The Mahabharata is the world's longest epic poem, traditionally told by the sage Vyasa. At its heart is a bitter family feud. Two sets of royal cousins, the five virtuous Pandava brothers and the hundred ambitious Kaurava brothers, vied for control of the kingdom. The Pandavas were led by the eldest, Yudhishthira. But the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, son of the reigning blind king, grew intensely jealous. Duryodhana believed the throne was his by right, despite Yudhishthira being the older cousin. This rivalry, simmering since their childhood, was about to escalate into a conflict that would consume their entire world, all starting with a supposedly friendly game.
The Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is the world's longest epic poem, chronicling a devastating war between two families of royal cousins, the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Chapter 1
The Two Families
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. According to legend, he dictated the epic's 100,000 verses to the elephant-headed god Ganesha, who agreed to write it all down using his broken tusk as a pen.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata. It's a conversation between the prince Arjuna and his guide Krishna on the eve of a great war, discussing duty, action, and the path to spiritual liberation.
Did the Pandavas win the war?
Yes, the Pandavas won the 18-day Kurukshetra War, but at a terrible price. Almost all the warriors on both sides were killed, and the victory was a somber one. After the war, their eldest brother Yudhishthira ruled for 36 years before they all renounced their kingdom.
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