The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 / Books 1, 2 and 3

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

15474

Title

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 / Books 1, 2 and 3

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the first three books of the Mahabharata, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli from the original Sanskrit. The text adheres strictly to the source material, preserving its grandeur and peculiarities rather than adapting it to modern English tastes. It offers an unvarnished look at the epic's complex moral landscape, featuring the Pandavas' exile, their ascetic life in the forests, and the gathering of celestial weapons, all narrated with a tone of solemn fidelity to the ancient tradition.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume I of Kisari Mohan Ganguli's translation of the Mahabharata, encompassing Books 1 through 3, presents the epic with rigorous fidelity to the original Sanskrit text. Translator Kisari Mohan Ganguli explicitly states his intent to hold a 'mirror' to the author, Vyasa, refusing to smooth over the text's rough edges or local colorings for the sake of English idiom. This approach preserves the peculiarities of Vyasa's imagery and language, even if it occasionally strikes the uninitiated reader as strange. The narrative opens with the Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—facing the moral dilemma of their exile. Yudhishthira, the just king, struggles with the pain of breaking his pledge to protect the Kauravas, while Bhima urges him to fight for righteousness. Despite Yudhishthira's fears regarding the invincible warriors of the enemy camp, including Bhishma, Drona, and the mighty Karna, the brothers resolve to leave the city. Guided by the sage Vyasa, who appears to dispel their fears, the brothers embark on a journey of asceticism. They travel to the forest of Kamyaka on the banks of the Saraswati, where they reside with numerous Brahmanas. Here, they devote themselves to the exercise of the bow, the chanting of the Vedas, and the performance of rites for the Pitris and celestials. The text details their daily life in the woods, hunting deer and maintaining their vows. A pivotal moment occurs when Yudhishthira, remembering Vyasa's command, summons Arjuna. He reveals that the entire science of arms resides with the enemy's teachers and warriors. To defeat them, Arjuna must acquire celestial weapons. Yudhishthira instructs his brother to perform fierce asceticism and journey northwards to Mount Meru to behold Purandara (Indra). Armed with the Gandiva bow and his inexhaustible quivers, Arjuna departs, accompanied by benedictions from the Brahmanas and Siddhas. The narrative captures the profound grief of Krishna and the Pandavas at Arjuna's departure, emphasizing that their kingdom and very lives depend on his success. The volume concludes with Arjuna setting out to gather the weapons of the gods, preparing for the inevitable conflict that defines the epic.

LLM editorial rating

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Categories

• Classics
• Religion