MAHABHARAT

What Homer’s ILIAD is to Greek civilization and the great classics of yore are to different nations of the world, the MAHABHARAT is to India. Written byBrahmrishi Ved Vyasa, the ancient philosopher thinker who was known to be the fountain of all human knowledge, it has been translated into manylanguages and even presented in ballet form in far off western and oriental countries.

But the MAHABHARAT is not an abstruse philosophical or religious tract. It encompasses all shades of human nature from the utterly base to the completelydivine; its high point is Lord Sri Krishna’s message to humanity, the Song Celestial the divine BHAGVAT GITA, acknowledged to be the quintessence of allknowledge embodied in the Hindu ethos.

B. R. Chopra's MAHABHARAT is one of India's most successful TV series in history and has been repeatedly telecast on TV networks worldwide tophenomenal response. The TV show has left an indelible impression in the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide with its timeless values and teachings.This classic tale of the victory of good over evil is available exclusively on the Internet at Rajshri.com

Producer & Director : B. R. Chopra & Ravi ChopraMusic Director : Raj Kamal

Lyrics : Pandit Narendra Sharma & Bhring TupkariDialogue : Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza

Episode 01

King Bharat sows the seed of democratic thinking by appointing a commoner as his successor. Many generations later, KingShantanu risks the tradition when he marries Ganga and promising never to question her for anything she does.

Episode 02

Bound by his promise, Shantanu does not question Ganga as she sacrifices seven sons. When he protests at the birth of theireighth son, Ganga leaves him. Years later, the son is returned, trained and educated, as Prince Devarata.

Episode 03

Devarata is crowned as Yuvraj, heir apparent. But, to enable the marriage of his father to a village girl, Devarata renounces hisrights to the throne and also vows never to marry. Gods shower blessings and Devarata is renamed as Bhishma.

Episode 04

Bhishma (Devarata) defends his sacrifice and carries out his duties to look after all the affairs of the State. King Shantanu dies ingrief and guilt towards Bhishma.

Episode 05

Shantanu’s son Vichitravirya ascends the throne. Bhishma arranges the marriage of Ambika and Ambalika, the daughters of aneighboring king, to King Vichitravirya. However, Vichitravirya dies young and without any offspring.

Episode 06

Threatened with extinction, Queen mother Satyavati, calls on Ambalika and Ambika to marry Vyasa. Ambalika gives birth toDhritarashtra who is born blind. Ambika gives birth to Pandu who is born anemic and weak. Bhishma is forced to look after thisgeneration too.

Episode 07

Dhritarashtra and Pandu are married to Gandhari and Kunti. Dhritarastra was blind, Gandhari binds up her eyes with a piece ofsilk, refusing to see the world. Kunti was the daughter of the King of Yadavas and thus the sister of Vasudeva, father of LordKrishna.

Episode 08

Pandu establishes the supremacy of the Kuru House. During his campaigns he takes another wife, Madri. After the campaigns,Pandu goes to the forest for relaxation with his two queens Kunti and Madri.

Episode 09

While hunting, Pandu accidentally kills a Sage. To do penance Pandu decides to spend his life in exile and entrusts his kingdom toDhritarashtra. In time, five children – Yudhisthira, Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadeva – are born to Kunti and Madri. Dhritarastrahad a hundred sons from Gandhari, the eldest being Duryodhana.

Episode 10

In Mathura, King Kans dethrones his father and takes over the Kingdom. He arranges his sister Devki’s marriage with hisinfluential friend Vasudev. But when a Sage predicts that her eight sons will be responsible for Kans’s death, he imprisons Devkiand Vasudev.

Episode 11

Kans personally kills Devki’s first six children born in the prison. Devki’s seventh ‘Pregnancy’ is taken over by Vasudev’s secondwife who gives birth to Balram. And when the eighth child (Krishna) is born, miraculously the prison doors open and Vasudev isable to smuggle out the child and leave him in Gokul with his friend Nand.br>

Episode 12

Unusual celebrations in Gokul make Kans suspicious that Devki’s eighth child must be there. Pootna is sent there as a toy seller tokill all the children born in Gokul. When she tries to kill Krishna, she herself is killed. Meanwhile all the people of Gokul, includingKrishna’s foster parents, shift to Nandgaon.

Episode 13

Childhood of Shri Krishna, the Supreme Being, and Narayan. While Yashoda happily reared Shri Krishna in Nandgaon his realmother Devki, and his father Vasudev spent days inside the prison in Mathura. Krishna regaled the entire Nandgaon with his divinesports.

Episode 14

Krishna’s divine sports make him the darling of his friends. To everyone’s amazement he kills Kalia the Serpent King who lives inthe river Yamuna, while retrieving the ball of his friend Sridham from the bottom of the river.

Episode 15

Krishna grows up to a 11 year-old-boy. Now he has given up stealing butter; instead he steals the hearts of the young “Gopis”.Radha is one such “Gopini” who has lost her heart to him. Two songs illustrate this beautiful relationship. Also, Krishna encouragesthe habitants of Nandgaon to stop sending butter, as a levy to Kans, the ruler of Mathura. Kans feels slighted that someone hasdefied him.

Episode 16

Kans tries to subdue Krishna. He commands two demonds to destroy Nandgaon. However Krishna and Balram, annihilate the evildemons. The episode also covers two major portions of divine sports – one, saving of Nandgaon by lifting the Goverdhan Mountainand the other “Maharaas” in which Shri Krishna creates the illusion among the dancing Gopis, each one of whom thinks that he isdancing with her and her alone. Meanwhile, Kans tricks Vasudev’s friend Akrur into inviting Krishna to Mathura with the intention ofkilling him.

Episode 17

Krishna’s departs from Nandgaon for Mathura. The residents of Mathura have heard of his divine sports and they pay obeisance tohim as an ‘Avatar’ (Incarnation of God). Eventually, Krishna faces his uncle, Kans. The cruel ruler planned to slay Krishna but hemeets his own death at the hands of Shri Krishna. Before killing him, Krishna reveals to him his ‘Varaat Roop’ (Deity Incarnate inits full form).

Episode 18

Krishna releases King Ugrasen and his parents Devki and Vasudev who had been imprisoned by Kans. People of Mathura rejoiceand celebrate the coronation of King Ugrasen. Krishna goes to Sandeepani Gurukul for his education. In Nandgaon Yashoda isupset to learn that Shri Krishna had stayed back in Mathura and probably would never return. The Pandava children, Yudhisthir,Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev grow up and receive their education in the forest. Pandu dies in the forest and Kunti returns toHastinapur with her children.

Episode 19

Vyas takes Satyavati, Ambika and Ambalika to Tapovan (forest). Before leaving, Satyavati tells Dhritarashtra to look after thePandava Children. The Kaurav and the Pandava children grow up together. They are educated under Kripacharya. Shakuniinstigates Duryodhan against the Pandavas and a rivalry develops between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.

Episode 20

Adirath is released from his duties as the blind-King Dhritarashtra’s assistant. Sanjay takes over from Adirath as Dhritarashtra’sassistant. Rivalry between Duryodhan and Bheem develops. Duryodhan plots to poison Bheem. After poisoning Bheem he throwshim into the river Ganga. Bheem survives the attempt and is returned safely to Kunti and his brothers.

Episode 21

Kunti forbids Bheem from saying anything about Duryodhan's attempt to kill him. Vidur suspects something is behind Bheem'ssilence. He goes to see Bheeshma to discuss his concerns. Bheeshna is worried about the development, but is helpless as hevowed to protect the throne of Hastinapur and he cannot take sides. Duryodhan and Shakuni continue to plot against Bheem.Dhritarashtra is concerned about the development in Hastinapur but Gandhari is a sobering influence on him. Meanwhile, inMathura at the Sandeepani Gurukul, Shri Krishna and Sudama become close friends. Also in this episode Dronacharya (Drona) isintroduced as one of the teachers of the Kuru Princes.

Episode 22

Dronacharya (Drona) trains the Kuru Princes in the art of archery and other military skills. Arjun receives praise by his teachers.Duryodhan is often advised to control his arrogance. Shakuni rebukes his sister Gandhari for not seeing through all the plots of thePandavas.

Episode 23

Dronacharya (Drona) trains the Kuru Princes in the art of “Gada Yudh” (Mace fighting). Bheem and Duryodhan specialize in it andexhibit their skills. Drona is especially delighted by Arjun’s prowess and he loves him even more than his own son, Ashwathama.Drona informs Bheeshma that the education of Kuru Princes is complete. They agree to hold a tournament to test the war skills ofthe Princes.

Episode 24

A special stadium that was built to exhibit the feats of the Kuru princes is full of spectators. Members of the Royal Household areinvited. The princes perform amazing feats with their weapons. A mace fight between Duryodhan and Bheem follows and the fightbecomes too intense. Arjun displays many feats of archery and every one is convinced that there is no one equal to him. Just thenthe people are startled by a voice coming from the gateway. It is Karna, Kunti’s son from the Sun God. Karna challenges Arjun fora single combat. Kripacharya declares that Arjun can only fight against other royalty. Karna bows his head in silence. WhileDuryodhan springs up and says, “we crown him the King of Anga, which is now without a master, they can fight after that”.Karna’s coronation takes place and Duryodhan wins a life long friend in Karna. Arjun and Karna are prevented from competing asthe sun sets and the tournament that had begun so dramatically ends in an equally dramatic manner.

Episode 25

The education of the Kuru princes is over. Dhona continues to advise the Kourava and the Pandava Princes. The Pandavas do welland this makes Dhritarashtra unhappy. Shri Krishna and Balram finish their education at Sandeepani Gurukul and plan to return toMathura. Pursuram arrives at the Gurukul and gives Shri Krishna his Sudarshan Chakra. He asks Shri Krishna to lay the foundationof a New Yuga (New Era).

Episode 26

After finishing his education at Sandeepani Gurukul Shri Krishna returns to Matura. Krishna advises Ugrasen, the king of Matura, toshift his capital from Mathura to Dwarika. The heir Apparent to the throne of Hastinapur is to be chosen and Duryodhan is stakinghis claim while Drona, Vidur and the people of Hastinapur favor Yudhisthir. Bheeshma remains silent as he is bound by his vow toserve the throne which is with Dhritarashtra.

Episode 27

The court meets to name the Heir Apparent to the throne of Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra is compelled to appoint Yudhishthir andbecause of his superior intellect. Jarasandh, the King of Magadha, arrives in Vidarbha to meet King Bheeshmak. Jarasandh asksBheeshmak to invite Shishupal, the Chedi King, to marry his daughter Rukhmani and make Shishupal his ally. Rukhmani howeverhas lost her heart to Shri Krishna so she writes him a letter to take her away.

Episode 28

Shri Krishna has received a letter from rukhmani asking him to take her away from Vidarbha before she is married to Shishupal.Krishna decides to go to Vidarbha and defeats the forces of Bheeshmal and Shishupal and takes Rukhmani away. In Hastinapur,Dhirtarashtra is worried about his throne. Yudhisthir has been made Heir Apparent (Yuvraj) and due to his popularity the peoplewant him to become their King as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Duryodhan as Shakuni plot against Yudhisthir. They would like himto die before he becomes a King. Shakuni invents a plan to send Yudhisthir and his brothers to Varnavat where they would beburnt alive in a house of wax.

Episode 29

Duryodhan asks Dhritarashtra to send the Pandava brothers to Varnavat to attend a festival. He threatens to commit suicide if thePandava brothers are not sent to Varnavat. Dhritarashtra is worried about the growing conflict between Yudhishthir andDuryodhan. He consults Vidur and is advised to send Yudhishthir and Duryodhan to Varnavat to represent Hastinapur in thefestival.

Episode 30

Kunti takes Yudhishthir to Gandhari to seek her blessings before leaving for Varnavat. Gandhari is happier to learn that Yudhishthirwill stay in the beautiful palace built by her son Duryodhan. She is unaware that the palace is meant to kill Yudhishthir. ThePandava brothers are suspicious of Duryodhan’s eagerness to send Yudhishthir to Varnavat; so they accompany him to Varnavat.Kunti also decides to go with them. Vidur learns that Duryodhan’s spies had been collecting wax, oil and other flammable materialsin the recent past. Vidur warns Yudhishthir in words that are intelligible only to him. Yudhishthir understands Duryodhan’s hideousplan and the means to escape.

Episode 31

Only three days are left for the house of wax to go up in flames and for kunti and her sons to burn to death. Vidur informs thePandavas of the evil plan and sends them a miner who helps them dig a tunnel to escape. The charred corpses of a woman andher five sons mistakenly give credence to the news that the Pandavas were burnt alive. The Kauravas shed false tears for the“dead” Pandavas.

Episode 32

After escaping from the tragedy, the Pandavas arrived in a forest and rest. Bheem and Arjun want to confront the Kauravas, butKunti & Yudhishthir decide against it. Bheeshma goes to the river Ganga to perform the last rites of the Pandavas. Vidur theninforms him that the Pandavas are alive and to keep the secret to himself.

Episode 33

The Pandavas stay in the city of Ekchakra in the guise of Brahmins. Kunti and Bheem learn of a cruel and terribly strong rakshasanamed Bakasur who was harassing the people. Bheem sets out to eliminate this rakshasa. A great fight ensues and Bheem killshim. Not wanting to be recognized by the citizens of Ekchakra, the Pandavas leave the Brahmin’s house unnoticed and proceed ontheir journey, waiting for better days to come.

Episode 34

The Pandavas journey through the forest and learn about Draupadi the daughter of King Drupad. At Draupadi’s royal weddingceremony many warrior princes were invited to attend. The candidate for the hand of the princes was required to string a mightysteel bow and shoot a steel arrow. Many noted princes rise and try in vain to string the bow. Then a youth arises from among thegroup of Brahmins and advances towards the bow. It is Arjun in the guise of a Brahmin. Only Shri Krishna recognizes him. Arjuneasily lifts the bow and strings it.

Episode 35

Without pause or hesitation Arjun shoots his arrow into the target. He wins Drapadi’s hand in Marriage. The Princes are loud withanger. “ How can a Brahmin marry a princess?” they demanded. A fight seems imminent. Shri Krishna seeks to appease thePrinces and Arjun and Bheem protect Draupadi. At long last they take Draupadi to their temporary abode. Kunti unknowingly asksthe five Pandava brothers to share their bride prize. Also, Shri Krishna meets his aunt Kunti and his cousin. MeanwhileDhrishtadyumna, who had followed them, reports back and reveals the true identities of the Pandava brothers.

Episode 36

Duryodhan and Shakuni are furious when they learn that the Pandava brothers are alive and that King Dhritrashtra has sent Vidurto call them back to Hastinapur. Karna, as usual, is ready to fight them, but Shakuni realizes that with King Drupad and Krishna onthe side of the Pandavas it would be difficult to defeat them. Dhritrashtra consoles Duryodhan and assures him that his rights asheir apparent to the throne of Hastinapur will be fully protected. In Kampilya, King Drupad and Shri Krishna advise Yidhishthir tofight for his right to the throne of Hastinapur. Just then Vidur arrives and tells the Pandava brothers that they have been invitedback to Hastinapur along with their bride.

Episode 37

The Pandavas and Draupati return to Hastinapur. Dhritrashtra conceals his disappointment and orders everyone to welcome them.Determined to establish peace between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Bheeshma suggests giving half the kingdom toYudhishthir. Dhritrashtra agrees to his suggestion. Krishna and Balram, also give their consent and it is decided that Yudhishthir’scoronation as King of Khandavprastha be held in Hastinapur.

Episode 38

The decision to partition the Kingdom of Hastinapur between the Kauravas and the Pandavas is not liked by the Pandavas, butKrishna consoles them and tells them that Khandavprastha is their Karmabhoomi (field of action) Gandhari feels that a partition ofa country can never be a solution to the rivalry. Bheeshma feels that there are no other options.

Episode 39

Yudhishthir is coronated with great celebration. Dhritrashtra bids Yudhishthir farewell with these words, “ My brother Pandu madethis Kingdom prosperous. May you prove a worthy heir to his renown! May you conquer the entire world! May you perform theRajsuya Yagna and may you live long and rule as a just King as your forefathers did before you!” Yudhishthir knew that the landwas a barren wasteland, but he agreed to accept this injustice because he wanted peace. The Pandavas reach Khandavprastha,and with the help of Krishna and Balram, they renovated the ruined city. They plough the land and renamed it Indraprastha.

Episode 40

The Pandavas were happy in Indraprastha. To avoid rivalry amongst themselves, they had come to a decision to have Draupatidivide her time equally between the five brothers. When she was alone with one of them and if any other brother should intrude ontheir privacy, he must go on a pilgrimage to do penance. Once while helping a Brahim, Arjun had to violate the rule and had to goon a pilgrimage. Arjun visited Naglok and Manlur, and there he married Ullipi and Chitrangada. He then moved towards Dwarika.Duryodhan asked Balram for his sister Subhadra’s hand in marriage and Balram promised to plead his case with his parents.Meanwhile, Arjun reached Dwarika and he feel in love with Subhadra. And, Subhadra reciprocated his love. Before any decisioncould be made, Krishna helped Arjun to elope with Subhadra. Balram was furious and wanted to send his army to capture Arjun,but Krishna convinced him that Subhadra had gone with Arjun on her own accord.

Episode 41

Arjun and Subhadra arrive in Dwarika and are formally married. Arjun later returns to Indraprastha with Subhadra. Draupadiwelcomes Subhadra. Yudhishthir seeks Sri Krishna’s advice on performing the Rajsuya Yagna. Krishna approves but explains thatJarasandh, who had imprisoned 86 Kings, would be a constant challenge to Yudhishthir’s Royal Supremacy. Arjun, Bheem, and SriKrishna eventually go to Magadh and challenge Jarasandh for a combat. Jarasandh chooses to fight with Bheem.

Episode 42

Bheem and Jarasandh were so equally matched in strength that they fought for nearly fourteen days without rest. When Jarasandhfinally showed signs of exhaustion, Krishna prompted Bheem to make an end of him. After Jarasandh had been destroyed,Jarasandh’s son was crowned King of Magadh.

Episode 43

Yudhishthir decides to perform the Rajsuya Yagna. The first honor is rendered to Sri Krishna. Shishupal, the King of Chedi, ask, “When there are so many Kings gathered in this assembly, why should the first honor be paid to Krishna – a cowherd boy and theson of a servant of Ugrasena?” Krishna warns Shishupal but Shishupal does not pay any heed so Sri Krishna kills him. The RajsuyaYagna is celebrated and Yudhishthir is recognized as an Emperor.

Episode 44

Duryodhan is unhappy about the prosperity of the Pandavs. Shakuni consoles him and later loses in a game of dice to Yudhishthir.Duryodhan walks around Yudhishthir’s “ Maya Mahal” and falls into one of the pools. Draupadi calls him the “blind son of a blindfather.” Duryodhan, Karna and Shakuni plan to avenge Draupadi for her taunting remarks. Shakuni suggests that Yudhishthir beinvited to Hastinapur for a game of dice.

Episode 45

Dhritarashtra orders Vidur to go to Indraprastha and to invite Yudhishthir to Hastinapur to play dice with Duryodhan. ThePandavas arrive in Hastinapur and pay their respect to the King. Dhritarashtra announces that the game will be played in thespecial assembly hall.

Episode 46

Duryodhan suggests that Shakuni cast the dice for him. Yudhishthir loses his entire Kingdom his brothers, himself and Draupadi.Duryodhan insists that Draupadi be fetched to the assembly hall and orders Prathikami to bring her. Draupadi replies angrily, “Askhim who played the game of dice with Duryodhan, whether he first lost himself or his wife? Bring me his answer and then you cantake me away!”

Episode 47

Enraged, Duryodhan ask his brother Dushasan to bring Draupadi to the assembly hall. Dushasan drags Draupadi to the hall andtries to disrobe her but a miracle occurs. Bheem swears to avenge the wrong doing, while Draupadi rises to curse the Kuravas.Gandhari pleads with Draupadi to stop.

Episode 48

Gandhari warns Dhritarashtra that the attempt to disrobe Draupadi would cause the destruction of his lineage. Dhritarashtra giveseverything back to the Pandavas. Arjun swears that the Pandavas want the dead bodies of Duryodhan, Dushasan and Shakuni toavenge that injury. Bheeshma says, “don’t forget Yudhishthir’s role. Isn’t he responsible for what has happened as well?” andadds, “ Go back to Indraprastha over the incident with a cool head.”

Episode 49

Duryodhan threatens to wage war against the Pandavas. When Dhritarashtra forbids him for war, Duryodhan securesDhritarashtra’s approval to entice Yudhishthir to another game of dice. Yudhishthir accepts the challenge but is once againdefeated. The Pandavs are to spend the next 12 years in exile and the 13th year incognito.

Episode 50

The departure of the Pandavas upset Bheeshama, Vidur, Drona and the other elders of the Royal House of Kurus. Vidur adviseDhritarashtra to summon them back. Dhritarashtra rebukes Vidur, so Vidur leaves. After spending thirteen days in the forest,Bheem, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev are ready to wage a war against Hastinapur. Yudhishthir refuses to wage war and decides tospend the full thirteen years in exile as his punishment for being reckless in gambling.

Episode 51

Rishi Vyas rebukes Dhritarashtra for exiling the Pandavas. He predicts the extinction of the Kauravs after 14 years due toDuryodhan’s misdeeds. Duryodhan and his men leave for Dwaitavan to witness the distress of the Pandavs. Duryodhan tries to flirtwith a Gandharv girl and is captured by the enraged Gandhavas. Duryodhan’s bodyguard approaches the Pandavs for help andBheem and Arjun unwillingly rescue their cousin.

Episode 52

After hearing the Pandavs exile, Krishna goes to visit them. He advises the Pandavs to prepare for war and tells Arjun unwillinglyto do penance to obtain divine weapons. Arjun does penance and eventually pleases the Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva bestows him withthe divine Pasupata weapon and advises him to obtain other weapons in Indralok. Rishi Durvasa visits Hastinapur. In an attemptto humiliate the Pandavs, Duryodhan requests that the sage visit that Pandavs as well. Rishi Durvasa promises to do so.

Episode 53

Rishi Durvasa and his followers arrive in the forest to visit the Pandavs. He request food for himself and his followers and Draupadiis worried for her cooking vessel is empty. Draupadi prays to Lord Krishna and he asks her for something to eat. Draupadi showshim her empty vessel but Krishna, the Soul of the Universe, sees one grain of rice in the vessel, and eats it with pleasure. Durvasaand his followers immediately feel that their hunger has been satisfied. In Indralok, Lord Indra advises Arjun to learn to dance andmusic from Chitrasen to help him during his 13th year when incognito. Arjun continues to obtain divine weapons and ApsaraUrvashi falls in love with him. When Arjun does not respond to her love, Apsara Urvashi curses him with impotence.

Episode 54

In Indralok, Lord Indra limits Urvashi’s curse on Arjun to one year during which he becomes eunuch. In Dwaraka, Sri Krishnatrains his nephew Abhimanyu in the martial arts. In Hastinapur, Bheeshma, Drona and Vidur worry about the future of theirKingdom, while Duryodhan’s stepbrother, Yuyutsu, foresees the destruction of the Kurus. Arjun returns from Indralok armed withdivine weapons. He accompanies Bheem while they rescue Draupadi from Jayadrath, Duryodhan’s brother-in-law.

Episode 55

Jayadrath, Duryodhan’s brother-in-law, does penance for kidnapping Draupadi and is rewarded by Lord Shiva. In the forest, thePandavas plan their 13th year of exile to live incognito and to work in another Kingdom. Nakul tries to fetch water form the lakebut is told not to use the water by an invisible voice. He ignores the warning, drinks the water and falls down dead. His brothersmeet the same fate except for Yudhishtir who realizes the voice belongs to Yaksha. The Yaksha ask him questions and Yudhishtiranswers them correctly. The Yaksha reveals himself as Lord Yama and grants back the lives of all the dead brothers.

Episode 56

The Pandavas live incognito and serve King Virat. Yudhishtir becomes a courtier named Kanak. Bheem becomes a cook. Nakul andSahadev look after cattle and horses. Arjun becomes a eunuch named Brihannala and Draupadi becomes Sairandhir, thehandmaiden to the Queen Sudeshna of Virat.

Episode 57

Karna has assumed the guise of a Brahmin and has become a disciple of Parshuram. Parshuram observes Karna’s resistance topain and realizes that he is a Kshatriya. In anger, he curses Karna. In Virat, Queen Sudeshna’s brother Keechak professes his lovefor Draupadi.

Episode 58

Keechak is mad with lust for Draupadi. Draupadi runs to the Virat court, where Keechak angrily kicks her in the presence ofYudhishtir and Bheem. Draupadi reports the matter to Queen Sudeshna and ask Bheem for protection and revenge. Bheem killsKeechak.

Episode 59

The news of Keechak’s death reaches Duryodhan. He suspects that Bheem is responsible and decides to invade Virat. KingSusarma of Trigarta also invades Virat. He captures Virat, but Bheem attacks and Virat emerges victorious. Duryodhan thenattacks from another front. Prince Uttar tries to retreat after seeing the Kaurav army but Brihannala (Arjun) stops him. Brihannalareveals his weapons and his identity, then blows his conch.

Episode 60

Duryodhan and Karna advance into battle. Arjun attacks the Kaurav army and the Kaurav warriors fall unconscious due to hismagical weapons. News arrives from the battlefield and King Virat boasts about the glory of his son Uttar. Kanak (Yudhishthir)praises Brihannala and the King flings his dice at Yudhishthir’s face. Prince Uttar arrives and is distressed after seeing Yudhishthir’sbleeding face. King Virat eventually learns about the true identity of the Pandavas.

Episode 61

After the wedding of Abhimanyu and Uttara, Krishna, the Pandavas, Virat and others meet in Virat’s assembly. They decide to sendan emissary to Hastinapur to seek the restoration of Indraprastha. The emissary arrives in Hastinapur. Bheeshma and Vidur favoura peaceful settlement but Duryodhan disagrees. Duryodhan insists that the Pandavas spend 12 more years in exile.

Episode 62

Vidur advises Dhritrashtra to return Indraprastha to the Pandavas. Gandhari also ask her husband to act justly, but Dhritrashtrarefuses to accept their advice. He sends his charioteer Sanjay with a message to Yudhishthir, telling the Pandavas that they shouldspend 12 more years in exile, since Duryodhan had exposed them during their incognito life. The Pandavas and their allies areupset after hearing the message. They send Sanjay back to Hastinapur with the message that they are ready for peace as well aswar.

Episode 63

In Hastinapur everyone is nervous when Sanjay returns from the meeting with Yudhishthir and his allies. Sanjay says, “Duryodhanshould know that Arjun said, ‘If Indraprastha is not given back to us, we will uproot the Kauravas.” Duryodhan remains adamantabout going for war. Shakuni advises Duryodhan to seek Krishna’s help. Arjun also wishes to seek Krishna’s help and visits Krishnaat the same time as Duryodhan. Krishna tells them, he is obliged to assist both of them.

Episode 64

The war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas looks inevitable, but Krishna makes a last attempt for peace. Krishna arrives inHastinapur and is flooded with valuable presents. He pays his respects to Dhritrashtra and says, “ Maharaj, in return I can onlyoffer peace!” “We will talk after you have rested,” says Dhritrashtra. He tells Dushasan to take Krishna to the guestroom, butKrishna refuses the offer and tells Dhritrashtra that he will be staying with Vidur. Duryodhan is annoyed with Krishna for refusingtheir hospitality.

Episode 65

Krishna goes to the court of Hastinapur and says, “ Peace is a necessity. In war, people from both sides die, though only one sidewins.” He suggests that Indraprastha be given back to the Pandavaas, but Duryodhan insists that the Pandavas must return to theforest. Krishna then suggests that five villages be given to the five Pandava brothers. Duryodhan finds the suggestionunacceptable and threatens to seize Krishna. Krishna discloses his divinity and leaves the court.

Episode 66

Krishna’s peace mission has failed. Krishna goes to Kunti and tells her what has happened at the Court. He asks her if she has amessage for her sons. “The time has come”, she says, “for which a Kshatriya woman brings forth sons”. Before leaving forUpaplavya, Krishna meets with Karna and tells him to be true to Dharma and not to support sinful Duryodhan. Karna says, “you’reright, my Lord. A righteous man should not side with a sinner; but I am in debt of Duryodhan and cannot let him down”.

Episode 67

Vidur submits his resignation to Dhritarashtra, he is depressed by the inevitable war. Kunti worries about the battle to be foughtbetween her sons, Karna and the Pandava brothers. She visits Karna and tells him the truth about his birth. Karna tells her healready knows the truth, and he is happy to have his mother by his side. Kunti pleads with him to join the Pandavas, but he says, “I must fight with Arjun, I cannot abandon my promise to Duryodhan. “ Krishna reaches Upaplavya and tells the Pandavas that hisattempt to stop the war has failed. The Pandavas prepare for the war.

Episode 68

Yudhishtir holds a meeting and Drishtadyum, Drawplate’s brother, is appointed Supreme Commander of the Pandora army.Drupad, Shikhandi, Bheem and the other prominent warriors take command of the various divisions. The stage is set for theKurukshetra war. Vyas visits Dhritarashtra and offers to bestow divine eyesight unto him but Dhritarashtra is reluctant to see thedestruction of his sons. Vyas grants divine eyesight to Sanjay, Dhritarashtra’s charioteer.

Episode 69

All the warriors expect Balram and Rukhmi (Rukmani’s brother) move towards the battelfield. Balram remains neutral and bothparties deny Rukhmi’s help. Duryodhan tricks Salya into joining the Kaurava army. Salya encourage Duryodhan to war against thePandavas. She wants to seek Krishna’s help in protecting her sons, but Dhritarashtra stops her.

Episode 70

Shikhandi, who was Amba in the previous life, is anxious for the Kurukshetra war because he wants to fight with Bheeshma.Bheeshma had insulted Amba by refusing to marry her after he had abducted her. Amba had sworn to take revenge on Bheeshma,so she was reborn as Shikhandi, the elder brother of Draupadi. The opportunity for Amba’s revenge has come.

Episode 71

Krishna tells Arjun to seek Goddess Durga’s blessings for winning the war. Arjun prays to the Goddess. She tells him, “ Whereverthere is righteousness there is Krishna, and wherever there is Krishna, there is victory” Krishna drives Arjun to the middle of thebattlefield in his chariot. Arjun sees the men on the battlefield and tells Krishna, “ wining a kingdom after killing one’s own kin istoo heavy a price to pay. I prefer to be a beggar if this is the price I have to pay for our throne”.

Episode 72

Arjun refuses to fight and kill his relatives and friends. Krishna tell him that “Atama (Soul) cannot be killed” and advises Arjun tobe strong. Krishna’s teachings to Arjun at the battlefield form the basis of the “BHAGAWAD – GITA” (the song of God).

Episode 73

On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna continues to talk to Arjun about the importance of following Dharma (Duty). He tellsArjun to equate pain with pleasure and profit with loss. He emphasizes the importance of selfless action without the desire to seeka reward for it.

Episode 74

Krishna says to Arjun, “I am birthless and changeless. I am the Lord. I take birth through the power of my Maya”. Unable tosatisfy Arjun’s hopeless conscience, Krishna grants divine eyesight to Arjun and stuns him with his “Viraat Roop” (divinemanifestation). Arjun is consoled and enlightened. He understands that the pure seek the spirit while the impure are trapped in“Prakrit (Matter). He agrees to do his duty selflessly, lifts his “Gandeev” and prepares to fight the Kauravas.

Episode 75

The battle is about to begin, but Yudhisthir removes his armour, puts down his weapons, and descends from his chariot. ThePandavas and the Kauravas forces look with amazement as he proceeds on foot towards the Kaurava camp. Duryodhan brags thatYudhisthir is visiting the Kaurava camp to seek the benediction of the elders before starting the battle. After been blessed by theelders, Yudhisthir goes to the middle of the battlefield and announces that anyone who wants to change sides must do so now.Duryodhan’s stepbrother Yuyutsu crosses over to the Pandava camp and the battle begins.

Episode 76

During the afternoon of the first day of battle, Abhimanyu attacks grandsire Bheeshma and brings down his chariot’s flag. TheKauravas warriors retaliate with a combined attack on the youthful warrior. Bheeshma’s chariot continues to create havoc andDuryodhan instructs all of his warriors to protect Bheeshma. The Pandava army fares poorly, Yudhisthir worries, but Shikhandiconsoles him by saying, “Righteousness will win eventually and we are of righteousness. As the battle continues, Drona bringsdown Shrishadyummna’s flag and Salya slays Uttar, the Price of Virat.

Episode 77

The Pandavas army fares poorly during the first day of the battle. Dhrishtadyumna, the commander-in-chief of the Pandavas,devises strategies to avoid a repetition of the first day. Bheeshma’s chariot, Duryodhan’s men protect the grandsire, but Arjuncontinues to fight. Bheeshma’s arrows hit Arjun and Shri Krishna. Arjun retaliates and injures Bheeshma. Satyaki kills Bheeshma’scharioteer and horses are left unbridled. The horses run wildly and take Bheeshma away from the battlefield. The Pandavas returnto their camp in great cheer.

Episode 78

The Pandavas are faced with a huge problem, victory continues to elude them. They were blessed by Bheeshma to achieve victorybut they could only achieve victory after they kill Bheeshma and Bheeshma could not be killed unless he willed himself to die.Yudhisthir and Arjun go to Bheeshma and inform him of their predicament. Bheemshma tells them that only a woman could bringhis death for he would not raise his hand against a woman. The Pandavas decide to use Shikhandi in their fight against Bheeshmaand the stage is set for the fall of the grandsire from the battlefield.

Episode 79

On the tenth day of battle, Arjun positions Shikhandi in front of him and attacks Bheeshma. As Arjun’s arrows pierce his body,Bheeshma smiles. Bheeshma’s shield is cut into pieces by Arjun’s arrows and he falls onto the ground with Arjun’s arrows coveringhis body. Drona is made the new Commander-in-chief of the Kaurav army, and Karna becomes warrior in the war.

Episode 80

The Kaurav warriors sit in council and decide to have Drona capture Yudhisthir alive. Duryodhan says, “ I will end the war as soonas Yudhisthir is in our hands. Drona agrees to the plan after Duryodhan promises that Yudhisthir would not be sentenced to deathafter he is captured.

Episode 81

Drona decides to arrange his focuses in a “Chakra – Vyuha”, which is a battle arrangement that only Arjun can penetrate andemerge from. The Trigartha Chief Susarama is asked to assist the Kauravas in their plan to capture Yudhisthir by luring Arjun sofar away from the battlefield that it will be impossible for him to return before sunset.

Episode 82

Yudhisthir learns about Drona’s plan to arrange the Kaurav forces in the Chakra-Vyuha. Unfortunately, Yudhisthir cannot dependon Arjun for Susarama has lured him away from the battlefield, but Arjun’s son, Abhimanyu offers his assistance. Abhimanyusucceeds in penetrating the Chakra – Vyuha but he gets trapped inside it and is eventually killed.

Episode 83

Arjun kills Susarama the Trigatha Chief and returns to the Pandava camp. He learns about Abhimanyu’s death and discovers thatJayadhrath was the main cause of his son’s death. Arjun vows to kill Jayadhrath before sunset the next day.

Episode 84

On the battlefield Arjun tells Krishna to take his chariot to Jayadhrath. “There is a wall of Kaurav army between you andJayadhrath” says Krishna.” I have to break the wall to complete my oath”. Declares Arjun. Krishna is amused. He remarks thatmembers of the Royal House of Bharat are very impulsive. On the slightest pretext they take an oath. Bheeshma bound himselfwith an oath, and now you have taken an oath”.

Episode 85

Arjun vows to kill Jayadhrath before sunset to avenge the death of his son Abhimanyu. If he is unable to kill Jayadhrath beforesunset, Arjun swears he will burn himself to death. Duryodhan has hidden Jayadhrath but with Krishna’s assistance, Arjun is ableto discover his whereabouts and kill him.

Episode 86

Bheem and Hidimba’s mighty son, Ghatotkach, joins the Pandavas in the war. Duryodhan realizes that Ghatotkach must bedestroyed and encourages Karna to use his “shakti” (divine weapon). Karna resists because he is saving the weapon to use itagainst Arjun, but Duryodhan persuades him. Karna destroys Ghatotkach with his “Shakti”.

Episode 87

Drona spreads fear and destruction in the Pandava army. He seems invincible but Krishna tells Yudhisthir and Arjun that Drona canbe defeated. “ If he were to hear that his son, Ashwathama is dead, he would loose interest in life and throw down his weapons,“says Krishna. Yudhisthir consults Bheem who kills a huge elephant that was also named Ashwathama. Bheem roars, “I have killedAshwathama”. Drona hears his word and shouts back “ I will not take your word for it, let Yudhisthir say so “Yudhisthir repeats”Ashwathama is dead” and then he mutters to himself, “ Ashwathama, the elephant”. Upon hearing Yudhisthir, Drona lays down hisweapons and is killed.

Episode 88

On the battlefield, Dushasan attacks Bheem with his arrows. Bheem remembers what Dushasan had done to Draupadi and angerblazes within him. Bheem jumps from his chariot and attacks Dushasan. Bheem fulfills the oath he had made thirteen years agoand kills Dushasan. Gandhari looses another one of her sons.

Episode 89

As the sun rises in the sky the battle between Karna and Arjun begins. Karna sends a dazzling arrow, which splits fire towardsArjun. Krishna presses Arjun’s chariot five fingers deep in the mud at the last minute, so that the shaft misses Arjun’s head andonly strikes his crown. Arjun burns with anger, fixes an arrow on his bow and kills Karna.

Episode 90

Kunti visits the battlefield in the middle of the night to grieve over the dead body of her son Karna. Yudhisthir finds her and learnsthat Karna was her brother. “Had I known, I wouldn’t have fought this war,” says Yudhisthir. Arjun also feels guilty about killingKarna but Krishna consoles him and convinces him that it was his “Dharma” (duty). The Pandavas plan to perform the last rites ofKarna, but Duryodhan claims the body and lights Karna’s pyre by himself.

Episode 91

The battle between Bheem and Duryodhan begins. The warriors appear equal in strength and skill, but Krishna informs Bheem thatDuryodhan could be defeated only if he smashes Duryodhan’s thighs. Bheem leaps like a lion and breaks Duryodhan’s thighs withhis mace and defeats him.

Episode 92

Duryodhan commands Ashwathama, the new commander-in-chief, to kill the Pandavas. Ashwathama, Kripacharya and Krit Vermaarrive at the Pandava camp in the middle of the night as Dhristadyum and Draupadi’s five sons are sleeping. They kill all thesleeping warriors and set fire to the camp. Believing that they have killed the Pandavas, they return to Duryodhan and discoverthat he has died. They light Duryodhan’s pyre, and go to Sage Vyas’s ashram. The Pandavas find Ashwathama with Sage Vyas andtake their revenge.

Episode 93

The Kurukshetra war has ended. The Pandavas visit Dhritarashtra who coldly embraces Yudhishthir. Dhritarashtra then movesforward to embrace Bheem, but Krishna tells Bheem to put an iron statue in his place. Dhritarashtra hugs the iron statue andcrushes it to pieces. Dhritarashtra repents, nut Krishna tells him “You have not killed Bheem, you have only crushed an ironstatue”. Dhritarashtra recomposes himself and blesses the Pandava Princes.

Episode 94

After the mourning period is over, Krishna leads Yudhishthir to the throne. Yudhishthir crowns Bheem the Yuvraj and appointsVidur as the Prime Minister of Hastinapur. Arjun is made the commander of the army, Nakul is made Arjun’s assistant and Sahadevis made the personal protector of the King. After the affairs of the state are in order, Krishna takes the Pandava brothers toBheeshma. Bheeshama gives them a discourse on Dharma and his soul leaves for the Heavens.