Key events of Mahabharata chronologically

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. 

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

*Story of Vichitravirya, and birth of Dhritarasthra, Pandu, and Bidur.

*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, Pandavas 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 explaination 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)

4 Virata Parva 45–48 The year spent incognito at the court of Virata. A single warrior (Arjuna) defeated the entire Kuru army including Karna, Bhishma, Drona, Ashwatthama, etc. and recovered the cattle of the Virata kingdom.

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5. Udyoga Parva 

Story of Pandava return, confrontation with Kaurava, preparation of war

(10-12 Sub pervas, 197-199 chapters depending on the edition)

5 Udyoga Parva 49–59 Preparations for war and efforts to bring about peace between the Kaurava and the Pandava sides which eventually fail (udyoga means effort or work).

KURUKSHETRA WAR BEGINS

6. Bhisma Parva 

Story of first 10 days of Kurukshetra war, Bhisma as a leader, & Bhagavad Geeta

(8 Sub pervas, 124 chapters)

6 Bhishma Parva  60–64 The first part of the great battle, with Bhishma as commander for the Kaurava and his fall on the bed of arrows. The most important aspect of Bhishma Parva is the Bhagavad Gita narrated by Krishna to Arjuna. (Chapters 25–42.)

7. Drona Parva 

Story of 11-15 days of War, Drona as a commander-in-chief of Kaurava

(8 Sub pervas, 173-204 chapters depending on the edition)

7 Drona Parva 65–72 The battle continues, with Drona as commander. This is the major book of the war. Most of the great warriors on both sides are dead by the end of this book.

8. Karna Parva 

Story of 16-17 days of War, Karna as a commander-in-chief

(2 Sub pervas, 69-96 chapters depending on the edition)

8 Karna Parva   73 The continuation of the battle with Karna as commander of the Kaurava forces.

9. Shalya Parva 

Story of  the last (18th) day of War, Shalya as a commander-in-chief

(4 Sub pervas, 64-65 chapters depending on the edition)

*Shalya Parva  74–77 The last day of the battle, with Shalya as commander. Also told in detail, is the pilgrimage of Balarama to the fords of the river Saraswati and the mace fight between Bhima and Duryodhana which ends the war, since Bhima kills Duryodhana by smashing him on the thighs with a mace.

1. Shalya-vadha Parva (chapters: 1–22)

2. Shalya Parva (chapters: 23–27)

3. Hrada-praveca Parva (chapters: 28–29)

4. Gadayuddha Parva (chapters: 30–65)

10. Sauptika Parva 

Story of  immediate aftermath of War, Pandava camp massacre

(2 Sub pervas, 18 chapters)

10 Sauptika Parva  78–80 Ashwatthama, Kripa and Kritavarma kill the remaining Pandava army in their sleep. Only seven warriors remain on the Pandava side and three on the Kaurava side.

AFTERMATH OF WAR

11. Stri Parva 

Story of grief of Gandhari and other for wartime losses

(4 Sub pervas, 27 chapters)

11 Stri Parva  81–85 Gandhari and the women (stri) of the Kauravas and Pandavas lament the dead and Gandhari cursing Krishna for the massive destruction and the extermination of the Kaurava.

12. Shanti Parva 

Story of crowning of Yudhishthira as king of Hastinapura 

(3 Sub pervas, 353-365 chapters depending on the edition) Longest

12 Shanti Parva 86–88 The crowning of Yudhishthira as king of Hastinapura, and instructions from Bhishma for the newly anointed king on society, economics, and politics. This is the longest book of the Mahabharata.

13. Anushasana Parva 

Story of rule of law and kings duty, Bhisma's death

(2 Sub pervas, 154-168 chapters depending on the edition)

13 Anushasana Parva   89–90 The final instructions (anushasana) from Bhishma. This Parba contains the last day of Bhishma and his advice and wisdom to the upcoming emperor Yudhishthira.

14. Ashvemedhika Parva 

Story of treasury collection and Ashvemedhika yagna, anu geeta

(1-2 Sub pervas, 92-96 chapters depending on the edition)

14 Ashvamedhika Parva  91–92 The royal ceremony of the Ashvamedha (Horse sacrifice) conducted by Yudhishthira. The world conquest by Arjuna. Anugita is told by Krishna to Arjuna.

15. Ashramavasika Parva 

Story of great Yudhisthir's rule,  

Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Kunti retire to forest and death

(3 Sub pervas, 39-47 chapters depending on the edition)

15 Ashramavasika Parv 93–95 The eventual deaths of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Kunti in a forest fire when they are living in a hermitage in the Himalayas. Vidura predeceases them and Sanjaya on Dhritarashtra's bidding goes to live in the higher Himalayas.

16. Mausala Parva 

Story of Gandhari's curse, infight between Yadavas and their destruction, Krishna's death

(no upa parva, 8-9 chapters depending on the edition) Short

16 Mausala Parva 96 The materialization of Gandhari's curse, i.e., the infighting between the Yadavas with maces (mausala) and the eventual destruction of the Yadavas.

17. Mahaprasthanika Parva 

Story of Pandava's retirement to Himalayas

(no Sub pervas, 3 chapters) Short

*Parikshit as the king of Hastinapur and Yadava prince Vajra crowned as the king of Indraprastha. 

*Pandavas start their journey towards the Himalayas via various parts of India along with a  dog who befriends with them. They reach east where Arjun give up his Gandiva, then to south to the sea, then to west to Draraka where they see it being submerged under water and feel depressed. And then they go to north, stop at Rishikesh. 

*Then cross the Himalayas and Draupadi (Yajnaseni) dies. Yudhishthira says she had partiality towards Arjuna despite all five being her husbands, therefore she could not reach to heaven. *After that, Sahadeva dies on the way. Yudhishthira say, Sahadeva was virtuous like his other brothers but he had vice of pride and vanity for his wisdom. *Then Nakula dies on the way to Mount Meru. Yudhishthira says that Nakula also suffered from the vice of pride and vanity for his handsome look. *After that, Arjuna dies on the way. Yudhishthira says Arjuna too suffered from the vice of pride and vanity for his skills, and being most powerful hero. *As Bhima falls, he asks why he cant make it. Yudhishthira explains that his vice of gluttony (over consumpiton of food and drink without thinking about the hunger of others) and his boast of his strength caused it. (Mahaprasthanika Parva chapter 2)

*Dog and Yudhishthira continue their walk up Mount Meru. Indra appeasrs in his chariot and offers lift to heaven, he also mentions that his brothers and wife went to heaven after they died, but Yudhishthira refuses as Indra doesn't let the dog come with them. Dog turns out to be God Dharma and praises Yudhishthira for his virtues. On the way the meet Narada who praises Yudhishthira for being first person in human body going to heaven. Yudhishthira enters heaven on Indra's chariot.  (Mahaprasthanika Parva chapter 3)

18. Svargarohana Parva 

Story of Yudhisthirs's test and accent to heaven

(no Sub pervas, 5-6 chapters depending on the edition) Short

*In heaven, Yudhishthira also finds people who sinned on earth. He visits hell, and also finds people who he thinks were good. He opposed this being unfair. It was his final test. Yudhishthira's father Dharma congratulates Yudhishthira for standing up for dharma and sends him to Vaikuntha for eternal bliss.

ADDITIONAL: Harivamsa Parva AKA Harivamsa Purana

Story of Lord Krishna

(2-3 Sub pervas depending on the edition) 

*Harivamsa Parva  is an addendum to the 18 books of Mahabharata, and covers those parts of the life of Krishna which is not covered in the 18 parvasa>

SANSKRIT TEXT LINK

The Mahabharat Chronology