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Mahasamar #8
निर्बंध: Mahasamar-8
Novel/ A Story of Mahabharat
- GenresFiction
460 pages, Hardcover
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 9, 2022
As I am inching towards the end of this 9-book series, there is an element of sadness that is dawning upon me. A disappointment that after 250 more pages, I would finish Mahasamar. Now that it will never leave me is a different matter altogether.
Part - 8 is all about the Battle of Mahabharata; starting from Drona Parva and ending at Shanti Parva. It details the entire battle with such finesse and detail that at so many points, I could feel the anxiety of Yudhistira, grievance of Arjuna or even disappointment of Karna. Krishna rules the book with his strategic decisions and Saar and Arjuna is the ultimate warrior who can potentially overpower everyone, except his own self.
The beauty of the book is that it did not ignore smallest of the stories we had heard since childhood and that makes me wonder whether if Kohliji was a reincarnation of Vyasji.
Now onto the last part and so glad I could pick this book last year.
Part - 8 is all about the Battle of Mahabharata; starting from Drona Parva and ending at Shanti Parva. It details the entire battle with such finesse and detail that at so many points, I could feel the anxiety of Yudhistira, grievance of Arjuna or even disappointment of Karna. Krishna rules the book with his strategic decisions and Saar and Arjuna is the ultimate warrior who can potentially overpower everyone, except his own self.
The beauty of the book is that it did not ignore smallest of the stories we had heard since childhood and that makes me wonder whether if Kohliji was a reincarnation of Vyasji.
Now onto the last part and so glad I could pick this book last year.
October 3, 2021
यह इस कहानी शृंखला का अंतिम भाग हैं। प्रथम भाग और इस अंतिम भाग का शीर्षक क्रमशः ― "बंधन" और "निर्बन्ध" है । शीर्षक काफी सार्थक हैं क्योंकि भीष्म द्वारा स्वयं को स्वरचित बंधनों में बांधने से शुरुआत होकर सारे बंधनों के खुलने पर जाकर अंत हुआ।
इस खण्ड का प्राप्य है :
1) पांडव रानियाँ का आपसी तर्कपूर्ण वार्तालाप के माध्यम से भीष्म से जुड़ी बातों, जैसे - उनसे जुड़ी इच्छामृत्यु की कहानी, उम्र के इस पड़ाव पर भी उनकी असाधारण वीरता, उनका दुर्योधन के पक्ष से लड़ने की वजह, खुद की मृत्यु का उपाय बताना आदि, के जड़ तक पहुँचना।
2) कृष्ण का प्रिय भगिना होने के बावजूद अभिमन्यु का वध हो जाने के पीछे का कारण और वध पश्चात् सुभद्रा से उनका वार्तालाप।
3) जयद्रथ, द्रोण और कर्ण के वध से जुड़ी प्रचलित छलपूर्ण-वध कथाओं का तार्किक विश्लेषण।
4) दुर्योधन और बलराम की घनिष्टता के पीछे के कारणों को खोजना।
5) युद्ध समाप्ति पर पितामह भीष्म से युधिष्ठिर का वार्तालाप।
कमियाँ :
1) युद्ध के दृश्यों के वर्णन को बिना पढ़े आगे बढ़ना बुद्धिमानी है। एकदम बच्चों के स्तर पर लिखा गया है।
2) कर्ण, द्रोण और बलराम को बिलकुल ही नेगेटिव चरित्र के रूप में दिखाना। कर्ण को तो एकदम से कमजोर, द्रोण को महा-स्वार्थी और बलराम को अड़ियल/जलनखोर/शार्ट-टेम्पर्ड दिखाया गया है।
3) यह नहीं बताया गया कि अश्वत्थामा द्वारा छोड़े गए ब्रह्मास्त्र को गर्भ में पल रहे शिशु की तरफ मोड़ने के बाद उसका निराकरण कैसे हुआ....मतलब इसपर लेखक अपना तर्क/विचार नहीं रखे हैं।
इस खण्ड का प्राप्य है :
1) पांडव रानियाँ का आपसी तर्कपूर्ण वार्तालाप के माध्यम से भीष्म से जुड़ी बातों, जैसे - उनसे जुड़ी इच्छामृत्यु की कहानी, उम्र के इस पड़ाव पर भी उनकी असाधारण वीरता, उनका दुर्योधन के पक्ष से लड़ने की वजह, खुद की मृत्यु का उपाय बताना आदि, के जड़ तक पहुँचना।
2) कृष्ण का प्रिय भगिना होने के बावजूद अभिमन्यु का वध हो जाने के पीछे का कारण और वध पश्चात् सुभद्रा से उनका वार्तालाप।
3) जयद्रथ, द्रोण और कर्ण के वध से जुड़ी प्रचलित छलपूर्ण-वध कथाओं का तार्किक विश्लेषण।
4) दुर्योधन और बलराम की घनिष्टता के पीछे के कारणों को खोजना।
5) युद्ध समाप्ति पर पितामह भीष्म से युधिष्ठिर का वार्तालाप।
कमियाँ :
1) युद्ध के दृश्यों के वर्णन को बिना पढ़े आगे बढ़ना बुद्धिमानी है। एकदम बच्चों के स्तर पर लिखा गया है।
2) कर्ण, द्रोण और बलराम को बिलकुल ही नेगेटिव चरित्र के रूप में दिखाना। कर्ण को तो एकदम से कमजोर, द्रोण को महा-स्वार्थी और बलराम को अड़ियल/जलनखोर/शार्ट-टेम्पर्ड दिखाया गया है।
3) यह नहीं बताया गया कि अश्वत्थामा द्वारा छोड़े गए ब्रह्मास्त्र को गर्भ में पल रहे शिशु की तरफ मोड़ने के बाद उसका निराकरण कैसे हुआ....मतलब इसपर लेखक अपना तर्क/विचार नहीं रखे हैं।
September 4, 2016
Every time when I sit to read Mahasamar it gives me a new insight on life. I feel as if it’s philosophy of life rather than a novel. Really not comparing here anything. In fact I have not attained that position yet. But I admit I was not aware of depth of Hindi literature before I read Mr. Narendra kohli in Mahasamar. The description of events, thoughts seem so relevant that one can easily get connected with them. Though I appreciate my earlier (what if, handful) Hindi-readings but to be very frank-this writing has introduced me with the level of Hindi authors. Remarkable- in one word, I should say. I find myself none before Mr. kohli and to comment upon his authority, this should be taken as an opinion of an ordinary reader.
A person remains spell-bound all through the reading- how vast knowledge of the subject, of the characters he has. This is a complete research work. Prior to this, tried to know about the Mahabharata, the great epic -through various available forms, but left them either half read or without enjoying. First amongst eight volumes in Bandhan- felt as if getting liberated, in another Antaraal- could understand how nature works. All volumes leaving an indelible impact-and now my condition is like- “finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend.”
A person remains spell-bound all through the reading- how vast knowledge of the subject, of the characters he has. This is a complete research work. Prior to this, tried to know about the Mahabharata, the great epic -through various available forms, but left them either half read or without enjoying. First amongst eight volumes in Bandhan- felt as if getting liberated, in another Antaraal- could understand how nature works. All volumes leaving an indelible impact-and now my condition is like- “finishing a good book is like leaving a good friend.”
November 7, 2018
Mahasamar-8 Nirbandh (hardcover) This Book is based on the story of great Indian Epic Mahabharata. Story in the last vol 7 was up to eleventh day of Mahabharata between warring Pandavas and Kauravas. On the 10th day, Bhishma told the Pandavas that he could be killed if Shikhandi, the transgender would sit on the chariot of Arjun. Bhishma feel on the bed of arrows and decided to leave his body when sun turned its direction to north and he could see the end of war and Hastinapur empire safe. On the 11th day Drona was declared commander in chief and Karn also joined the armed forces. The plan was to catch/ arrest Yudhistar alive so that the war would automatically end. King Trigart challenged Arjun to a duel. When Arjun went towards him, he moved away from the army, thus leaving Yudhistar and other Pandavas alone. Drona broke Yudhistar's bow and tried to encircle him. Krishana understood and soon brought Arjun around. Arjun threw his arrows fast on the Kuru army which dispersed and the day was over.
Twelfth day -Sudharma, Trigart again challenged Arjun to a continue the duel. Arjun follows him to another end of the battlefield while the Kauravas try to attack towards Yudhistar. Pandavas encircle him and continue to fight. Arjun defeats Susharma and Trigart and on the return Bhagdutt king of Pragjyotishpur started a duel. He was a warrior and it time to defeat him. Arjun returned towards the war zone where Bhim, Satyaki and Abhimanyu were fighting the Kaurava army. Arjun reached and the day ended with Yudhistar safe.
Thirteenth day- Drona planned Chakra and kamal battle formation. Only Arjun and Krishna were aware of entering and getting out of this formation. Arjun was challenged to continue the duel by Susharma. Arjun left towards him and the Pandavas entered the Charka formation. Abhimanyu was aware of how to enter the chakra formation but he was unaware of how to exit. Still the Pandava army entered the formation. By and by all Pandavas were left outside stopped by Jaidrath brother in law of Duryodhan. Only Abhimanyu entered. He killed many warriors and faced six warriors under Drona- Karn, Ashwaththama, Kripacharya, Kritverma . His bow and arrow and chariot were soon cut and broken down. He fell on the ground but picked up a mace and fought with the son of Dushshasan. Tired Abhimanyu was beaten and killed.
On his return Arjun came to know about the incident. He vowed that he will kill Jaidrath on the next day and if incapable , he will burn himself in fire.
Fourteenth day- Drona plans to save Jaidrath and all warriors surround him. Drona fights with Arjun and spend most of the day. Krishna raises his surdarshan chakra to cover the suns ray and it appears as if the sun has set. Joy fills the Kauravas and Jaidrath is left alone to happy. Just then the sun's ray come out and Arjun's arrow removes the head of Jaidrath.
Duryodhana is very angry and orders the battle to continue after sun has set. The warriors and the army is tired and sleepy. Bhim's son Ghatotkatch attacks the Kauravas. He will be able to defeat the army soon. Duryodhana asks Karn to kill him. Karn informs that the saved the best arrows for later use. Duryodhana asks him to use the best arrows on Ghatotkatch. Thus Ghatotkatch is killed. War continues. Drona is able to kill King Drupad and king of Matsya Virat. Krishna decides to play a different game knowing the weakness of Drona for his son Aswahthama. Bhim kill an elephant named Asthwaththama. All Pandavas blow their konchshells shouting that Ashwaththama is dead. Drona asks Yudhistar to inform about the incident. Yudhistar says Elephant and not man. But after the word elephant, there was so much noise that Drona could not hear and believing that Ashwaththama his son was killed, sat down on the battlefield with eyes closed and unarmed. Drishtadumna the commander in chief beheaded Drona. Ashwaththama comes to know to this incident and uses the Narayan Astra on the Pandav army. Krishna informs all to lie down in respect of Narayan Astra thus the damage in nullified.
Sixteenth day- Karn is declared commander in chief and King Shall is declared his chariot rider. Shall does not like this. Bhim is able to locate Dusshasan, break his chariot and kill him in mace fight.
Seventeenth day- Karn fights with all Pandavasexcept Arjun and defeats them Yudhistar is hurt and he goes to the camp for recupment. Arjun follows him. Yudhistar misunderstands that Arjun is afraid of Karn. He scolds him brother and Krishna explains to both that Arjun has come to see the welfare of Yudhistar. Both Arjun and Krishna leave for the battle field. Karn faces Arjun and during this duel the wheels of the chariot get stuck in mud. The chariot is unable to move. Karn gets down from the chariot to move the wheels. Just then Krishna instructs Arjun to see how Karn helped kill his son Abhimanyu the other day. Arjun kills Karn by the next arrow.
Eighteenth day- Shall is declared commander in chief. He is killed by Yudhistar. Shakuni is killed Sahdev. Only Ashwaththama, Kripacharya and Duryodhana survive. Duryodhana hids in a pond. Krishna takes the Pandavas to the pond. Bhim challenges him. Duryodhana comes out and mace fight begins. Bhim hits Duryodhan below his waist and he his down on the ground half dead. Pandavas leave him. Ashwaththama, Kripacharya and Kritverma meet Duryodhna and ask that Aswaththma be declared commander in chief. Soon Ashwaththama and the group attack the Pandava camp. Here Dristadumnya, Shikhandi, Utamauja and five sons of Draupadi are asleep. They are killed. Ashwaththama come with the head of the five dead to show to Duryodhana that the Pandavas are killed. Duryodhana touches the heads and finds that these are heads of children of Draupadi. He is sad weak and dies.
End is philosophical. War is never a solution. It is a classic book to read.
Twelfth day -Sudharma, Trigart again challenged Arjun to a continue the duel. Arjun follows him to another end of the battlefield while the Kauravas try to attack towards Yudhistar. Pandavas encircle him and continue to fight. Arjun defeats Susharma and Trigart and on the return Bhagdutt king of Pragjyotishpur started a duel. He was a warrior and it time to defeat him. Arjun returned towards the war zone where Bhim, Satyaki and Abhimanyu were fighting the Kaurava army. Arjun reached and the day ended with Yudhistar safe.
Thirteenth day- Drona planned Chakra and kamal battle formation. Only Arjun and Krishna were aware of entering and getting out of this formation. Arjun was challenged to continue the duel by Susharma. Arjun left towards him and the Pandavas entered the Charka formation. Abhimanyu was aware of how to enter the chakra formation but he was unaware of how to exit. Still the Pandava army entered the formation. By and by all Pandavas were left outside stopped by Jaidrath brother in law of Duryodhan. Only Abhimanyu entered. He killed many warriors and faced six warriors under Drona- Karn, Ashwaththama, Kripacharya, Kritverma . His bow and arrow and chariot were soon cut and broken down. He fell on the ground but picked up a mace and fought with the son of Dushshasan. Tired Abhimanyu was beaten and killed.
On his return Arjun came to know about the incident. He vowed that he will kill Jaidrath on the next day and if incapable , he will burn himself in fire.
Fourteenth day- Drona plans to save Jaidrath and all warriors surround him. Drona fights with Arjun and spend most of the day. Krishna raises his surdarshan chakra to cover the suns ray and it appears as if the sun has set. Joy fills the Kauravas and Jaidrath is left alone to happy. Just then the sun's ray come out and Arjun's arrow removes the head of Jaidrath.
Duryodhana is very angry and orders the battle to continue after sun has set. The warriors and the army is tired and sleepy. Bhim's son Ghatotkatch attacks the Kauravas. He will be able to defeat the army soon. Duryodhana asks Karn to kill him. Karn informs that the saved the best arrows for later use. Duryodhana asks him to use the best arrows on Ghatotkatch. Thus Ghatotkatch is killed. War continues. Drona is able to kill King Drupad and king of Matsya Virat. Krishna decides to play a different game knowing the weakness of Drona for his son Aswahthama. Bhim kill an elephant named Asthwaththama. All Pandavas blow their konchshells shouting that Ashwaththama is dead. Drona asks Yudhistar to inform about the incident. Yudhistar says Elephant and not man. But after the word elephant, there was so much noise that Drona could not hear and believing that Ashwaththama his son was killed, sat down on the battlefield with eyes closed and unarmed. Drishtadumna the commander in chief beheaded Drona. Ashwaththama comes to know to this incident and uses the Narayan Astra on the Pandav army. Krishna informs all to lie down in respect of Narayan Astra thus the damage in nullified.
Sixteenth day- Karn is declared commander in chief and King Shall is declared his chariot rider. Shall does not like this. Bhim is able to locate Dusshasan, break his chariot and kill him in mace fight.
Seventeenth day- Karn fights with all Pandavasexcept Arjun and defeats them Yudhistar is hurt and he goes to the camp for recupment. Arjun follows him. Yudhistar misunderstands that Arjun is afraid of Karn. He scolds him brother and Krishna explains to both that Arjun has come to see the welfare of Yudhistar. Both Arjun and Krishna leave for the battle field. Karn faces Arjun and during this duel the wheels of the chariot get stuck in mud. The chariot is unable to move. Karn gets down from the chariot to move the wheels. Just then Krishna instructs Arjun to see how Karn helped kill his son Abhimanyu the other day. Arjun kills Karn by the next arrow.
Eighteenth day- Shall is declared commander in chief. He is killed by Yudhistar. Shakuni is killed Sahdev. Only Ashwaththama, Kripacharya and Duryodhana survive. Duryodhana hids in a pond. Krishna takes the Pandavas to the pond. Bhim challenges him. Duryodhana comes out and mace fight begins. Bhim hits Duryodhan below his waist and he his down on the ground half dead. Pandavas leave him. Ashwaththama, Kripacharya and Kritverma meet Duryodhna and ask that Aswaththma be declared commander in chief. Soon Ashwaththama and the group attack the Pandava camp. Here Dristadumnya, Shikhandi, Utamauja and five sons of Draupadi are asleep. They are killed. Ashwaththama come with the head of the five dead to show to Duryodhana that the Pandavas are killed. Duryodhana touches the heads and finds that these are heads of children of Draupadi. He is sad weak and dies.
End is philosophical. War is never a solution. It is a classic book to read.
November 4, 2014
An average book.
Readers in anticipation for the actual Mahabharata story should strictly avoid.
This book series only culminates into authors supposed interpretation of the great epic.
Lot of characters have been wrongly portrayed:
Karna: Is just reduced to ego reflection of Duryodhan , portrayed as a coward, selfish, vulgar and vituperative person and is in complete contradiction to the actual Karna of Mahabharata.
Characters like Bhishma and Drona are depicted as cowards and hoggish.
Book no. 7-8 devoted to Kurukshetra war are a complete mess and this part is most painful to read.
Excluding the above limitations , this book series is still wonderful in other dimensions.
Readers in anticipation for the actual Mahabharata story should strictly avoid.
This book series only culminates into authors supposed interpretation of the great epic.
Lot of characters have been wrongly portrayed:
Karna: Is just reduced to ego reflection of Duryodhan , portrayed as a coward, selfish, vulgar and vituperative person and is in complete contradiction to the actual Karna of Mahabharata.
Characters like Bhishma and Drona are depicted as cowards and hoggish.
Book no. 7-8 devoted to Kurukshetra war are a complete mess and this part is most painful to read.
Excluding the above limitations , this book series is still wonderful in other dimensions.
November 7, 2018
Nirbandh by Narendra Kohli Mahasamar 8(1) The Book is based on great Indian epic Mahabharata. Part 8(1) Mahasamar Part 7 Pratyaksha narrated that as the Kauravas are not prepared to settle the issue of return to kingdom of Pandavas won by role of dice, both parties call their friend kings, fix the rules for war and get ready for war.
Dhritrahstra asks Krishna how in his blindness he can know about the progress. Krishna provides better eyes to Sanjay, his Chariot driver and advisor. Further narrative is in the form of questions by Dhritrashytra and replies by Sanjay.
Warriores and their armies is dressed up according to customs of kingdom, tribe, province. The army is standing in various attacking formations. At first Krishna brings the chariot of Arjun before both the armies and goes forward to Duryodhana with a proposal to settle the matters. Duroyodhana refuses to give land of the size of needle.
Krishna returns and sees Arjun who after seeing all his near and dears in front of him, is puzzled why to fight at all? For achieving kingdom and riches why should he kill all his relatives who has grown up with him and shared his growing up years. Krishna explains life and death, right and duty, war and peace, and perform his duty as a warrior and not bother about the result. Arjun agrees to fight. Krishna blows his konchshell named Panchjanya. In reply from the Kaurava army, Bhishma blows his konch and other followed. Arjun blew his konchshell named Devdutt and war started. Bhishma Commander in chief planned the army formations and is able to kill a lot of Pandava army. Uttar Crown Prince of Matsya son of King Virat is killed by Madra Naresh on the first day.
Second day- Bhishma is on rampage. Arjun confronts him and realizes that he is capable warrior. Bhishma turn his chariot towards Bhim. In the meantime, Satyaki starts duel with Bhishma. HIs arrow hits the chariot driver of Bhishma. The chariot moves astray without the rider. By evening, both the Commander blow their konch-shell and declare close of the day.
Third day- Pandavas have planned a effective eagle army formation and pressurize the Kaurava half moon formation army. Bhishma fights Arjun and Krishna is able to move is chariot in a way that the arrows pass by the side. Bhim is able to hit Duryodhana with his bow. Duryodhana falls and his chariot driver takes him back to his camp. His leaving the battle, demoralizes the kauravas. In the night, Duryodhana meets Bhishma and requests him to make the battle decisive. Bhishma agrees but says that the Pandavas are invincible.
Fourth day Bhim is able to kill six of Kaurava brothers.
Fifth, sixth and seventh day-Bhishma plans army formations and is able to kill the Pandavas army and repulsion from Pandavas camp is not effective. Bhim is able to kill 8 to 10 Kaurava brothers. Bhim and Duryodhana fight with mace but both are equal and no result comes out.
Eighth day- On this day, Irawan son of Arjun from his wife Uloopi is killed. Pandavas formation is effective on the Kaurava army. Bhishma wrecks havoc on Pandava army.
In the evening, Duryodhana meets his friend Karn and expresses his dejection. Karn informs that after Bhishma, when he is crowned Commander in chief, he will use his arms and end the war. Duryodhana meets Bhishma and informs that it appears to him that Bhishma will not kill the Pandavas, he can declare Karn as Commander in chief. Bhishma says that a warrior has to fight. About Karn, Bhishma informs Duryodhana that Karn was not able to perform in war with Matsya King where Arjun was on the opposite side.
Ninth day- Bhishma faced Arjun with arrows. The arrows were of all sizes small and big. He hit Arjun on the fingers and on parts of his body. He hit Krishna also and broke their chariot Krishna picked up the wheel of the chariot and tried to initiate the fight. Bhishma stopped the fight for the day. In the evening, Yudhistar in camp asked for proposals for the next day. Krishna suggested that Druapadi should go to meet Bhishma the next day morning to take blessings and ask Bhishma about how he will be killed. They met Bhishma, he blessed the Pandavas and informed that if Shikhandi is made to sit in the chariot of Arjun, he will fight her because he is partly woman. Arjun can use his bow and arrows on him.
Tenth day- Morning- Shikhandi, son of Drupad born of Yagn sits on the Chariot of Arjun. Bhishma does not retaliate by use of arrows. Thus Arjun is able to pierce his strong arrows through Bhishma's body. All parts of his body are pierced with arrows until he falls on the arrow shafts which touch the ground. The war is stopped. Bhishma says that his head is hanging and needs a pillow to rest. Arjun pieces his head with three arrows.
Eleventh day- Dronacharya is declared Commander in chief and Karn who was not in the battle field also joins battle. Drona plans that king Trigart will challenge Arjun and take him away from the battle but he is unable to do so. Pandavas also are safe from Dronacharya. The book is worth reading. It must be translated into various Indian and foreign languages for popularity and providing information about Indian way of life and philosophy.
Dhritrahstra asks Krishna how in his blindness he can know about the progress. Krishna provides better eyes to Sanjay, his Chariot driver and advisor. Further narrative is in the form of questions by Dhritrashytra and replies by Sanjay.
Warriores and their armies is dressed up according to customs of kingdom, tribe, province. The army is standing in various attacking formations. At first Krishna brings the chariot of Arjun before both the armies and goes forward to Duryodhana with a proposal to settle the matters. Duroyodhana refuses to give land of the size of needle.
Krishna returns and sees Arjun who after seeing all his near and dears in front of him, is puzzled why to fight at all? For achieving kingdom and riches why should he kill all his relatives who has grown up with him and shared his growing up years. Krishna explains life and death, right and duty, war and peace, and perform his duty as a warrior and not bother about the result. Arjun agrees to fight. Krishna blows his konchshell named Panchjanya. In reply from the Kaurava army, Bhishma blows his konch and other followed. Arjun blew his konchshell named Devdutt and war started. Bhishma Commander in chief planned the army formations and is able to kill a lot of Pandava army. Uttar Crown Prince of Matsya son of King Virat is killed by Madra Naresh on the first day.
Second day- Bhishma is on rampage. Arjun confronts him and realizes that he is capable warrior. Bhishma turn his chariot towards Bhim. In the meantime, Satyaki starts duel with Bhishma. HIs arrow hits the chariot driver of Bhishma. The chariot moves astray without the rider. By evening, both the Commander blow their konch-shell and declare close of the day.
Third day- Pandavas have planned a effective eagle army formation and pressurize the Kaurava half moon formation army. Bhishma fights Arjun and Krishna is able to move is chariot in a way that the arrows pass by the side. Bhim is able to hit Duryodhana with his bow. Duryodhana falls and his chariot driver takes him back to his camp. His leaving the battle, demoralizes the kauravas. In the night, Duryodhana meets Bhishma and requests him to make the battle decisive. Bhishma agrees but says that the Pandavas are invincible.
Fourth day Bhim is able to kill six of Kaurava brothers.
Fifth, sixth and seventh day-Bhishma plans army formations and is able to kill the Pandavas army and repulsion from Pandavas camp is not effective. Bhim is able to kill 8 to 10 Kaurava brothers. Bhim and Duryodhana fight with mace but both are equal and no result comes out.
Eighth day- On this day, Irawan son of Arjun from his wife Uloopi is killed. Pandavas formation is effective on the Kaurava army. Bhishma wrecks havoc on Pandava army.
In the evening, Duryodhana meets his friend Karn and expresses his dejection. Karn informs that after Bhishma, when he is crowned Commander in chief, he will use his arms and end the war. Duryodhana meets Bhishma and informs that it appears to him that Bhishma will not kill the Pandavas, he can declare Karn as Commander in chief. Bhishma says that a warrior has to fight. About Karn, Bhishma informs Duryodhana that Karn was not able to perform in war with Matsya King where Arjun was on the opposite side.
Ninth day- Bhishma faced Arjun with arrows. The arrows were of all sizes small and big. He hit Arjun on the fingers and on parts of his body. He hit Krishna also and broke their chariot Krishna picked up the wheel of the chariot and tried to initiate the fight. Bhishma stopped the fight for the day. In the evening, Yudhistar in camp asked for proposals for the next day. Krishna suggested that Druapadi should go to meet Bhishma the next day morning to take blessings and ask Bhishma about how he will be killed. They met Bhishma, he blessed the Pandavas and informed that if Shikhandi is made to sit in the chariot of Arjun, he will fight her because he is partly woman. Arjun can use his bow and arrows on him.
Tenth day- Morning- Shikhandi, son of Drupad born of Yagn sits on the Chariot of Arjun. Bhishma does not retaliate by use of arrows. Thus Arjun is able to pierce his strong arrows through Bhishma's body. All parts of his body are pierced with arrows until he falls on the arrow shafts which touch the ground. The war is stopped. Bhishma says that his head is hanging and needs a pillow to rest. Arjun pieces his head with three arrows.
Eleventh day- Dronacharya is declared Commander in chief and Karn who was not in the battle field also joins battle. Drona plans that king Trigart will challenge Arjun and take him away from the battle but he is unable to do so. Pandavas also are safe from Dronacharya. The book is worth reading. It must be translated into various Indian and foreign languages for popularity and providing information about Indian way of life and philosophy.
December 6, 2024
This is the final part of the 8 part Mahasamar series. This one covers the Kurukhethra war and finishes with Pandavas visiting Bhishma on his "coir" bed waiting for the Uttaraayana for auspicious time for his death and seeking his blessings before taking over the kingship.
While the whole series very enlightening on connecting the missing dots in Vyasabharatham and also looking inside the minds of the characters and explaining their motivations. But when the author tries to portray some characters different from the Vyasabharatha it doesn't help in anyway. The biggest difference we see the way Yudhishtar is portrayed in Vyasabharata and in this novel. Kohli-ji tried to portray him as a far better person than Vyasa himself did. Author did not go in detail in some of the actions from Yudhishtar like the very detailed description how he got ready for the war the morning after Abhimanyu was killed.
After completing the whole series, when I compare it to another book Parva by S L Bhyrappa which also a retelling of Mahabharatha, I found Parva more satisfying than Mahasamar series though it is 7-8 times longer than Parva. Mahasamar series goes in very detail and brings out many things which may not be clearly explained in Mahabharata, Parva manages to show us what is going on in the minds of principal characters while not going for so much details.
Looking back after reading more than 4500 pages (in Malayalam translation) in 4 months time I can only say that Narendra Kohli achieved a towering achievement in retelling Mahabharata.
While the whole series very enlightening on connecting the missing dots in Vyasabharatham and also looking inside the minds of the characters and explaining their motivations. But when the author tries to portray some characters different from the Vyasabharatha it doesn't help in anyway. The biggest difference we see the way Yudhishtar is portrayed in Vyasabharata and in this novel. Kohli-ji tried to portray him as a far better person than Vyasa himself did. Author did not go in detail in some of the actions from Yudhishtar like the very detailed description how he got ready for the war the morning after Abhimanyu was killed.
After completing the whole series, when I compare it to another book Parva by S L Bhyrappa which also a retelling of Mahabharatha, I found Parva more satisfying than Mahasamar series though it is 7-8 times longer than Parva. Mahasamar series goes in very detail and brings out many things which may not be clearly explained in Mahabharata, Parva manages to show us what is going on in the minds of principal characters while not going for so much details.
Looking back after reading more than 4500 pages (in Malayalam translation) in 4 months time I can only say that Narendra Kohli achieved a towering achievement in retelling Mahabharata.
May 18, 2019
How to read this book
May 7, 2020
its very good book
April 19, 2021
Narendra Kohli best hindi historical fiction writer. RIP
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