About

About This Blog

Hello! I am Uma Shankari, the author of this blog. The Mahabharata is more than a story; it is a reflection on human nature, duty, and the choices that shape life. Its characters, events, and battles can be seen as allegories and symbols, offering insight into the human mind and consciousness.

The five Pandavas represent the five senses, navigating the field of action and awareness. Kurukshetra, the battlefield, is a metaphor for the terrain of consciousness, where duty, desire, and moral dilemmas collide. The Kauravas, driven by ambition and attachment, and their parents, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, reflect the limitations of ego, blindness, and partial vision.

Dharma in the Mahabharata is never fixed; it is contextual, evolving, and at times paradoxical. This blog aims to explore these philosophical layers, helping readers see beyond the surface narrative to the timeless lessons the epic offers — about virtue and vice, choice and consequence, action and restraint.

Modern portrayals of the Mahabharata, especially on television, often reflect regional beliefs or popular culture rather than textual authenticity. Yet they open a door to deeper understanding. This blog began as an effort to translate and interpret such portrayals in English for non-Tamil readers, gradually evolving into a reflective retelling that explores the moral and philosophical layers of the story.

This blog explores timeless life lessons, leadership psychology, family dynamics, dharma, and ethical dilemmas through the Mahabharata narrative.

Contact

Email: umashankari.venkataraman@gmail.com
Location: India

Mahabharata References

  1. Sivananda Ashram: Mahabharata Overview
  2. New World Encyclopedia: Mahabharata
  3. The Mahabharata Within You – Part I
  4. The Mahabharata Within You – Part II
  5. The Mahabharata Within You – Part III
  6. Mahabharatham (Tamil Resource)
  7. Infinity Foundation: Mahabharata Studies
  8. Hindu Mythology for GenNext
  9. Swami Sivananda’s summary of the Mahabharata
  10. Infinity Foundation – Essays on the Mahabharata
  11. Mahabharatham (Tamil resource)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Duryodha's Fall in the Mayan Sabha and Draupadi's Laughter : Episode 80

Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Episode 79 traces the widening paths of destiny as joy, rivalry, and ambition shape both Indraprastha and Hastinapura. Arjuna’s marriage to Subhadra brings celebration, even as Duryodhana’s jealousy deepens. Duryodhana wins Bhanumathi in the Kalinga swayamvara, aided by Karna, while a new generation of princes is born—Abhimanyu in Indraprastha and Lakshmana and Lakshmi in Hastinapura. Yudhishtra expresses his wish to perform the Rajasuya Yagna, but Krishna explains that Jarasandha’s downfall is essential for it to happen. Disguised as Brahmins, Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna visit Magadha, leading to the long duel in which Bhima finally kills Jarasandha by tearing his body apart and preventing it from rejoining. Shishupala vows revenge upon hearing of his godfather’s death. With Magadha freed, preparations for the Rajasuya begin. Amid debates and objections in the Kuru court, Bhishma firmly declares Krishna the most deserving of the highest honor. As Yu...
Continue »

166. Duryodhana's Death and Beyond

Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Gandhari blesses with dharma, not victory. Krishna reveals the six forces that doomed Karna. Shakuni mocks fate and plays dice with Krishna. Krishna warns the Pandavas about Shalya and assigns Yudhishtra to face him the next day. Gandhari Attempts to Save Her Son Gandhari resolves to protect Duryodhana with the spiritual power earned through unwavering pativrata dharma . She asks him to bathe and come before her unclothed, so that the divine radiance from her eyes may harden his body like diamond. Krishna learns of her plan. In disguise as Dushala, He warns Duryodhana that appearing naked before his mother is shameful and advises him to cover his loins with a banana leaf. Gandhari, who has kept her eyes blindfolded since marriage, opens them at last, and her fiery gaze strengthens every part of Duryodhana’s body — until she sees the covered area. Horrified, she realizes Krishna has intervened. Duryodhana shrugs it off, believing he is still safe: ...
Continue »

163. Karna Uses Nagastra But Krishna Saves Arjuna

Image
Recap of Previous Episode : Karna seeks blessings and joins forces with Ashwasena to kill Arjuna. Karna loses his son Vrishasena and vows revenge. Bhima kills Vikarna with sorrow, and Dushasana with ferocity, fulfilling Draupadi’s vow. Dhritarashtra collapses in grief. The stage is set for the decisive confrontation between Karna and Arjuna. Karna Rushes to Duryodhana Before Karna can recover from the shock of his son Vrishasena’s death, he learns that Dushasana has been slain. Setting aside his rage toward Arjuna, Karna hurries to console a shattered Duryodhana. Duryodhana’s Grief Duryodhana laments uncontrollably. Dushasana was his shadow, his most loyal supporter who never questioned an order. The mutilated body before him drives him into a frenzy of grief and rage. Gandhari breaks down and tells Kunti that she should have stopped Dushasana the very day he dragged and humiliated Draupadi. Her failure has cost them everything. Karna Confronts Yudhishtra Karna now faces Y...
Continue »