Week 9: Reading A & B


  • The first story is very clear and easy to understand
  • Duryodhana is jealous of the Pandavas
  • I didn't realize Draupadi has emerged from a sacrificial fire
  • Story varies slightly from the first version I read
  • Story of Hidimbi is always told differently
  • Draupadi becomes the wife of all of the Pandavas
  • Arjuna is exiled and goes on many adventures
  • Bhima kills Jarasandha in the wrestling match by tearing him in half and then frees the captive kings.
  • Yudhishthira is fond of gambling, but unskilled, while Shakuni is a skilled gambler. Yudhishthira will not be able to refuse a challenge to play. 
  • King Dhritarashtra grants Draupadi a boon. She asks that he free Yudhishthira. He grants her another boon, and she asks for the freedom of Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. Dhritarashtra also returns all that Yudhishthira lost in the gambling match, which outrages Duryodhana
  • Again, Yudhishthira cannot refuse, and again he loses, so the Pandavas must go into exile in the forest.
  • Did not realize there were 2 bouts of gambling
  • and there Yudi finds Bhima in the grip of a snake. The snake tells Yudhishthira he will release Bhima if Yudhishthira answers his questions. Yudhishthira does so, and then the snake vanishes and a man appears in his place, King Nahusa
  • Yudhishthira has learned the art of gambling by now, so he disguises himself as Kanka, a gambler. Bhima becomes a cook named Ballaba. Arjuna takes the name Brihannala and will be a dancing teacher. Nakula takes the name Granthika and works in the stables, while Sahadeva takes the name Tantripala and becomes a cowherd. Draupadi will be Queen Sudeshna's maid under the name Sairandhri. 
  • Duryodhana has taken refuge beneath the waters of a lake and will not come out to face the Pandavas. Finally he agrees to single combat, a duel with Bhima, and Bhima breaks Duryodhana's thigh as he had vowed years ago.
  • Agni, the god of fire, tells Arjuna that the time has come to return the Gandiva bow to Varuna, the god of the waters, by casting it into the sea, and Arjuna complies
Story: The Mahabharata as told by CA Kincaid
The year of Disguises. Source.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction to a "Foodie"

Image
Hi, my name is Haley. Here's the serious stuff: This is me at the Sequoia National Park in CA this summer I am a senior studying Biology with a minor in Religious Studies. I really love learning and Biology allows me to use more analytical parts of my brain while Religious Studies allows for some creativity. Together, I believe these two areas of study provide a well-rounded balance of coursework that keeps me busy and engaged. That being said, my favorite learning experiences in college haven't come from classes, they've come from my involvement with the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth. This is an internship program that uses problem-solving tactics to consult with companies around the country. This internship has taught me professionalism and how to work with a team. This summer I had the opportunity to work with Nalco Champion as an Engineering & Sales intern! I had a blast and was able to spend my summer in California. Here...
Read more

Week 13 Story: The Palace Dogs

Image
In a great and splendid palace, belonging to mighty king, there lived two palace dogs. They were the king’s beloved companions. In the presence of their master, they were loving and obedient. When the master was not around, their character reversed and they became mischievous, pestilent things.  One night, a thunderstorm broke across the sky. The bright flashes of lightning and loud cracks of thunder filled the palace dogs with a wild passion. They broke from their collars and leashes and ran into the night. They ran throughout the royal gardens, taking special care to roll and stomp in the largest mud puddles. They bit off roses from their bush and muddied all of the fountains. In their furious frolic, they arrived at the idea to storm the throne room. The dogs ran teeth gnashing, paws muddied, and mind frenzied through the palace into the majestic court room of the king. They rolled on the rugs, tore down the tapestries, and chewed on the arm of the throne. When the room was p...
Read more