Translation of the original Vyasa Mahabharata
The killing of Hidimba Not far from the place where the Pandavas were asleep, a Rakshasa by name Hidimba dwelt on the Sala tree. Possessed of great energy and prowess, he was a cruel cannibal of visage that was grim in consequence of his sharp and long teeth. He was…
The killing of Jatasura Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in that best of mountains – Gandhamadana, in expectation of Arjuna’s return, when the Pandavas had grown confident and when all those Rakshasas together with Bhima’s son had departed, one day while Bhimasena was away, a Rakshasa all of a sudden…
The killing of Kirmira Dhritarashtra said: “O Vidura! I am desirous to hear of the destruction of Kirmira! Do tell me how the encounter took place between the Rakshasa and Bhimasena!” Vidura said: “Listen to the story of that feat of Bhimasena of super human achievements! I have often heard…
The Pandavas move to Dvaitavana: Markandeya’s visit and Dalbhya’s discourse After Krishna had departed, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, the twins, Krishna, and their priest, ascending costly cars unto which were yoked excellent steeds, together went into the forest. At time of going, they distributed Nishkas of gold and clothes and kine…
The Pandavas set out on their exile Defeated at dice and incensed by the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra and their counsellors, the Pandavas set out from Hastinapura. Issuing through Vardhamana gate of the city, bearing their weapons and accompanied by Draupadi, they set out in a northerly direction. Indrasena and…
The second dice game Learning that the Pandavas had been commanded by Dhritarashtra to return to their capital, Duhshasana, afflicted with grief, quickly went to his brother Duryodhana who was with his counsellors, and said: “You mighty warriors! That which we had won after so much trouble, the old man…
Vaishampayana narrates Mahabharata to Janamejaya at the snake sacrifice Sarama curses Janamejaya King Janamejaya was engaged, together with his brothers– Shrutasena, Ugrasena and Bhimasena, in a long sacrifice. The celestial dog, the son of Sarama, who entered the sacrificial ground, was beaten up by Janamejaya’s brothers. Crying in pain, the…
This story was narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) Ushinara Desirous of testing Ushinara’s merit and also of bestowing boons on him, Indra and Agni presented themselves at his sacrificial ground. Indra assuming the shape of a hawk, and Agni that…
Vasishthopakyana: The story of VasishthaThere was, in Kanyakubja, a great king of worldwide fame named Gadhi, the son of Kusika. The virtuous Gadhi had a son named Viswamitra, that grinder of foes, possessing a large army and many animals and vehicles. Viswamitra, accompanied by his ministers, used to roam in…