The Short Mahabharata: Vaisampayana’s Tale of the Pandavas and the Kurus

Shaunaka Rishi, deeply moved by the tale of Astika, expressed his curiosity to Sauti regarding the activities of the sages during the intervals of the snake sacrifice. Sauti explained that during these breaks, the learned sages would recite ancient tales of wisdom and valor. Among these stories, the ones narrated by Rishi Vyasa and his disciple Vaisampayana were considered the most profound and captivating. Their tales, filled with deep lessons, were eagerly absorbed by all those present. Vaisampayana first narrated it as a short Mahabharata story.

King Janamejaya’s Curiosity

During one of these intervals, King Janamejaya, the chief patron of the snake sacrifice, approached Rishi Vyasa with a question that had been troubling him. He wished to learn more about his illustrious ancestors, the Kurus and the Pandavas. Janamejaya, aware of Vyasa’s unique position as an eyewitness to their lives and battles, sought to understand the roots of their conflict. He wanted to know why these mighty clans, bound by blood and family, ended up waging a devastating war. Moreover, Janamejaya hoped to glean lessons from their history to rule his kingdom justly and avoid their mistakes.

Vyasa, seeing the eagerness and sincerity in the young king’s eyes, entrusted his disciple Vaisampayana with the task of recounting the tale. Having been taught the Mahabharata by Vyasa himself, Vaisampayana was well-versed in its intricacies and moral lessons.

The Story of the Pandavas and Kurus Begins

Vaisampayana began narrating the short Mahabharata with the return of the Pandavas to Hastinapur following the untimely demise of their father, King Pandu. The Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—quickly became beloved in Hastinapur for their exceptional qualities. Their strength, intelligence, and charisma made them popular among the citizens, but this popularity incited jealousy in their cousins, the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana.

Early Schemes of Duryodhana

Duryodhana, influenced by his scheming uncle Shakuni, sought to eliminate the Pandavas and secure his undisputed claim to the throne. His first plot involved poisoning Bhima. However, Bhima’s immense physical strength allowed him to survive the poison. Not one to give up, Duryodhana attempted to drown Bhima in the Ganga. Even there, Bhima’s fate turned in his favor; the venomous snakes in the river bit him, but their venom counteracted the poison in his body, reviving him with renewed vigor.

The Wisdom of Vidura

Throughout these events, the Pandavas had a steadfast ally in Vidura, the wise and just minister of Hastinapur. Vidura’s foresight and advice repeatedly thwarted the devious plans of Duryodhana and Shakuni. It was Vidura who later warned the Pandavas about the most sinister plot of all—the house of lac.

The House of Lac: A Deadly Trap

Under the guise of honoring the Pandavas, Duryodhana and Dhritarashtra sent them to Varanavata to reside in a grand house. Unbeknownst to the Pandavas, the house was built with lac and other inflammable materials, intended to burn them alive. However, Vidhura, ever vigilant, cautioned the Pandavas about the danger.

The Pandavas’ Escape

For an entire year, the Pandavas lived cautiously in the house, secretly digging an underground tunnel. When the tunnel was complete, they set the house ablaze, ensuring their captor, Purochana, perished in the flames. Escaping through the tunnel, the Pandavas embarked on a perilous journey through the wilderness.

Adventures During Exile

Encounter with Hidimba and Vaka

In the forest, the Pandavas faced numerous challenges. Bhima’s strength proved invaluable when he defeated the Rakshasa Hidimba. This encounter led to his marriage to Hidimbi, and the birth of their son, Ghatotkacha, who would later play a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war. The Pandavas also encountered and defeated Vaka, a man-eating Rakshasa who terrorized the villagers of Ekachakra.

Life in Ekachakra

The Pandavas settled in Ekachakra for a time, living disguised as Brahmacharis. Here, they prepared for the next phase of their journey, often reflecting on their trials and learning valuable lessons in resilience and unity.

Draupadi’s Swayamvara

News of Draupadi’s swayamvara in Panchala reached the Pandavas. Arjuna, disguised as a Brahmin, demonstrated his unparalleled archery skills and won Draupadi’s hand in marriage. In a unique turn of events, Draupadi became the wife of all five brothers, symbolizing their unity and shared destiny.

The Rise of Indraprastha

Upon returning to Hastinapur, the Pandavas negotiated a division of the kingdom. They were granted the barren land of Khandavaprastha. With their determination and Krishna’s guidance, they transformed it into the magnificent city of Indraprastha. Their influence grew as they subjugated neighboring kingdoms through diplomacy and strength.

Arjuna’s Exile and New Alliances

During a brief exile, Arjuna married Subhadra, Krishna’s sister, further strengthening the Pandavas’ alliance with the Yadavas. Together, Arjuna and Krishna assisted Agni in consuming the Khandava forest, earning celestial weapons and a divine chariot. The Asura architect Maya, grateful to Arjuna for saving him, constructed a celestial palace for the Pandavas, renowned for its grandeur.

The Game of Dice

Duryodhana’s jealousy reached its peak when he invited Yudhishthira to a game of dice. With Shakuni’s cunning, the Pandavas lost their wealth, kingdom, and freedom. They were forced into a 12-year exile, followed by a year of concealment.

The Kurukshetra War

At the end of their exile, the Pandavas demanded their rightful kingdom, but Duryodhana refused. This led to the Kurukshetra war, a monumental battle that saw the annihilation of the Kuru dynasty. Guided by Krishna and their unwavering adherence to dharma, the Pandavas emerged victorious.

Short Mahabharata Conclusion

Vaisampayana concluded the narration of short Mahabharata by highlighting the stark contrast between the Kurus and the Pandavas. While the Kurus were driven by envy, greed, and deceit, the Pandavas upheld virtue, unity, and resilience. Their journey, filled with trials and triumphs, served as a testament to the power of dharma and the eventual triumph of good over evil.

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