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Mahabharata #3
Mahabharata: Volume 3
The Mahabharata: Vol 3 by Bibek Debroy (Tr.), 9780143425168
648 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 401
About the author
Bibek Debroy
161 books405 followersBibek Debroy was an Indian economist, who served as the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. He was also the Chairman of the Finance Ministry's 'Expert Committee for Infrastructure Classification and Financing Framework for Amrit Kaal'. Debroy has made significant contributions to game theory, economic theory, income and social inequalities, poverty, law reforms, railway reforms and Indology among others. From its inception in January 2015 until June 2019, Mr. Debroy was a member of the NITI Aayog, the think tank of the Indian Government. He was awarded the Padma Shri (the fourth-highest civilian honour in India) in 2015.
Bibek Debroy's recent co-authored magnum opus, Inked in India, stands distinguished as the premier comprehensive documentation, capturing the entirety of recognized fountain pen, nib, and ink manufacturers in India.
In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit. In 2022, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). In February 2024, Debroy was conferred Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, public service, work and contributions in the field of insolvency.
Bibek Debroy died on 1 November 2024, at the age of 69. He had been admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences in New Delhi one month prior.
Bibek Debroy's recent co-authored magnum opus, Inked in India, stands distinguished as the premier comprehensive documentation, capturing the entirety of recognized fountain pen, nib, and ink manufacturers in India.
In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit. In 2022, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). In February 2024, Debroy was conferred Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, public service, work and contributions in the field of insolvency.
Bibek Debroy died on 1 November 2024, at the age of 69. He had been admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences in New Delhi one month prior.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 7, 2021
But relative to the first two books, this would be four stars for me.
This book mostly deals with Pandavas and their twelve years stay in forest.
The parts, where the actual plot progresses, are absolutely perfect which overcomes some of the filler story lines, hence keeping the flow intact.
Ramayan, Bhima meeting Lord Hanuman, Confrontation of Karna and Indra, Gandharvas capturing Duryodhan, Rishi Markandeya's narrating about the yugas are few of the top highlights for me.
This book mostly deals with Pandavas and their twelve years stay in forest.
The parts, where the actual plot progresses, are absolutely perfect which overcomes some of the filler story lines, hence keeping the flow intact.
Ramayan, Bhima meeting Lord Hanuman, Confrontation of Karna and Indra, Gandharvas capturing Duryodhan, Rishi Markandeya's narrating about the yugas are few of the top highlights for me.
September 16, 2020
Ramayana within Mahabharata! Part 3 completes the Vana parva - Pandava's 12 year's sojurn in the forest. As Arjuna returns with celestial weapons, the Pandavas battles the Gandarvas and the army of Jayadratha. Sage Markandeya visits the brothers and tells them stories of Rama, Skanda, Satyavana-Savitri etc. Yudhisthira engages in philosophical discussions with Nahusha in his serpent form and Yaksha.
July 16, 2013
This volume contains most of and completes the Aranyaka Parva. The Pandavas' time in the forest is spent mostly in listening to the words of the wise, and in going on pilgrimages. To some extent, much of the content in this parva seems like later insertions, simply because there is little here that advances the story, and little that happens in this parva has a direct bearing on the story, with three exceptions. Having said that, the stories that are recounted in this parva are themselves well-known and probably owe their survival in no small way to their inclusion in the Mahabharata.
This volume completes the Aranyaka Parva, the third Parva (as per the 18-parva classification), which began in Vol 2, and is a time of learning for the Pandavas. While Arjuna treks to heaven to obtain knowledge of weapons and dance from Indra, Yudhishtra is educated on dharma by a host of learned men, primary among them being sage Markandeya.
From the Aranyaka Parva, this volume contains Sub-Parvas 33 through 44, 33 being the "Tirtha Yatra" parva, and Sub-Parva 44 being the "Araneya" parva (within the 100-parva classification). The very first sub-parva, "Tirtha Yatra" is massive, clocking in at 2,422 shlokas, and is by far the longest sub-parva in the epic so far. (However, there seems to be some anomaly when adding up the shlokas in the Teertha Parva. The table in the Introduction states the Tirtha Parva as having 2422 shlokas, while page 1, where the Tirtha Parva starts, states that it has 2294 shlokas.) This sub-parva however is going to be eclipsed in length by nine sub-parvas before the epic ends!
My complete review at http://blog.abhinavagarwal.net/2012/0...
This volume completes the Aranyaka Parva, the third Parva (as per the 18-parva classification), which began in Vol 2, and is a time of learning for the Pandavas. While Arjuna treks to heaven to obtain knowledge of weapons and dance from Indra, Yudhishtra is educated on dharma by a host of learned men, primary among them being sage Markandeya.
From the Aranyaka Parva, this volume contains Sub-Parvas 33 through 44, 33 being the "Tirtha Yatra" parva, and Sub-Parva 44 being the "Araneya" parva (within the 100-parva classification). The very first sub-parva, "Tirtha Yatra" is massive, clocking in at 2,422 shlokas, and is by far the longest sub-parva in the epic so far. (However, there seems to be some anomaly when adding up the shlokas in the Teertha Parva. The table in the Introduction states the Tirtha Parva as having 2422 shlokas, while page 1, where the Tirtha Parva starts, states that it has 2294 shlokas.) This sub-parva however is going to be eclipsed in length by nine sub-parvas before the epic ends!
My complete review at http://blog.abhinavagarwal.net/2012/0...
May 6, 2021
The first 200 odd pages comprise the Tirth Yatra Parva and recounts hundreds of pilgrimages across the length and breadth of the Indian subcontinent. That was just too much!
There is another long Parva named Markandeya Samasya but that has some interesting tales.
I liked learning about the tale of Savitri and Satyavan in this chapter, especially liked the fact that Savitri's father gave her permission to roam around and choose a husband. I had only heard a Haryanvi folk song about Satyavan earlier.
There is another long Parva named Markandeya Samasya but that has some interesting tales.
I liked learning about the tale of Savitri and Satyavan in this chapter, especially liked the fact that Savitri's father gave her permission to roam around and choose a husband. I had only heard a Haryanvi folk song about Satyavan earlier.
April 1, 2024
The Pandavas spend their twelve years exiled in the forests. There they deal with different conflicts and there are several subplots where Brahmanas that live with them tell the Pandavas stories from history of those that dealt with similar problems. This involves fights with yakshasas (demons) and gods. The Kouravas (the Pandavas’ enemies) go to the forest to flaunt their wealth and power but are captured by gandharvas (supernatural beings) and rescued by the Pandavas.
At the end of this volume, their twelve years have ended and they have received many blessings and divine weapons. The terms of the lost bet then require them to live in disguise in civilization for a year, which they receive divine help to go undetected.
At the end of this volume, their twelve years have ended and they have received many blessings and divine weapons. The terms of the lost bet then require them to live in disguise in civilization for a year, which they receive divine help to go undetected.
February 25, 2024
This covers the "Aranyaka Parv" or "Vana Parv" where the Pandavas, along with Droupadi, Dhoumya, and others walk visit the various "Teerthas" (holy places, literally fords). Arjun is away visiting the gods and getting divine weapons for the upcoming war. Sage Lomasha, who is sent by Indra, comes down to visit the Pandavas and takes them on the pilgrimage across the subcontinent.
The Teerth Yatra section is long and winding, interspersed with tales of Agastya and Vatapi, Indra and Vritra, Bhagirath and Ganga, etc. It is fascinating to see the geographical markers of the time, enough though they are not always consistent.
This "Parv" also has the very confusing section about Sage Markandeya's interaction with the Pandavas. Markandeya is a "chiranjeevi"(immortal) and has seen the birth and destruction of the world several times. He narrates the story of the "matsya avatar". The whole section is confusing because it doesn't fit into the narrative, nor does it seem coherent. Very likely added in much later to the epic.
The story of Karthikeya (aka Kumara) appears in this "Parv". However, it is a tad different version. In this, Kumara is born to Agni and Svaha (Daksha's daughter). Svaha impersonates 6 different wives of the sapta-rishis and the 6-headed Kumara is born. The sapta-rishis abandon their wives (eye roll) when they hear about this but the Kumara then turns in the Krittika (Pleiades) constellation. Then, we are told that there was a part of Rudra in Agni and a part of Uma in Svaha, because of which Skanda is also a child of Shiva-Parvati. Somewhat confusing, but a great mythological story nevertheless.
The Kauravas decide to come and mock the Pandavas during their exile but instead are captured by a set of Gandharvas. Finally, Yudhishtir frees his cousins and let's them go. Duryodhan is so humiliated than he decides fast to death but is convinced otherwise by Karna. The "Parv" also covers Droupadi's abduction by Jayadratha. This is followed by the entire Ramayana being narrated!
Towards the end, we have the episode of Indra craftily getting Karna to give up his divine kawacha-kundala (armour and earrings). Karna is forewarned by his father (Surya) but decides to donate anyway because it's his dharma to do so. But in return, Karna asks Indra to give him the divine "Shakti" weapon, which Indra gives with the caveat that Karna can use it only one. In the same section, we are also told about how Kunti gave birth to Karna.
Now the 12 years of exile are over, it is time for the Pandavas to go incognito for the 13th year.
Apart from some long running bits of the "Teertha Yatra" and "Markandeya Samasya" sections, it is quite a fast-moving "Parv", with lots of mythological stories including Nala-Damayanti, Satyavan-Savitri, Agastya-Vatapi, Sage Dadichi, Skanda, Nahusha, Ganga, and the entire Ramayana! Sage Chawan appears again after the "Adi Parv" and Sage Agastya pops up several times, as does Kuber.
The Teerth Yatra section is long and winding, interspersed with tales of Agastya and Vatapi, Indra and Vritra, Bhagirath and Ganga, etc. It is fascinating to see the geographical markers of the time, enough though they are not always consistent.
This "Parv" also has the very confusing section about Sage Markandeya's interaction with the Pandavas. Markandeya is a "chiranjeevi"(immortal) and has seen the birth and destruction of the world several times. He narrates the story of the "matsya avatar". The whole section is confusing because it doesn't fit into the narrative, nor does it seem coherent. Very likely added in much later to the epic.
The story of Karthikeya (aka Kumara) appears in this "Parv". However, it is a tad different version. In this, Kumara is born to Agni and Svaha (Daksha's daughter). Svaha impersonates 6 different wives of the sapta-rishis and the 6-headed Kumara is born. The sapta-rishis abandon their wives (eye roll) when they hear about this but the Kumara then turns in the Krittika (Pleiades) constellation. Then, we are told that there was a part of Rudra in Agni and a part of Uma in Svaha, because of which Skanda is also a child of Shiva-Parvati. Somewhat confusing, but a great mythological story nevertheless.
The Kauravas decide to come and mock the Pandavas during their exile but instead are captured by a set of Gandharvas. Finally, Yudhishtir frees his cousins and let's them go. Duryodhan is so humiliated than he decides fast to death but is convinced otherwise by Karna. The "Parv" also covers Droupadi's abduction by Jayadratha. This is followed by the entire Ramayana being narrated!
Towards the end, we have the episode of Indra craftily getting Karna to give up his divine kawacha-kundala (armour and earrings). Karna is forewarned by his father (Surya) but decides to donate anyway because it's his dharma to do so. But in return, Karna asks Indra to give him the divine "Shakti" weapon, which Indra gives with the caveat that Karna can use it only one. In the same section, we are also told about how Kunti gave birth to Karna.
Now the 12 years of exile are over, it is time for the Pandavas to go incognito for the 13th year.
Apart from some long running bits of the "Teertha Yatra" and "Markandeya Samasya" sections, it is quite a fast-moving "Parv", with lots of mythological stories including Nala-Damayanti, Satyavan-Savitri, Agastya-Vatapi, Sage Dadichi, Skanda, Nahusha, Ganga, and the entire Ramayana! Sage Chawan appears again after the "Adi Parv" and Sage Agastya pops up several times, as does Kuber.
March 23, 2016
The epic tale of Mahabharata continues in this book from the stage of Yudhistira asking about the sacred places to visit all over the Bharat and the well learned sages explaining him about the sacred and pilgrimage places to visit in every direction possible. The sages explained Yudhistira about the sacred places and its importance and the fruits that one would attain after visiting those places. The book also covers the epic details about various other characters such as King Mandhata, Ashtavakra and his dialogue exchange with a King. The story further explains details about Markandeya and his austerities. The book also covers the Ramayana in detail and how Rama killed Ravana in an epic battle in Lanka. The book ends on the story where all the Pandava brothers except for Yudhistira were laid down dead/unconscious when they went to fetch water from a nearby mystical pond. That's when the great questions and answer session between the Yaksha and Yudhistira takes place. Overall, this volume is huge compared to the first two volumes. Looking forward to begin with the 4th one.
October 14, 2016
There are some good things in here, but it's a lot of filler that doesn't really advance much of anything. Some of that filler is fun and amusing, some of it is philosophical and thought-provoking, but a lot of it is just filler.
August 9, 2023
it is one of the most inspiring books in the world, if I can suggest you read one single book for learning lessons that will help you forever then it would be Mahabharata.
mahabharata is the story of the battle between Kaurvas & Pandavas. this battle will thought you many life lessons and by learning these life lessons, you can outperform in life.
The greatest Indian story ever told of a war between two factions of a family, The Mahabharata has continued to sway the imagination of its readers over the past centuries.
While the dispute over land and kingdom between the warring cousins-the Pandavas and the Kauravas-forms the chief narrative, the primary concern of The Mahabharata is about the conflict of dharma. These conflicts are immense and various, singular and commonplace. Throughout the epic, characters face them with no clear indications of what is right and what is wrong; there are no absolute answers. Thus every possible human emotion features in The Mahabharata, the reason the epic continues to hold sway over our imagination.
The complete and unabridged Sanskrit classic, now masterfully and accessibly rendered for contemporary readers by Bibek Debroy.
mahabharata is the story of the battle between Kaurvas & Pandavas. this battle will thought you many life lessons and by learning these life lessons, you can outperform in life.
The greatest Indian story ever told of a war between two factions of a family, The Mahabharata has continued to sway the imagination of its readers over the past centuries.
While the dispute over land and kingdom between the warring cousins-the Pandavas and the Kauravas-forms the chief narrative, the primary concern of The Mahabharata is about the conflict of dharma. These conflicts are immense and various, singular and commonplace. Throughout the epic, characters face them with no clear indications of what is right and what is wrong; there are no absolute answers. Thus every possible human emotion features in The Mahabharata, the reason the epic continues to hold sway over our imagination.
The complete and unabridged Sanskrit classic, now masterfully and accessibly rendered for contemporary readers by Bibek Debroy.
April 9, 2023
This made re-watch the certain episodes of Br Chopra's Mahabharat. Also, an observation like we know the Story of Savitri and Satyavaan is told to us about how a woman can get a husband back from death if she so chooses and the same is told to Yudhistara by Sage Markandya, just tells that even if highly enlightened beings needed hope when they went into despair of how life has treated them. We are just normal humans.
The pilgrimage part would have been interesting if it was explained on map by physical location.
Book #8 series Indic books
The pilgrimage part would have been interesting if it was explained on map by physical location.
Book #8 series Indic books
July 22, 2021
The book does repeat a lot many things, but it's undeniably detailed and comes with multiple subplots. An absolute must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology.
This is where you see Arjuna making the journey to heaven to gather knowledge of weapons and dance from Indra. We also see Yudhishtira being educated on dharma by a great many learned men, the most notable among them being sage Markandeya.
This is where you see Arjuna making the journey to heaven to gather knowledge of weapons and dance from Indra. We also see Yudhishtira being educated on dharma by a great many learned men, the most notable among them being sage Markandeya.
October 11, 2025
You could call this a beach episode to a degree. The Pandavas are in exile in the forests of ancient India, and spend their days dueling Gods, wrestling with supernatural beings, encountering ancient heroes of a world long dead, defying death (literally) and villainous men, and above all listening to stories about their own ancient past and how the Gods and human civilizations came to be. An entire other epic, the Ramayana, is summarized here. This is a straight up adventure romp and I love it.
June 4, 2020
The book started with a long, never ending list of pilgrimage places where the Pandavas are advised to visit. It was indeed tough for me to interpret places in modern India but more or less all places hovered around the Vedic Indian region. I was happy to read Ramayana, Karna's story among other precious nuggets in this book. Quite interesting and motivating enough to go to the next one.
March 6, 2026
This was a tougher read. It still is important to the story, and there are good lessons in this one (role of a wife, two separate riddle stories), but probably the weakest.
Here we see some doubt creeping in, and our heroes take some Ls. We also get the Ramayana storytelling.
In the end, it certainly feels like a slog through years in the wilderness.
Here we see some doubt creeping in, and our heroes take some Ls. We also get the Ramayana storytelling.
In the end, it certainly feels like a slog through years in the wilderness.
September 29, 2024
Good descriptive read
It was fun to read all the detail accounts of Aaryna Parva of Mahabharata.
Recommended to those who want to know what happened during Pandavas exile in the Forest.
It was fun to read all the detail accounts of Aaryna Parva of Mahabharata.
Recommended to those who want to know what happened during Pandavas exile in the Forest.
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March 20, 2021The advent of the Kuru Princes was interesting
June 12, 2022
So far this has felt the longest of the series. But looking forward to more
July 31, 2023
What you can write about this epic ....great writing
April 28, 2024
Great translation.
October 20, 2025
yeahhhh.. fucked up story tbh but what religion isn't, they're all j reflections of us
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
The opening chapters are dry, but the Vyadha Gita, the summary of the Ramayana, the story of Savitri and Satyavan, and the Yaksha's questioning of Yudhishthira are sublime
August 4, 2025
We also get the (summary of) Ramayana for free in this volume. And frogs. More seriously, the review for volume 1 still applies. 5 out of 5.
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January 24, 2021Vana Parva is a chronicle of the twelve-year journey of the Pandavas in a forest, where they learn life lessons and build character. Yudhishthira regrets his gambling problem and declares himself the most wretched person on earth. Vrihadashwa consoles him with the story of Nala, another prince who erred by gambling, and recovered from his mistake. Nalopakhyana Parva recites the love story of prince Nala and princess Damayanti, who fell in love with each other without having met after learning about each other through a hansa (lit. "swan"). Damayanti's father announces a Swayamvara—a contest between eligible bachelors so that Damayanti can watch and choose the man she wants to marry. The gods arrive to win over Damayanti and pick Nala as their representative and messenger. Nala is conflicted, but tries to convince Damayanti that she marry Indra, or one of the deities. Damayanti picks Nala instead. One of the gods gets upset at Damayanti's choice, so he challenges Nala to a game of dice. Nala loses the game and the kingdom to Pushkara. He goes into exile, Nala and Damayanti are separated. Damayanti runs away from her father's kingdom. Several chapters describe their tribulations and adventures. Damayanti's father finds her and she returns to the kingdom. A second Swayamvara is announced. Nala comes to the kingdom disguised as Vahuka. Damayanti discovers Vahuka and knows his true identity; they meet and talk. Nala reclaims his kingdom from Pushkara. Damayanti and Nala take over the kingdom and live happily ever after. The story inspires Yudhishthira to focus on the future.
August 31, 2025
This Volume is about the Pandavas spending 12 years in the forest. A few topics that grabbed my interest were the conservations on -
- What is a Good conduct
- Destiny and Karma
- The 4 Yugas
- Controlling senses
- What is a Good conduct
- Destiny and Karma
- The 4 Yugas
- Controlling senses
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