Oral renditions of the Mahabharata were so popular among people that even the Jains chose to tell its story.
The Jaina version however varies significantly from the Vyasa version we are familiar with. For example, unlike in Vyasa’s epic, the
Kurukshetra battle takes place between Krishna and Jarasandha, who was Krishna’s arch enemy.
And that’s just one of the several small and big differences between the Jaina and Vyasa’s versions of the epic.
Curious to know more? Click the video to listen in…
A popular tale about Raksha Bandhan traces its origins to the relationship between Krishna and Draupadi.
The Mahabharata, however, makes no mention of it. On the contrary, the epic introduces Krishna to us when he is attending Draupadi’s Swayamavara/
What exactly was the nature of Krishna’s relationship with Draupadi? If his relationship with her was fraternal, why then was he present at Drauapadi’s Swayamvara?
The answers are but a click away….
Nalopakhyana, from the Mahabharata, tells the story of Nala and Damayanti – their love, loss and retrieval.
Don’t be fooled by the name (Nalopakhyana)! In essence, it is the story of a woman hero – a woman who spared no efforts to gain and keep the man she loved!
Listen in to this poignant story of Damayanti and the triumph of her love amidst adversity!
Karna’s complex character has been dissected and explored by several playwrights and writers over two millennia.
This video explores what it means to be Karna as seen through the eyes of his fandom.
Check it out!
Did you know that the eldest sons of the ancient Kuru clan and the medieval Cholas shared a strange destiny?
Listen in to find out more about an intriguing similarity that haunted the two royal families…
Did Draupadi secretly love Karna? That is what popular imagination would have us believe.
But was it Vyasa’s truth? Or a secret wish of the people?
Watch the video to find out more about where the video comes from!
Karna is one of the most nuanced characters created by Vyasa. He crafts the character of Karna so finely making Karna one of the greatest tragic heroes of all times.
Check out how, when and where Karna enters the epic’s story and changes its course forever….
The Mahabharata refers to Arjuna using 14 different names. One of which is Savyasachi.
Do you know what the name means?
Watch the YouTube video for the answer and to know what makes Arjuna the iconic hero of the epic.
The story of Rama had such universal appeal that it is even found in the Mahabharata.
But what is interesting is that Ramopakhyana, as it is called, is very different from the Valmiki version familiar to us.
How?
Listen in to find out!
Kulture Katha 