The Mahabharata Podcast

This episode begins at the backdrop of the Battle of Kurukshetra, the pinnacle of the epic, and specifically when Yuddhistira is showing his doubts over the chances of a Pandava victory against the likes of Bhishma. Arjuna and Krishna take the reigns, explaining the role of righteousness in victory, and the episode then centres around the prayers offered by Arjuna, to Durga, for the Pandava victor...

This episode describes the nine principal forms of the Devi, or Durga, the feminine energy of the Supreme, as is introduced by none other than the Mahabharata, and also featured in other derivative literature including the Srimad Bhagavatam. The episode aims to clarify the descriptions and stories behind the nine forms, providing a segue into a key part of the Mahabharata where Durga, has an encou...

After the kidnapping of Pauloma, and the cursing of Agni, the Suta continues on the nexus with the snake race, by describing the biting of the orphan Pramadvara, and her union with her lover Sage Ruru. Finally, this episode introduces Sage Astika, the saviour of the snake race at the sacrifice of King Janamejaya. Music: a promise by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Music promoted b...

This episode tells the story of Sage Bhrigu’s wife Pauloma, and her abduction by the demon also named Pauloma, in the presence of the fire deity. Bhrigu goes on to curse fire, and then unfolds the redemption of fire by the Grandsire of the Universe, Brahma. Music: Moon Dock by Verbovets | https://lesfm.net/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https:/...

This episode begins with the inquiry before the Snake Sacrifice, by the sage Shaunaka Rishi, to Suta Goswami in relation to his own heritage and line, namely that from Sage Bhṛgu, who is sometimes referenced within the framework of the Seven Great Sages, and sometimes not. In any case, he is cited by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita saying "Of Sages, I am Bhṛgu," and this episode shares some...

The episode tells the story of the Sage Uttanka’s ventures to obtain earrings for the wife of his preceptor, involving the stealing of the same by the great snake Takshaka, and his reclaiming them with the help of Indra and the god of fire, Agni. It culminates in Uttanka seeking out King Janamejaya to exact his revenge on the snake.  Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpe...

This episode shares the opening scene or story of the Mahabharata, involving a pup, of the celestial dog Sarama, and their interaction with the great grandson of Arjuna, King Janamejaya. This is followed by another small background story of the Sage Ayoda-Dhaumya, and his three disciples and the tests he put them through to graduate. It includes reflections on these two stories, that will kick off...

Dr Robert J Oppenheimer, born in an aristocratic family in New York, would become what Christopher Nolan calls Oppenheimer ‘the most important person that ever lived.’ Being one of the most astounding minds of his generation, how did the ancient Indian philosophies become the favourites of Oppenheimer? How was a life of dilemmas, consoled and ever reconciled in his mind? We explore the role he pla...

Suta Goswami, one of the renowned narrators of the Mahabharata many millennia ago, begins his narrations highlighting pertinent events, going through systematically the 18 Parvas, or books. In hearing this narration from the unabridged edition of the Mahabharata by Kisari Mohan Ganguli from 1848, the listener will be able to get a high level understanding of the nature and themes of the stori...

This episode covers i) The Parampara, or passing down of the Mahabharata, both narrated and written; ii) The 8 personalities involved in the passing down of the Mahabharata from Vyasadeva the original author, including Sukhadeva Goswami, his enlightened son, as well as Sage Vaisampayana, and iii) The 8 original instances of passing down of the Mahabharata Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

A narration of the beautiful prose said by Dhritrashtra, lamenting event by event, his inevitable misfortunes as cited by Suta Goswami in the forests of Naimisha. Intro music: performed by Jay-Z, produced by Rick Rubin, Source Roc Nation / Jay-Z Background music by Scott Buckley 'Filaments' under a creative commons license. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What were the circumstances under which the birth of the Pāṇḍavas and Kauravas? How do these form the succession dynamics for the throne of Hastinapura? This episode explores these questions. Music: Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/...

After the chaotic succession events concerning the throne of Hastinapura, culminating in the end of the Kuru bloodline, this episode looks at the implications of the vow of Bhīṣma never to take to the throne, despite being the most qualified in every respect, not least with the blood line. The episode continues with raising of the two new crown princes Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Pāndu, as well as their step...

Dhṛtarāṣṭra, sitting in the empty royal hall of Hastinapura, vacated by his deceased century of sons; shares his lamentations. And the Sage Vyāsa, opening with this, brings to bare, the stark and harsh lessons in the art of leadership, when reason is overwhelmed by sentiment. Music: I Walk With Ghosts by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/al...

Welcome to the Mahabharata Podcast. Hear reflections based on the ancient Vedic teachings of the epic Mahabharata. Music Desert Caravan by Aaron Kenny Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.