#Mahabharat stories

[jeevanjali]

Mahabharat: दुर्योधन ने अज्ञातवास में कैसे लगाया पांडवो का पता, जानें पूरी कथाMahabharat: अज्ञातवास का अर्थ है बिना किसी के द्वारा जाने गए किसी अपरिचित स्थान में रहना महाभारत कथा के अनुसार द्यूत में पराजित होने पर पांडवों को भी 12 वर्ष जंगल में तथा तेरहवाँ वर्ष अज्ञातवास में बिताना था

[blackknight-100]

It'll never stop being funny to me how Indra's status and power level changes throughout the different texts because initially, you have this absolute badass God-King who defeats a giant monster and gets together with his wife and holds court in heaven. Next the Ramayana rolls up and he is set as a benchmark for battle-skill: Meghnad, as the warrior who defeated him, is an absolute powerhouse who nearly kills both Rama and Lakshmana (and one of those two is a god). In fact, depending on the version, Rama and Lakshmana only survive by semi-divine intervention (Garuda and Hanumana). It is a story about how Lakshmana, an exiled third prince, kills the man who defeated the King of Gods, thereby proving the victory of good over evil et cetera... et cetera... You know the drill.

And then, you have the Mahabharata. Where Krishna, then a young boy, protects an entire settlement from Indra's rage. Which... you know what, fine, he too is a god.

But then, Arjuna defeats Indra, who is his father. Arjuna, who presumably upset the audience a few moments ago after he just burned a whole forest with everyone (including children) in it to supposedly satisfy Agni.

Then, Indra shows up to Karna's doorstep begging for his armour, and Karna who had previously angered the audience by calling Draupadi a harlot gets to demand things from the king of the gods.

See the pattern?

Also they have that absolute disaster of a ceremony and their city is called Indraprashtha.

Like come on, at this point you're just using Indra as the bonus +500 point in games to get your favourites in the audience's good books after they messed up.

[theramblergal]

A random thought on accessibility in the Mahabharata fandom. I know a lot of us like to say that the BORI CE is the ultimate version against which all fanfiction/ideas/thoughts measure up to.

But then again, it's a 6000 page document. It's 1.8 million words.

If you can find the time and patience to read through such a long document, kudos to you.

But if you can't, it's okay. Sure, the BORI is the golden standard, but it's not the end-all, be-all. The Mahabharata is more than just itihaasa, it is the culture of us Indians. It is a tale from which we are meant to taken inspiration, interpret it and apply them in our lives.

It's okay if your interpretation doesn't match up with what the original characters are. (And it might be controversial for me to say it, but I feel like it has to be said.) So much time has passed that we are never truly going to know what these characters were originally like.

Besides, one of the main qualities of literature is critical reading. Everyone's viewpoint differs; the way you read one person's actions might not be the same as another's. That's what makes it so appealing.

It's okay if you haven't read the original texts. Just as it's okay if you have, and believe the original interpretations are true to you.

[stxrrynxghts]

Ever since he was a child, Abhimanyu has seen the way his uncle looks at his wives. And he has never understood that look. Ever.

Krishna looks at his wives as if they are his entire world. As if they are the light in his eyes, the blood flowing in his veins, the air he was breathing.

As if their existence kept him alive.

Once, he does ask Mama Krishna about it. Abhimanyu remembers Krishna staring down at him, a smile spreading across his features, as he ruffles his hair.

"Why, Abhi, you will understand when you get older." Is the cheeky answer he gets in return.

Now, Abhimanyu has turned nineteen, almost a man, yet he doesn't understand. He doesn't understand how someone can treat their wife as if she is their goddess, the source of their being. Honestly, it is beyond his comprehension.

And the women are no less either. They treat their husbands with affection and love that is beyond Abhimanyu's comprehension. He hasn't understood any of this ever, and he doesn't think he will.

He meets Uttara, and finally, Krishna Mama's words uttered a decade ago finally start making sense.

[heisen-heimer]

Ok hear me out:

A Mahabharat anime would slap so hard

[thevachak]

The Divine can't be confined in a classroom with limited concepts. In doing so, it makes a society full of slaves and leaves a room very narrow for innovators and creators to find their way out and shine their light on the world. To express "The Achintyam" one must find it in his heart. That, which is conceptless and unknown, speaks to everyone in his own image. That is You!!!

- Varun Goyal

[sofiamerliah]

Where Doubts Fade and Love Awakens...

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape, the camp was alive with activity. Soldiers of Krishna’s army, a formidable force of five thousand, moved with purpose as they set up their temporary home along the banks of the Narmada River. The sounds of laughter mingled with commands and the rustling of canvas as tents were erected, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Krishna, ever the leader, oversaw the arrangement, his presence reassuring to the soldiers and his companions. Balram and Satyaki helped direct the men, ensuring that everything was in order. The scent of fresh earth mixed with the aroma of food being prepared, as some of the cooks worked to provide a hearty meal for the weary travelers.

Amid the organized chaos, Rukmini stood near the river, watching the scene unfold. She felt a sense of wonder at the strength and camaraderie of the army. The tents—sturdy and colorful—were quickly assembled, creating a small village under the sprawling night sky. She saw the maids and servants worked diligently to arrange her tent, ensuring she would be comfortable for the night.

“Over there, near the water,” Balram directed one of the maids, pointing to a spot with a lovely view of the river. “It would be perfect for Rukmini's tent.”

“Yes, my Lord,” the maid replied, scurrying off to follow her instructions.

As the tents were finally secured, Balram approached Rukmini, his expression warm and welcoming. “You’ve arrived at our humble camp, Princess Rukmini. How do you find it?”

“It’s beautiful,” she replied, glancing around. The flickering firelight illuminated the faces of the soldiers, their camaraderie and laughter filling the air with warmth. “Your army has done well.”

“Only the best for my little sister” Balram said, a teasing lilt in his voice. He gestured toward the river. “We’ll have a grand feast tonight. Our cooks have promised delicacies fit for royalty.”

Rukmini smiled, her heart lightening. “I look forward to it. But I must say, I’m still trying to process the day’s events.”

Sensing her need for comfort, Balram said putting his hand on her head, “Rukmini, you’ve shown great courage today. Tomorrow, we will set out for Dwarka, but tonight, let us enjoy the company around us.”

Rukmini found herself relaxing. She nodded. Balram smiled at her and left for another spot to arrange things.

As the last rays of sunlight faded into twilight, Rukmini felt the warmth of Balram's camaraderie linger in her heart, yet an ache of uncertainty pulled at her. She excused herself from the laughter and chatter of the camp, seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle. With each step toward the riverbank, the sound of laughter faded, replaced by the soothing whispers of the flowing water.

Krishna, who was with his horses saw her leaving.

Finding a secluded spot under the sprawling branches of a nearby tree, Rukmini settled down at the edge of the Narmada River. The gentle waves lapped against the shore, creating a rhythmic melody that both calmed and stirred her emotions. She gazed into the water, watching the reflections dance like flickering stars.

Her thoughts drifted back to the day’s events—the moment Krishna had grasped her hand, his fingers warm and reassuring. The image of him fighting against her brother Rukmi, then thrashing away Jarasandh's formidable army flooded her mind, his valor and strength shining brightly in her memory. He had come for her, risking everything to rescue her, but as she reflected, a doubt crept in.

Did he act out of love for her, or was it simply his duty as a warrior to honor her plea? The letter she had sent him, filled with desperation and hope, replayed in her mind. Had he felt compelled by some noble obligation rather than genuine affection? The thought twisted her heart, and she drew her knees to her chest, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle over her.

She loved Krishna deeply, more than she had ever imagined loving someone. His presence ignited a flame within her, yet the shadows of doubt loomed large. What if he saw her merely as a damsel in distress rather than as an equal partner? What if he didn’t love her in return?

Rukmini closed her eyes, allowing the cool breeze to brush against her skin. With each breath, she tried to silence the turmoil within her, but the questions lingered.

In the distance, she heard the sounds of the camp—the cheerful banter of soldiers, the crackling of firewood, and the laughter that echoed through the night. But here, by the river, she was alone with her thoughts, wrestling with the uncertainty of her heart.

“Rukmini,” a familiar voice broke through her reverie.

Startled, she turned to see Krishna approaching, the light of the campfire illuminating his figure against the darkening sky. He paused at the edge of the clearing, concern etched across his features as he took in her solitary state.

“Why have you come here alone?” he asked softly, stepping closer.

Rukmini swallowed hard, her heart racing at his presence. “I just needed a moment to think,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked away, not wanting him to see the turmoil in her eyes.

Krishna knelt beside her, his expression gentle yet inquisitive. “What troubles you, my princess?”

The warmth of his concern enveloped her, yet the doubts still clung to her. She hesitated, unsure if she could voice her fears. “I—” she began, but the words caught in her throat.

“Speak freely,” he encouraged, his voice soothing as the river’s flow. “You can trust me.”

Rukmini took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, the moonlight shimmering on the surface of the river like a million tiny stars. She could feel Krishna’s unwavering gaze on her, encouraging her to speak the truth that weighed heavily on her heart.

“Krishna,” she began, her voice trembling slightly, “today was a whirlwind. You fought so bravely against Jarasandh's army, and you saved me when I felt most helpless. But as I sit here, I can’t help but feel conflicted.” She paused, searching for the right words, her heart racing.

“What if you came to my rescue not out of love, but out of obligation?” Rukmini’s voice quivered, and she turned to face him, the pain in her eyes evident. “I wrote to you in desperation, praying for a savior, and you came. But was it the cry of a heart in need that drew you, or was it your warrior virtue that compelled you to act?”

Krishna listened intently, his expression calm and understanding. He made no attempt to interrupt, allowing her to unburden herself completely.

“I have loved you for so long, Krishna,” she continued, her voice growing steadier as she spoke. “Your strength, your wisdom, your laughter—they fill my heart with joy. But now, in this moment of solitude, I find myself questioning everything. What if I am just a fleeting distraction for you? What if, in your eyes, I am no more than a prize to be claimed? ”

Rukmini looked away, tears brimming in her eyes. “I fear that I might have misjudged your intentions. You saved me, yes, but what if our paths were destined to diverge again? What if I am not worthy of the love I yearn for?”

Krishna remained silent, his heart aching at her vulnerability. He understood the weight of her words, the fear that shadowed her thoughts. Rukmini was not just a princess; she was a woman caught between her dreams and the harsh reality of uncertainty.

“Every moment I have spent with you has felt like a gift,” Rukmini continued, her voice softening as she met his gaze once more. “But what if I am building castles in the air, only to have them crumble into dust? You are so much more than I ever imagined—a hero, a leader, someone who is destined for greatness, and I... I am just a girl from Vidarbh. I fear that... that I may not fit into that world of yours.”

Krishna’s heart swelled with compassion as he absorbed her words. He could sense the depth of her love and the intensity of her fears. This was not just a fleeting moment of doubt; it was a profound struggle within her heart, a reflection of her hopes and insecurities.

As Rukmini finished pouring out her heart, an unsettling silence enveloped them. Krishna remained still, his gaze fixed on the river as if searching for answers in its depths. Rukmini’s heart raced in the quiet, confusion swirling in her chest. She had bared her soul to him, and yet, he seemed distant, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Krishna stood up, his movement breaking the spell of silence. Rukmini blinked, surprise washing over her as she looked up at him. He extended his hand, palm open, inviting her to rise. “Get up,” he said, his tone gentle yet commanding.

Rukmini hesitated for a moment, puzzled by his sudden shift. She took his hand, her heart fluttering as he pulled her to her feet. “Where are we going?” she asked, curiosity mingling with uncertainty.

“Come, let’s go into the jungle for a walk,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “There’s something I need to tell you, but I fear I won’t be able to do so with so many people around us.”

Rukmini felt a mix of emotions—confusion lingered, but a spark of intrigue ignited within her. She looked back at the camp, the flickering fires illuminating the soldiers’ laughter, then turned her gaze back to Krishna. Despite her lingering doubts, she nodded. “Alright, lead the way.”

As they walked into the lush embrace of the jungle, the sounds of the camp faded behind them. The night air was cool and fragrant with the scent of earth and foliage, a soothing balm for her restless spirit. Rukmini fell into step beside him, her mind racing with questions. Why wouldn’t he address her fears directly? What could he possibly want to tell her in such secrecy?

Meanwhile, behind them, a group of soldiers started to follow, curiosity etched on their faces. But Balram, sensing their intentions, stepped forward and raised a hand to stop them. “Let the couple have their time,” he said, his voice firm yet understanding. “Rukmini doesn’t need any protection when Krishna is with her.”

The soldiers exchanged glances but soon nodded in agreement, retreating back to the camp, leaving Krishna and Rukmini to their solitude.

As they ventured deeper into the jungle, the sounds of nature enveloped them—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of night creatures, and the gentle whisper of the wind through the trees. Rukmini felt her heart begin to calm, the rhythm of the wilderness soothing her frayed nerves.

“What do you wish to tell me?” she finally asked, breaking the silence as they strolled side by side. Her voice was tentative, laced with anticipation.

Krishna glanced at her, his expression contemplative. “Patience, Rukmini. We’re almost there.”

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet anxious. The uncertainty of his earlier silence still loomed in her mind, but she felt a flicker of hope. Whatever he had to say, she sensed it was important.

After a short walk, they arrived at a small clearing bathed in the silvery light of the moon. The stars twinkled overhead, and the air was still, creating a serene atmosphere that felt far removed from the turmoil of the camp. Krishna turned to her, his expression earnest.

“Here,” he said softly, “this is better.”

Rukmini looked around, the beauty of the moment captivating her. But her heart thudded with nervous energy. “What is it that you want to share?”

Krishna took a deep breath, the weight of his thoughts evident in his posture. “Before I speak, I want you to know that I care for you deeply. Everything I have done, every decision I have made, has been with you in my heart.”

With that, he stepped closer, the intensity of his gaze locking onto hers, and Rukmini felt her pulse quicken. “Rukmini,” he continued, his voice low and intimate, “I was the one who was restless when I first heard about you from Narad Muni. After that, I couldn't sleep at night because my mind was constantly thinking about you.”

He paused, as if gathering the courage to share a part of himself that was deeply personal. “So, with my mystic powers, my soul traveled to Vidarbha, inside your palace, to see you. When you were asleep at night, I would come to you and tuck a strand of your hair behind your ear. I would constantly be looking at your sleeping face.”

Rukmini's breath caught in her throat, the warmth of his confession enveloping her like a soft embrace. The moonlight illuminated their faces, casting a magical glow around them. Krishna slowly raised his hand and gently touched her cheek, his fingers brushing against her skin with a tenderness that sent shivers down her spine.

“You can’t even imagine how much I craved to touch your face,” he continued, his voice a mere whisper now. “How much I craved to kiss your lips, how much I longed to be near you.”

A tear slipped from Rukmini’s eye, tracing a path down her cheek. She blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. “So, you didn’t get me just because you were obliged to do so?” she asked, her voice trembling with vulnerability.

Krishna smiled softly, the warmth of his gaze wrapping around her like a cocoon. “Yes, it was indeed my duty to rescue someone who asked for my help. But more than that, I rescued you because I want you… because I have been dreaming about you… because I couldn’t bear to see you become someone else’s… because I love you.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and Rukmini felt as though the world had shifted beneath her feet. She stood there, completely speechless, the weight of his declaration washing over her in waves. It was as if the stars themselves had aligned to bring them together in this moment.

Krishna stepped closer, closing the distance between them, and for a moment, they stood together, heartbeats synchronized in the tranquil night. “You are not just a dream to me, Rukmini. You are my reality. You always have been.”

As their eyes locked, Rukmini felt an undeniable connection, a thread of fate that had woven their lives together against the odds. Yet, amidst the warmth of his words, a tempest of emotions surged within her.

“If that is so,” she finally asked, her voice quivering with a mix of longing and frustration, “then why didn’t you come earlier to rescue me? Why did you make me wait for so long? Why did I have to shed my tears and doubt my destiny, believing I would be the wife of someone else whom I never loved? Why, Krishna? Why?”

Krishna’s expression shifted to one of deep empathy as he slowly held her hands tightly, anchoring her with his steady gaze. “If we were ordinary human beings, I would have taken you away long ago. But I am Dwarkadhish, and you are the Princess of Vidarbha. How could I have taken you with me without your consent? If I did that, it would be an insult to you and your integrity, and I couldn’t bear that. I was waiting for your letter. I was waiting for you to tell me to come to you. I waited for ages. And when I got your message, I didn’t hesitate. I rode here as quickly as possible.”

With those words, he cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks. “And when I saw you coming down in that white dress, my heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t take my eyes away from you.”

Rukmini felt her heart swell at his confession, overwhelmed by the sincerity that radiated from him. She searched his eyes, trying to fathom the depths of his love, but words escaped her.

Krishna continued, his voice soft but fervent, “I have been waiting for you for so long. I have been in love with you since eons—something you can hardly imagine. You can never be a temporary distraction for me, for you have always been my salvation. I love you from the deepest cores of my heart. I love you with my entire existence. I love you, my Vaidarbhi. I love you.”

The weight of his declarations settled in the space between them, and Rukmini felt tears welling in her eyes again—not from sorrow, but from the overwhelming joy of being seen and understood.

Krishna, noticing the glimmer of unshed tears still in her gaze, reached up to wipe them away with the pad of his thumb. “So, have I satisfied your query, or is there any other doubt you have about my love?” he asked softly.

Rukmini chuckled, a lightness in her heart as she sniffed, trying to regain her composure. “After this, if I ever doubt you again, then I am ready to face punishments from heaven. I apologize for this, Krishna, but I—”

She couldn’t complete her sentence, the emotions overwhelming her. Krishna, sensing her turmoil, placed a finger over her lips and said gently, “Shhh… You don’t need to apologize for this. It is your right to ask. Perhaps by this, I was able to understand just how much the most beautiful lady on earth loves me. Your letter allowed me to see myself through your eyes, and that is the loveliest thing in this world for me.”

Rukmini smiled, the warmth of his words wrapping around her like a soft blanket. Krishna cleared his throat, a hint of nervousness creeping into his demeanor. “Well… you have asked so many questions; now it’s my turn.”

“Sure, go ahead,” she replied, her heart racing in anticipation.

“O Princess of Vidarbha,” Krishna began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion, “I, Dwarkadhish Vasudev Krishna, ask for your hand in marriage. I promise to take care of you all my life and to always respect you. So, will you become my wife?”

Rukmini was stunned, her heart soaring with joy. The man she loved so deeply was proposing to her in such a tender and heartfelt manner. She felt the words bubbling up inside her, but they seemed to stick in her throat. All she could do was gaze at him, her heart bursting with happiness. She smiled at him, her heart full to bursting, and without thinking, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

It was a hug that conveyed everything she couldn’t say—a promise, a commitment, and an overwhelming love that transcended words.

Her head rested against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath her ear. Krishna was taken aback by her sudden embrace; he hadn’t expected such a bold gesture, yet warmth spread through him, filling him with a profound happiness. He wrapped his arms around her in return, pulling her closer, tracing his fingers through her hair with a tenderness that spoke of a bond deeper than words.

For a moment, time stood still. In that embrace, all doubts, fears, and uncertainties melted away. The world around them—the bustling camp, the murmuring river, the whispering trees—faded into oblivion as they found solace in each other’s presence.

Rukmini’s heart thrummed against Krishna’s, and in that sacred space, she felt safe. His strength enveloped her like a shield, and the warmth of his body banished the chill of the night air. She breathed in the scent of him—earthy and divine—and her heart swelled with gratitude.

In that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them, entwined in each other’s arms beneath the vast, starry sky.

As they held each other close, Rukmini finally whispered into his shoulder, “Yes, Krishna… a thousand times yes.”

With her words, they slowly drew back, their hands still entwined, their fingers lacing together as if they never intended to let go. Their faces were only inches apart, gazes locked with a magnetic intensity that neither could escape. Nervous yet exhilarated, they inched closer, their breaths mingling in the night air until their lips finally met in a tender, lingering kiss.

It was soft at first, a brush of warmth and promise, as if they were sealing the vows they had just spoken. Pulling back, they looked at each other, a spark igniting in their eyes. This time, they moved with confidence, leaning into a second kiss that carried more of their emotions-longing, relief, and a love that had been waiting for this moment. Krishna's lips grazed her upper lip, then her lower, and before long, their kiss deepened, a beautiful union of passion and intimacy.

Rukmini's hands tightened around him, pressing closer, as Krishna cupped her face with one hand, his other wrapping around her waist. He held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Their breaths mingled as they lost themselves in each other, the world around them fading until all that remained was the sound of their hearts beating in unison.

Meanwhile, back at the camp, Balram grew concerned as the night deepened and Krishna and Rukmini had yet to return. Tension etched on his face, he finally decided to send Satyaki to find them.

Satyaki gathered a few soldiers, and together they ventured into the forest, their torches casting shadows as they searched. After a while, Satyaki spotted Krishna and Rukmini through the trees, but what he saw brought an immediate flush of embarrassment to his face. The couple stood close, locked in a passionate embrace, completely absorbed in each other.

Satyaki quickly turned to the soldiers, who were equally flustered. One of them whispered, "Sir, I think it's best we leave them be. Disturbing Dwarkadhish now might not end well for us."

Satyaki nodded, whispering back, "Yes, I think you're right. Let's leave them... they've waited long enough for each other." And with that, he led the group back to the camp, the soldiers chuckling softly among themselves, still red-faced from what they had witnessed.

Back by the riverside, Krishna and Rukmini finally pulled away, their breaths mingling as they rested their foreheads together, chests rising and falling in harmony. Krishna smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well," he said softly, "I didn't expect my first kiss with you to be quite so... enchanting. How did you like it, Rukmini?"

Rukmini's cheeks flushed, her voice soft yet playful. "I loved it," she admitted. "I suppose now we have no excuse not to... indulge, considering we're soon to be husband and wife."

Krishna bit his lower lip, a sheepish but delighted smile lighting up his face as he looked at her with a newfound admiration. Rukmini's eyes sparkled, a hint of seduction in her smile as she mirrored his expression. He raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. "Then, how about a second round?"

Without waiting for an answer, he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close again, capturing her lips with his. Rukmini's laughter melted into the kiss as she wrapped her hands around his neck, surrendering herself to his embrace. Once more, they lost themselves in each other, the stars above witnessing their union as they shared their love under the vast, eternal sky.

--------------

My favourite scene created by me in a different way

Pictures are from Pinterest ❤️

Enjoy the Story 😁

[friend-shaped-but]

Prativindhya: I'm not bitter, I say bitterly, with a bitter expression

[aru-loves-krishnaxarjuna]

KaJu

Pt.2 -> Masterlist

A day before the departure, Arjuna recieved an unusual parcel, or rather, a gift. From the one and only Vasudev Krishna. That boy was older than him by two years, and was from the royal family of the oligarchy kingdom, Dwarka.

Arjuna opened the box, and saw atypical but adorable blue stones, along with a small letter and a peacock feather.

Hope you like the small gift, Parth!

—Vasudev Krishna

'Why did he send only me a cute yet unusual gift like this? Because none of my Bhrata have got one. And Parth? Is he referring to me? Either way, i really love the name!' Arjuna thought as he kept away the stones in a part of his dhoti, and rummaged through the seven-tiered Chakravyuha formation.

"Arju?" Came Bheem's voice. Arjuna perked up as he jumped on the twenty-one year old lad, who caught him and twirled him in the air ruffling his younger brother's hairs.

"Bhrata Bheem!" Exclaimed Arjuna cheerfully. "Let me guess, you want to eat sweets together with all our brothers and discuss plans about the war tomorrow, right?" Bheem pulled Arjuna by the shoulder and grinned wide. "You guessed right! Now come on!" Vrikodar pulled Phalgun along, who just laughed.

"Yesterday was impressive! You fought sooo well!" Nakul said excitedly.

"I think we should get to serious topics now, Nakul. We have to go to war tomorrow." Said Yudhishthir, being his usual serious self. "As me and the others were discussing, you would have to lead us in the war, Phalgun."

"I agree. Because Panchal Raj is most likely to use that formation. We will clear the way for you." Sahadev added, with a gentle smile.

_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–

It was a pretty windy day. It was still dark outside as he made his way to the stables to see his white pet horse. Arjuna had received him as a present just a few months ago; since he was a young warrior now, he could have a horse of his own. He had named him Vikramaditya — a rather fancy name for a horse. Vikram for short. Arjuna was really fond of him, and stroked and cuddled the animal as he drank water from his tub. As he headed towards the main halls, he heard raised voices coming clearly from a distance. Outside, in the main yard, Duryodhan was up bright and early before sunrise, having a full-blown argument with Drona, as many people looked on.

"But that is unfair, Acharya!"

"I am having none of it! He can not come!"

"But it will be much easier if he goes with us!"

"Then it means that you are not confident in your own skills!"

It was then that Arjuna noticed Karna standing beside Duryodhan, head lowered, jaw tightened in anger and shame. Drona hadn't initially recognised him at the ceremony, since they'd met after several years, but had known who he was the minute he'd introduced himself. Moments later, the argument was interrupted by Shakuni, who bowed before Drona. He already seemed to have something up his sleeve, like he always did.

"Respected Guru", he drawled, "Allow me to explain, if you please." He shoved Duryodhan aside and stepped in front of Drona. "I understand you do not wish to take along a man who isn't your pupil, but I assure you! You can most certainly take him along without letting him participate! You and your son are going as well, but neither of you are fighting. Similarly, you may take Angaraj with you. Let him stay back, but remember, Drupad is tough to defeat. Just in case your pupils find themselves in peril, you may send the King of Anga to their aid in an emergency. Not only would this benefit you, but also ensure that you have a second plan if your first one goes awry."

Drona hesitated. Shakuni had a point. After thinking for a few moments more, he relented. "Alright. He can come. But mind you, young man", he pointed a finger at Karna. "You can only join the battle of I order you to do so." Duryodhan and Karna nodded, looking pleased and relieved.

"What's going on?" said a boisterous voice behind Arjuna. He turned to see Bheem with Yudhishthir.

"King Karna of Anga will be joining us too." In response, Bheem scoffed and rolled his eyes. None of Arjuna's brothers took well to Karna, given that he was clearly on Duryodhan's side anyways.

As the princes arrived slowly and stood in front of their teacher, Drona addressed them. "Today is the day of the first battle of your lives. I want you all to do well. But be warned, Drupad is not an easy man to defeat, for he has the same knowledge of and training in warfare that I have imparted to all of you. It is my goal to defeat him with some of the greatest young warriors whom I have taught myself. If any of you are still a bit apprehensive about this, you are free to opt out of the Gurudakshina. Of those who choose to participate, I have faith you will not let me down."

Arjuna felt even more emboldened than before. He bit his lip, struggling to control the excitement from showing on his face. He would do it. They bade goodbye to the elders and set off. Panchal was not very far from Hastinapur, it was a journey of about nine hours on horseback and in chariot-cars. Since they had left in the early morning, they arrived in the middle of the afternoon. Panchal was comparatively smaller than Hastinapur but was blessed with picturesque landscapes worthy of portraits - sparkling lakes, long stretches of deep green meadows and rolling hills.

Without warning, the party marched into the capital of Kampilya. The citizens gathered on the street sides in astonishment and confusion, many shouted and ran out of their homes to watch what was happening. Drona and his pupils headed straight to the palace, and as they approached the gates, he addressed the royal guards in a booming voice:

"Hear, hear, guards of this gate! I hereby command you to call upon your Maharaj at this very moment! Tell him that his old friend, Drona, has finally come to fulfil his part of the bet!"

The guards had no time to protest: seeing a host of over a hundred young warriors all wielding various weapons sent them into a frenzy. They rushed inside at once, yelling out and within minutes, Drupad had come outside, a large army of soldiers in his wake.

Drona ordered the Pandavas, Karna and Ashwatthama to stand back, and sent the Kauravas inside first. All hundred and one brothers ran in like a stream of wild bulls, charging straight at Drupad, who stood back as his soldiers ran at the princes. Chaos ensued. Maces slammed into each other, arrows were shot from all ends, fearsome spears were thrown with great force and swords clashed all around. The fight continued for around twenty minutes. Karna waited eagerly, his bow ready, hoping he would be called, but Drona stood just as resolutely in front of him, watching the scene unfold.

The Pandavas and Ashwatthama stood to one side far from the huge gates, Arjuna and Ashwatthama gossiping like the old friends they were, with Nakul adding his two cents here and there between their conversation.

"Now is not the time to be talking or gossiping, Phalgun." Came Jyesht's voice, in response of which he gave a whine. "Why are you always ruining the fun!?"

The others nodded their heads and crossed their arms as Yudhishthir sweatdropped.

Drona turned to the Pandavas. "It is your turn now, Panduputro. Go." The five hadn't noticed when their literal hunded cousins came back; Duryodhan and Dushasan were the last ones to return, panting and out of breath. They were both a mess; Dushasan had a gash on his thigh and several bruises over his face; Duryodhan’s hair had become terribly untidy and dusty from having fallen several times, and he looked like he’d had the wind knocked out of him.

Bheem would have laughed at them if it wasn't for the serious matter ahead of him and his brothers. They all nodded and the five proceeded towards the gate as Drupad yelled something imperceptible at Drona again. As per the plan, Yudhishthir stayed at the gate, blocking it with his chariot; the twins stood far out on either side of him, preparing to jump on anyone who tried to attack their eldest brother or their teacher. Meanwhile, Bheem ran straight inside towards the army, clearing the path for Arjuna, who entered in his wake on Vikram. Bheem alone was enough to take a little over half of the army; he charged with full force, his mighty mace thrashing anyone who tried to stop him. Meanwhile, Arjuna started his work of breaking the Chakravyuha, while his brothers worked together to defeat all soldiers.

Arjuna repeatedly shot arrows that multiplied into hundreds at once, thus easily fending off the other half of the army. The seventeen year old rode with his head low; whenever his horse began to show signs of panic, he would rub his neck comfortingly, leading him in various directions away from any oncoming soldiers before turning round and shooting at them with impeccable aim.

Arjuna was almost near the center but that was when he saw the Panchal Raj outside the Chakravyuha. He was about to break the last layer and go but was stopped by a shout. "Return to your teacher, you insolent boy! Your Guru is as pathetic as he always was, using his students to fight this battle with me! What else can one expect from a coward? Return, I tell you! Or else you shall meet the same fate as the hundred who came before you!"

Arjuna felt his temper rising at hearing his teacher being insulted this way. He was now more determined than ever to successfully complete this task. He shot arrows at Drupad, who shot back immediately. They collided and fell lifeless to the cracked, sun-scorched earth.

As the fight continued however, many of Drupad's army personnel were left in awe as they looked on; they weren't going to intervene when their King was fighting another warrior; but what had surprised them was that, despite having a positional advantage of standing up high on an elephant (compared to the Rajkumar on the ground), their King was slowly but surely losing the fight.

No one could tell the small gap of a few seconds between Arjuna taking out arrows from his quiver and him finally releasing them. His movements were nimble, agile, skilful. At one point, Arjuna shot an arrow that grazed Drupad's shoulder. The force of it caused Drupad to lose his balance and fall off the elephant.

The former jumped off his horse and ran towards him. Now was his chance to trap Drupad. However, there was a flash of light and the next moment, there were five identical men standing in front of him. Arjuna's mouth fell slightly open. Drupad had used a spell of which he had no knowledge of, one that could create illusions of himself. The five Drupads all looked at him, each with a smug expression on his face, inviting him to capture one of them. There was no way he could tell the real Drupad apart.

And suddenly as one of the Drupad's slashed st him, he dodged at the last minute but the stone he had kept had fallen down.

Five pairs of eyes. The eyes. The eyes on the bluish pebbles…

And then it struck him. It was so sudden that for a moment he thought it was madness to believe it. But could it be? There was a tiny chance it was true. He stole a glance at the eyes of each Drupad. The man on the far left end was looking straight at the man to his own left. The three men from the right were also looking at the man to their right. All as if trying to imitate him. The man in question was staring right at Arjuna.

Then he knew. In a flash, he shot an arrow at the man standing second from the left. It transformed into ropes, which bound themselves around Drupad. The king let out a yell of surprise and stumbled backwards, as the remaining four illusions disappeared. Arjuna too let out an exclamation of triumph, "So there you are!" He couldn’t help but laugh. "You should have instructed your impostors not to make it so obvious that they were trying to copy you."

When Drupad was brought before Drona, he was fuming, humiliated at being defeated by a young boy. Drona was beaming yet again, both at Drupad's defeat and at his favourite student. The teacher and the king began a heated discussion, in which Drona agreed to let Drupad go if the latter gave him half his kingdom (as he had apparently promised to do several years ago before going back on his word). The raging king had to give in in order to be set free.

The Kauravas were sullen and grumpy at their inability to perform well, and at being outshined by their five cousins once again. Karna was dejected as he hadn't had a chance to take part, uet couldn't help but admire the younger archer. Bheem was elated as Drona praised him for his might and strength. Arjuna, Yudhishthir, Nakul and Sahadev each received hugs from Drona for their persistence and endeavours.

Though he was certainly happy at having successfully completed the Gurudakshina task, Arjuna's mind was far from praise and glory at the moment.

All he could think about were the five pebbles Krishna had sent him.

┏━━━━•❅•°•❈•°•❅•━━━•❅•°•❈•°•❅•━━━━┓

❍               ❍                ❍

┗━━━━•❅•°•❈•°•❅•━━━•❅•°•❈•°•❅•━━━━┛

Yudhishthir was crowned Yuvraj and Duryodhan wasn't able to swallow it down his evil throat. And that was again when Shakuni jumped in. They had planned about how they were going to burn the Pandavas alive and even convinced Raaj Maata Kunti, and Karna, still harboring Dharma in his mind, didn't take well to it. He excused himself. "Mitra, I am going to take some fresh air outside. I- I will meet up with you later on." And walked away without even waiting for Duryodhan's response.

As he walked down the corridors, Karna saw lotuses floating on the water of the fountains and remembered the Raaj Maata's face. He smiled as he took one and peoceeded towards the Queen Mother's room as it was the last time he would see her again.

Arjuna was the first one to arrive at his Kunti Maa's room, jumping all his way excitedly like the adorable child he was, because she had called them to talk and discuss about going to Varnavrat. As he reached outside door of her kaksh, he didn't notice Angaraj Karna behind him because he was coming from the other way and was almost there when they both heard voices and their conversation and it shocked them to the core.

Some lines have been taken from SuaveBlackSwan's book 'Mahabharata — a retelling' as well as inspired from my pyaari si Jiji @bharatiya-naari-sab-pe-bhaari :)

[hinsaa-paramo-dharma]

There are people who hate Bhisma Pitamah?

THE BHISMA PITAMAH???

[an-absolute-nightmare]

mahabharat (2013) was actaully a really beautiful, really well written, directed and acted serial and honestly i'm kinda wishing there was a fandom around it

[stxrrynxghts]

Abhimanyu, In my world

(Or, in which Shyama gives the version of Abhimanyu, present in her literary works).

Abhimanyu is the youngest of his family. He is the youngest out of Arjun's four sons, the youngest out of all of his cousins from both sides, and he is clearly, the pampered baby.

Abhimanyu resembles Subhadra in looks, but in one look, you can see who is his father.

Abhimanyu is seven years old when Arjun goes into exile, and has faint memories of his father. He is not taken to meet him in the forest, as both Krishna and Subhadra know that if he goes once, he will not leave Arjun again.

His favorite cousin is Pradyumna, who has cherished and loved Abhimanyu, perhaps far more than he did with Aniruddha.

Abhimanyu likes the idea of marriage, but refuses to say it. After all, who will want to marry a prince without a kingdom?

He does not know who his favorite uncle is, but it is definitely either Krishna or Balarama.

He is very tall, in today's standards, nearing 6 feet, but he is still somewhat small in front of his father.

Abhimanyu likes to write poetry once in a while.

He is very rich, as he participated in many competitions and won, his allowance is the highest amongst all the Yadava Princes, and he received so many gifts on his marriage.

Abhimanyu is generally very sweet and understanding, but he is also short tempered.

Speaking of tempers, his name literally means "extremely wrathful".

Abhimanyu was born in the Ashwini Nakshatra.

He loves his father, and paternal side of the family, but he does not know how to interact with them, except with the Upapandavas.

He got drunk first time at sixteen, in Panchal, when Shatanika snuck in wine from Dhrishtadyumna's special stash.

Abhimanyu has always been drawn to wheels and concentric figures, ever since childhood.

If you asked him who he loves the most in the world, he would take his mother's name in a heartbeat.

Abhimanyu was not interested in marrying Uttara, in the beginning, until he met her.

There was a gap of six months between the wedding and his arrival in Matsya, as the preparations were taking too long. Abhimanyu got familiar with his future wife in this time.

He falls in love with his wife rather quickly, except both of them are rather oblivious to it.

He loves to tease and prank Uttara, who gets easily manipulated.

Abhimanyu is a romantic husband, and showers his love in any way he can.

He is scared of parenthood, secretly.

The only thing he fears, is fear itself, the fear of disappointing others.

Abhimanyu always wears certain ornaments, like the silver sapphire ring his wife gave him, or the earrings his mother had gifted him, or the armband on his left bicep which belonged to his father.

He loves the color blue, and all of it's shades a lot.

Abhimanyu has tiny scars on his fingers and palms, due to archery practice.

If there is something that he never learnt, it is never giving up.

His temperament is a lot like his father's, except Abhimanyu inherited the temper of his uncles Bhima and Balarama.

When Uttara requests him to not join the war, he is tempted to do so, and then Abhimanyu remembers his father's belief over him.

Uttar's death traumatizes him more than anything.

He does not sleep on the night of the 12th day, no, he writes letters, to Pradyumna, to Balarama, to Arjun, to Subhadra, to his wife, and to his unborn child. He spends the whole night writing letters enough to last years. Krishna, Abhimanyu decides strangely, needs no sort of reassurances or letters, in case something happens, does he?

[fanfictionroxs]

Adirath (& Radha ma) when he's angry at his son: I should have left you in Ganga!

Karn:

[thevachak]

"It is unbefitting that you should think us inferior just because we are jackals, for: 'Silk comes out of the worm, Gold out of the rocks, The lotus from filth, Fire from a piece of wood, And the gem from the hood of the cobra.' -"So, too," continued Damanaka, "virtue can come out of people humbly born." Said Pingalaka, "It makes no difference whether you are high or low, you are the son of my former minister, so if you have anything to say, say it without hesitation." "Master! " said Damanaka. "Indeed I have something to say." "Well then," said Pingalaka, "tell me." "But, I must tell you in confidenc¢," said Damanaka, for : 'Whatever is heard by six ears Can never remain a secret'., And so a wise man should not allow his secrets to reach six ears.' "

[ragsweas]

As a society, we do not talk enough about reincarnation.

I was raised a Hindu, so from an early age I understood that I had a previous life and will have a life after this. As a child I had dreams I could not explain. I joked and played with this idea well into my teens, because it was so cool.

When my Grandfather and Aunt died, I was sure they were going to be born somewhere else and would be fine.

My 10th grade English teacher said she has never bene to a nearby major city because she too has had dreams as a child and a student of hers saw someone looking remarkably like her somewhere there and she is afraid to confront this.

As a writer and a reader, the ideas around reincarnation are so amazing. One of the main epics I grew up hearing, the Mahabharata has multiple reincrantaion plots, filled with punishment and revenge.

While different strands of philosophy and existentialism question everything, there is something so beaitiful about the idea of reincarnation. The idea that there won't be a you, but there would be a party of something. That you have been arpund forever, and will be forever and its okay.

We do not have enough stories and songs about reincarantion and honestly, we need it.

Guys, Reincarantion!!!!

[just2bubbly]

fuck whatever people think love is but nothing compares to the dedication Gandhari had while putting on the blindfold after her marriage to Dridhirashtra to accompany him in his blindness