Maha-bharata, The Epic of Ancient India — Chronicle
Ordered by chapter. The epic counts time only as spans — “passed twelve years in the wilderness”, “for ten days Bhishma held his own” — and the only calendar year in the text is that of the Sanskrit edition Dutt translated from (“Calcutta edition of 1834”); Dutt places the war itself only “in the thirteenth or fourteenth century before Christ”, which dates no event, so no event is dated: no anchor, no chronology; a date is never inferred. Time expressions are copied onto the events as written. Every event links back to one sentence of the original.
⭐ Constellation map → · 📖 Read the original → · 🗂 Character index → · 📍 Places →
317 events · no calendar year read from the text
Undated
Book I (The Tournament) · Introduction
Dhrita-rashtra Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun Nakula Sahadeva
Dhrita-rashtra became king of the Kurus, and brought up the five sons of Pandu along with his hundred sons.
Book I (The Tournament) · I. The Gathering
Skill in arms attained these princes from a Brahman warrior bold, Drona, priest and proud preceptor, peerless chief of days of old!
Book I (The Tournament) · I. The Gathering · 📍 [[Hastina]]
"Mark the gallant princes, monarch, trained in arms and warlike art, Let them prove their skill and valour, rein the steed and throw the dart."
Book I (The Tournament) · I. The Gathering
Then the good and wise Vidura unto his duties bound, Drona, blessed with skill and wisdom, measured out the tourney ground,
Book I (The Tournament) · I. The Gathering
Then the good and wise Vidura unto his duties bound, Drona, blessed with skill and wisdom, measured out the tourney ground,
Book I (The Tournament) · III. Bhima and Duryodhan
To his son then whispered Drona quick the tumult to appease, Part the armed and angry wrestlers, bid the deadly combat cease, With their lifted clubs the princes slow retired on signal given, Like the parting of the billows, mighty-heaving, tempest-driven!
Book I (The Tournament) · VI. The Rival Warriors
But by equal love divided silent Pritha swooned in grief!
Book I (The Tournament) · VII. The Anointment of Karna · 📍 [[Anga's fair domain]]
Brahmans chanted sacred mantra which the holy books ordain, And anointed Karna monarch, king of Anga's fair domain,
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · Introduction
when Yudhishthir, the eldest of all the princes and the eldest son of the late Pandu, was recognised heir-apparent
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · Introduction
And they formed a dark scheme to kill the sons of Pandu.
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · Introduction · 📍 [[Varanavata]]
The sons of Pandu were induced with their mother to pay a visit to a distant town called Varanavata.
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · Introduction · 📍 [[Varanavata]] · At the appointed time
At the appointed time fire was set to the house; but the five brothers and their mother escaped the conflagration through a subterranean passage
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · Introduction · 📍 [[forests]]
retired into forests, and lived in the disguise of Brahmans.
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · I. Journey to Panchala · 📍 [[Panchala]]
Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun Nakula Sahadeva
In a potter's distant cottage made their humble unknown home, And disguised as pious Brahmans sons of Pandu begged their food,
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · II. The Wedding Assembly
"Whose strings this bow," said Drupad, "hits the target in his pride Through the high and circling discus, wins Panchala's princely bride!"
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · II. The Wedding Assembly
Pandu's sons in guise of Brahmans mix with Brahmans versed in lore, Mark proud Drupad's wealth and splendour, gazing, wondering evermore,
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · III. The Bride · the bridal day
Fresh from morning's pure ablutions comes the bride in garments gay! And her golden bridal garland carries on her graceful arm, Softly, sweetly, steps Draupadi, queen of every winning charm!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · III. The Bride · the bridal day
And there reigns a solemn silence, and in stately pomp and pride, Drupad's son leads forth his sister, fair Panchala's beauteous bride!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · III. The Bride
Whoso born of noble lineage, hits the far suspended aim, Let him stand and as his guerdon Drupad's beauteous maiden claim!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · IV. The Suitors
Krishna marked the sons of Pandu eager for the queenly bride, Like wild tuskers for a lotus, like the fire that ashes hide, And he knew the warlike brothers in their holy Brahman guise, Pointed them to Valadeva, gazing with a glad surprise!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · V. Trial of Skill · 📍 [[Panchala]]
But in proud and queenly accents Drupad's queenly daughter said: "Monarch's daughter, born a Kshatra, Suta's son I will not wed!" Karna heard with crimsoned forehead, left the emprise almost done, Left the bow already circled, silent gazed upon the Sun!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · VI. The Disguised Arjun
Godlike Arjun born of Indra, filled with Vishnu's matchless might, Bent the wondrous bow of Drupad, fixed the shining darts aright, Through the disc the shining arrows fly with strange and hissing sound, Hit and pierce the distant target, bring it thundering on the ground!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · VI. The Disguised Arjun
Like a queen the beauteous maiden smiled upon the archer brave, Flung on him the bridal garland and the bridal robe she gave, Arjun by his skill and prowess won Panchala's princess-bride, People's shouts and Brahmans' blessings sounded joyful far and wide!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · VII. The Tumult
Calm and stately, stalwart Bhima and the gallant Arjun rose! With a wilder rage the monarchs viewed these brothers cross their path, Rushed upon the daring warriors for to slay them in their wrath, Weaponless was noble Bhima, but in strength like lightning's brand, Tore a tree with peerless prowess, shook it as a mighty wand!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · VIII. Krishna to the Rescue
Krishna Arjun Bhima Yudhishthir
He is helmet-wearing Arjun! greatest warrior midst the great, Mark his mate, with tree uprooted how he meets the suitor band, Save the tiger-waisted Bhima none can claim such strength of hand! And the youth with eyes like lotus, he who left the court erewhile, He is pious-souled Yudhishthir, man without a sin or guile,
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · VIII. Krishna to the Rescue
Duryodhan Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun Pritha
With these sons the righteous Pritha 'scaped where death and danger lay, For the jealous, fierce Duryodhan darkly schemed their death by fire, But the righteous sons of Pandu 'scaped his unrelenting ire!
Book II (The Bride's Choice) · VIII. Krishna to the Rescue
Krishna rose amidst the monarchs, strove the tumult to appease, And unto the angry suitors spake in words of righteous peace,
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · Introduction · 📍 [[the potter's house]] · on that day
Draupadi Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun
And as a mother's mandate cannot be disregarded, Draupadi became the common wife of the five brothers.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · Introduction · 📍 [[a forest]]
Bhima had already mated himself to a female in a forest, by whom he had a son, Ghatotkacha, who distinguished himself in war later on.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · Introduction
He also heard that they had found a powerful friend in Drupad, and had formed an alliance with him.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · Introduction · 📍 [[Hastina-pura]]
The Kuru kingdom was accordingly parcelled; Duryodhan retained the eastern and richer portion with its ancient capital Hastina-pura on the Ganges; and the sons of Pandu were given the western portion on the Jumna, which was then a forest and a wilderness.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · Introduction · 📍 [[Indra-prastha]]
The sons of Pandu cleared the forest and built a new capital Indra-prastha, the supposed ruins of which, near modern Delhi, are still pointed out to the curious traveller.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · II. Feast and Sacrifice · 📍 [[Jumna]]
Speaking thus he made his diksha, and to holy work inclined, To his friends and to his kinsmen all their various tasks assigned:
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · II. Feast and Sacrifice
Proud Duhsasan in his bounty spread the rich and sumptuous feast, Drona's son with due devotion greeted saint and holy priest,
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · II. Feast and Sacrifice
Kripa guarded wealth and treasure, gold and gems of untold price, And with presents unto Brahmans sanctified the sacrifice,
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · II. Feast and Sacrifice
Proud Duryodhan took the tribute which the chiefs and monarchs paid, Pious Krishna unto Brahmans honour and obeisance made.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · II. Feast and Sacrifice · 📍 [[Jumna]]
Six bright fires Yudhishthir lighted, offerings made to gods above, Gifts unto the poor and lowly spake the monarch's boundless love.
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · IV. The Arghya
And the arghya duly flavoured unto peerless Krishna brought, Krishna trained in rules of virtue then the offered arghya took,
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · V. Sisupala's Pride
Ill beseems the good Yudhishthir, royal Pandu's righteous son, Homage to an uncrowned chieftain, to the lowly honour done!
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · V. Sisupala's Pride
Archer Karna--braver archer none there is of mortal birth-- Karna learnt his arms from Rama, he who slew the kings of earth!
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · VI. Sisupala's Fall · 📍 [[Chedi]]
Sisupala's son they seated in his mighty father's place, And with holy abhisheka hailed him king of Chedi's race!
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · VII. Yudhishthir Emperor
Thus removed the hapless hindrance, now the holy sacrifice Was performed with joy and splendour and with gifts of gold and rice,
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · VII. Yudhishthir Emperor
Brahmans sprinkled holy water on the empire's righteous lord, All the monarchs made obeisance, spake in sweet and graceful word:
Book III (The Imperial Sacrifice) · VII. Yudhishthir Emperor · 📍 [[Dwarka]]
Pious Krishna mounts the chariot, fondly greets his friends once more, Leaves blue Jumna's sacred waters for his Dwarka's dear-loved shore,
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction · from the Imperial Sacrifice
Duryodhan came back from the Imperial Sacrifice filled with jealousy against Yudhishthir, and devised plans to effect his fall.
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction
Sakuni was an expert at false dice, and challenged Yudhishthir, and Yudhishthir held it a point of honour not to decline such a challenge.
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction · 📍 [[Hastina-pura]]
He came from his new capital, Indra-prastha, to Hastina-pura the capital of Duryodhan, with his mother and brothers and Draupadi.
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction
His wealth and hoarded gold and jewels, his steeds, elephants and cars, his slaves male and female, his empire and possessions, were all staked and lost!
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction
The madness increased, and Yudhishthir staked his brothers, and then himself, and then the fair Draupadi, and lost! And thus the Emperor of Indra-prastha and his family were deprived of every possession on earth, and became the bond-slaves of Duryodhan.
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction
Dhrita-rashtra Yudhishthir Draupadi
The old king Dhrita-rashtra released them from actual slavery
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · Introduction · 📍 [[forests]]
but the five brothers retired to forests as homeless exiles.
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · I. Draupadi in the Council Hall
Then he staked his wife and empress, thou art prince Duryodhan's slave!
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · IV. Dhrita-rastra's Kindness
Draupadi Yudhishthir Dhrita-rashtra
That my gracious lord Yudhishthir once again be bondage-free! I have borne a child unto him, noble boy and fair and brave, Be he prince of royal station, not the son of bounden slave! Let not light unthinking children point to him in utter scorn, Call him slave and dasaputra, of a slave and bondsman born! "Virtuous daughter, have thy wishes," thus the ancient monarch cried,
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · IV. Dhrita-rastra's Kindness
Draupadi Bhima Arjun Dhrita-rashtra
Grant me then, O gracious father! mighty Bhima, Arjun brave, And the youngest twin-born brothers,--none of them may be a slave! With their arms and with their chariots let the noble princes part, Freemen let them range the country, strong of hand and stout of heart!" "Be it so, high-destined princess!" ancient Dhrita-rashtra cried,
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · IV. Dhrita-rastra's Kindness
I have borne a child unto him, noble boy and fair and brave,
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · V. The Banishment
Royal-born, unused to hardship, weak and long unused to roam, Aged is thy saintly mother, let fair Pritha stay at home. And by all beloved, respected, in my house shall Pritha dwell, Till your years of exile over, ye shall greet her safe and well.
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · V. The Banishment
Answered him the sons of Pandu: "Be it even as you say, Unto us thou art a father, we thy sacred will obey,
Book IV (The Fatal Dice) · V. The Banishment
Exiles to the pathless jungle left their father's ancient hall!
Book V (Woman's Love) · Introduction · twelve years
Yudhishthir Draupadi Bhima Arjun
True to their word the sons of Pandu went with Draupadi into exile, and passed twelve years in the wilderness;
Book V (Woman's Love) · Introduction
Krishna, who had stood by Yudhishthir in his prosperity, now came to visit him in his adversity; he consoled Draupadi in her distress, and gave good advice to the brothers.
Book V (Woman's Love) · Introduction
Bhima too was of the same mind, but Yudhishthir would not be moved from his plighted word.
Book V (Woman's Love) · Introduction
The great rishi Vyasa came to visit Yudhishthir, and advised Arjun, great archer as he was, to acquire celestial arms by penance and worship.
Book V (Woman's Love) · Introduction
Duryodhan Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun
Duryodhan was taken captive by them, and it was the Pandav brothers who released him from his captivity, and allowed him to return to his kingdom in peace.
Book V (Woman's Love) · Introduction · 📍 [[the woods]]
Jayadratha Draupadi Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun
Jayadratha, king of the Sindhu or Indus country, and a friend and ally of Duryodhan, came to the woods, and in the absence of the Pandav brothers carried off Draupadi. The Pandavs however pursued the king, chastised him for his misconduct, and rescued Draupadi.
Book V (Woman's Love) · I. Forest Life
By her tears the saintly woman broke my bondage worse than death, By my sins she suffers exile and misfortune's freezing breath!
Book V (Woman's Love) · II. The Tale of Savitri · Year by year
Year by year he gathered virtue, rose in merit and in might, Till the goddess of savitri smiled upon his sacred rite, From the fire upon the altar, which a holy radiance flung, In the form of beauteous maiden, goddess of savitri sprung!
Book V (Woman's Love) · II. The Tale of Savitri
Aswapati the goddess Savitri Swaymbhu
"Have thy object," spake the maiden, "Madra's pious-hearted king, From Swaymbhu, Self-created, blessings unto thee I bring! For HE lists to mortal's prayer springing from a heart like thine, And HE wills,--a noble daughter grace thy famed and royal line!
Book V (Woman's Love) · II. The Tale of Savitri · in fulness of the season
And in fulness of the season came a girl with lotus-eye, Father's hope and joy of mother, gift of kindly gods on high! And the king performed its birth-rites with a glad and grateful mind, And the people blessed the dear one with their wishes good and kind, As Savitri, Prayer-Maiden, had the beauteous offspring given, Brahmans named the child Savitri, holy gift of bounteous Heaven!
Book V (Woman's Love) · II. The Tale of Savitri
Fair Savitri bowed unto him, and for parting blessings prayed, Then she left her father's palace, and in distant regions strayed, With her guard and aged courtiers whom her watchful father sent, Mounted on her golden chariot unto sylvan woodlands went.
Book V (Woman's Love) · III. The Fated Bridegroom · 📍 Salwa
Foemen robbed him of his kingdom when in age he lost his sight, And from town and spacious empire was the monarch forced to flight,
Book V (Woman's Love) · V. Triumph over Fate
Yama from Satyavan's body, pale and bloodless, cold and dumb, Drew the vital spark, purusha, smaller than the human thumb, In his noose the spark he fastened, silent went his darksome way, Left the body shorn of lustre to its rigid cold decay.
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · Introduction · Having passed the twelve years of exile in forests
Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun Nakula Sahadeva
Having passed the twelve years of exile in forests, the Pandav brothers disguised themselves and entered into the menial service of Virata, king of the Matsyas, to pass the year of concealment.
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · Introduction
Draupadi the princess of the Matsya house
Draupadi too disguised herself as a waiting-woman, and served the princess of the Matsya house in that humble capacity.
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · Introduction · 📍 [[Matsya kingdom]]
The king of the Trigartas and the king of the Kurus combined and fell on the king of the Matsyas in order to drive off the numerous herd of fine cattle for which his kingdom was famed.
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · Introduction · 📍 [[Matsya kingdom]]
King Virata had gone out with most of his troops to face the Trigartas in the south-east
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · Introduction · now
The disguised Arjun now came to the rescue in the manner described in this Book.
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · I. Complaint of the Cowherd
Monarch of the mighty Matsyas, brave Virata known to fame, Marched against Trigarta chieftains who from southward regions came,
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · I. Complaint of the Cowherd · 📍 [[Matsya]]
From the north the proud Duryodhan, stealing onwards day by day, Swooped on Matsya's fattened cattle like the hawk upon its prey! Bhishma, Drona, peerless Karna, led the Kuru warriors brave, Swept the kingdom of Virata like the ocean's surging wave, Fell upon the trembling cowherds, chased them from the pasture-field, Sixty thousand head of cattle was the Matsya country's yield!
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · III. Arms and Weapons
Arjun Bhima Yudhishthir Nakula Sahadeva
Joyously responded Arjun: "Mark this bow embossed with gold, 'Tis the wondrous bow, gandiva, worthy of a warrior bold! Gift of heaven! to archer Arjun kindly gods this weapon sent, And the confines of a kingdom widen when the bow is bent!
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · III. Arms and Weapons
Yudhishthir Bhima Nakula Sahadeva Draupadi Arjun
In thy father's court disguised lives Yudhishthir just and good, Bhima in thy father's palace as a cook prepares the food! Brave Nakula guards the horses, Sahadeva tends the kine, As thy sister's waiting-woman doth the fair Draupadi shine!
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · IV. Rescue of the Cattle
Kuru soldiers fled in terror, or they slumbered with the dead, And the rescued lowing cattle, with their tails uplifted, fled!
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · V. Warrior's Guerdon
Virata Arjun the princess of the Matsya house
And to valiant Arjun offered Matsya's princess fair and young! "Pardon, monarch," answered Arjun, "but I may not take as bride, Matsya's young and beauteous princess whom I love with father's pride,
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · V. Warrior's Guerdon
Arjun Abhimanyu Virata the princess of the Matsya house
Grant her to my son, O monarch, as his wedded wife and joy! Abhimanyu trained in battle, handsome youth of godlike face, Krishna's sister, fair Subhadra, bore the child of princely grace! Worthy of thy youthful daughter, pure in heart and undefiled, Grant it, sire, my Abhimanyu wed thy young and beauteous child!" Answered Matsya's noble monarch with a glad and grateful heart: "Words like these befit thy virtue, nobly hast thou done thy part! Be it as thou sayest, Arjun; unto Pandu's race allied, Matsya's royal line is honoured, Matsya's king is gratified!"
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · VI. The Wedding · 📍 [[Virata's royal palace]] · the bridal day
Arjun Virata the princess of the Matsya house Abhimanyu Subhadra
Arjun from the Matsya monarch takes the princess passing fair, For his son by fair Subhadra, nursed by Krishna's loving care, With a godlike grace Yudhishthir stands by faithful Arjun's side, As a father takes a daughter, takes the young and beauteous bride, Joins her hands to Abhimanyu's, and with cake and parched rice, On the altar brightly blazing doth the holy sacrifice.
Book VI (Cattle-Lifting) · VI. The Wedding
He to gallant sons of Pandu made his presents rich and rare, Gems and gold and costly garments, slaves and damsels passing fair.
Book VII (The Preparation) · Introduction · The term of banishment having expired
The term of banishment having expired, Yudhishthir demanded that
Book VII (The Preparation) · Introduction · 📍 [[Indra-prastha]] · The term of banishment having expired
Yudhishthir demanded that the kingdom of Indra-prastha should be restored to him.
Book VII (The Preparation) · Introduction
All negotiations were therefore futile, and preparations were made on both sides for the most sanguinary and disastrous battle that bad ever been witnessed in Northern India.
Book VII (The Preparation) · Introduction
Yudhishthir Dhrita-rashtra Duryodhan
All negotiations were therefore futile, and preparations were made on both sides for the most sanguinary and disastrous battle that bad ever been witnessed in Northern India.
Book VII (The Preparation) · I. Krishna's Speech · Twelve long years
Twelve long years with fair Draupadi in the pathless jungle strayed,
Book VII (The Preparation) · I. Krishna's Speech · 📍 [[Virata's palace]] · a year
And a year in menial service in Virata's palace stayed,
Book VII (The Preparation) · II. Valadeva's Speech · of yore
By his dearest friends dissuaded, but by rage or madness driven, He hath played and lost his empire, may his folly be forgiven!
Book VII (The Preparation) · III. Satyaki's Speech
Trusting to their faith Yudhishthir played a righteous game and lost!
Book VII (The Preparation) · III. Satyaki's Speech
Nathless he surrendered empire true to faith and plighted word, Lived for years in pathless forests Indra-prastha's mighty lord!
Book VII (The Preparation) · III. Satyaki's Speech · Past his years of weary exile
Past his years of weary exile, now he claims his realm of old, Claims it, not as humble suppliant, but as king and warrior bold!
Book VII (The Preparation) · IV. Drupad's Speech
Proud Duryodhan to his kinsmen would not yield their proper share,
Book VII (The Preparation) · X. Duryodhan's Speech · 📍 [[Indra-prastha]]
Indra-prastha which my father weakly to Yudhishthir gave, Nevermore shall go unto him while I live and brothers brave!
Book VII (The Preparation) · X. Duryodhan's Speech
Take my message to my kinsmen, for Duryodhan's words are plain, Portion of the Kuru empire sons of Pandu seek in vain! Town nor village, mart nor hamlet, help us righteous gods in heaven, Spot that needle's point can cover not unto them be given!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · Introduction
All negotiations for a peaceful partition of the Kuru kingdom having failed, both parties now prepared for a battle, perhaps the most sanguinary that was fought on the plains of India in the ancient times.
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · Introduction
All negotiations for a peaceful partition of the Kuru kingdom having failed, both parties now prepared for a battle, perhaps the most sanguinary that was fought on the plains of India in the ancient times.
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · Introduction
Krishna joined him as his friend and adviser, and as the charioteer of Arjun, but the Vrishnis as a nation had joined Duryodhan.
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · Introduction · for ten days
for ten days Bhishma held his own and inflicted serious loss on Yudhishthir's army.
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · Introduction · ending with the fall of Bhishma
The principal incidents of these ten days, ending with the fall of Bhishma, are narrated in this Book.
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · I. Pandavs routed by Bhishma
And the righteous king Yudhishthir with the car-borne Salya fought,
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · I. Pandavs routed by Bhishma
Drupad, proud and peerless monarch, with his cohorts onward bore 'Gainst the warlike Jayadratha, chief of Sindhu's sounding shore,
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · I. Pandavs routed by Bhishma · Through the day
Bhishma Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun Nakula Sahadeva
And the broken Pandav forces, crushed and driven, scattered fled! Friendly night and gathering darkness closed the slaughter of the day, To their tents the sons of Pandu held their sad and weary way!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · II. Kurus routed by Arjun · on that day
In his fury and his rashness he had fallen on that day, But the ever-watchful Bhima stopped the proud preceptor's way!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · II. Kurus routed by Arjun
Bhima the young prince of Kalinga
Fell the young prince of Kalinga by the wrathful Bhima slain, But against Kalinga's monarch baffled Bhima fought in vain,
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · II. Kurus routed by Arjun
Safely sat the eastern monarch on his howda's lofty seat, Till upon the giant tusker Bhima sprang with agile feet, Then he struck with fatal fury, brave Kalinga fell in twain, Scattered fled his countless forces, when they saw their leader slain!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · III. Bhishma and Arjun meet · the battle's front
Bhishma Yudhishthir Arjun Krishna
And the army of Yudhishthir shook from end to farthest end, Arjun nor the valiant Krishna could against the tide contend!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · III. Bhishma and Arjun meet
Then he flung the reins to Arjun, left the steeds and sounding car, Leaped upon the field of battle, rushed into the dreadful war! "Shame!" cried Arjun in his anger, "Krishna shall not wage the fight, Nor shall Arjun like a recreant seek for safety in his flight!" And he dashed behind the warrior, and on foot the chief pursued, Caught him as the angry Krishna still his distant foeman viewed, Stalwart Arjun lifted Krishna, as the storm lifts up a tree, Placed him on his battle-chariot, and he bent to him his knee:
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · III. Bhishma and Arjun meet
"Pardon, Krishna, this compulsion! pardon this transgression bold, But while Arjun lives, O chieftain! weapon of thy wrath withhold! By my warlike Abhimanyu, fair Subhadra's darling boy, By my brothers, dearer, truer, than in hours of pride and joy, By my troth I pledge thee, Krishna,--let thy angry discus sleep,-- Archer Arjun meets his foeman, and his plighted word will keep."
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · III. Bhishma and Arjun meet
Vainly hurled his lance Duryodhan 'gainst the valiant warrior's face, Vainly Salya, king of Madra, threw with skill his pond'rous mace, With disdain the godlike Arjun dashed the feeble darts aside, Hold aloft his famed gandiva as he stood with haughty pride,
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · V. Satyaki's Sons slain · upon that fatal day
Bhuri-sravas
Ten brave brothers, pride of Vrishni, fell upon that fatal day, Slain by mighty Bhuri-sravas, and upon the red field lay!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · VI. Bhima's Danger and Rescue · another day
Dawned another day of slaughter; heedless Bhima forced his way, Through Duryodhan's serried legions, where dark death and danger lay, And a hundred foemen gathered, and unequal was the strife, Bhima strove with furious valour, for his forfeit was his life!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · VI. Bhima's Danger and Rescue
Fair Panchala's watchful monarch saw the danger from afar, Forced his way where bleeding Bhima fought beside his shattered car, And he helped the fainting warrior, placed him on his chariot-seat, But the Kurus darkly gathered, surging round as waters meet!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · VI. Bhima's Danger and Rescue
Arjun's son and twelve brave chieftains dashed into the dubious fray, Rescued Bhima and proud Drupad from the Kurus' grim array,
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · VII. Pandavs routed by Bhishma · Morning
Bhishma Yudhishthir Bhima Arjun
Vainly then the good Yudhishthir, stalwart Bhima, Arjun brave, Strove with useless toil and valour shattered ranks of war to save, Vainly too the Pandav brothers on the peerless Bhishma fell, Gods in sky nor earthly warriors Bhishma's matchless might could quell!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · VII. Pandavs routed by Bhishma
Fell Yudhishthir's lofty standard, shook his chariot battle-tost, Fell his proud and fiery coursers, and the dreadful day was lost!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · VIII. Iravat slain: Duryodhan's Brothers slain · Morning
Morning saw the turn of battle; Bhishma's charioteer was slain, And his coursers uncontrolled flew across the reddened plain,
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · IX. Pandavs routed by Bhishma · Morn to noon and noon to evening
Morn to noon and noon to evening none could face the victor's wrath, Broke and shattered, faint and frightened, Pandavs fled before his path!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · X. Fall of Bhishma
Bhishma doth not fight the wounded, doth not fight a woman born!
Book VIII (Fall of Bhishma) · X. Fall of Bhishma · the sun declining
True to oath the bleeding chieftan turned his darkening face away, Turned and fell; the sun declining marked the closing of the day.
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · Introduction · On the fall of Bhishma
On the fall of Bhishma the Brahman chief Drona, preceptor of the Kuru and Pandav princes, was appointed the leader of the Kuru forces.
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · Introduction · At last
At last Drona slew his ancient foe the king of the Panchalas, and was then slain by his son the prince of the Panchalas.
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · I. Single Combat between Bhima and Salya
Piercing Abhimanyu's buckler Jayadratha sent his stroke, But the turned and twisted sword-blade snapping in the midway broke, Weaponless the king of Sindhu ran into his sheltering car,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · I. Single Combat between Bhima and Salya
Weaponless the king of Sindhu ran into his sheltering car, Salya came unto his rescue from a battle-field afar,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · I. Single Combat between Bhima and Salya
Writhing like a wounded serpent, lifted from the field of war, He was carried by his soldiers to the shelter of his car!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · I. Single Combat between Bhima and Salya
Drona still with matchless prowess would redeem his plighted word, Sought to take Yudhishthir captive to Duryodhan, Kuru's lord, Vainly then the twin-born brothers came to cross the conqueror's path, Matsya's lord, Panchala's monarch, vainly faced him in his wrath, Rank to rank the cry resounded circling o'er the battle-field, "Drona takes Yudhishthir captive with his weapons, sword and shield!" Arjun heard the dreadful message and in haste and fury came, Strove to save his king and elder and redeem his loyal fame,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · II. Standards of the Pandavs
Short the war, for proud Duryodhan wounded from the battle fled, And his warriors from fair Anga rested with the countless dead!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · II. Standards of the Pandavs
Wild with anger Bhagadatta, monarch of the farthest East, With his still unconquered forces on the valiant Bhima pressed,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · II. Standards of the Pandavs
For his tusker pierced by arrows trumpeted his dying wail, Like a red and flaming meteor gallant Bhagadatta fell!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death · that fatal morning
Abhimanyu, young and fiery, dashed alone into the war, Reckless through the shattered forces all resistless drove his car,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death · Next
Onward still went Abhimanyu, Salya strove and fought in vain, And his warriors took him bleeding from the reddened battle-plain!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death
Then the impious Jayadratha, king of Sindhu's sounding shore, Came forth in unrighteous concert with six car-borne warriors more, Darkly closed the fatal circle with the gulfing surge's moan, Dauntless, with the seven brave chieftains Abhimanyu fought alone!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death
Fell, alas! his peacock standard and his car was broke in twain, Bow and sabre rent and shattered and his faithful driver slain,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death
Rushed upon his startled foemen, Abhimanyu fought and fell, And his deeds to distant ages bards and wand'ring minstrels tell!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death · when the softened starlight fell
Like the moon serene and beauteous quenched in eclipse, dark and pale, Lifeless slumbered Abhimanyu when the softened starlight fell!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death
Softly and with many tear-drops did the sad Yudhishthir tell, How in dreadful field of battle gallant Abhimanyu fell! How the impious Jayadratha fell on Arjun's youthful son,-- He with six proud Kuru chieftains,--Abhimanyu all alone!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · III. Abhimanyu's Death · ere comes to-morrow's sunset
Cherish envy, cheat their kinsmen, speak the low and dastard lie,-- If, ere comes to-morrow's sunset, Jayadratha doth not die! Jayadratha dies to-morrow, victim to my vengeful ire, Arjun else shall yield his weapons, perish on the flaming pyre!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · IV. Standards of the Kurus: Arjun's Revenge
Short the strife; as angry falcon swoops upon its helpless prey, Arjun sped his vengeful arrow and his foeman lifeless lay!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · IV. Standards of the Kurus: Arjun's Revenge
Woeful was the hour of darkness, luckless was the starry sway, Bhima's son in youth and valour lifeless on the red field lay!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · V. Fall of Drona
And an elephant of battle bore that chieftain's warlike name, And that proud and lordly tusker, Bhima in his prowess slew,
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · V. Fall of Drona
Royal Drupad's valiant grandsons in their youth untimely slain, Victims of a deathless discord, pressed the gory battle-plain!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · V. Fall of Drona
Said Yudhishthir: "Lordly tusker, Aswa-thaman named, is dead," Drona heard but half the accents, feebly drooped his sinking head!
Book IX (Fall of Drona) · V. Fall of Drona
Dhrista-dyumna bent his weapon and his shaft was pointed well, And the priest and proud preceptor, peerless Drona lifeless fell!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · Introduction
Karna was chosen as the leader of the Kuru forces after the death of Drona
Book X (Fall of Karna) · Introduction · After the death of Karna
After the death of Karna, Salya led the Kuru troops on the eighteenth and last day of the war, and fell.
Book X (Fall of Karna) · Introduction · 📍 [[Pandav camp]] · A midnight
A midnight slaughter in the Pandav camp, perpetrated by the vengeful son of Drona, concludes the war.
Book X (Fall of Karna) · Introduction
Duryodhan, left wounded by Bhima, heard of the slaughter and died happy.
Book X (Fall of Karna) · I. Karna and Arjun meet
Priests with hymns and chanted mantra and with every sacred rite Hailed him Leader of the Kurus, chieftain of unconquered might,
Book X (Fall of Karna) · I. Karna and Arjun meet · 📍 [[plain]] · Morn to noon and noon to evening
Thus the holy rite concluded, Karna ranged his men in war, To the dreaded front of battle drove his swift and conquering car!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 1
If his wondrous bow gandiva is the gift of gods in heaven, Karna's bow the famed vijaya is by Par'su-Rama given!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 1
Onward came the fiery Karna like the ocean's heaving swell, With the sweeping wrath of tempest on the good Yudhishthir fell!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 1
Lightning-like it came on Karna, struck and pierced him on the left, And the warrior fell and fainted as of life and sense bereft!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 1
Arrows keen and dark as midnight, gleaming in their lightning flight, Struck Yudhishthir's royal armour with a fierce resistless might!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 2
Faint Yudhishthir sorely bleeding waged no more the fatal fight, Carless, steedless, void of armour, sought his safety in his flight!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 2
"Speed, thou timid man of penance!" proud insulting Karna said, "Famed for virtue not for valour! blood of thine I will not shed!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 2
Anger lit Yudhishthir's forehead, and a tremor shook his frame, As he spake to silent Arjun words of insult and of shame:
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 2
Heedless, on the sword-hilt Arjun placed his swift and trembling hand, Heedless, with a warrior's instinct drew the dark and glistening brand!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 2
Arjun sheathed his flashing sabre, joined his hands and hung his head, Fixed his eye on good Yudhishthir and in humble accents said:
Book X (Fall of Karna) · II. Fall of Karna · Part 3
"Arjun, I have wronged thee brother, and no fault or sin is thine, Hasty words of thoughtless anger 'scaped these sinful lips of mine!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · III. Fall of Salya
And the hour for peace is over, for our best sleep on the plain, Brothers, kinsmen, friends, and elders slumber with the countless slain,
Book X (Fall of Karna) · III. Fall of Salya · that fatal morning
Brave Yudhishthir marked him coming and he hurled his fatal dart, Like the fatal curse of Brahman sank the weapon in his heart,
Book X (Fall of Karna) · III. Fall of Salya
Proud Duryodhan pale and panting from the field of battle flew!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · IV. Night of Slaughter
And Duryodhan blessed the hero with his feeble fleeting breath, Joy of vengeance cheered his bosom and he died a happy death!
Book X (Fall of Karna) · IV. Night of Slaughter · midnight
Aswa-thaman Dhrista-dyumna Sikhandin
Dhrista-dyumna and Sikhandin, princes of Panchala's land, Fell beneath the proud avenger Aswa-thaman's reeking hand,
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · I. Kuru Women visit the Battle-field · 📍 [[Hastina]]
Good Vidura ever gentle whispered comfort unto all, Placed the dames within their chariots, left Hastina's palace hall!
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · I. Kuru Women visit the Battle-field · 📍 [[Hastina]]
Dhrita-rashtra Gandhari Pritha
With this troop of wailing women, deep in woe, disconsolate, Slow the monarch of the Kurus passed Hastina's outer gate,
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · II. Gandhari's Lament for the Slain
Drupad monarch of Panchala sleeps by foeman Drona's side?
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · II. Gandhari's Lament for the Slain
Drupad monarch of Panchala sleeps by foeman Drona's side?
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · IV. Funeral Rite
Duryodhan Abhimanyu Lakshman Ghatotkacha
Brave Duryodhan and his brothers, Salya of the mighty car, Bhurisravas king of nations, Jayadratha famed in war, Abhimanyu son of Arjun, Lakshman proud Duryodhan's son, Somadatta and the Srinjays famed for deeds of valour done,
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · V. Oblation to Karna
Long bewailed the sad Yudhishthir for his elder loved and dead, And oblation of the water to the noble Karna made,
Book XI (Funeral Rites) · V. Oblation to Karna
Pritha Arjun Karna Yudhishthir
Pritha spake, and terror-stricken Pandav brothers groaned in pain, And they wept in woe and anguish for the brother they had slain.
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · Introduction · 📍 [[Hastinapura]] · in the meantime
Yudhishthir has in the meantime been crowned king of the Kurus at Hastinapura
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · Introduction · in the meantime
a posthumous child of Abhimanyu is named Parikshit
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · Introduction
Yudhishthir allowed the sacrificial horse to wander at will, and Arjun accompanied it.
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · Introduction
Wherever the horse was stopped, Arjun fought and conquered, and thus proclaimed the supremacy of Yudhishthir over all neighbouring potentates.
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · Introduction · 📍 [[Hastinapura]] · at last
Arjun at last returned victorious with the steed to Hastinapura
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering · Twelfth day came of magha's bright moon
Good Yudhishthir called his brothers, faithful twins and Bhima true, Spake to them in gentle accents, and his words were grave and few: "Bhima! Now returneth Arjun with the steed from many a fray, So they tell me, noble brother, who have met him on the way, And the time of aswa-medha day by day is drawing nigh, Magha's full moon is approaching, and the winter passeth by, Let the Brahmans versed in Vedas choose the sacrificial site, For the feast of many nations and performance of the rite."
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering
Bhima heard of Arjun's coming,--hero with the curly hair,-- And to do Yudhishthir's mandate did with gladsome heart repair,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering
Brahmans versed in sacrifices, cunning architects of fame, Builders of each various altar with the son of Pritha came, And upon a level greensward measured forth the sacred site, Laid it out with halls and pathways for the sacrificial rite.
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering · 📍 [[Hastina's city]]
Messengers with kindly greetings went to monarchs far-renowned, Asked them to Hastina's city, to the consecrated ground,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering · 📍 [[Hastina's city]]
And to please the great Yudhishthir came each king and chieftain bold, With their slaves and dark-eye damsels, arms and horses, gems and gold, Came and found a royal welcome in pavilions rich and high, And the sealike voice of nations smote the echoing vault of sky!
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering · 📍 [[Hastina's city]]
Munis from their hermitages to the sacred yajna came, Rishis from the grove and forest uttering Brahma's holy name, Famed Acharyas versed in Vedas to the city held their way, Brahmacharins with grass-girdle, chanting rik or saman lay, Welcomed Kuru's pious monarch, saint and sage and man of grace, And with gentle condescension showed each priest his fitting place.
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · I. The Gathering
Every duty thus completed, joyful Yudhishthir's mind, And he blessed his faithful brothers with an elder's blessings kind.
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · II. The Feasting · Day by day
Day by day the holy yajna grows in splendour and in joy, Rice in hillocks feeds all comers, maid and matron, man and boy,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · III. Sacrifice of Animals
Vyasa spake; and good Yudhishthir took the diksha of the rite, And commenced the aswa-medha gladdening every living wight,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · IV. Sacrifice of the Horse
Priests
And by rules of Veda guided slew the horse of noble breed, Placed Draupadi, Queen of yajna, by the slain and lifeless steed,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · IV. Sacrifice of the Horse
And the ancient bard of Vedas, Vyasa raised his voice in song, Blessed Yudhishthir, Kuru's monarch, and the many-nationed throng!
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · V. Gifts
Unto sage and saintly Vyasa all his realm and wealth untold, But the bard and ancient rishi who the holy Vedas spake, Rendered back the monarch's present, earthly gift he might not take!
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · V. Gifts
From the rishi good Yudhishthir then received the Kuru-land, With a threefold gift of riches gladdened all the priestly band,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · V. Gifts
Fame and virtue Kuru's monarch by the aswa-medha wins, And the rite of pure ablution cleanses all Yudhishthir's sins,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · V. Gifts
Gems and jewels in his bounty, gold and garments rich and rare, Gave Yudhishthir to each monarch, slaves and damsels passing fair,
Book XII (Sacrifice of the Horse) · V. Gifts · 📍 [[Hastina]]
Arjun's comrade, Bhima's helper, good Yudhishthir's friend of yore, Krishna leaves Hastina's mansions for the sea-girt Dwarka's shore!
Conclusion · 📍 [[a forest]]
Dhrita-rashtra retires into a forest with his queen Gandhari, and Pritha, the mother of the Pandav brothers, accompanies them.
Conclusion · 📍 [[a forest]] · At last
At last Dhrita-rashtra and Gandhari and Pritha are burnt to death in a forest conflagration, death by fire being considered holy.
Conclusion · 📍 [[Dwarka]] · shortly after
Valadeva and Krishna die shortly after, and the city of the Yadavas is swallowed up by the ocean.
Conclusion · on the way
Draupadi drops down dead on the way, then Sahadeva, then Nakula, then Arjun, and then Bhima.
Conclusion · on the way
Draupadi drops down dead on the way, then Sahadeva, then Nakula, then Arjun, and then Bhima.
Conclusion · on the way
Draupadi drops down dead on the way, then Sahadeva, then Nakula, then Arjun, and then Bhima.
Conclusion · on the way
Draupadi drops down dead on the way, then Sahadeva, then Nakula, then Arjun, and then Bhima.