The Mahabharata depicted a war waged between the principles of duty (dharma) and lawlessness (adharma), which resulted in the death of not only millions of warriors but also numerous familial ties. During this battle, brothers killed brothers, students opposed teachers, and uncles fought against nephews. The war consumed countless relationships. Vast fields of corpses and destruction served as a reminder that when society moves down the path of lawlessness, destruction, similar to what happened in the Mahabharata, is inevitable. Next, we will examine some lesser-known and interesting mysteries associated with this epic.
Facts from the Mahabharata:
During the war in the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha's death was caused by Shikhandi. According to legend, Shikhandi was Princess Amba of Kashi in a past life. To avenge Bhishma, Amba performed severe ascetic worship and received a blessing from the god Shiva. In the next life, she was born as Shikhandi and became the cause of Bhishma Pitamaha's death.
However, it is known that Amba had two other sisters—Ambika and Ambalika. Both married the King of Hastinapura, Vichitravirya. Shortly after the wedding, Vichitravirya died, and he left no offspring, creating a crisis regarding the heir to the throne of Hastinapura. Vichitravirya's mother, Satyavati, began to worry about who would take the throne after her. To solve this problem, Satyavati invited the venerable sage Vedavyasa.
Vedavyasa proposed a method to Satyavati for continuing the lineage through the system of niyoga. Following this, Satyavati ordered Ambika and Ambalika to approach Vedavyasa. According to tradition, when Ambika approached Vedavyasa, she was frightened by his radiance and appearance and closed her eyes. It is believed that this is why her son Dhritarashtra was born blind.
When Ambalika approached Vedavyasa, she turned pale with fear. Subsequently, Pandu was born, whose skin was yellow and whose body was weak. Seeking a healthy and worthy son, Satyavati asked Ambika to visit Vedavyasa again. But Ambika was so terrified that she refused to go again. Instead, she sent her maidservant to Vedavyasa. The maidservant accepted Vedavyasa without fear, after which Vidura was born. Later, Vidura became one of the wisest and most influential advisors of the Kuru clan.
Why Did Sri Krishna Forgive Shishupala's 100 Mistakes?
In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is depicted in various forms: sometimes as the destroyer of lawlessness and sin, and sometimes as Arjuna's charioteer, guiding him on the path of dharma. It was Krishna who taught Arjuna the knowledge from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. However, in Krishna's life, there is also an episode where he ignored a person who constantly humiliated him. This person was Shishupala.
When Yudhishthira organized the Rajasuya Yajna in Indraprastha, Krishna was shown special respect. But this displeased Shishupala, who envied Krishna and began insulting him at a public gathering. Despite this, Krishna remained calm for a long time. The reason for this was a promise made to him by Shishupala's mother.
According to the story, Shishupala was not born as an ordinary child; upon his birth, he had four arms and three eyes. It was also prophesied that whoever sat in his cradle would lose their extra arms and eyes, and this person would kill him in the future. When Krishna was placed in the cradle, two extra arms and one eye disappeared from him. Seeing this, his mother became frightened and asked Krishna to protect her son's life. Then Krishna promised his aunt that he would forgive 100 mistakes of Shishupala.
Adult Shishupala wanted to marry Rukmini, but Rukmini loved Lord Krishna, and he chose her as his wife. It is said that after this, Shishupala's jealousy towards Krishna intensified. During the Rajasuya Yajna, when Shishupala continuously insulted Krishna and reached 100 of his mistakes, Krishna was released from his promise. After this, when Shishupala crossed the border, Krishna killed him with the Sudarshana Chakra.
Why Didn't Duryodhana's Body Become Diamond-Like?
In the final stage of the Mahabharata war, Gandhari lost almost all her sons, and only Duryodhana survived. Therefore, she wanted to protect him at all costs. According to legend, Gandhari lived for years in asceticism and self-control with her eyes covered. It is believed that this gave her special sight. She told Duryodhana to take a bath in the Ganges, and then appear before her naked so that his body would become extremely strong and impenetrable due to her divine vision.
Duryodhana, obeying his mother's command, headed to her after bathing. On the way, he met Krishna. Krishna told him...