Translation of the original Vyasa Mahabharata
This story of Rishyashringa was narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) Rishyashringa Rishyashringa, of dreaded name, was born as a son to Vibhandaka, who was a Brahmana saint, who had cultured his soul by means of religious austerities, whose seed never…
This story is narrated by Vaishampayana to Janamejaya when the latter asks why the Fire failed to burn the Saranga birds while the Khandava forest was in such a blaze (Mahabharata, Adi Parva, Khandavadaha Parva) Sarangopakhyana: The story of Saranga birdsThere was a great Rishi known by the name of…
Saubhavadhopakhyana appears in Kairata Parva of Vana Parva of Mahabharata (Critical Edition). When Krishna visits the Pandavas in Kamyaka, after hearing about their defeat in the dice game and the subsequent exile, Yudhishthira asks him where Krishna was at the time of the dice game. Krishna replied that he was…
Savitri There was a king among the Madras, who was virtuous and highly pious. He always ministered unto the Brahmanas, and was high-souled and firm in promise. He was of subdued senses and given to sacrifices. He was the foremost of givers, and was able, and beloved by both the…
Duhshanta and Shakuntala The founder of the Paurava line was Duhshanta gifted with great energy. He was the protector of the earth bounded by the four seas. That king had full sway over four quarters of this world. He was the lord also of various regions in the midst of…
Shaunaka’s discourse When Yudhishthira was thus despaired for not being able to provide for the Brahmins who follow him because he had lost all his wealth, a learned Brahmana, Shaunaka by name, versed in self-knowledge and skilled in the Sankhya system of yoga, addressed the king, saying: “Day after day,…
This story was narrated by Vaishampayana to Janamejaya when the latter asks why Agni was suffering from indigestion, for the treatment of which he wanted to consume the Khandava forest. This story is not included in the BORI Critical Edition of Mahabharata, but appears in Khandavadaha Parva in Adi Parva…
This story was narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) “One cannot enjoy or suffer for another person’s acts.” – Lord Dharma to Somaka Somaka There was a virtuous king Somaka by name. He had one hundred wives, all suitably matched to…
This story of Sukanya is narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) Sukanya Chyavana is married to Sukanya A son was born to the great saint Bhrigu, Chyavana by name. And he, of an exceedingly resplendent form, began to practise austerities by…
Sundopasundopakhyana : The story of Sunda and UpasundaIn olden days, a mighty Daitya named Nikumbha, endued with great energy and strength was born in the race of the great Asura, Hiranyakasipu. Unto this Nikumbha, were born two sons called Sunda and Upasunda. Both of them were mighty Asuras endued with great…