Sun TV Mahabharatham

Scene 1 At Ekachakrapura, we see a woman crying as guards take away her son. She is wailing hysterically and asking god to end the misery that the people have been subjected to because of the demon Bakasura. The Brahmin Upaya is playing with his son when some guards tell Upaya that it would be their turn next week. At Dwaraka, Vishwakarma has designed a city in the middle of the sea and strengthened it with strong-walled fortresses. Balarama welcomes the gathering and announces that Krishna will be crowned the king of Dwaraka. Krishna bows before his parents Vasudeva and Devaki. Just as he is about to ascend the throne, he notices his foster parents Nanda and Yashoda in the crowd. He goes to them, offers his pranam s and hugs them. He asks them to come forward. At his request, both mothers lead him to the throne and crown him. Yashoda asks Krishna for a boon. She says she wants the pleasure of being his mother in the next birth too. Krishna promises her that she will be his mother wh...

Scene 1 Bhishma is in deep distress after the final rites were performed by Krishna. Finding him so distraught with misery, Vidura calls Kanaka to narrate the chain of incidents after Pandavas left for Varanavata. Bhishma is delighted to know that Pandavas and Kunti are safe. Jarasandha worships Goddess Kali and Shivalinga and is distributing wealth to the needy. He hears about that his daughters Asti and Prapti (Kamsa's wives) are indisposed. The vaidya informs him that his daughters had not partaken food for a few days. Finding them inconsolable, Jarasandha renews his vow to kill Krishna soon. Bheema is looking for his mace and finds a young boy practising how to wield it. Every one is amazed at the extraordinary strength of the boy when Hidimbi appears and says the boy is Bheema's son . Sage Vyasa explains that demonic women deliver soon after conception and the offspring grow much more faster than those of normal humans. Kunti is delighted with the arrival of her first gr...

Scene 1 As narrated in the previous episode, the Pandavas find the cottage tidied up. Hidimbi appears and says she did it out of her love for Bhishma and the desire to help them. Bheema accuses her of deceit; Hidimba entreats Kunti to trust her. She says she comes from salakadangadi lineage and is not a rakshasi by birth. She further says Sage Vyasa would come shortly and confirm her statement. In a few moment, Sage Vyasa lands there and speaks highly of Hidimbi. When Bhima says how he could marry when his elder brother is yet to be married, Sage Vyasa says those rules are applicable only when parents decide the marriage of their offsprings as per the tradition. He explains to them the eight types of marriage and assures them that Bhima and Hidimbi could get married by the Gandharva tradition of marriage. He tells the Pandavas and Kunti that the marriage of Bhima with Hidimbi has divine reasons which they would understand this only in the future, and it was best not to probe further...

Scene 1 Krishna and Balarama are standing in a chariot and are at war with Jarasandha. Both are equally matched, but at times, Jarasandha seems more powerful. Goddess Lakshmi and Sage Narada are watching them from above. At one stage, Krishna and Balarama get down from the chariot and start running. Goddess Lakshmi defends her husband's action saying He must have a reason for this. Jarasandha is upset because he cannot chase a fleeing warrior and hence cannot fulfill the promise to his daughters. Narada follows Balarama and Krishna and asks why he does not kill Jarasandha but chooses to flee. Krishna narrates how Jarasandha once prayed to Brahma and obtained boons from him. Jarasandha asks Brahma to grant him the boon that no Yadava could ever kill him. Brahma asks the reason, stating he has already received a boon that no human or god could kill him. Jarasandha reminds Him the fate of Hiranyakashipu, who got killed despite similar boons. He asks Brahma how he would classify Kris...

Scene 1 Drupada is standing in the fire and performing the penance. A strong, fully armoured man emerges from the fire. The sky resounds with the prophecy that this strong man would be called Drishtadyuma and would fulfill Drupada's dream of killing Drona. At the very moment, Drona is sleeping, and a sword hung on the wall, disentangles and speeds to Drona's throat, but is stopped by his son Ashwaththama. Kripi, Drona's wife, is alarmed and thinks it is a bad omen. Drona closes his eyes in meditation and sees the birth and emergence of Dhrishtadyumna. He tells his wife and son that the adversary who is destined to bring about his death has just taken birth. Back to the scene of Drupada's sacrifice. A beautiful girl now emerges from fire. It is Draupadi and a disembodied voice prophecies that this woman would be known as Panchali and bring about the destruction of the kshatriya clan. She is an embodiment of the goddess Durga; she has taken birth to assist the work of...

Scene 1 An apparition or phantom appears before Jarasandha, father-in-law of Kamsa, and tells him that both share the same asuric (demon-like) nature, Jarasandha, by nature, and he, by birth. Then the phantom narrates the past incidents. He says that he was Tirumilan, Kamsa's real father . Ugrasena was Kamsa's father only to the external world. Once Tirumilan had assumed the form of Ugrasena and dallied with Ugrasena's wife's Aryanari (Padmavathi in most texts). When Aryanari realizes the truth, she curses Tirumilan that a son born of Yadava will kill the asura race. Krishna has now taken birth with a vow to kill the asuras. And Jarasandha has taken a vow to kill Krishna. Therefore it was his duty to help Jarasandha in killing Krishna. Jarasandha scornfully tells Tirumilan that he could kill Krishna single-handedly without anybody's help and gratify his widowed daughters. Thirumilan says Krishna was not a mere cowherd; even as an infant he had killed Putana and ...

Bhishma, Drona and Kripacharya are shocked by the news of the death of the Pandavas along with Kunti. The Kauravas are jubilant to hear the news from the spy. Shakuni threatens to kill the spy to prevent the leak of their own involvement, but decides to spare his life. The citizen who brings the news to the attention of the king's court does not mince words but directly accuses the king of plotting the Pandavas' death. Dhritarashtra is full of remorse for sending the Pandavas to Varanavata and, to that extent, he accepts his role in their death and asks for pardon. But Bhishma is furious with the accuser and threatens him with dire consequences unless he substantiates his accusation with proof. He effectively protects the king, and the crowd disperses. Drupada has decided to intensify the penances and perform the harsh Rudragni Yagna instead of the more pacific Yagna he has been performing so far. Drupada's brother comes running to Drupada's wife and informs her ...

A special feast has been organized by Purochana at the end of which Kunti rewards everyone with gifts. She offers presents to Vanjikodi, the tribal cook-woman, and her five sons and tells them they could go home and relax. The woman prevails on Kunti to allow her to stay, but Kunti doesn't relent. They leave the palace, but decide to return on the sly and proceed to Purochana's apartment. The Pandavas, who watch their return, now feel their suspicions have been well founded after all. Purochana is happy that the cook has returned. He tells them to lock all the exit doors and gates and to torch the palace after midnight. Pandavas learn of their intentions.

Scene 1 Ashwathama hurls hysterically all the weapons and is about to set fire to them. Drona stops him and asks him for the reason. Ashwaththama says he is frustrated because his father has voluntarily taught Arjuna the Brahmastra, whereas he did not teach his own son despite several entreaties, and has said that he does not consider him ready for learning it. The real reason why Drona did not teach him the art was because he wanted Arjuna to excel in archery. That was sufficiently demonstrated in the case of Ekalavya whose right thumb he had usurped just to ensure Arjuna's supremacy in archery. Ashwathama further accuses his father of having no true affection for him. Drona explains why he taught Arjuna the technique of using Brahmastra, as Arjuna had once saved him from the fatal clutches of a crocodile . Even though he hated to ask anyone for favors, it was only the love for his son that drove Drona to beg Drupada for wealth. His Guru Parashurama had told him not to teach ar...

Scene 1 Drupada seeks the help of a sage called Upayaja to perform yagna that would help get a son capable of killing Drona. The sage drives him away advising him from pursuing his ignoble aim. Drupada refuses to go away and waits, unmindful of the frigid weather. Taking pity on Drupada's plight, Upayaja suggests that he should seek Yaja's help to conduct the Yagnas, because Yaja, his brother, is less principled and highly interested in acquiring the wealth that Drupada is prepared to give. Scene 2 It is night, and the Pandavas prepare to go to bed. Bhima is about sneeze and stops himself when his brothers joke that it would have enough impact to shatter the lac house. Just then, a man stealthily enters the palace and is caught by Bhima. The man identifies himself as Kanaka, the messenger from Vidura who has come to help them. Purochana rushes into the chamber, but Yudhishtra sends him away, saying the commotion was caused by Bhima's sneeze! Kanika tells Yudhishtra that ...

Scene 1 Drona is busy with his morning prayers. Ashwaththama asks him to initiate him in the use of Brahmastra. Drona says he would do so at an appropriate time. Ashwaththama insists on it being done that day since it was an auspicious day for learning. Drona then explains Ashwaththama is as yet not ready for its instruction. This infuriates the son so much and he tells his mother that Dronacharya was partial to Arjuna even more than to his own son and has already taught Arjuna the use of the divine weapon. His mother Kripi asks him how he knows that and Ashwaththama reveals to her that he had once suggested to Arjuna about approaching Dronacharya, but Arjuna tells him he has already been taught this by Drona. Scene 2 Purochana takes the Pandavas to the new palace he has built at Varanavata. He introduces a middle-aged woman called Vanjikodi who is a cook. She and her five sons, he says, would take care of every need of the Pandavas. Yudhishtra observes the curious fact that each of t...

Scene 1 Kunti and the five Pandavas start on their journey to Varanavata. They seek the blessings of elders like Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. Finally, they bow before Vidura. Vidura tells Yudhishtra obliquely of the dangers ahead and asks him to be vigilant. Vidura : May God be with you. A warrior who understands and anticipates the moves of his adversaries can always protect himself. One need not be killed by sharp weapons alone. Even items not made of steel can cut the body. That which destroys the forests and protects one from cold does not hurt the mountain rat. A wild porcupine can dig tunnel and escape raging fire. By keeping in control the five senses we can conquer all the enemies. One can know the direction by watching the stars. Do you understand, Yudhishtra? Yudhishtra nods his understanding. Scene 2 Drupada totters his way in tattered clothes and disheveled hair. He reaches Yugabodha's ashrama where the sage is in deep meditation. When the sage opens his eyes, the ki...

Scene 1 After the meeting with Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana barges angrily into Shakuni's chambers. He is frustrated with his father for not acting decisively, and with Shakuni for not insisting on permission for killing the Pandavas. Shakuni assures Duryodhana he is always having his nephew's welfare in his mind. He explains the necessity for caution, because if Pandavas are killed in Hastinapura itself, all suspicion would fall on them. So it is important to get the Pandavas out of Hastinapura, and then plan their end. He would simply tell Dhritarashtra to send Pandavas to Varanavrata where consecration of an ancient Shiva temple is being organized. He has planned this with the help of Purochana, the Chief architect of the temple. He would instruct Dhritarashtra to send the Pandavas along with their mother Kunti under the pretext that he was too busy with the administrative affairs of the country. They then send for Purochana.

Scene 1 Continued from the last scene of the previous episode: Shakuni tells Dhritarashtra that Dushshasana's idea of killing the Pandavas was the only way Duryodhana could ascend the throne. Dhritarashtra opposes this vehemently, recalling Pandu's love for him and his selfless renunciation of the kingdom and leaving for the forest. Shakuni then suggests he should avail the counsel of an able administrator called Kanika who was wise in running political affairs. Scene 2 Arjuna goes hunting to a forest. A dog barks non-stop at him. Arjuna tries unsuccessfully to silence him, and in exasperation aims an arrow at him when a series of arrows arrests the dog's mouth in such a way that disables the bark without killing the animal. Impressed, Arjuna asks the hunter boy who shot the arrows who taught him this trick. The boy replies his Guru was Dronacharya. Arjuna is stunned.

Scene 1 After Arjuna's victory over King Drupada, the people of Hastinapur are excited about who is going to be the future king. Their favorites appear to be Yudhishtra and Arjuna, much to Duryodhana's and Karna's chagrin. Vidura reminds that Dhritarashtra that it was time he makes an announcement about the coronation of the next king. Dhritarashtra announces he is already contemplating on the coronation and would announce it soon, and the crowd thronging the court cheer Yudhishtra and Arjuna. Dhritarashtra : Why are they reacting this way even before I announce the name of the future king? Vidura : That only goes to show that the people of Hastinapur are already clear about their choice of the new king. Shakuni : It is monarchical form of government not people's republic that governs Hastinapur. So only the king gets to decide. Vidura : A king must respect people's opinion. And the prince of Gandhara must speak only when asked by the king.

Main highlights: * Defeat of Duryodhana: unable to capture Drupada * Arjuna defeats Drupada, chains and brings him as captive before Drona. * Drona says he is now the king of Panchala. Since Drupada had said that friendship had to be between equals and since he valued friendship, he would gift Northern half of Panchala to him and retain the Southern half himself and make his son Ashwatthama the king. Now that they were equals, Drupada could renew the friendship if he desired so. Drupada said the friendship would be decided by future, in future. * Drupada leaves in humiliation, but Arjuna follows him and asks for his pardon. He says he had done his duty, and had no personal enmity with him. Arjuna's politeness and his appreciation of the valor of the vanquished wins Drupada's heart. * Dhritarastra is inwardly upset over Arjuna's victory in a task that couldn't be accomplished by Duryodhana. Gandhari understands his predicament and consoles him, and orders A...

Scene 1 Karna asks for a chance to demonstrate his dexterity in archery which he says will surpass that of Arjuna. Kripacharya insists that Karna reveal his pedigree and Karna stands speechless. Kripacharya says Arjuna will fight only with whose ancestry matches with his. Duryodhana says Karna is a brave warrior and that alone should be the criterion for judging his worth. If Arjuna could fight only with those belonging to royal family, he would crown Karna that very instant, and with permission from Dhritarashtra crowns him as the king of Anga. Karna is overwhelmed with gratitude and promises lifelong allegiance to Duryodhana. Seeing Karna being crowned, his foster father Adhiratha rushes to the podium and hugs him affectionately. Now that everybody comes to know who his father is, Arjuna is derisive, but Duryodhana gives back a fitting reply. Before Arjuna can decide to fight with Karna, the sun starts setting, and Kripacharya announces the closure of the game as per the rules. Eve...

After Queen Satyavathi departs to the forest with Ambika and Ambalika, the Pandavas and Kauravas learn the use of martial weapons under Dronacharya and Kripacharya. A huge arena has been arranged wherein the princes may display what they have learned all these years. Apart from the courtiers, the entire population of Hastinapura has assembled to witness the grand spectacle. His chariot driven by Vidura, King Dhritarashtra arrives first, as clarions and trumpets blow, drums roll and welcome panegyrics are orated. Queens Gandhari and Kunti, and Shakuni arrive and take their seats. On the dais are also seated the royal gurus Kripacharya and Dronacharya with his son Ashwatthama. Each of the princes arrive in pomp and style and are greeted by the public warmly. They bow to the elderly and take their seats too. The show begins. Yudhishtra comes first and begins by unfurling the flag by throwing a spear at it. The next is the wrestling bout between Bhima and Duryodhana. As both are equally...

Scene 1 Kamsa approaches Akrura with two wrestlers. He tells Akrura that he has found that Devaki's son Krishna who was prophesied to kill him lives in Gokula with his brother Balarama. He asks Akrura to invite Krishna and His brother Balarama to Mathura for the Dhanur Yagna that he wants to perform and to bring milk, curd and ghee for the purpose. He reveals he would then finish them off with through his powerful wrestlers. Akrura warns that Krishna has killed demons like Putana, Sadakasura, Narakasura and Pralambara when he was merely five years old. Now that he was fifteen years old, they have to be cautious in dealing with him, as he could be much more powerful now. Kamsa treats Akrura's advice and commands him to simply follow his instructions. Scene 2 Queen Satyavati is preparing to undertake Vanaprastha. As she takes off each of the ornamentas, all the griefs she had to encounter in the past flash before her. Queens Ambika and Ambalika express their desire to accompany ...

Scene 1 Bhishma, Satyavati and Vidura are talking together when a messenger informs them of Pandu's death in the forest. Satyavati swoons on hearing the shocking news. Pandu is laid on the pyre and the Rishis in the forest are sitting ready for the cremation, while Kunti, Madri and their five children are crying in uncontrollable anguish. Urged by the sages, the women go around the pyre. Kunti : As the senior wife of Pandu, I will burn with our beloved husband and you take care of all the children. Madri : Sister, Pandu expressed his passion to me, but he left this abode without my fulfilling it. How can I rest in peace with that knowledge? I know you can look after my children as your own: you are indeed magnanimous. But I lack that kind of magnanimous soul. Please permit me to ascend the pyre. Rishi : Both of you have sons and none of you need to undergo this. Dhritarashtra is power hungry and is not going to take very kindly to the children. But Kunti has the support of Yadav...

Scene 1 Vasudeva leaves the prison, carrying Baby Krishna overhead in a basket. The door opens automatically and Vasudeva reaches the river Yamuna. Vasudeva walks along on the river bed, as Serpent Adisesha guards the baby from rain. He reaches Gokula and leaves the baby near Yashoda who is fast asleep. He picks up her new-born girl child and starts his return journey. The palace guards as well as Kamsa are still asleep when Vasudeva returns and lays down the baby girl near Devaki. Kamsa wakes up and jerks the sleeping guards into waking. He pulls the baby from Devaki's hands despite her pleas and flings it into the air. The baby disappears and a goddess appears before them. She says she is Yogamaya and informs the shocked Kamsa that his destroyer has already taken birth and is safe. She also tells him that Lord Vishnu was his destroyer even in his previous birth as Kalanemi. She warns that Kamsa should mend his ways or else his death was certain.

Scene 1 Kunti is blessed with a son. Dharmadeva, the god of Justice, names him Yudhishtra and predicts he would adopt exemplary righteous conduct throughout his life. Dharma will be the essence of his life. He would also be known for not turning his back to the enemies in a battle field. Saying so, Dharmadeva disappears. A messenger carries the news of Yudhishtra's birth to Bhishma who is conferring with Vidura, Dhritarashtra, Shakuni, Queen Satyavati and Sage Vyasa. On hearing the news of the birth of the oldest heir to the Hastinapur throne, Sage Vyasa, Queen Satyavati and Ambalika rejoice, but Dhritarashtra stomps out in anger. Scene 2 Rohini, the second wife of Vasudeva, gives birth to a son (Balarama). It is explained that Rohini went as a servant to the prison where Vasudeva and Devaki were kept captive and came back bearing Vasudeva's child. An angry Dhritarashtra barges into his chamber and calls out for Gandhari. He shouts that while Kunti had given birth to a son i...

Scene 1 Pandu goes hunting in the forest when he sees a male and a female deer courting each other. He aims an arrow and hits the male deer, who to Pandu's surprise, turns into a sage and his wife. The sage Rishi Kindama cries in anger and agony, and curses the king that he would die if he ever mated with his wife. Pandu pleads with the sage to revoke the curse, as it was an innocent and not a deliberate act, since he saw only one deer and the other was hidden from view. The sage is relentless and he and his wife die. Pandu returns to the camp where his wives are waiting in anticipation, having decorated the bed with flowers, etc. A highly frustrated Pandu kicks and flings away everything in sight. Kunti : What's the matter with you? You went for hunting and you have come back highly disturbed. Sage Vyasa has marked today as the auspicious day for our nuptial night. Pandu : Now there is no need for auspicious dates. We just need to wait for death.

Scene 1 In a continuation of a scene from the previous episode, Devaki and Vasudeva grieve over the killing of their first child. In an effort to stop such gruesome killings, Vasudeva and Devaki decide to spend their lives in worship of the Lord and not procreate any children. At Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu explains why he has chosen to be born to Devaki and Vasudeva, because they were righteous and virtuous, and never blamed anyone for their misfortune. Lord Vishnu's consorts point to Him the decision made by the young couple, and wondered how He could take His avatara as Devaki's son. Narada joins them too. Narada : If we think in a certain way, the gods think in a diametrically opposite way – this is the maxim we have always heard. But the situation here is just the opposite. Vishnu : Why don't you speak more clearly? Narada : You, the Lord, plan a certain way, but the humans Devaki and Vasudeva act in a way that is likely to overturn that. Just as You are planning Your a...

Scene 1 Kamsa visiting Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison The security guards of Mathura put Devaki and Vasudeva behind bars. Kamsa comes to meet them in the prison. He instructs the security guards not to allow anyone or anything without his permission. He threatens them with dire consequences if ever they tried to escape. He jocularly tells them to begin their spring-like pleasant marital life in confinement and give him his nephews whom he is eager to meet. Scene 2 Vidura's marriage with Sulabha is conducted in the palace in the presence of all elders, including Sage Vyasa. After the marriage, Sage Vyasa talks to his mother Queen Satyavati and asks her if she is content now. Satyavati says she is not, as she is tormented by the loss of her sons and the delay in the arrival of children to Dhritarashtra's and Pandu's wives. Vyasa smiles and explains this was the result of their karmas. Satyavati does not understand and asks Vyasa to explain. Vyasa : Who should have been...

Scene 1 While sitting in his chamber, Kamsa is accosted by a bat that bids him to follow. Kamsa follows the bat and reaches a cave where he comes across a goblin who says he is Kamsa's benefactor, which is why he warned him earlier about the eighth son of Devaki who is destined to kill him. Then the goblin narrates to Kamsa how he was an asura and not a Yadava as he had believed. In fact he was his real father, a gandharva called Thirumilan ( Dramila ) who had once assumed the form of Ugrasena and seduced his wife Padmavathi. Padmavathi realized she had been tricked; she cursed that his child would be killed by a scion of the Yadava dynasty. The son born to her as a result was Kamsa and the asura was the real father of Kamsa. Kamsa returns to the palace, snatches away Devaki's child and kills it. Scene 2 Pandu has returned from the world conquest and has brought immense wealth. The courtiers and the common citizens are singing his glory. This irks Dhritarashtra, as he has to...

Scene 1 It is the continuation of the scene from previous episode where Lord Vishnu is talking to his consorts, explaining that the time for Dharma to establish itself over adharma. To explain this further to Bhoodevi and Sridevi, he calls out to Lord Brahma to appear before them. Brahma foretelling future events to Bhoodevi and Sridevi Lord Brahma tells them about Kamsa's reign of terror on the people of Mathura and also about the coming events at Hastinapura, such as the birth of an evil Duryodhana, heralding adharma, and the birth of Pandavas to counter them. When adharma gets enthroned, Lord Vishnu will appear to re-establish dharmas. As His wives, Bhoodevi and Sridevi will follow and be born on earth.

Scene 1 Pandu's coronation. After the ceremony, a solemn Pandu seeks the blessings of all the elders and retires to his private chambers. Queen Kunti is grief-stricken. Pandu explains it was the duty of every kshatriya to undertake military conquest. Kunti pointedly asks him whether he didn't undertake this solely for the sake of his elder brother. Pandu admits it was partly so but says that undertaking digvijaya was his dream and he was doing it voluntarily and whole-heartedly. Pandu then goes to Madri to take leave of her. Madri cries that she had prayed so fervently to all gods for getting Pandu as her husband and rues why the god who had granted her the boon also cursed her with separation. She insists she could not bear his separation. She could drive his chariot and accompany him as Kaikeyi accompanied Dasharatha a long time back. Pandu declares the suggestion as not feasible. Pandu meets Bhishma and Satyavati next. Bhishma appreciates Pandu's sacrifice in voluntar...

Scene 1 It is the continuation of the last scene from the previous episode. Dhritarshtra is talking exuberantly to Gandhari when Vidura enters the scene. Dhritarashtra says airily to Vidura that though he is blind he is aware of all the political goings-on in and around Hastinapura. He says in the absence of an able ruler, there is bound to be mismanagement and chaos in the country. Dhritarashtra : After Pandu's marriage, Shalya (brother of Madri) hasn't been paying taxes properly, isn't it? Brother, relationships and politics are issues that should remain unrelated. We should be strict about not mixing them up. When I become the emperor, I will not allow such irresponsible acts. Oh, yes, Vidura. You didn't tell me why you came here. Vidura : I heard that since the morning you haven't eaten anything. That's why I came to call you. Dhritarashtra : Food? I am so happy that food is the last thing on my mind. I won't even be able to sleep well tonight. You go...

Scene 1 Dhritarashtra and Gandhari in their private chamber. Dhritarashtra asks Gandhari if she married him willingly. Gandhari : Yes, I did marry you willingly. But why did you get such a doubt? Dhritarashtra : Which girl would want to marry a blind person like me?. That's why. Gandhari : You should never entertain such doubts in the future. Henceforth, I will be forever your eyes to the world. Dhritarashtra : What you say sounds good to hear; but any girl would want her beauty to be appreciated by her husband. And I don't even know what beauty is. Gandhari : True beauty lies in our heart. You don't need eyes to appreciate that. True love is enough. Dhritarashtra : You talk beautifully. You must therefore be beautiful indeed. Gandhari : Did the girls in the palace never tell you how handsome you are? Dhritarashtra : That's ok. Do you know what my ambitions and dreams are? Gandhari : I know. You want to be the emperor of this country.

Scene 1 Kunti and her companion. Kunti looks distressed after Kuntibhoja tells her about the proposal for marriage from Hastinapur. Her friend asks her why. Kunti reminds her that she gave birth to a child on the day of her coming of age or attaining menarche. The flashback takes us to the day Kunti's (called Pritha) attaining maidenhood is celebrated in a grand manner. Soon after Pritha is seen chasing flocks of sheep and geese. The queen objects to her running around uninhibitedly and the king too joins her in the gentle admonition. When the queen says she knew Pritha wouldn't listen to her, Pritha is hurt and tells the king and the queen that she would do whatever they tell her and she realized that they loved her as though she was their own child and not like an adopted daughter. (Surasena is the father of Vasudeva and the grandfather of Sri Krishna. Pritha was his daughter (thus she is aunt to Krishna). Kuntibhoja is Surasena's cousin. Since he was childless, Sura gav...

Scene 1 This is the continuation of one of the scenes in the previous episode. Sulabha is narrating to her mother how she met Vidura, and Vidura is narrating the same to Bhishma. Vidura notices Sulabha folowing and watching him from a distance at a temple. He corners her and asks her why she was doing so. She reveals she has lost her heart for him. Vidura shakes his finger at her and warns her she ought to realize that he was from the royal family of Hastinapura and that she should find someone more worthy of her. Vidura now tells Bhishma that the pride of belonging to the royal family had gotten to his head, but now he knows his real standing. He tells him that he has decided to accept Sulabha's love. Sulabha tells her mother she did not know about the background of Vidura when she expressed her love for him. Though Sulabha's mother fears the royal wrath, she tells her daughter to seek Bhishma's forgiveness for her audacity. Sulabha does so, but Vidura asks her to join ...

Scene 1 Queen Ambika brings her son Dhritarashtra before the sanctum of Durga. She asks him to pray to the goddess as it is his 8th birthday. Dhritarashtra asks his mother how he looks in his new royal silk suit. Ambika tells her son he looks like a king. Dhritarashtra repeats the question a couple of times, and finally his mother, realizes the subtle meaning of 'like a king' and tells her delighted son he is indeed the king. Vidura and Pandu enter the scene. Dhritarashtra once again asks them how he looks in his new silken robes. Pandu replies that Dhritarashtra looks like 'Yuvaraja' a crowned prince, but Dhritarashtra isn't satisfied. When he repeats the question in an angry tone, Vidura instinctively understands what Dhritarashtra wants to hear. He signals to Pandu, who gestures his acquiescence. Dhritarashtra is happy to hear Vidura say that he is the future emperor of Hastinapura.

Scene 1 Eight years later... on the banks of the river, the royal guru is teaching the three royal princes: Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura. Bhishma is standing near them and queens Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika are sitting and watching the proceedings. Sivai(Vidura's mother) is also present there. Guru : Today Bhishma is going to test your intelligence. All of you are no doubt intelligent; but I believe Bhishma won't test merely your bookish knowledge but your out-of-the-box thinking. Bhishma : Dear children, I have no doubt about your skills in education. But presence of mind, independent and lateral thinking are factors that distinguish one person from the other. I am going to begin the test: are you all ready? The princes chorus their readiness. Bhishma (Holding a sieve in his hands): This vessel will help only the person shrewd enough to understand the subtleties and nuances of the situation. Who will come first? Dhritarashtra : I am the eldest and so I will come fir...

Scene 1 Princess Ambika is seated on her bed, anxious and dressed in her bridal finery. Vyasa approaches her. Ambika is appalled by Vyasa's hideous and unkempt appearance and closes her eyes in fright. The next day, Vyasa is seen approaching Ambalika, dressed similarly for her nuptial night. Ambalika too is horrified by Vyasa's appearance and she turns pale. The next day, Vyasa is offering the prayers to the goddess, when the maids bring two babies and lay them in front of the sage. Queen Satyavati is delighted to see the babies and asks Vyasa to name them. Vyasa, with his Yogic insight is able to see their future and names them Dhritarashtra and Pandu. Queen Satyavati wants to know about the future of the two new born babies, but Vyasa is reluctant to reveal it. Upon Queen's insistence, he tells her that Ambika had closed her eyes, disgusted by Vyasa's looks and so her son was born blind. Ambalika's face had turned sallow and hence her son would have short life. ...

Scene 1 Bhishma tells Chief Physician about the prince's death and commands him to embalm the body. The news of the prince's death is to be a secret, he warns the physician. Queen Satyavati is pacing up and down, looking at the embalmed body of her son. Then she resolutely walks out. Bhishma is deep in thoughts in his chamber when Queen Satyavati comes in. Queen : I wanted to see and talk to you. That's why I have come. Bhishma : Tell me. Queen : Bhishma, I do not know what you think about me, but I can tell you what I think about myself. There are two Satyavati's inside me. One is a mother who cannot cry aloud or perform the final rites of her son. The other is the queen of Hastinapura who believes she has to even lay her life for protecting her country. Your father has entrusted the care of this country to you and to me. Both of us share this responsibility. Your brother is being preserved by floating him in medicated oils. If I do his final rites, both Ambika ...

Scene 1 Sage Parasurama is sitting in meditation outside his hermitage. Amba approaches the sage and offers her prostrations. She introduces herself as the daughter of the king of Kashi. Sage Parasurama : King of Kashi is a great devotee of Lord Shiva. How is he? Amba : I cannot say he is fine. He is beset with worries about myself. Sage : Is it so? What is your problem? Amba : A Kshatriya entered my life and my life disintegrated and scattered away like a flower garden caught in a raging tempest. If Kshatriya dharma goes counter to humanitarian dharma, what will a helpless girl like me do? Amba recounts the incidents that happened during the Swayamvaram and the subsequent events leading to her rejection by King Shalwa, Bhishma and by her own father. Sage is moved by her condition and sends for Bhishma. Bhishma arrives soon and Sage Parasurama asks Bhishma to marry Amba. Bhishma refuses, citing his vow as the reason. Parasurama : If so, why did you go to Kashi and hold the girls ...

Scene 1 Vichitraveerya marries the two Kashi princesses Ambika and Ambalika, as Queen Satyavati and Bhishma look on happily. Physicians begin their treatments on the Prince. Special prayers are offered at various temples for the speedy recovery of the prince. Scene 2 Queen Satyavati is seated on the throne and is flanked by Bhishma. Amba stomps into the assembly, demanding justice. Amba : Does anybody know here about dharma? Do such people still live here? Satyavati : Who are you, woman? Hastinapur is a land of dharma. What complaint do you bring here? Amba : I am Amba, the princes of Kashi. Satyavati (sarcastically): Oh you are that woman who spurned the throne of Hastinapur and went seeking your lover! Amba : That was past. Let's talk of the future now.

Scene 1 Bhishma sets out to consult Sage Vyasa on the next course of action. Outside the hermitage, sage Vyasa is discoursing on dharma, "Dharma varies from person to person. Brahmin is one who is devoted to selfless service. Kshatriya is known not by his birth but by his strength. He uses his strength for the welfare of his country. It is expected that he acts without being influenced by personal likes and dislikes." Bheeshma enters, salutes and tells him that he has come to receive his advice on matters of great importance. Vyasa : What is the problem, Bhishma? Bhishma : You know that very well. One of my brothers is dead, and the other is incapable of producing a progeny. Vyasa : Hmm. Is there a more curious tale than that happening in the Kuru dynasty? Bhishma : Every clan has its ups and down. Hastinapur is without a king today. We have sent word to other states stating we are observing one year's condolence following Chitrangada's death and it is coming to ...

Scene 1 Shantanu is touched deeply by Devavrata's incomparable sacrifice and hugs him. The next day, Devavrata calls for a special meeting presided by Sages Vasishtha and Parasurama. He tells them of the oath of life-time celibacy he has taken and abdicates the crown as the future king of Hastinapura. In front of a packed audience, he invokes his mother Ganga and all the gods, and swears he would never accept any official position throughout his life. Sage Parasurama extols his renunciation as a virtue of the highest order. Sage Vasishtha blesses him and bestows the appellation of Bhishma on him. The court resounds with the reverberations of 'Bhishma as gods from the sky chorus 'Bhishma' and those assembled in the court join the chorus. Parasurama reminds Bhishma of his duties toward Hastinapur as its custodian. He hands over to Bhishma a sword he had received from Lord Vishnu. Shantanu meets Bhishma in his private chambers. He expresses his anguish over the many pleasu...

Scene 1 King Shantanu, accompanied by Prince Devavrata, enters the palace amidst warm welcome chants and showers of flowers. The next day dawns. Two ministers are seen talking to each other as they enter the court. Minister 1 : I have been watching the court proceedings since Maharaja Pradeepa's rule, and the court has never swerved from providing justice to all. Whoever sought justice here has never gone back with dissatisfaction. If this throne is occupied by somebody who has grown in a forest and is brought up by a woman, is that a good news for Hastinapur or bad? Minister 2 : One who is crowned as a king should be well versed in the justice and the legal system, the rules governing commerce; he should understand the practical nitty gritties in the lives of a common man and be aware of inheritance laws and politics. He should also be patient, composed, and analytical. To expect this new prince to possess all these essential characteristics is mere foolishness. Minister 1 : I...

The scene from the previous episode shows Ganga Devi leaving her first born baby into the river and Shantanu looking on in dismay. Scene 1 Shantanu, with two friends from neighboring regions. They congratulate Shantanu's victorious return from the 10-year war he has fought vanquishing the enemies of Kuru dynasty. They recall that when his father Pradeepa died, Shantanu was merely ten years old but he could recognize the evil designs of the enemies who had reckoned they could defeat the young boy easily and divide the Kuru kingdom among themselves. Brave as a tiger, Shantanu had left his "cave" when he was fifteen and in a few years conquered the neighboring regions and returned to his capital, his head high like Indra, the god of gods. Shantanu : Enough. No need to praise. Never praise your friend in his presence. But yes, are you all happy? Is everything under control? 1st friend : Everything is fine. Yet we have a concern. Shantanu : Concern? My friends having w...

Scene 1 Brahma appears before Vyasa who is performing the morning ablutions across a river bank. Vyasa : My prostrations to you, revered one. You have accepted my invitation and have appeared before me. Your kindness is unrivaled. Swami, I was merely a student of the Vedas, and you ordered me to compile and classify them. And I completed the task. You were happy with me and called me Vyasa. The whole world calls me Vyasa. God, kindly solve my problem. Brahma : Tell me what your problem is. Vyasa : My mind has become mired in the puddle of blood. Four generations have passed after the Kurukshetra war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Yet the human blood spilled in the war hasn't yet become frozen in my mind and it remains fresh. The gory sight of lakhs of bodies bathing in the blood torment me. The mutilated horses and elephants torture me in my sleep. What should I do do to get over this? How do I make my mind a blank slate? You should bless me. Brahma : Vyasa!, You are a gr...