthira, Draupadi, and the twins. Bhim kills the demon. The Pandavas go do Arshtishena. Arjuna returns from heaven. (Yaksha-Yudha Parva - chapters: 158–164) 

*Arjun describes his travel and shows his weapons destroying city of Hiranyapura. Narad arrives and adives not to use such weapnons unless nucessery cause. Arjun stops. (Nivata-kavacha-yudha Parva - chapters: 165–175)

*At Kailaca, a snake Nahusha ties up Bhima, and asks Yudhishthira to answers his questions to free him. Explanation on dharma, birth-rebirth, transmigration, varnas, four virtues , universal spirit,  moksha, etc.  The snake is freed from its curse and achieves salvation. Bhima freed. (Ajagara Parva - chapters: 176–181)

*Markendeya story of yugas and Vami horses and explanation of  traditions and rituals, knowledge and personal development, vice and virtues, karma, relationship between self-discipline, virtues, and qualities (sattva, rajas and tamas). Story of Vrihaspati and Skanda. (Markandeya-Samasya Parva - chapters: 182–231)

* Draupadi outlines the duties of a wife. and advises Satyabhama on how to win Krishna's affections. (Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada Parva - chapters: 232–234)

*Duryodhan, Karna, Sakuni, and many of his brothers go to the Dwaitavana (lake) to confront Pandavas. They fight with Chitrasena and Gandharva capture Duryodhan, fleeing army asks Pandavas for help. Arjun defeats Chitrasena and Gandharvas and rescue Duryodhan. Duryodhan lose courage by this act of kindness, but with advie from demon on his mind, he gets back up and vows to defeat Pandavas and return to his kingdom. (Ghosha-yatra Parva - chapters: 235–256) 

*Deer pleads with Yudhishthira in his dream to move to another location as Pandavas and people along them harm deer. To ensure his dharma to ensure the welfare of all creatures Pandavas move from Dwaita Aranya forest to Kamyaka forest. (Mriga Sapnovbhava Parva - chapter: 257) 

*Vyasa tells story of  Rishi Madgala being denied to heaven, Parabrahma, janma yog, etc. Story of 11th year of exile. (Vrihi Drounika Parva - chapters: 258–260)

*Jayadratha abducts Draupadi the Pandavas go to rescue her. Battle and capture of Jayadratha who is questioned by Yudhishthira. (Draupadi-harana Parva - chapters: 261–270)

*Yudhishthira let Jayadratha free. He returns and plan for revenge against the Pandavas. (Jayadhratha Vimokshana Parva - chapter: 271)

*Summary of Ramayana to comfort of Yudhishthira who laments the long exile his brothers have suffered. (Rama Upakhyana Parva - chapters: 272–291)

 

*Love story of princess Savitri and the hermit Satyavan. Sage Narada tells Savitri that Satyayan is certain to die within a year but she weds Satyayan anyway and stays with him all the time. When Yama   carries away Satyavan's soul and Savitri follows. Yama tries to persuade her to move on, but she refuses to relent. She obtains four boons from Yama, which allows Satyavan to be resurrected. Savitri and Satyavan live happily together. (Pativrata-mahatmya Parva - chapters: 292–298)

*Story of Karna: grow up, training, his vow. In 13th year, Indra, disguises as Brahmana asks Karna for his kavach and kundals to benefit his son Arjun, and despite his father Surya's warning Karna gives it, thus, renounced as Danbir Karna. Karna gets Vasavi Shakti, a powerful, single-use missile from Indara. (Kundalaharana Parva - chapters: 299–309)

*Stoy of Pond and Yakshya: Pandavas return to Dwaita Aranya forest and 4 brother goes to a lake to fetch water one by one  disregarding the words of a disembodied voice and drop dead after drinking the water. Yudhisthira answers the Yaksha's questions, and as a reward chose to revive brother Nakula when he had one choice. Yaksha impressed, revives all the brothers, and reveals himself to be Dharma (Yudhishthira's father) and give him several boons that help the Pandavas in their 13th year of incognito exile. (Aranya   Parva - chapters: 310–324) 

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4. Virata Parva 

Story of last 1 incognito year of exile

(4 Sub pervas, 67-72 chapters depending on the edition)

*Pandavas discuss and decide to spend last year exile in King Virata kingdom in disguise. Yudhishthira becomes courtier (Kanka), Bhima becomes cook / wrestler (Vallaba), Arjuna gets neutered, dresses up in a saree and becomes Dance and music teacher (Brihannala), Nakula becomes horse keeper (Granthika), Sahadeva becomes cow keeper (Tantipala), and Draupadi becames artisan (Sairandhri). (Pandava Pravesha Parva/ Samayapalana Parva - chapters: 1–13)

*Kichaka (commander of king Virata's forces) lusts for maid Sairandhri (incognito Draupadi). As per his request, Queen arrange the meet with her. Sairandhri refuses saying she is married despite his continued pursuit and offers. One day when Sairandhri has to go to the house of Kichaka, he molests her. She demands justice with King Virata and Kanka (Yudhisthira) and they talk abou investigation. She tells the situation of Bhima. She invites Kichaka to a hiding place where Bhima kills him. People blame Sairandhri, catch her, and try her to burn to kill. Bhima saves her again killing those people.  (Kichaka-vadha Parva - chapters: 14–24)

*Kauravas spies still unsuccessful finding Pandavas despite hard effort. Kauravas meeting decides to look for place where prosperity recently increased as Pandavas likely promote prosperity wherever they go. Susharma suggests Virata kingdom for possible hideout. And his army attack Virata to seize their cows and take king virata captive. But Bhima frees Virata, takes injured Susharma captive. Then, Virata, Yudhishthira and Bhima, leave the kingdom to bring back the cows from Susharma. Duryodhana surmises that the Pandavas were hiding in Matsya therefore attack them. Uttar, King Virata son, vows to fight and takes Brihannala (Arjun) as his charioteer, but when he sees Kaurav army he gets scared.  Arjuna reveals Pandavas's identity, switches places with Uttar, and start fight himself. Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa and Ashwatthama all attack together but Arjun defeats them all alone. At the end, Arjuna invoked Sammohana Astra and make all of them asleep and then asks Uttar to collect their cloths for Uttars sister to decorate her dolls. As Uttar returns with victory King virata becomes happy, but when Kanka (Yudhisthira) applauds Brihannala (Arjun) King virat get angry and throw dice at Kanka who get blood on his nose. Uttara criticizes his father's act, and the King asks for forgiveness. (Go-harana Parva - chapters: 25–69) 

*One 3rd day after Virata victory, Pandavas reveal their identity in council-hall of king Virata. King Virata asks for forgiveness for his treatment, and gives his daughter, princess Uttara's hand to Arjuna's son Abhimanyu. (Vaivahika Parva - chapters: 70–72)