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Krishnavatara #1-7
Krishnavatara: Set of 7 books
English
2055
Volume I
Introduction
Who has not heard of Sri Krishna who delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita and whom the Bhagavat calls 'God Himself?
From the earliest days that my memories can go back to, Sri Krishna has been, in a sense, dominating my imagination. In my childhood, I heard his adventures with breathless amazement. Since then I have read of him, sung of him, admired him, worshipped him in a hundred temples and every year on his birthday at home. And day after day, for years and years, his message has been the strength of my life.
Unfortunately, his fascinating personality, which could be glimpsed in what may be called the original Mahabharata, has been overlaid with legends, myths, miracles and adorations for about three thousand years.
Wise and valorous, he was, loving and loved, far- seeing and yet living for the moment. gifted with sage-like detachment and yet intensely human; the diplomat. the sage and the man of action with a personality as luminous as that of a divinity.
The urge, Therefore, came upon me. time and again, to embark upon a reconstruction of his life and adventures by weaving a romance around him.
It was an impossible venture. but like hundreds of authors in all parts of India for centuries. I could not help offering him whatever little of imagination and creative power I possessed. feeble though they were.
I have called the whole work Krishnavatara, The Descent of the Lord. This, the First Part. which ends with the death of Kamsa, has b
2055
Volume I
Introduction
Who has not heard of Sri Krishna who delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita and whom the Bhagavat calls 'God Himself?
From the earliest days that my memories can go back to, Sri Krishna has been, in a sense, dominating my imagination. In my childhood, I heard his adventures with breathless amazement. Since then I have read of him, sung of him, admired him, worshipped him in a hundred temples and every year on his birthday at home. And day after day, for years and years, his message has been the strength of my life.
Unfortunately, his fascinating personality, which could be glimpsed in what may be called the original Mahabharata, has been overlaid with legends, myths, miracles and adorations for about three thousand years.
Wise and valorous, he was, loving and loved, far- seeing and yet living for the moment. gifted with sage-like detachment and yet intensely human; the diplomat. the sage and the man of action with a personality as luminous as that of a divinity.
The urge, Therefore, came upon me. time and again, to embark upon a reconstruction of his life and adventures by weaving a romance around him.
It was an impossible venture. but like hundreds of authors in all parts of India for centuries. I could not help offering him whatever little of imagination and creative power I possessed. feeble though they were.
I have called the whole work Krishnavatara, The Descent of the Lord. This, the First Part. which ends with the death of Kamsa, has b
Paperback
Published January 1, 2010
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About the author
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
119 books225 followersK.M. Munshi is one of Gujarat's most well-known literary writers. His historical novels have contributed profoundly to the sense of past that Gujarat lives with. A multi-faceted personality, he was a prominent lawyer, freedom fighter and politician. He was also the founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 8, 2019
Krishnavatara: Set of 7 Books (Paperback) by K M Munshi- Post independence freedom fighters found time to exert their energy on making Hindu epics- Ramayana by Valmiki and Mahabharata in Sanskrit made easy for readers in Hindi language. Krishnavatar is in seven volumes. It is based on Harivansh Puran, Vishnu Puran , Shrimad Bhagwat. The story has been made interesting by telling it in style. I was reading the autobiography of Harivansh Rai Bacchan named "Kya Bhooon kya yaad karoon " in which he has mentioned that as a religious practice, his father read Hit Harivansh Puran daily. I was interested in finding a book other than in Sanskrit. I found Krishnavatar. Post independence, Sanskrit education is not much encouraged. Thus the Hindu preachers are also delivering talks on Ramcharitmanas, Shirmad Bhagwat Puran and on bhakti stories of saints.
Krishnavatar Volume 1- The Magic Flute-The book begins with the marriage of Devaki with Vasudev. Devaki is the daughter of Ugrasen, Yadav King of Mathura. Just when she was being put in the chariot by her brother Kamsa, Sage Narada arrived and informed that eighth son of Devaki will kill Kamsa. Kamsa arrests his sister and brother in law. HIs father resists but he is also put behind the bars. Kamsa is able to kill 6 of the children born to Devaki. Her 7th child Balram and 8th child Krishna are saved by Gargacharya and Akrura and transfered to Nandgram to the house of Nand, another rich Yadav chieftan. Kansa makes efforts to locate Krishna and sends his emissaries Putna with poison in her boobs to suckle Krishna and kill him but Krishna suckles and pulls her life. Another demon, Trinavart, who sucks air and uproots Arjuna trees tries to pull Krishna to his mouth. Krishna resists and Trinavart dies of lack of breath. Third, Krishna is playing with the ball with his friends. The ball falls in river Yamuna. In this part of the river a poisonous snake Kalia is living with his family. Krishna dives in the river, fights Kalia and dances on his head. His parents and villagers witness this scene. Kansa comes to know about this. Fourth, Nand is planning Indra Puja so that he blesses the area with rain. Krishna suggests that we must pray ot Goverdhan Parvat where they are residing and where their cows feed. Indra dislikes and pours rains for days. Krishna raises the Goverdhan Hill on his little fingero of hte hand and saves all villageres and cows. Ultimately, Indra bows donw and is pardonsed. Kamsa sends Akrur to Nandgram to invite Balram and Krishna for Dhanush Yagna with his father Nand and other vilagers. Yashoda understands that Kamsa has other plans and resists the journey of 11 year old Krishna. But Akrur convinces Nand to allow him to take Balram and krishan with him. The three leave for Mathura on a chariot send by Kamsa. Others walk and reach Mathura. Krishna is in his best. Residents of Mathura are charmed by his beauty and his sweet behaviour. He is provided with clothes by kings washerman and chandan is put on his forehead by Kings maid. Both Balram and krishna are invited to the Yagna site.Elephant Kubliyapir is drunk and attacks them. Krishna is able to kill it. Krishna is able to put an arrow on the bow and break it. Just then the wrestler Chanur and Mushtik challenge them . They are able to beat them and kill them. Kansa runs to save his life. Krishna is able to attack him and kill him. Krishna and Balram take their parents and other out of jail. They have a family get together. Ugrasen is consecrated to the thorne of Mathura. Balram and Krishna go to Sandipani Ashram for education.
Krishnavatar II- Wrath of the Emperor- This book begins with journey to Krishna and Balram to sandipani Ashram. They complete their education and as Gurudakshina, Sandipani reqeests that their only son who is not traceable, be found out and brought to him. Both brothers know that their Guru's son has expired. They visit Yamraj and bring their Guru's child back. When they return back to Mathura, they find that Kamsa's father in law King Jarasanda, King Magadha has attacked Mathura to revenge the death of Kamsa. Krishna plans to move the yadavas to Hill Gomantak which could be safe for their security. Jarasanda attacks and burns hill Gomantak but still Balram and Krishan are able to defeat Jarasandha. Shrigalava a warrior from Jarasandha side is killed in battle. Next time Jarasandha changes tactics. Swayamvar of Rukmini daughter of king of Kundanpur is planned and her suitor is king Shishupal. Yadavs move to Kundinpur but are informed that Kalyavan plans to attack Mathura. Krishna is aware that King Muchkund fought for the Gods and is tired and is sleeping on hill. The Gods have given him a vow that whosoever wakes him from his sleep will burn when he opens his eyes. Krishna runs away from the battle with kalyavana who follows him. Krishna covers Muchkund with his dress. Believing that Krishna is sleeping, Kalyavana wake up King Muchkund and dies. Krishna and Balram move the yadavs to safe island Dwarka. Rukmini wishes to marry Krishna. She sends a letter to Krishna about her wishes to marry him. Krishna moves to Kundinpur, sees Rukmini in the temple, they both elope on their chariot. Her brother Rukmangad follows but he is defeated by Krishna. Both reach Dwarka and are married with pomp and show. Rukmini is the principal queen of Krishna.
Krishnavatar Book 3- The Five Brothers- Krishna keeps visiting Kings in all land and advises them on matter of politics. He is aware that his father's sister Kunti has been married to King Pandu of Hastinapur. Pandu goes to the forest with both his wives Kunti and Madri. As Pandu is unable to procreate children, Kunti informs him that by the blessing of Rishi Durvasa that which ever she could invite with a Mantra would procreate a child for her. Thus she gave birth to Yudhistar from Yam, Bhim from Vayu and Arjuna from Indra while Madri gave birth to Nakul and Sehdav from Ashwini Kumars. Pandu expired and Pandavas came back to Hastinapur to be brought up. They were welcomed by their grand father Bhisma and their uncle Dhritrashtra. But his son Duryodhana did not take their presence happily as he knew that they were claimants to the throne of Hastinapur. He planned to kill them under guidance from his maternal uncle King of Gandhar. All six Kunti and 5 Pandav brother visit Varanavat where a palace of easily burnable / combustilble material has been erected. It s planned that the palace will be burned on the 7th day. With the help of a tunnel digger sent by his uncle Vidur. They escape from the fire. Next day, it is found that the Pandavas have died in the fire. Krishna visits Hastinapur where Satyawati mother of the blind king Dhritrashtra requests Krishna to find out the truth of the incident , locate Pandavas and bring them back. In other books, it is said that Vyas suggested to Satyawati that bad time for Kauravas was near and she and her daughters in law should leave Hastinapur and live like saints in the forest. Krishna and his brother Uddhav and Nagas are able to locate Pandavas in Rakshasvaart. Here Krishna informs Padavas abaut the swayamvar of most beautiful girl Draupadi daughter of King Drupad . Pandavas dressed as Brahims attend the swayamwar. Karna is not allowed to participate in the bow contest by Draupadi as he is not a Kshatriya and is of low caste Chariot rider. Later Arjuna is able to hit the fish's eye with his bow by viewing the fish in a pond of moving water. Later King Drupad brings them to his kingdom and marries his daughter to all five pandavas on the advice of Rishi Vyas. kauravas come to know about their marriage and invite them to Hastinapur .
Krishnavatar IV- The Book of Bhima- Kauravas are aware Kings. They know that marriage with King Drupad of Panchal. They divided their kingdom in two parts. The worst hilly part was given to Pandavas. Bhim was charmed by Jaldhara sister of wife of Duryodhana. Lands of Jaldhaara and Pandavas were touching. Pandavas shifted to barren Khandavaprastha. They developed the land invited rich merchants to establish there and build Indraprastha, theirkingdom. A new palace with the help of Krishna and Rakshas king.
Krishnavatar V- The Book of Satyabhama- Satrajit Yadav owns a jewel named Syamantak which delivers gold every day on seeing the sunlight. This jewel is the boon of contention- it should be with the king of yadavas. Satyajit gives the jewel to his brother Prasenjit and blames that out of jealousy, Krishna has stolen it. With the help of Satyabhama and Satyaki, Krishna chases Prasenjit and finds that the jewel is in the land of bears. Krishna fights Jambwant the King of bears and marries his daughter Jambawanti and is gifted with jewel Syamantak.
Krishnavatar VI- The Book of Ved Vyas- Krishna Dwepayan is the son of Rishi Parashar and Matsyaanda. Matsyagandha was daughter of a boatman who helped people cross the Yamuna river. Earlier Parashar had established an ashram at Dharamkshetra near the forest. Parashar was killed by wolves. Parashar re-established the Ashram but Rakashaas attacked him. He was saved by Jabali and the new Ashram was established. Later Vyas married the daughter of Jabali named Vatika. Krishna visits Hastinapur, meets Satyawati and requests to help Dhramkshetra Ashram. Vibhuti and Shritiya of Hastinapur agree to join Vajapyee Yagna at Dharmakshtra Ashram. She gives birth to her son Shukdev. Vyas comes to know that Kuru lineage has stopped because of vow of Bhisma not to marry and the death of Victravirya and Chitrangada. He performs Niyoga with Ambika and Dhritrashtra the blind child is born. In Niyoga with Ambalika, Pandu is born. While in Niyoga with Dasi, Vidur was born. Pandu moves to live in forest with his wives Kunit and Madri while Dhritrasthra is king of Kurus at Haastinapur. Dhritrashtra has 100 sons and one daughter Dusshshala while Pandu has five sons, Yudhistar, Bhim, Arjan, Nakul and Sahdev.
Krishnavatar VII. The Book of Yudhistara- After marriage with Draupadi, Dhritrashtra divides the empire and gives the barren area to Yudhistar to establish his kingdom. With the help of krishna, Padavas burn the forest and establsh a kingdom called Indraprastha. Maya a Rakashasa was saved by Arjun from the burning forest. King Maya promises to build a palace for them. It is a palace with illusions- if water is visible, it is fake there is no water only noise of flowing water. A place which doesnot appear like a pond, there water is filled and only known people can traverse without getting wet or falling in water. Gardens and warterfall are near the palace. With the help of Krishna, Rajsuya Yagn is performed. Krishna, Arjun and Bhim visit Magadha and meet king Jarasandha. Bhim challenges him for a wrestling game. Bhim is not able to beat Jarasangha though he is able to tear him in two parts but he parts join. Krishna tears a piece of grass and throws it one either side. Bhim takes the clue and tears Jarasandha in two parts and throws both parts in opposite direction, thus Jarasandha is dead. Sahdeva is crowned king of Magadha. Now the way ot Rajsuya Yagna is open. Pandavas perform Rajsuya Yagna and on its completion, puja is held. Bhisma suggests that Krishna is eligible for Agrapuja. Shishupal disagrees and abuses Krishna. Krishna kills him with his chakra. Most of the kings leave but Duryodhana and his brothers along with Karna are requested to stay back. The Kuru party is eager to see the palace and visit parts of the palace everyday. One day they visit the room of illusions. Duryodhana is unable to see the water and falls in the pond. Draupadi is viewing the scene from a window on the other side of the pond. Her servant laughs when Duryodhana falls in water and comments that he is son of a blind man. Duryodhana feels bad but does not respond. They play dice every day. They return back. After some time Kurus send Vidur to invite the Pandavas to Hastinapur for a game of dice. It is decided that in place of Duryodhana Shakuni will role the dice and Duryodhana will play. Pandavas agree to this principle. Dice is played in the Darbar of Hastinapur where the elders are also sitting. Yudhistar looses his kingdom, his jewels, his brothers, his wife Druapadi. Duryodhana asks his younger brother Dushshasana to bring Draupadi who is now his slave to the darbar. Draupadi resists but Dushshasanaa pulls her to the durbar. She is in her menstrual period. She is not wearing much clothes. Dushshasana pulls her clothes. She calls to Dhritrashtra, Bhisma, Drona, Kripacharya but none helps. She calls Krishna and he helps her. When Draupadi opens her eyes, she finds that Dushshasana has fainted after trying to pull her dress and unrap her. Draupadi curses in the darbar that Pandavas will inititate war and kill all the Kurus. Afraid, King Dhritrashtra orders that whatever has been lost by the Pandavas in dice be restored to them. Still beforer departure, one more last game of dicei is suggested in which the condition is that who ever looses, will be exiled the forest for 12 years and one year incognito. Pandavas loose the game and move are exiled to the forest. Their mother Kunti stays back at Hastinapur while Draupadi and Pandavas walk down to the forest.
The book is written in interesting fashion so that people read and remember the lessons that truth always triumphs.
It is a class book, must read for all.
Krishnavatar Volume 1- The Magic Flute-The book begins with the marriage of Devaki with Vasudev. Devaki is the daughter of Ugrasen, Yadav King of Mathura. Just when she was being put in the chariot by her brother Kamsa, Sage Narada arrived and informed that eighth son of Devaki will kill Kamsa. Kamsa arrests his sister and brother in law. HIs father resists but he is also put behind the bars. Kamsa is able to kill 6 of the children born to Devaki. Her 7th child Balram and 8th child Krishna are saved by Gargacharya and Akrura and transfered to Nandgram to the house of Nand, another rich Yadav chieftan. Kansa makes efforts to locate Krishna and sends his emissaries Putna with poison in her boobs to suckle Krishna and kill him but Krishna suckles and pulls her life. Another demon, Trinavart, who sucks air and uproots Arjuna trees tries to pull Krishna to his mouth. Krishna resists and Trinavart dies of lack of breath. Third, Krishna is playing with the ball with his friends. The ball falls in river Yamuna. In this part of the river a poisonous snake Kalia is living with his family. Krishna dives in the river, fights Kalia and dances on his head. His parents and villagers witness this scene. Kansa comes to know about this. Fourth, Nand is planning Indra Puja so that he blesses the area with rain. Krishna suggests that we must pray ot Goverdhan Parvat where they are residing and where their cows feed. Indra dislikes and pours rains for days. Krishna raises the Goverdhan Hill on his little fingero of hte hand and saves all villageres and cows. Ultimately, Indra bows donw and is pardonsed. Kamsa sends Akrur to Nandgram to invite Balram and Krishna for Dhanush Yagna with his father Nand and other vilagers. Yashoda understands that Kamsa has other plans and resists the journey of 11 year old Krishna. But Akrur convinces Nand to allow him to take Balram and krishan with him. The three leave for Mathura on a chariot send by Kamsa. Others walk and reach Mathura. Krishna is in his best. Residents of Mathura are charmed by his beauty and his sweet behaviour. He is provided with clothes by kings washerman and chandan is put on his forehead by Kings maid. Both Balram and krishna are invited to the Yagna site.Elephant Kubliyapir is drunk and attacks them. Krishna is able to kill it. Krishna is able to put an arrow on the bow and break it. Just then the wrestler Chanur and Mushtik challenge them . They are able to beat them and kill them. Kansa runs to save his life. Krishna is able to attack him and kill him. Krishna and Balram take their parents and other out of jail. They have a family get together. Ugrasen is consecrated to the thorne of Mathura. Balram and Krishna go to Sandipani Ashram for education.
Krishnavatar II- Wrath of the Emperor- This book begins with journey to Krishna and Balram to sandipani Ashram. They complete their education and as Gurudakshina, Sandipani reqeests that their only son who is not traceable, be found out and brought to him. Both brothers know that their Guru's son has expired. They visit Yamraj and bring their Guru's child back. When they return back to Mathura, they find that Kamsa's father in law King Jarasanda, King Magadha has attacked Mathura to revenge the death of Kamsa. Krishna plans to move the yadavas to Hill Gomantak which could be safe for their security. Jarasanda attacks and burns hill Gomantak but still Balram and Krishan are able to defeat Jarasandha. Shrigalava a warrior from Jarasandha side is killed in battle. Next time Jarasandha changes tactics. Swayamvar of Rukmini daughter of king of Kundanpur is planned and her suitor is king Shishupal. Yadavs move to Kundinpur but are informed that Kalyavan plans to attack Mathura. Krishna is aware that King Muchkund fought for the Gods and is tired and is sleeping on hill. The Gods have given him a vow that whosoever wakes him from his sleep will burn when he opens his eyes. Krishna runs away from the battle with kalyavana who follows him. Krishna covers Muchkund with his dress. Believing that Krishna is sleeping, Kalyavana wake up King Muchkund and dies. Krishna and Balram move the yadavs to safe island Dwarka. Rukmini wishes to marry Krishna. She sends a letter to Krishna about her wishes to marry him. Krishna moves to Kundinpur, sees Rukmini in the temple, they both elope on their chariot. Her brother Rukmangad follows but he is defeated by Krishna. Both reach Dwarka and are married with pomp and show. Rukmini is the principal queen of Krishna.
Krishnavatar Book 3- The Five Brothers- Krishna keeps visiting Kings in all land and advises them on matter of politics. He is aware that his father's sister Kunti has been married to King Pandu of Hastinapur. Pandu goes to the forest with both his wives Kunti and Madri. As Pandu is unable to procreate children, Kunti informs him that by the blessing of Rishi Durvasa that which ever she could invite with a Mantra would procreate a child for her. Thus she gave birth to Yudhistar from Yam, Bhim from Vayu and Arjuna from Indra while Madri gave birth to Nakul and Sehdav from Ashwini Kumars. Pandu expired and Pandavas came back to Hastinapur to be brought up. They were welcomed by their grand father Bhisma and their uncle Dhritrashtra. But his son Duryodhana did not take their presence happily as he knew that they were claimants to the throne of Hastinapur. He planned to kill them under guidance from his maternal uncle King of Gandhar. All six Kunti and 5 Pandav brother visit Varanavat where a palace of easily burnable / combustilble material has been erected. It s planned that the palace will be burned on the 7th day. With the help of a tunnel digger sent by his uncle Vidur. They escape from the fire. Next day, it is found that the Pandavas have died in the fire. Krishna visits Hastinapur where Satyawati mother of the blind king Dhritrashtra requests Krishna to find out the truth of the incident , locate Pandavas and bring them back. In other books, it is said that Vyas suggested to Satyawati that bad time for Kauravas was near and she and her daughters in law should leave Hastinapur and live like saints in the forest. Krishna and his brother Uddhav and Nagas are able to locate Pandavas in Rakshasvaart. Here Krishna informs Padavas abaut the swayamvar of most beautiful girl Draupadi daughter of King Drupad . Pandavas dressed as Brahims attend the swayamwar. Karna is not allowed to participate in the bow contest by Draupadi as he is not a Kshatriya and is of low caste Chariot rider. Later Arjuna is able to hit the fish's eye with his bow by viewing the fish in a pond of moving water. Later King Drupad brings them to his kingdom and marries his daughter to all five pandavas on the advice of Rishi Vyas. kauravas come to know about their marriage and invite them to Hastinapur .
Krishnavatar IV- The Book of Bhima- Kauravas are aware Kings. They know that marriage with King Drupad of Panchal. They divided their kingdom in two parts. The worst hilly part was given to Pandavas. Bhim was charmed by Jaldhara sister of wife of Duryodhana. Lands of Jaldhaara and Pandavas were touching. Pandavas shifted to barren Khandavaprastha. They developed the land invited rich merchants to establish there and build Indraprastha, theirkingdom. A new palace with the help of Krishna and Rakshas king.
Krishnavatar V- The Book of Satyabhama- Satrajit Yadav owns a jewel named Syamantak which delivers gold every day on seeing the sunlight. This jewel is the boon of contention- it should be with the king of yadavas. Satyajit gives the jewel to his brother Prasenjit and blames that out of jealousy, Krishna has stolen it. With the help of Satyabhama and Satyaki, Krishna chases Prasenjit and finds that the jewel is in the land of bears. Krishna fights Jambwant the King of bears and marries his daughter Jambawanti and is gifted with jewel Syamantak.
Krishnavatar VI- The Book of Ved Vyas- Krishna Dwepayan is the son of Rishi Parashar and Matsyaanda. Matsyagandha was daughter of a boatman who helped people cross the Yamuna river. Earlier Parashar had established an ashram at Dharamkshetra near the forest. Parashar was killed by wolves. Parashar re-established the Ashram but Rakashaas attacked him. He was saved by Jabali and the new Ashram was established. Later Vyas married the daughter of Jabali named Vatika. Krishna visits Hastinapur, meets Satyawati and requests to help Dhramkshetra Ashram. Vibhuti and Shritiya of Hastinapur agree to join Vajapyee Yagna at Dharmakshtra Ashram. She gives birth to her son Shukdev. Vyas comes to know that Kuru lineage has stopped because of vow of Bhisma not to marry and the death of Victravirya and Chitrangada. He performs Niyoga with Ambika and Dhritrashtra the blind child is born. In Niyoga with Ambalika, Pandu is born. While in Niyoga with Dasi, Vidur was born. Pandu moves to live in forest with his wives Kunit and Madri while Dhritrasthra is king of Kurus at Haastinapur. Dhritrashtra has 100 sons and one daughter Dusshshala while Pandu has five sons, Yudhistar, Bhim, Arjan, Nakul and Sahdev.
Krishnavatar VII. The Book of Yudhistara- After marriage with Draupadi, Dhritrashtra divides the empire and gives the barren area to Yudhistar to establish his kingdom. With the help of krishna, Padavas burn the forest and establsh a kingdom called Indraprastha. Maya a Rakashasa was saved by Arjun from the burning forest. King Maya promises to build a palace for them. It is a palace with illusions- if water is visible, it is fake there is no water only noise of flowing water. A place which doesnot appear like a pond, there water is filled and only known people can traverse without getting wet or falling in water. Gardens and warterfall are near the palace. With the help of Krishna, Rajsuya Yagn is performed. Krishna, Arjun and Bhim visit Magadha and meet king Jarasandha. Bhim challenges him for a wrestling game. Bhim is not able to beat Jarasangha though he is able to tear him in two parts but he parts join. Krishna tears a piece of grass and throws it one either side. Bhim takes the clue and tears Jarasandha in two parts and throws both parts in opposite direction, thus Jarasandha is dead. Sahdeva is crowned king of Magadha. Now the way ot Rajsuya Yagna is open. Pandavas perform Rajsuya Yagna and on its completion, puja is held. Bhisma suggests that Krishna is eligible for Agrapuja. Shishupal disagrees and abuses Krishna. Krishna kills him with his chakra. Most of the kings leave but Duryodhana and his brothers along with Karna are requested to stay back. The Kuru party is eager to see the palace and visit parts of the palace everyday. One day they visit the room of illusions. Duryodhana is unable to see the water and falls in the pond. Draupadi is viewing the scene from a window on the other side of the pond. Her servant laughs when Duryodhana falls in water and comments that he is son of a blind man. Duryodhana feels bad but does not respond. They play dice every day. They return back. After some time Kurus send Vidur to invite the Pandavas to Hastinapur for a game of dice. It is decided that in place of Duryodhana Shakuni will role the dice and Duryodhana will play. Pandavas agree to this principle. Dice is played in the Darbar of Hastinapur where the elders are also sitting. Yudhistar looses his kingdom, his jewels, his brothers, his wife Druapadi. Duryodhana asks his younger brother Dushshasana to bring Draupadi who is now his slave to the darbar. Draupadi resists but Dushshasanaa pulls her to the durbar. She is in her menstrual period. She is not wearing much clothes. Dushshasana pulls her clothes. She calls to Dhritrashtra, Bhisma, Drona, Kripacharya but none helps. She calls Krishna and he helps her. When Draupadi opens her eyes, she finds that Dushshasana has fainted after trying to pull her dress and unrap her. Draupadi curses in the darbar that Pandavas will inititate war and kill all the Kurus. Afraid, King Dhritrashtra orders that whatever has been lost by the Pandavas in dice be restored to them. Still beforer departure, one more last game of dicei is suggested in which the condition is that who ever looses, will be exiled the forest for 12 years and one year incognito. Pandavas loose the game and move are exiled to the forest. Their mother Kunti stays back at Hastinapur while Draupadi and Pandavas walk down to the forest.
The book is written in interesting fashion so that people read and remember the lessons that truth always triumphs.
It is a class book, must read for all.
April 24, 2019
Krishna Consciousness Immersion
June 24, 2025
I've read 4/7 of these and these are really good. He interpreted the mythology in his own way so may not be for the people looking to gain mythical wisdom. It mostly covers the emotional and human aspects that epics and mythologies tend to skip. Overall it's a good read and mythology enthusiasts would really truly enjoy it.
November 23, 2023
Beautifully narrated story of the popular hindu avatar of Vishnu
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews