The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kauravas and the Pandava princes as well as containing philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the four goals of life. Here we have Anusasana Parva, the thirteenth, which starts on the battlefield, where Bhishma is lying on a bed of arrows shot by Arjuna. It follows final instructions from Bhishma to Yudhisthir called Anushashana. Bhishma tells Yudhisthir of nine duties belonging to all 4 orders of society. These duties include;...

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kauravas and the Pandava princes as well as containing philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the four goals of life. Here we have Svargarohana Parva, the eighteenth, narrating the story of renunciation of throne of kingdom of Hastinapur by Yudhisthir and his journey with his wife and brothers throughout the country before final journey to heaven. Vyasa is a revered figure in Hindu traditions. He is a kala-Avatar or...