Episode 1 - Introduction

In this Parva, we discuss Adi-vamshavatrana Parva which is the sixth section of the Mahabharata text. We are still in snake sacrifice, but the conversation has been directed towards the actual story although it doesn’t properly begin here. We will hear the story of how Veda Vayasa, the composer of Mahabharata, was born including legends related to main characters of the story. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 6 (or Sub-parva): Adi-vamshavatrana Parva  Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

In this Parva, we continue the discussion on Astika Parva. We hear the stories of Janamejaya and the snake sacrifice including the role of Sage Astika. The Astika Parva is covered across four episodes, and this is the fourth and concluding episode of this Parva This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 5 (or Sub-parva): Astika Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

In this Parva, we continue the discussion on Astika Parva. We hear the stories of sage Jaratkaru, the birth of sage Astika as well as King Parikshata and his son Janamejaya. Due to the large size of this parva, it will be covered across multiple episodes. This episode is part 3 of the Astika Parva. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 5 (or Sub-parva): Astika Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

In this Parva, we continue the discussion on Astika Parva. We hear the stories of Garuda, Shesha Naga and Vasuki including plans to avert the curse levelled on Nagas by their mother. Due to the large size of this parva, it will be covered across multiple episodes. This episode is part 2 of the Astika Parva. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 5 (or Sub-parva): Astika Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

This parva is the continuation of the story from the previous Parva. This Parva dives into the detailed accounts of Astika and Janamejaya. Due to the large size of this parva, it will be covered across multiple episodes. This episode is part 1 of the Astika Parva. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 5 (or Sub-parva): Astika Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

This parva dives into the stories of Bhrigu lineage and presents some of the very interesting accounts of Bhrigu and his great grandson Ruru. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 4 (or Sub-parva): Pouloma Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

This parva talks about the circumstances which led to King Janamejaya organising snake sacrifice. It was at this snake sacrifice that Sage Ugarsharva learnt about Mahabharata story and that which he relayed in another congregation which we touched upon in previous episode. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 3 (or Sub-parva): Poushya Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

This parva is a very short summary and serves as table of contents for the entire story of Mahabharata. Both 100-parva and 18-parva classification are given including how many chapters and shlokas each of the parva has. There is no plot or story in this parva, and it is merely a list of different parvas that unfold after this. This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 2 (or Sub-parva): Parvasamgraha Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

This parva introduces the story in a very short summary form. Some key events from the story are very briefly recounted but no additional details are given. This in fact offers a good sneak peak into the story as it unfolds.  This episode covers: Volume 1 (or Main Parva): Adi Parva Section 2 (or Sub-parva): Anukarmanika Parva Mahabharata story is divided into 18 parva and the book itself classifies itself into 100 parvas. We can call each parva in 100-parva classification as sub-parva and each parva in 18 parva classification in main parva. In contemporary meaning, Main Parva will mean Volume of Book and Sub Parva will mean a section in that volume. Please feel free to drop a comment or email me at [email protected] any feedback.

In this introductory episode we will cover what Mahabharata is and why it needs to be retold in its fullest and finest form. We will also explore the structure of original Sanskrit text before going into the actual story in the subsequent episodes.