Who is Bhishma ?

Facts About Maharathi Bhishma

When it comes to Mahabharat, there will be hardly anyone of the Hindu religion who would have not heard about the epic.  However, there are many things in this scripture that are neither told to anyone, and also people have not paid any attention to it. This epic is filled with innumerable interesting facts.

In the Shastras, Mahabharat is also known as the fifth Veda. The writer of this epic is Ved Vyas. Today we will tell you about that secret of Mahabharat you would have never heard or thought of.

Today we will tell you why and how Bhishma Pitamah had sacrificed himself.

On January 14 every year after the sunset at 7.08 pm, Sagittarius enters Capricorn. Due to parva kal and moksha kal, lakhs of people celebrated this day as Makar Sankrant.
http://shubhamambani.blogspot.com/
However, on the same day, in Uttrayan it was Gods daytime and in Dakshinayan it was night. This Uttrayan has been mentioned in Geeta as well, when Bhishma Pitamah in this moksha kal had killed himself.
When Bhishma Pitamah was struck down by Arjuna,in the Mahabharata War, he fell down from his chariot. But since the arrows had pierced his chest (gone aar-paar), he did not touch the ground, but remained lying on the bed of arrows. His head was hanging, he needed to rest it, and told Arjuna to make some provision. Arjuna immediately stuck 3 arrows beneath his head to support it. Bhishma remarked joyfully - "What a fitting pillow for a warrior like me - a pillow to match the bed !". Next he asked for water, since he was thirsty. Arjuna once, more, struck a mighty arrow right through the earth, and Ganga maiya surged up to pour cool water in the parched mouth of her beloved son. So, Bhishma Pitamah had to suffer the pangs on the 
bed of arrows in battlefield before attaining final beatitude and redemption to Vaikuntha Loka.

Is Arjun Wanted To Kill Yudhishthir ?

             Facts about Warrior Arjun 

Mahabharat is considered to be the most pious epic of Hindu religion. Shri Bhagwad is also a part of this epic. The story of Mahabharat is not only interesting, but very strange too. There are many facts about Mahabharat, which are not known to people.

All of us know that Arjun respected his elder brother, Yudhishthir, a lot.However, no one knows that Arjun wanted to kill Yudhishthir at one time.

Click on this slide show to know the full story…Arjun had picked up a weapon to kill Yudhishthir. This incident is mentioned in Karna Parva of Mahabharat. According to this incident, after the death of Guru Dronacharya, Karna was made the senapati of the Kaurava’s army. Soon after becoming the Senapati, Karna created a lot of trouble in the army of the Pandavas.
Seeing his army reducing day-by-day by the attacks of Karna and his army, Yudhishthir got angry and started to attack Karna’s army. That time Duryodhan suggested Karna to capture Yudhishthir and put him in jail. A fierce battle between Karna and Yudhishthir began. Karna with his sharp arrows injured Yudhishthir.

Seeing Yudhishthir injured, the sarathi took him away from the battle field. To capture Yudhishthir, Duryodhan and other warriors ran after him, but Nakul and Sahdev stopped them in between by attacking them. Yudhishthir was ashamed after losing from Karna.


http://shubhamambani.blogspot.com/ Nakul-Sahdev brought injured Yudhishthir to Chavani and started his treatment. When Arjun came to know about this incident, 
he became very sad and went to Krishna’s Chavani to see Yudhishthir.
Seeing Arjun and Krishna together, Yudhishthir thought that Arjun has defeated Karna by killing him and taken his revenge. Thinking so he smiled and hugged Arjun. But he soon came to know the truth.
When Yudhishthir came to know that Arjun has not killed Karna, he got very angry and started telling Arjun a lot of bad things. He asked Arjun to give away his weapons to someone else. Listening to this, Arjun got angry and picked up his weapon (sword) to kill Yudhishthir.

Krishna, however, came in between and stopped Arjun from attacking. But Arjun told Krishna 
that he had taken an oath that whoever asks him to give away his weapons, he would cut his head. He said that he is helpless to do so.

Listening to Arjun, Krishna taught him about religion and narrated him a story. Then Arjun asked Krishna to suugest a way in which his oath does not go waste and at the same time he does not have to kill Yudhishthir
Krishna suggested him that a person only lives till the time he is respected. The day he loses his respect he becomes as good as dead. Krishna asked Arjun to disrespect Yudhishthir.
Krishna told Arjun that instead of addressing him with respect, address him as if he is not your elder. It is non-religious and he will lose his respect. This disrespect will be as good as killing him.

After listening to Krishna, Arjun went up to Yudhishthir and started insulting him for various things.

However, after insulting his elder brother Yudhishthir, Arjun got very upset. He lost his cool and picked up his sword again. Krishna asked him the reason for picking his sword again. Arjun said that I have insulted my brother and as a punishment, I will cut my own head.
Krishna explained Arjun again that the punishment in hell is worse for killing oneself than for killing brother. Krishna asked him to praise himself too much as this will mean killing oneself. 

Listening to Krishna, Arjun praised himself non-stop and threw his weapons. He then touched his head to Yudhishthir’s feet and asked for forgiveness. He then got ready to go to the battle field.
Yudhishthir told Arjun that he is in trouble because of his (Yudhishthir) foolishness and therefore he does not deserve to be here. Saying so, Yudhishthir went to the forest.
However Krishna reminded Yudhishthir about Arjun’s oath and stopped from going to the forest.Yudhishthir agreed to stay and help his brothers in the war against the Kauravas.

Is Bhagavad Gita is Written By Lord Ganesha ?

Interesting Facts About Bhagavad Gita

                                     

 


1. Krishna tried to narrate the Bhagavad Gita to Duryodhana. Obviously, if Duryodhana would have been educated, then the entire war would have been averted. But, Duryodhana told Krishna that he already knows what is right and what is wrong. His argument to Krishna was that there is some internal force within him which does not allow his mind to choose what is right. That his Prakriti is not allowing him to act as per his dharma.



2. The narration of the Bhagavad Gita by Krishna was heard firsthand not only by Arjuna but also Hanuman, Sanjaya and Barbarik. Hanuman was perched on top of Arjuna’s chariot throughout the battle of Kurukshetra and Sanjaya was blessed by Veda Vyasa with divine vision in order to narrate the events of the battle to Dhritharashtra. Barbarik, son of Ghatotkach was watching it all from a hill top.



3. It is to be observed that the number 18 is constantly recurring in the Mahabharata. The word 18 in Sanskrit means Jaya and also implies Sacrifice. Another name of Mahabharata is Jaya Itivrata (Itihaas). There are 18 Parvas, 18 chapters in Geeta, Akshauhinis are 18. There are 18 people required for the sacrifice, Sabha construction to Rajasuya is 18 years, Jarasandh attacks 18 times. It is said that the size of Pandavas army in the Kurukshetra war was 7 Akshauhini , and those of Kauravas 11 akshauhinis., totaling 18. The word 18 dominates the Epic.


4. An Akshauhini, was an ancient battle formation that consisted of 21,870 chariots ; 21,870 elephants; 65,610 cavalry and 109,350 infantry. The ratio is 1 chariot : 1 elephant : 3 cavalry : 5 infantry soldiers. In each of these large number groups (65,610, etc.), the digits add up to 18.


5. Albert Einstein, started assimilating the wisdom contained in Bhagavad-Gita in the later stages of his life! He deeply regretted the fact that he should have indulged in Bhagavad-Gita in the early formation years of his life! He said “When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.” “We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.” 

6. This is the research paper done by Professor Robert W. Newcomb of the University of Maryland, USA on scientific explanation of Field Theory mentioned in Chapter 13 of Bhagavad Gita : “The Lord said: ‘Son of Kunti, this body is called “the field” and the one who knows it is “the knower of the field.” The field is interpreted in Gita as spiritual body or soul. He interpreted the body and soul via a mathematical n-dimensional vector field. It is a fascinating read. You can read it here.



7. The conversation between Krishna and Arjun is not a historical conversation, although it is presented in this world as a historical event. Because this world is a relative world, which works under the rules of space and time. Lord Krishna, Arjuna and all warriors exist eternally in their spiritual bodies. And the Mahabharata is a spiritual reality without beginning or ending. The yogis and devotees who have successfully regained their spiritual bodies through bhakti yoga practice can actually enter the spiritual universe where Mahabharata is going on. They can see all the events directly as they unfolded with their own eyes. These facts can be deduced based on the statements of GEETA itself. Bhagavad Geeta, Chapter 2, Text 12
        

       na tv evāhaṁ jātu nāsaṁ

         na tvaṁ neme janādhipāḥ

         na caiva na bhaviṣyāmaḥ

         sarve vayam ataḥ param.

This means Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be.



8. The body is temporary – soul is permanent: Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita compares the human body to a piece of cloth. A person should identify not with the body but the real Self within. One should not grieve for growing old or having a disease that cannot be cured. Just as worn out clothes are replaced by the new ones, the soul of a person acquires a new body. Identification with the Self instead of the body helps a seeker to be detached from the limitations of the human body.


9. Anger causes delusion – be calm: It is due to anger that a person becomes deluded. As soon as the delusion takes over, his mind loses the power of discrimination. Subsequently, the reasoning capabilities of a person are lost. A person, who cannot reason justly, is destined to be doomed. Thus, anger is the fundamental cause of all sorts of failures in a person’s life. It is one of the three main gates of hell, other two being greed and lust. One must try to sidetrack anger while keeping the mind at peace.



10. Be temperate in everything – avoid extremities in life: In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that a person is bound to fail in meditation if he does not strike a balance in his day to day activities. Eating too much or too less, for example, is not going to bring you any closer to God. Meditation can help a person overcome all sorrows but he must eat and sleep well, work daily and find time to enjoy recreational activities, too.

11. Wisdom becomes inaccessible due to selfish attitude – open up: Just as a mirror covered by dust does not reflect images of objects, wisdom, too, gets obscured by selfish attitude. A selfish person cannot perceive the truth as it is when tackling relationship issues in day to day life due to his nature. Whether a person wishes to gain material wealth, succeed in a profession or acquire spiritual wisdom, giving up personal agendas is absolutely necessary to wade through doubts and disappointments.



12. The Supreme Being is always with you – always: Mere acceptance of this sublime truth can transform the life of a person. It is the Supreme Being which acts through every living being. Releasing oneself from worries and all other negative emotions is easy by surrendering oneself to the almighty. Since a human being is only an instrument in the hands of God, regretting the past or fearing the future is pointless. The natural harmony of mind and soul is restored by recognizing the Omnipresent.



13. Do not abstain from ‘action’ – it doesn’t help: Running away from duties is not the way forward. Spiritual wisdom or eternal peace cannot be acquired by forsaking friends or family members. In fact, it is not even possible to refrain from activity while living in the materialistic world. It is therefore advisable to fulfill all duties with utmost dedication. Renouncing various physical actions without subduing the constantly wandering mind is useless.



14. Equanimity in Actions – be free from the expectation of the outcome: Most people end up doing a lot less than they’re capable of in their lives. It happens mostly due to the reason that they are either sedated by pleasure or pain. Every act of theirs stems from a wish to get rewards. If Steve Jobs, for example, did not just enjoy ‘working on unique designs and intuitive user experience’, he would have been far less successful. When a person is unaffected by potential success or failure, he is more likely to pour in all his energies in even small day to day actions.

15. Overcome desires – experience the stillness of mind: All thoughts, feelings and desires take birth in the mind. Looking deep within one’s own self is not possible without first stabilizing the mind. The mind can be really quite only when a person is free from the countless desires. Just as we can look at the bottom of the ocean only when there are no ripples on the surface, the secrets of mind, heart and soul can only be known when there are no desires on the surface. Stillness of mind can open doors to wisdom, peace and tranquility for anyone.


16. Do not doubt: Doubts in the self or an ‘absolute truth’ is the main reason why billions lead unhappy lives on the planet. According to Bhagavad Gita, a doubtful man cannot be at peace in this world or the next. It is important not to confuse this lesson with inquisitiveness which is an absolute necessity for a person to discover his own self. However, the habit of rejecting a philosophy, belief or truth told by a learned man is not productive at all.


17. Fear not: What is the greatest fear of humans? Death, we all know it. Lord Krishna tells his friend and devotee Arjuna not to fear death at all. Death is merely a transitional phase. Death can only come to something which is not permanent; that which is real can never die. Whether a person is an ordinary citizen, a soldier or a leader, he must not fear of losing his life, position or wealth. Relationships, wealth and all other worldly objects are just temporary; they are tools to climb the ladder and realize the Self someday. It isn’t hard to guess how beautiful life would be if there is no fear at all.


18. Why is the Bhagavad Gita called a song if it is spoken? Because it is spoken in rhyming meter called “Anushtup” and it contains 32 syllables in each verse. The general theme is in four lines of eight syllables each. In particular verses, a “Trishtup” meter is used, which contains four lines of 11 syllables each. This is used in various poignant slokas in the Gita including Chapter 2, Chapter 8, Chapter 11 etc.

19. The first English edition of the Bhagavad Gita was done in 1785 by Charles Wilkins in London, England. This was only 174 years after the translation of the King James Bible in 1611.

20. Originally written in classical Sanskrit, Bhagavad Gita is till date translated into approximately 175 languages.

21. With the translation and study of the Bhagavad Gita by Western scholars beginning in the early 18th century, the Bhagavad Gita gained a growing appreciation and popularity. According to the well-known Indian historian and writer Khushwant Singh, Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem “If—” is “the essence of the message of The Gita in English.” – Source

22. Philip Glass retold the story of Gandhi’s early development as an activist in South Africa through the text of the Gita in the opera Satyagraha (1979). The entire libretto of the opera consists of sayings from the Gita sung in the original Sanskrit. In Douglas Cuomo’s Arjuna’s dilemma, the philosophical dilemma faced by Arjuna is dramatised in operatic form with a blend of Indian and Western music styles. The 1993 Sanskrit film, Bhagavad Gita, directed by G. V. Iyer won the 1993 National Film Award for Best Film.

23. There is a Hollywood movie about a golfer and his mysterious caddy which is inspired by the Bhagavad Gita. Starring Matt Damon as R. Junuh (Arjuna) and Will Smith as Bagger Vance (Bhagavan). – Source

24. J. Robert Oppenheimer, American physicist and director of the Manhattan Project, learned Sanskrit in 1933 and read the Bhagavad Gita in the original form, citing it later as one of the most influential books to shape his philosophy of life. Upon witnessing the world’s first nuclear test in 1945, he later said he had thought of the quotation “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds”, verse 32 from chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita. – Source

25. Theories on the date of composition of the Gita vary considerably. Scholars accept dates from fifth century to second century BCE as the probable range. Professor Jeaneane Fowler, in her commentary on the Gita, considers second century BCE to be the likely date of composition. Kashi Nath Upadhyaya, a Gita scholar, on the basis of the estimated dates of Mahabharata, Brahma sutras, and other independent sources, concludes that the Bhagavad Gita was composed between fifth and fourth centuries BCE.

26.According to  the great epic Mahabharata it is true that  LordGanesha Wrote Mahabharata (bhagvat gita is in Mahabharata )But VedVyash told the shloka.

was Kurukshetra War is Holy place ?

5 Lesser Known Facts of Kurukshetra War in Mahabharata

Mahabharata’s 18 day Kurukshetra war has lots of interesting tales and stories connected with it. While, many of them is known to us, some of them still remains unfamiliar. Here, I focus on such instances and facts of Kurukshetra War.

1. Iravan Sacrificed Himself to Goddess Kali to Ensure the Victory of the Pandavas
Iravan (Also - Iravant, Iravat and Aravan), the son of Arjun and naga princess Uloopi sacrificed himself to goddess Kali to ensure the victory of his father and his team in the Kurukshetra war. He however, had a last wish – He wanted to marry a girl before he died. Now, getting a girl who knew her husband would die in few days was a tricky task. Which girl would ever marry a man to embrace widowhood?So, Lord Krishna took the form of a nubile Mohini, married Iravan and even wept like a widow after her husband Iravan died.

2. Duryodhan Approached Sahadeva to Seek Mahurat of Kurukshetra War
Sahadeva who had eaten the flesh of his father Pandu after his death could not only see past, and future but also had a great knowledge in Astrology. This is the reason why Shakuni sent Duryodhana to Sahadeva to ask the mahurat (right time) of the Mahabharat War. Sahadeva being honest had disclosed it to Duryodhan in spite knowing the fact that Duryodhan was his real enemy in the battle.Sahadeva could already see the great war coming however he could not warn his brothers because he had a curse  - The moment he would reveal the future he would die and so Lord Krishna had advised him to answer questions wrt to future only in the form of questions.

3. Krishna Supported Duryodhan By Giving Him His Entire Narayani Sena
It was Duryodhan who reached first in Dwarka to seek Krishna’s help way before Arjun came to Dwarka to seek Krishna’s help. However, when Duryodhana reached, Krishna was sleeping. So, both entered Krishna’s room while he was sleeping. Duryodhan who entered first sat besides the head of Krishna while Arjun stood next to Krishna’s feet with his hand folded.When Krishna woke up he saw Arjun first though he came only after Duryodhana. This made both of them equally deserving in the eyes of Krishna - Duryodhana since he came first and Arjuna since he was seen first. This is the reason why, Krishna submitted himself to Pandavas while he gave his entire Narayani Sena to Duryodhana.

4. Yuyutsu, was the only Kaurava who survived after the Kurukshetra War
Yuyutsu, Dhritarashtra’s son from a vyasa dasi did not war from the side of Kauravas but from Pandavas. No, not because he was always taunted by his step brother but he just like Vibhishan was destined to follow the righteous path and so just before the war he chose the side of Pandavas. He was in fact the only surviving son of Dhritarashtra, who although was a son of dasi performed the last rites of his father. He was also the guardian of Parikshit, the grandson and future king of Hastinapur.

5.Duryodhana’s Brother Vikarna Supported Pandavas But Warred Against Them
On the 14th day of Kurukshetra War, Bhim was aiding Arjun when the latter wanted to slay Jayadrath before sunset. Just then Duryodhana sent his brother Vikarna to check Bheem’s move. Vikarna followed dharma and knew the fact that with Lord Krishna on the side of Pandavas, Duryodhana would never win. But he could not forsake his elder brother Duryodhana.When Bheem saw Vikarna in his path he pleaded him to stay away reminding him how he was the sole person to defend both Draupadi and Pandavas after the game of dice. But Vikarna requested Bheem, the Vayu Putra to fight with him. Thus, Bheem who had vowed to slay the true born of Dhritarashtra killed Vikarna even though he did not intended to kill Vikarna, Duryodhan’s only true brother who followed Dharma.

WEAPONS OF MAHABARAT

THE REAL WEAPONS OF MAHABARAT

When we read the Mahabharata we could observe incredible weapons that were very powerful in magnitude frequently used in the war. The descriptions of these weapons clearly indicates an advanced science that possibly existed.  How could this be possible ? If we take up the hypothesis that these descriptions were not mere imaginations then how come such complex technology of manufacturing advanced weapons were known by those ancient people ?

This are the beat weapons of great epic mahabharat.

The weapons used in Mahabharata were a combination of ancient earthly weapons and the highly powerful and advanced futuristic weapons provided by the Aliens. Especially the various types of "Asthras" (missiles) and various types of "Dhanush" (launchers) of Mahabaratha are all provided by the Aliens. The description of these weapons clearly makes us to believe that their production requires large scale industrial infrastructure involving complex technology and development. To manufacture such advanced weapons, thousand of years of research and development should have taken place. Therefore it is conclusive that these weapons were received from the Aliens and not manufactured in this planet. Mahabharata also provides detailed descriptions of these weapons received from Aliens. From a scientific view descriptions of gods and demigods described in Mahabharatha are Aliens far more advanced  in science (in light years) than us. 

The Aliens provided the Asthras and the Manthras or passwords to Invoke it. Before launching the Athras the invoker chants a Mantra with utmost concentration. This may be some sort of telepathic communication to the provider of the weapon (Alien) or his control unit. This in turn results in a remote method invocation (as we use in software ). Then the Asthra is navigated and controlled from distant planets or galaxies.

Some Asthras returns back to the person who launches it. Eg.Karna's Nagaasthara and Krishna's Sudharsana chakra. This may be similar to the reusable missiles which the Indian Space Research Organisation is working on.

Mahabharata war - Facts and figures

MAHABHARAT FACTS

Mahabharata war - Facts and figures
War started on	6.30 AM - 22 November 3067 BC Friday
The war ended on	18th Day  ie. 9th December 3067 BC
Place of the war	Kurukshetra around 65 miles from Delhi
Size of the battlefield	It is not the present Kurukshetra covering just 80 square Kms , but a vast kingdom of King Kuru.
Number of people per Akshahuni (division)	1,09,350
Number of Akshahuni of both Pandavas and Gauravas	18
Total Number of people from Pandavas and Gauravas	19,68,300 (18 * 109350)
Number of people died	1,66,00,20000 [According to Stri parva] This needs further research as the number of casualties seems to be too large.
Number of people survived	240165
Number of people survived among Pandavas & Gauravas	7
Details of people participated from other kingdoms	Pandavas side Yuyudhana 1 Akshahuni Chief of Chedis, Dhrishtaketu etc  1 Akshahuni King of Magadha, Jayatsena 1 Akshahuni Pandya, Drupada, Virata (king of Matsya) and others 4 Akshahuni Total external troops of Pandavas 7 Akshahuni Kauravas side King bhagadatta, Chins and Kiratas 1 Akshahuni Bhurisravas, and Salya, 1 Akshahuni Kritavarman, the son of Hridika, Bhojas, Andhas and Kukuras 1 Akshahuni Jayadratha from Sindhusauvira 1 Akshahuni Sudakshina, the king of the Kambhojas with Yavanas and Sakas 1 Akshahuni Two kings of Avanti 2 Akshahuni Five royal brothers, the princes of Kekaya 1 Akshahuni King Nila of Mahishmati and others 3 Akshahuni Total external troops of Kauvravas 11 Akshahuni
Which countries, regions participated in the war ?	It was a global war, almost all the civilization that existed participated
Types of Asthras used ?	Asthras like Brahmashira, Brahmasthra, Pasupatasthra, Vaishnavasthra, Narayana Asthra, Agneyasthra, Vayavasthra, Nagasthra, Vajrasthra, Varunasthra etc

SHOKING FACTS ABOUT MAHABHARAT

SHOKING FACTS ABOUT MAHABHARAT    

1. Krishna rode a chariot that was heavily potent and once when Arjun was done with the war, Krishna asked him to get off the chariot first and then he got off. As soon as he got off, the chariot exploded in a huge fireball. That’s when he explained to Arjun why he asked him to get off the chariot first.

2. Pandu (Father of Pandavas) wished his sons must eat his flesh post death so that all the knowledge may transfer to them which he had collected after so many years. Only Sahadeva ate a piece; the moment he ate he was able to see future but stopped by God. He was a blessed astrologer.

3. Sahadeva (the youngest Pandav) knew everything about the future. He knew that a war was going to occur, but he kept silent because he was under a curse that if he revealed anything to anybody he would die.

4. Arjun’s ‘pilgrimage’ for breaking his marital laws with Draupadi earned him three more wives. They were Chitrangada (Manipura), Ulupi (Naga) and Subhadra.
http://shubhamambani.blogspot.com/ 5. Arjuna was unable to defend the wives of Krishna from common robbers after Krishna’s departure to Vaikuntha. His bow became heavy and he forgot all his mantras. The 8 main wives committed suicide. The others were kidnapped by robbers.

6. Yudhistira learnt to play dice form the Sage Vrihadaswa who narrated the story of Nala and Damayanti in their exile.

7. Bhima had one surviving son named Sarvaga by Balandhara, who was not given the throne despite being much elder to Parikshit. He became the ruler of Kashi (his mother’s land) instead.

8. Ekalavya was actually Krishna’s cousin. He was the son of Devashrava (brother of Vasudeva) who got lost in the forest and was found by a Nishada Hiranyadhanu. Ekalavya died protecting his father during Rukmini Swayamvar. He was killed by Krishna. For his great sacrifice of Gurudakshina Krishna blessed Ekalavya that he would be soon reincarnated and take revenge on Drona. This person was Dhristadyumna (who kiled Drona).

9. Krishna himself said to Arjun in Bhagwat Geeta ” O invincible one, you are Nara and I am Hari Narayana, and we, the sages Nara-Narayana, have come to this world at proper time”. (Nara Narayan are considered as the part avatars of Vishnu).

10. Mahabharata is also known as Pancham Veda, the fifth Veda.
11-20
Krishna Promise-Lesser Known Facts About Mahabharata
11. Krishna broke his promise. In the battle of Mahabharat, Lord Krishna promised that he will not pick up any weapon. On the other hand Bhishma promised Duryodhan that he will fight like a lion and will either kill Arjun or make Lord Krishna break his promise. The intense battle between Bhishma and Arjun began, but despite being extremely powerful, Arjun was no match to Bhishma. Arjun was soon helpless when Lord Krishna could not tolerate it and immediately threw down the chariot rein and jumped out of it onto the battle field and lifted one of the chariot’s wheels and charged towards Bhishma determined to kill him. Arjun tried to stop Lord Krishna, but all in vain.

12. Vidura (chief counsel of Dhritharashtra) was the incarnation of Yamaraj after being cursed by Manduk Muni to become a Sudra (the less intelligent class of men in the society) because he killed a small insect by accident.

13. Some stories indicate that Vidura was in possession of a mysterious and very powerful bow – gifted to him by Vishnu himself. The wielder of the bow would not face defeat in battle. When Krishna comes to make peace with the Kauravas – Duryodhana insults Vidura so much that Vidura decides that he will not participate in the war and in an attempt to completely fructify it, he breaks his bow in half.

14. There are different versions of the epic. eg., one version is for Deva Loka.

15. Lots of short stories including the Amrit Manthan are part of the original Mahabharata epic. Few people may know that the entire epic was narrated as a flashback at the Sarpa Yagna being conducted by Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit (Arjun’s Grandson). There are also stories which narrate why the Sarpa Yagna had to be conducted, and who were all the people acting as catalysts for the Yagna.

16. Krishna knew that Arjuna and his sister Subhadra have fallen in love. He confronted Arjuna and told him to kidnap her. When Arjuna did kidnap her, Balarama and the other Yadavas were furious. They were up in arms and were getting ready to chase Arjuna and oust him in battle. Balarama stopped the entire frenzy and exclaimed that Krishna is sitting silently. When asked, Krishna replied that I think what Arjuna has done is in accordance with Kshatriya dharma. We are indeed lucky to have him as our brother in law. That is how Arjuna got away with marrying Krishna’s sister Subhadra.

17. Krishna tried to narrate the Bhagavad Gita to Duryodhana. Obviously, if Duryodhana would have been educated, then the entire war would have been averted. But, Duryodhana told Krishna that he already knows what is right and what is wrong. His argument to Krishna was that there is some internal force within him which does not allow his mind to choose what is right. That his Prakriti is not allowing him to act as per his dharma.

18. Krishna is arguably the most difficult character to understand. Once, he even started fighting with Arjuna. Lord Shiva got so perturbed that he descended to stop the fight. He asked what Krishna was doing. Krishna’s simple reply was that Arjuna needed to fight in battle and hence Krishna was testing Arjuna.

19. Mahabharata is indeed a treasure house of knowledge. In the Vana Parvam, Draupadi teaches Patni dharma to Satyabhama. She elaborately explains the duties of a wife and the principles of a Pati-vrata.

20. The Kauravas were all mis-named because of their bad reputation. Duryodhana (which means Evil warrior) was actually Suyodhana (Good warrior), Dusshasana (means Bad ruler) was actually Sushaasana (good ruler), Dusshala (meaning one who moves badly) was actually Suchala (one who moves nicely) and so on.
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Dice Game-Lesser Known Facts About Mahabharata
21. In Mahabharata, Shakuni appears to be on the side of kauravas, but his secret intention was the downfall of both Pandavas and Kauravas. Shakuni is a devotee of Lord Krishna.

22. Draupadi was asked 3 times by Duryodhana to come to the court after her husbands lost her in dicing. Draupadi kept denying and asked Duryodhana to question Yudhistira whether he staked himself first or her first. Duryodhana asked Draupadi to question her husband in court directly. Yet Draupadi refused to come and sent the attendant back. Duryodhana lost his temper and ordered Dusshasana to bring her there at any cost.

23. After the whole incident of Draupadi vastraharan, Draupadi herself apologises to the court saying “I had been dragged here and humiliated. In all that has occured, I did not bow down to the elders of the court and the family. My apologies to them.

24. Jayadrath, who is mainly held responsible for slaying the 16 year old Abhimanyu (Arjun’s son) in the Chakravyuh, was in fact the only brother-in-law to the 101 Pandava and Kaurava brothers, married to their sister Dushala.

25. The narration of the Bhagavad Gita by Krishna was heard firsthand not only by Arjuna but also Hanuman and Sanjaya. Hanuman was perched on top of Arjuna’s chariot throughout the battle of Kurukshetra and Sanjaya was blessed by Veda Vyasa with divine vision in order to narrate the events of the battle to Dhritharashtra.




26. Iranvan- Son of Uloopi and Arjuna self-sacrificed to the goddess Kali to ensure her favor and the victory of the Pandavas in the war, with a wish to marry a girl before dying; Krishna married to him as Mohini and cried after his death like a real wife.

27. In previous life, Draupadi was the wife of Saint Moudgalya and her name was Indrasena. Due to Leprosy her husband died early and in order to satisfy her desires she prayed the Lord Shiva with great devotion. Lord Siva appeared before her and asked her what she wants. On seeing Lord Siva, she was astonished. In that confused mood, she repeatedly asked five times “I want a husband. I want a husband”. “You are blessed with five husbands but only in the next birth” said Lord Siva. This is the reason of her marriage to 5 husbands.

28. In his previous life, Dhritarashtra was a tyrant king, who one day while walking on the lake side saw a swan bird surrounded by hundred cygnets (young swans). He ordered to remove the swan bird’s eyes and kill all the hundred cygnets just for his passing fancy. Therefore, in next birth he was born blind and all his sons were killed in the war.

29. Bhishma was among the Eight Vasus (attendants to Indra) and was cursed by Sage Vsashishta for stealing his cow to get born from Ganga. Although other 7 seven vasus were drowned by Ganga just after their death , Bhishma was kept alive because of persuasion of his father Shantanu, and thus served the mortal form.

30. Kr ishna once protested to Yudhishthira that why the king of Indraprastha did not seek his assistance while playing the game of dice. If Sakuni could have played the game of dice on behalf of Duryodhana, then definitely Krishna could have played on behalf of the Pandavas.


31. Many verses of Mahabhrata composed by Vyasa were difficult for his scribe, Lord Ganesha to understand. These verses were understood by Ganesha in a split second’s break. This break allowed Vyasa to visualize the further verses. But, these verses are so difficult that 80% of them remain unsolved even today. There are 8800 such verses in the Mahabharata.

32. Satyavati (mother of Vyasa) was the daughter of a cursed apsara named Adrika.

33. Ved Vyasa was the father of Dhritrashtra, Pandu and Vidura.

34. Ved Vyasa simply wrote the history of his own sons, grandsons and great grandsons – all the while keeping himself entangled in the intricacies of the future of the kingdom of Hastinapura and yet remaining out of it.

35. Out of five Pandavas three were the sons of Kunti Yudhisthira from Yama, Bhima from Vayu and Arjuna from Indra. Other two were the sons of Pandu’s second wife and morning and evening stars-Ashwini, all sky gods were called by Kunti to plant their seed in the wombs of these two wives.

36. While in exile, the Pandavas were travelling all across the country. At one time, it so happened that they reached a forest near Dwarka. They were all resting under a tree when prominent Yadavas came to meet them. The Yadavas were raged at the condition of the Pandavas. They proclaimed that this is not how these virtuous men must suffer. Warriors like Satyaki and others insisted that they shall all go right now and destroy Duryodhana. They argued that the Pandavas were under oath to not attack, not the Yadavas. All were spirited to march to Hastinapur for war. Krishna was silent and everyone looked to him for sermon. Krishna merely pointed at Yudhishthira and said that if this man agrees, then we shall go to war. Yudhishthira folded his hands and said that you all must please leave us in our state as of now. My dharma has already been fixed. There is an understanding that myself and Duryodhana have arrived at. It is adharma to interpret it differently and fish for loopholes. I must follow my dharma.

37. In Indralok, Arjun was propositioned by Apsara Urvashi, but he used to address her as ‘mother’. Annoyed with Arjun’s rejection, Urvashi cursed him that he would become a eunuch. When lord Indra came to know about the curse, he told Arjun that this curse is going to serve as a boon during the one year stay in hiding and after spending that period, he would regain his masculinity. This proved to be significant in Mahabharat. After spending 12 years in forest, Pandavas spent the 13th year of exile in cognito, in the court of King Virat. Arjuna used his curse and lived as a eunuch named Brihannala.

38. The reason Lord Krishna supported the Pandavas in Mahabharat. Duryodhan and Arjun both went to Dwarka to meet Lord Krishna to seek his support for the war. Duryodhan was first to reach Dwarka. Satyaki informed that Krishna was asleep. Both Arjun and Duryodhan entered Krishna’s room. Duryodhan who entered the room first, sat on Krishna’s bed besides his head. Arjun went to the foot of the bed and stood there with his hands folded. When Krishna woke up he saw Arjun first. But Duryodhan said that since he came first if was only fair for Krishna to support the Kauravas. However, Krishna smiled and said that since he saw Arjun first so it would only be fair if he supported both the sides. So, on one hand was his famous Narayani army and on the other hand was he alone without any weapon.

39. Yudhisthir was very well known for his firm adherence to truth. But in the battle of Mahabharat, Drona who was Kauravas commander was killing thousands of Pandavas warriors. Krishna made a plan and told Drona that his son Ashwathama has died. The plan was set in motion when Bhishma killed an elephant named Ashwathama and loudly proclaimed that he was dead. Drone went up to Yudhithir to ask him the truth, he replied that he was not sure of who had died, his son or the elephant. Lord Krishna knew that Yudhithir won’t be able to lie, so when he was speaking the truth, Krishna made loud noise by beating the drums, which dissolved Yudhisthir’s words. Drona was disheartened and laid down his weapons. He was later killed.

40. Mahabharata war lasted 18 days.
Pandava Death Dog-Lesser Known Facts About Mahabharata

41. After Sri Kirshna’s death, Pandavas too lost their interest in life. They started their journey to heaven with a dog. All Pandavas lost their lives during the journey. Only Yudhisthir and the dog made it to heaven. That dog was Yamaraj.

42. Karna was born with Kavach and Kundala.

43. Karna’s teacher was Parshuram.

44. Karna and Bhisma never fought together because Bhisma treated Karna very lowly.

45. Of the 100 brothers of Kaurava, only Yuyusu survived the Mahabharata war.

46. Yuyusu had fought from Pandavas side.

47. Bheem killed 99 brothers of Kauravas.

48. Mahabharata war happened all because of a woman. It is believed that Draupadi addressed sons of Dhritrastra as sons of blind. This made Duryodhana to become a staunch enemy of Pandavas.

49. Drona was born in a vessel. He was sage Bharadwaj’s son.

50. Krishna forgave Shishupala 100 times before killing him.

51. Krishna’s narayani army fought from Kaurava’s side.