Introduction

The Mahabharat is one of Sanskrit's two great epics, the other being Valmiki's Ramayana. It describes the war between the Pandavas and Kauravas during the Dvapar era when Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, lived. According to legend, it was composed by Krishna Dwaipayan (Maharshi Vedavyas), born on a small island in the Yamuna river. The name "Krishna" means "dark," and "Dwaipayan" means "born on an island." Krishna Dwaipayan is also supposed to have compiled and edited the four Vedas, earning him the title "Vedavyas." 

Vedavyas (or Vyas) is a central character in the story. He is the son of Rishi Parashar and Satyavati, who later became the wife of Kuru king Shantanu. After the Mahabharat war, Vyas witnessed the unfortunate end of the Kuru clan and felt that their story should be documented. However, he couldn't think of anyone up to the task. So, he prayed to Lord Brahma. When Brahma appeared before Vyas, the latter presented his problem and asked for advice. Understanding the seriousness of Vyas's problem, Brahma said, "I am confident that only an accomplished writer can perform this task. No human can do it. In my opinion, only Lord Ganesh can help you with this." Brahma disappeared after saying this.

Vyasa considered Brahma's advice as a divine command and called upon Lord Ganesh. When Ganesh appeared before Vyas, the latter expressed his wishes, saying, "Oh Lord, please accept your devotee's request and agree to write down my epic poem. Only with your kindness will this great task for the good of humankind be completed." Ganesh, known for removing difficulties from his devotees' paths, pondered Vyas's request momentarily and said, "Oh Maharshi, I will certainly fulfill your desire by performing this sacred task; however, my pen must not stop for even a second once you begin dictating. If you want me to write down your epic, you must agree to this condition." Vyas, stunned momentarily, replied, "I accept your stipulation, my Lord, but you also must agree to a condition of mine. You may not write a single word without properly understanding the meaning of the whole sentence." Ganesh agreed, and the Mahabharat began to be penned down.

Contents

1. The Birth of Shakuntala

2. The Story of King Bharat

3. Shantanu's Tragic Pact with Ganga

4. Shantanu's Dilemma

5. Devavrat's Oath

6. The Princesses of Kashi

7. Parashuram's Wrath and the Kuru Succession Crisis

8. The Burden of Legacy: Maharshi Vyas's Duty to the Kuru Clan

9. Three Brothers: The Rise of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidur

10. A Sacred Boon from the Past

11. Pandu's Marriages and Misfortune

12. The Curse and the Secret: Pandu's Forest Exile

13. The Birth of the Pandavas and Pandu's Fate

Sources

1. महाभारत (book) by Om Books International

2. Mahabharat (2013 TV series) by Siddharth Kumar Tewary

3. www.wisdomlib.org