Reading Notes: Mahabarata Part C

(photo of the Pandavas and Draupadi, image can be sourced here)

The Pandavas and Draupadi are exiled for 12 years after losing a match (you would think there are better ways to handle this). They are able to get by by the Surya, a God, and practicing faith.  

Arjuna has a boar attack him so in response tries to attack back when he notices it has already been struck by an arrow. The guy who shot the arrow and he argue who "owns" the boar. He obtains some weapons from the Gods after praying. Later Unvashi punishes him to live among women as an entertainer. In 5 years, he performs this entertainment curse but also learns how to use the weapons received ultimately to defeat a difficult war. In return, his father praises and rewards him.

Arjuna now has kind of separated and leads his own life. The other 4 brothers and Draupadi are still exiled despite words of encouragement and wisdom. 

Bhima finds Hanuman unknowingly while picking lotuses for Draupadi. He is happy to have found him and they share stories. They part ways but both hug each others as brothers under Vayu.

Duryodhana tries to visit the Pandavas but is not permitted to. Following this, he brings many and a war ensues with him ultimately losing. Arjuna and Bhima hear of this and force the captors to release Duryodhana. Even though there was a celebration for the Kauravas, Duryodhana still felt bitter.

A king named Jayadratha wants Draupadi but she does not reciprocate his feelings. He ends up kidnapping her in a chariot only to be saved by Bhima and Yudhishthira. The king is made into a slave. 

Nearing the end of the Pandavas' exile, they try to drink water. They need to answer questions of the yakshas. Each begins to drink without answering, dying. Yudhishthira hears the voice and answers the questions. The voice was his father, Dharma, and was able to revive his brothers. The brothers hide their identity. Draupadi once again is kidnapped but is saved by Bhima.

There is yet another battle with the Pandavas and Kauravas. Krishna tries to mediate the anger but they know as long as Duryodhana is there this can not happen. Essentially, it becomes Arjuna vs Duryodhana with people taking sides. Krishna and Kunti's sons take Arjuna's side. Karna finds out his true belongings and then vows to his mom that he won't kill anyone but will kill Arjuna if he can. He stays fighting for the Kauravas though he is kind of unsure what to think.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Title: all of Part C of the Public Domain Version of the Mahabharata
Authors: Arnold, Besant, Devee, Dutt, Ganguli, Kincaid, Macfie, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Seeger, and Tagore.

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