Original: महाभारत
A dynastic struggle occurs for the throne of Hastinapur, the kingdom ruled by the Kuru clan, between the Kauravas and Pandavas, collateral branches of the clan, which causes the Kurukshetra War.
King Bharat sows the seed of democratic thinking by appointing a commoner as his successor. Many generations later, King Shantanu risks the tradition when he marries Ganga and promising never to question her for anything she does.
Bound by his promise, Shantanu does not question Ganga as she sacrifices seven sons. When he protests at the birth of their eighth son, Ganga leaves him. Years later the son is returned, trained and educated as Prince Devarata.
Devarata is crowned as Yuvraj, heir apparent. But, to enable the marriage of his father to a village girl, Devarata renounces his rights to the throne and also vows never to marry. Gods shower blessings and Devrata is renamed as Bhishma.
Bhishma (Devarata) defends his sacrifice and carries out his duties to look after all the affairs of the State. King Shantanu dies in grief and guilt towards Bhishma.
Shantanu's son Vichitraviya ascends the throne. Bhishma arranges the marriage of Ambika and Ambalika, the daughters of a neighboring king, to King Vichitravirya. However, Vichitraviya dies young and without any offspring.
Threatened with extinction, Queen mother Satyavati, calls on Ambalika and Ambika to marry Vyasa. Ambalika gives birth the Dhritarastra who is born blind. Ambika gives birth to Pandu who is born anemic and weak. Bhishma is forced to look after this generation too.
Dhritarastra and Pandu are married to Gandhari and Kunti. As Dhritrashtra was blind, Gandhari binds up her eyes with a piece of silk, refusing to see the world. Kunti was the daughter of the King of Yadavas and thus the sister of Vasudeva, father of Lord Krishna.
Pandu establishes the supremacy of the Kuru House. During his campaigns he takes another wife, Madri. After the campaigns, Pandu goes to the forest for relaxation with his two queens Kunti and Madri.
While hunting, Pandu accidentally kills a Sage. To do penance Pandu decides to spend his life in exile and entrusts his Kingdom to Dhritarastra. In time five children - Yudhishtra, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadeva, are born to Kunti and Madri. Dhritarastra had a hundred sons from Gandhari, the eldest being Duryodhana.
In Mathura, King Kans dethrones his father and takes over the Kingdom. He arranges his sister Devki's marriage with his influential friend Vasudev. But when a Sage predicts that her eighth son will be responsible for Kans' death, he imprisons Devki and Vasudev.
Kans personally kills Devki's first six children born in the prison. Devki's seventh "pregnancy" is taken over by Vasudev's second wife who gives birth to Balram. And when the eighth child, Krishna is born, miraculously the prison doors open and Vasudev is able to smuggle out the child and leave him in Gokul with his friend Nand.
Unusual celebrations in Gokul make Kans auspicious that Devki's eighth child must be there. Pootna is sent there as a toy seller to kill all the children born in Gokul. When she tries to kill Krishna, she herself is killed. Meanwhile all the people of Gokul, including Krishna's foster parents, shift to Nandgaon.
Childhood of Shri Krishna, the Supreme Being, and Narayan. While Yashoda happily reared Shri Krishna in Nandgaon his real mother Devki, and his father Vasudev spent days inside the prison in Mathura. Krishna regaled the entire Nandgaon with his divine sports.
Krishna's divine sports make him the darling of his friends. To everyone's amazement he killed Kalia the Serpent King who lived in the river Yamuna, while retrieving the ball of his friend Sridham from the bottom of the river.
Krishna grows up to an 11-year-old boy. Now he has given up stealing butter; instead he steals the hearts of the young "Gopis". Radha is one such "Gopi" who has lost her heart to him. Two songs illustrate this beautiful relationship. Also, Krishna encourages the habitants of Nandgaon to stop sending butter, as a levy, to Kans, the ruler of Mathura. Kans feels slighted that someone has defied him.
Kans tries to subdue Krishna. He commands two demons to destroy Nandgaon. However, Krishna and Balram, annihilate the evil demons. The episode also covers two major portions of divine sports - one, saving of Nandgaon by lifting the Goverdhan Mountain and the other, "Maharass" in which Shri Krishna creates the illusion among the dancing Gopis, each one of whom thinks that he is dancing with her and her alone. Meanwhile, Kans tricks Vasudev's friend Akrur into inviting to Mathura with the intention of killing him.
Krishna departs from Nandgaon for Mathura. The residents of Mathura have heard of his divine sports and they pay obeisance to him as an "Avatar" (incarnation of God). Eventually Krishna faces his uncle, Kans. The cruel ruler had planned to slay Krishna but he meets his own death at the hands of Shri Krishna. Before killing him, Krishna reveals to him his 'Viraat Roop' (Deity Incarnate in its full form).
Shri Krishna releases King Ugrasen and his parents Devki and Vasudev who had been imprisoned by Kans. People of Mathura rejoice and celebrate the coronation of King Ugrasen. Krishna goes to Sandeepani Gurukul for his education. In Nandgaon, Yashoda is upset learn that Shri Krishna had stayed back in Mathura and probably would never return. The Pandava children, Yudhishtra, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev grow up and receive their education in the Forrest. Pandu dies in the forest and Kunti returns to Hastinapur with her children.
Vyas takes Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika to Tapovan (forest). Before leaving, Satyavati tells Dhritarashtra to look after the Pandava children. The Kaurava and the Pandava children grow up together. They are educated under Kripacharya. Shakuni instigates Duryodhan against the Pandavas and rivalry develops between the Kauravas and Pandavas.
Adirath is released from the duties as blind-King Dhritarashtra's assistant. Sanjay takes over from Adirath as Dhritarashtra's assistant. Rivalry between Duryodhan and Bheem develops. Duryodhan plots to poison Bheem. After poisoning Bheem he throws him out in River Ganga. Bheem survives the attempt to kill him and he is returned safely to Kunti and his brothers.
Kunti forbids Bheem from saying anything about Duryodhan’s attempt to kill him. Vidur suspects something is behind Bheem’s silence. He goes to see Bheeshma to discuss his concerns. Bheeshma is worried about this development, but is helpless as he is bound by his vow to protect the throne of Hastinapur and he cannot take sides. Duryodhan and Shakuni continue to plot against Bheem. Dhritarashtra is concerned about the developments in Hastinapur but Gandhari is a sobering influence on him. Meanwhile, in Mathura at the Sandeepani Gurukul, Shri Krishna and Sudama become close friends. Also in this episode Dronacharya (Drona) is introduced as one of the teachers of the Kuru Princes
Dronacharya (Drona) trains the Kuru Princes in the art of archery and other military skills. Arjun receives praise by his teachers. Duryodhan is often advised to control his arrogance. Shakuni rebukes his sister Gandhari for not seeing through all the plots of the Pandavas
Dronacharya (Drona) trains the Kuru Princes in the art of “Gada Yudh” (Mace fighting). Bheem and Duryodhan specialize in it and exhibit their skills. Drona is especially delighted by Arjun’s prowess and he loves him even more than his own son, Ashwathama. Drona informs Bheeshma that the education of Kuru Princes is complete. They agree to hold a tournament to test the war skills of the Princes
A special stadium that was built to exhibit the feats of the Kuru princes is full of spectators. Members of the Royal Household are invited. The princes perform amazing feats with their weapons. A mace fight between Duryodhan and Bheem follows and the fight becomes too intense. Arjun displays many feats of archery and every one is convinced that there is no one equal to him. Just then the people are startled by a voice coming from the gateway. It is Karna, Kunti’s son from the Sun God. Karna challenges Arjun for a single combat. Kripacharya declares that Arjun can only fight against other royalty. Karna bows his head in silence. While Duryodhan springs up and says, “we crown him the King of Anga, which is now without a master, they can fight after that”. Karna’s coronation takes place and Duryodhan wins a life long friend in Karna. Arjun and Karna are prevented from competing as the sun sets and the tournament that had begun so dramatically ends in an equally dramatic manner.
he education of the Kuru princes is over. Dhrona continues to advise the Kaurava and the Pandava Princes. The Pandavas do well and this makes Dhritarashtra unhappy. Shri Krishna and Balram finish their education at Sandeepani Gurukul and plan to return to Mathura. Parsuram arrives at the Gurukul and gives Shri Krishna his Sudarshan Chakra. He asks Shri Krishna to lay the foundation of a New Yuga (New Era)….
After finishing his education at Sandeepani Gurukul Shri Krishna returns to Mathura. Krishna advises Ugrasen, the king of Mathura, to shift his capital from Mathura to Dwarika. The Heir Apparent to the throne of Hastinapur is to be chosen and Duryodhan is staking his claim while Drona, Vidur and the people of Hastinapur favour Yudhisthir. Bheeshma remains silent as he is bound by his vow to serve the throne which is with Dhritarashtra
The court meets to name the Heir Apparent to the throne of Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra is compelled to appoint Yudhishthir because of his superior intellect. Jarasandh, the King of Magadha, arrives in Vidarbha to meet King Bheeshmak. Jarasandh asks Bheeshmak to invite Shishupal, the Chedi King, to marry his daughter Rukmani and make Shishupal his ally. Rukmani however has lost her heart to Shri Krishna so she writes him a letter to take her away
Shri Krishna has received a letter from Rukmani asking him to take her away from Vidarbha before she is married to Shishupal. Krishna decides to go to Vidarbha and defeats the forces of Bheeshmal and Shishupal and takes Rukmani away. In Hastinapur, Dhirtarashtra is worried about his throne. Yudhisthir has been made Heir Apparent (Yuvraj) and due to his popularity the people want him to become their King as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Duryodhan and Shakuni plot against Yudhisthir. They would like him to die before he becomes a King. Shakuni devises a plan to send Yudhisthir and his brothers to Varnavat where they would be burnt alive in a house of wax
Kunti takes Yudhishthir to Gandhari to seek her blessings before leaving for Varnavat. Gandhari is extremely happy to learn that Yudhishthir will stay in the beautiful palace built by her son Duryodhan. She is unaware that the palace is meant to kill Yudhishthir. The Pandava brothers are suspicious of Duryodhan’s eagerness to send Yudhishthir to Varnavat; so they accompany him to Varnavat. Kunti also decides to go with them. Vidur learns that Duryodhan’s spies had been collecting wax, oil and other flammable materials in the recent past. Vidur warns Yudhishthir in words that are meaningful to him only. Yudhishthir understands Duryodhan’s hideous plan and the means to escape
Only three days are left for the house of wax to go up in flames and for kunti and her sons to burn to death. Vidur informs the Pandavas of the evil plan and sends them a miner who helps them dig a tunnel to escape. The charred corpses of a woman and her five sons mistakenly give credence to the news that the Pandavas were burnt alive. The Kauravas shed false tears for the “dead” Pandavas.
After escaping from the tragedy, the Pandavas arrive in a forest and take rest.
The Pandavas stay in the city of Ekchakra in the guise of Brahmins. Kunti and Bheem learn of a cruel and terribly strong rakshasa named Bakasur who was harassing the people. Bheem sets out to eliminate this rakshasa. A great fight ensues and Bheem kills him. Not wanting to be recognized by the citizens of Ekchakra, the Pandavas leave the Brahmin’s house unnoticed and proceed on their journey, waiting for better days to come.
The Pandavas journey through the forest and learn about Draupadi the daughter of King Drupad. At Droupadi's royal wedding ceremony many warrior princes were invited to attend. The candidate for the hand of the princess was required to string a mighty steel bow and shoot a steel arrow. Many noted princes rise and try in vain to string the bow. Then a youth arises from among the group of Brahmins and advances towards the bow. It is Arjun in the guise of a Brahmin. Om Shri Krishna recognizes him. Arjun easily lifts the bow and strings it.
Without pause or hesitation Arjun shoots his arrow into the target. He wins Draupadi's hand in marriage. The princes are loud with anger. "How can a Brahmin marry a princess?" they demand. A fight seems imminent. Shri Krishna seeks to appease the princes and Arjun and Bheem protect Draupadi. At long lost they take Draupadi to their temporary abode. Kunti unknowingly asks the five Pandava brothers to share their bride prize. Also, Shri Krishna meets his aunt Kunti and his cousins. Meanwhile Dhrishtadyumna, who had followed them, reports back and reveals the true identities of Pandava brothers.
Duryodhan and Shakuni are furious when they learn that the Pandava brothers are alive and that King Dhritrashtra has sent Vidur to call them back to Hastinapur. Karna, as usual, is ready to fight them, but Shakuni realizes that with King Drupad and Krishna on the side of the Pandavas it would be difficult to defeat them. Dhritrashtra consoles Duryodhan and assures him that his rights as heir apparent to the throne of Hastinapur will be fully protected. In Kampilya, King Drupad and Shri Krishna advise Yudhishthir to fight for his right to the throne of Hastinapur. Just then Vidur arrives and tells the Pandava brothers that they have been invited back to Hastinapur along with their bride.
The Pandavas and Draupadi return to Hastinapur. Dhritrashtra conceals his disappointment and orders everyone to welcome them. Determined to establish peace between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Bheeshma suggests giving half the kingdom to Yudhishthir. Dhritrashtra agrees to his suggestion. Krishna and Balram, also give their consent and it is decided that Yudhishthir’s coronation as King of Khandavprastha be held in Hastinapur.
The decision to partition the Kingdom of Hastinapur between the Kauravas and the Pandavas is not liked by the Pandavas, but Krishna consoles them and tells them that Khandavprastha is their Karmabhoomi (field of action) Gandhari feels that a partition of a country can never be a solution to the rivalry. Bheeshma feels that there is no other option.
Yudhishthir is coronated with great celebration. Dhritarashtra bids Yudhishthir farewell with these words, "My brother Pandu made this Kingom prosperous. May you prove a worthy heir to his renown! May you conquer the entire world! May you perform the Rajsuya Yagna and may you live long and rule as a just King as your forfathers did before you!" Ydhishthir knew that the land he was to rule was a barren wasteland, but he agreed to accept this injustice because he wanted peace. The Pandavas reach Khandavprastha, and with the help of Krishna and Balram, they renovate the ruined city. They plough the land and rename it Indraprastha.
The Pandavas were happy in Indraprastha. To avoid rivalry amongst themselves, they had come to a decision to have Draupati divide her time equally between the five brothers. When she was alone with one of them and if any other brother should intrude on their privacy, he must go on a pilgrimage to do penance. Once while helping a Brahim, Arjun had to violate the rule and had to go on a pilgrimage. Arjun visited Naglok and Manlur, and there he married Ullipi and Chitrangandha. Duryodhan asks Balram for his sister Subhadra’s hand in marriage and Balram promises to plead his case with his parents. Meanwhile, Arjun reaches Dwarika and he feel in love with Subhadra. And, Subhadra reciprocates his love. Before any decision can be made, Krishna helps Arjun to elope with Subhadra. Balram is furious and wants to send his army to capture Arjun, but Krishna convinces him that Subhadra had gone with Arjun on her own accord.
Arjun and Subhadra arrive at Dwarika and are formally married. Arjun later returns to Indraprastha with Subhadra. Draupadi welcomes Subhadra. Yudhishthir seeks Sri Krishna’s advice on performing the Rajsuya Yagna. Krishna approves but explains that Jarasandh, who has imprisoned 86 Kings, would be a constant challenge to Yudhishthir’s Royal Supremacy. Arjun, Bheem, and Sri Krishna eventually go to Magadh and challenge Jarasandh for a combat. Jarasandh chooses to fight with Bheem.
Bheem and Jarasandh are so equally matched in strength that they fight for nearly fourteen days without rest. When Jarasandh finally shows signs of exhaustion, Krishna prompts Bheem to bring an end to him. After Jarasandh had been destroyed, Jarasandh’s son was crowned King of Magadh.
Yudhishthir decides to perform the Rajsuya Yagna. The first honor is rendered to Sri Krishna. Shishupal, the King of Chedi, ask, “ When there are so many Kings gathered in this assembly, why should the first honor be paid to Krishna – a cowherd boy and the son of a servant of Ugrasena?” Krishna warns Shishupal but Shishupal does not pay any heed so Sri Krishna kills him. The Rajsuya Yagna is celebrated and Yudhishthir is recognized as an Emperor.
Duryodhan is unhappy about the prosperity of the Pandavs, Shakuni consoles him and later loses in a game of dice to Yudishthir. Duryodhan walks around Yudhishthir's 'Maya Mahal" and falls into one of the pools. Draupadi calls him the "blind son of a blind father." Duryodhan, Kama and Shakuni plan to avenge Draupadi for her taunting remarks. Shakuni suggests that Yudhishthir be invited to Hastinapur for a game of dice.
Dhritarashtra orders Vidur to go to Indraprastha and to invite Yudhishthir to Hastinapur to play dice with Duryodhan. The Pandavs arrive in Hastinapur and pay their respects to the King. Dhritarashtra announces that the game will be played in the special assmbly hall.
Duryodhan suggests that Shakuni cast the dice for him. Yudhishthir loses his entire Kingdom, his brothers, himself and Draupadi. Duryodhan insists that Draupadi be fetched to the assembly hall and orders Prathkami to bring her. Draupadi replies angrily, "Ask him who played the game of dice with Duryodhan, whether he first lost himself or his wife? Bring me his answer and then you can take me away!"
Enraged, Duryodhan asks his brother Dushasan to bring Draupadi to the assembly hall. Dushasan drags Draupadi to the hall and tries to disrobe her but a miracle occurs. Bheem swears to avenge the wrong doing, while Draupadi rises to curse the Kauravs. Gandhari pleads with Draupadi to stop.
Gandhari warns Dhritarashtra that the attempt to disrobe Draupadi would cause the destruction of his lineage. Dhritarashtra gives everything back to the Pandavs. Arjun swears that the Pandavs want the dead bodies of Duryodhan, Dushasan and Shakuni to avenge the injury. Bheeshma says, "Don't forget Yudhishthir's role. Isn't he responsible for what has happened as well?" and adds, "Go back to Indraprastha and ponder over the incident with a cool head."
Duryodhan threatens to wage war against the Pandavs. When Dhritrashtra forbids him from war, Duryodhan secures Dhritrashtra's approval to entice Yudhishthir to another game of dice. Yudhishthir accepts the challenge but is once again defeated. The Pandavs are to spend the next 12 years in exile and the 13th year incognito.
The departure of the Pandavas upset Bheeshama, Vidur, Drona and the other elders of the Royal House of Kurus. Vidur advises Dhritarashtra to summon them back. Dhritarashtra rebukes Vidur, so Vidur leaves. After spending thirteen days in the forest, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev are ready to wage a war against Hastinapur. Yudhishthir refuses to wage war and decides to spend the full thirteen years in exile as his punishment for being reckless in gambling
