Narrated by Kumar Varun.

On the fifth day, Bhishma led the Kaurava forces with great energy, inflicting significant losses on the Pandavas. Arjuna countered Bhishma, while Bhima fought against Drona and Salya. Sikhandin attempted to engage Bhishma but was ignored due to Bhishma’s principles. Bhurisravas attacked Satyaki, killing his ten sons, but Bhima intervened to save Satyaki. Arjuna’s unmatched skill caused heavy losses for the Kauravas. As night fell, Bhishma ordered a retreat, leaving the Kauravas disheartened while the Pandavas gained confidence.Bibliography, Sources and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata, translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.2. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896 (Public Domain).3. Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic, University of Chicago Press, 1978.4. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata, Penguin Books India, 2010.5. Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering, Rupa Publications, 2004.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.On the fourth day of battle, fierce fighting continued between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Bhishma led the Kaurava forces confidently. Abhimanyu was attacked by several Kaurava warriors but fought bravely. Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna came to his aid, intensifying the battle. Bhima confronted Duryodhana and his brothers, slaying eight of them. Enraged, Duryodhana attacked Bhima but couldn't defeat him. Ghatotkacha, Bhima's son, unleashed his Rakshasa powers, causing havoc among the Kaurava troops. As night approached, Bhishma advised retreat, knowing that Rakshasas gain strength in the dark. Duryodhana mourned the loss of his brothers. Back in Hastinapura, King Dhritarashtra grieved over the continuous bad news, realizing too late the wisdom of Vidura's earlier advice.Bibliography, Source and Suggested further reading:1. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.2. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. (Public Domain)3. Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.4. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin Books India, 2010.5. Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.

On the second day of the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas reorganized their forces after a difficult first day. Arjuna decided that Bhishma must be stopped to prevent further losses. Despite attempts by Kaurava warriors to protect Bhishma, Arjuna confronted him directly. Their intense duel was witnessed by all, including the gods. Elsewhere, Drona and Dhrishtadyumna battled fiercely, with Dhrishtadyumna needing rescue by Bhima. Bhima then decimated the Kalinga forces, causing fear among the Kauravas. Satyaki wounded Bhishma's charioteer, causing Bhishma's chariot to leave the battlefield. Seizing the moment, the Pandavas pressed their advantage, inflicting heavy losses on the Kauravas. As the day ended, the Pandavas were uplifted, while the Kauravas were disheartened.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.2. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. (Public Domain)3. Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.4. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin Books India, 2010.5. Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.

On the first day of the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandava army faced severe challenges. Bhishma led the Kaurava forces with devastating effect. Young Abhimanyu bravely confronted Bhishma, showcasing exceptional skill, but the Kauravas responded with overwhelming force. Uttara, the son of King Virata, attacked Salya but was killed. Enraged by his younger brother Uttara's death, Sveta attacked Salya and then Bhishma himself. Despite his courage and prowess, Sveta was slain by Bhishma. The Pandavas suffered significant losses, causing Yudhishthira great concern. Krishna consoled him, reminding him of their strong allies and encouraging him to remain steadfast.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.2. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in the public domain.3. Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.4. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.5. Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.

Just before the battle of Kurukshetra began, Yudhishthira surprised everyone by removing his armor and weapons and walking unarmed towards the Kaurava elders. His brothers feared he might be surrendering, but Krishna explained that Yudhishthira was seeking the blessings of the elders like Bhishma and Drona before the fight, as a mark of respect and adherence to dharma. The elders blessed him and predicted his victory, even though they were bound to fight for the Kauravas. The battle then commenced with both sides engaging in fierce combat.Sources, Bibliography, and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.2. Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in the public domain.3. Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.4. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.5. Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.

The battle of Kurukshetra was about to begin, and both sides, the Pandavas and Kauravas, gathered and pledged to follow the traditional rules of war. These included not attacking retreating or unarmed warriors and ensuring that only equals fought each other. Bhishma inspired the Kauravas with a rousing speech about warrior duty, while Yudhishthira ordered Arjuna to arrange their forces in a needle formation. However, seeing the impending destruction, Arjuna was filled with doubt, which led Krishna to deliver the Bhagavad Gita—a profound teaching about duty and life. The Gita will not be covered in this series, as its greatness is beyond simplification, and everyone is encouraged to read it.Sources,Bibliography and Suggested further reading :Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in public domain.Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.Easwaran, Eknath. The Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation. Nilgiri Press, 1985.

On the eve of the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhishma spoke with Duryodhana and criticized Karna, saying he was too arrogant and boastful to be a great warrior. This angered Karna, who accused Bhishma of trying to undermine him and declared he would not fight as long as Bhishma was in command. Despite Duryodhana’s pleas, Karna remained firm in his decision. Karna stayed out of the battle for the first ten days while Bhishma led the Kauravas.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in public domain.Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.Buck, William. Mahabharata. University of California Press, 1973.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.

Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka, wished to marry Krishna, but her brother Rukmi wanted her to marry Sisupala instead. Fearing she would be forced into the marriage, Rukmini sent a message to Krishna, asking him to rescue her. Krishna arrived at Vidarbha and, with Balarama’s support, took Rukmini away just as her wedding preparations with Sisupala were underway. Rukma pursued them but was defeated by Krishna and Balarama. Rukmini and Krishna were married in Dwaraka. Later, Rukmi offered his help to both the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war but was rejected by both sides, as his intentions were based on personal pride rather than duty.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further reading:Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in public domain.Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.Buck, William. Mahabharata. University of California Press, 1973.

Narrated by Kumar Varun. Balarama, the brother of Krishna, visited the Pandavas at Kurukshetra. He expressed his sorrow over the failure of peace talks and the impending war. Balarama, who loved both Bhima and Duryodhana equally, chose to remain neutral in the conflict, as he could not support one against the other. He decided to leave and embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, seeking peace through devotion to God. Balarama’s neutrality in the war teaches us about the difficult moral choices faced by good and honest individuals when caught between two opposing paths.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in public domain.Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.Buck, William. Mahabharata. University of California Press, 1973.

Narrated by Kumar Varun.Krishna returned to the Pandavas with the news that Duryodhana refused to make peace, leaving war as the only option. Yudhishthira prepared the army, dividing it into seven divisions led by Drupada, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandin, Satyaki, Chekitana, and Bhima. After discussing who should lead their forces, they decided on Dhrishtadyumna as the Supreme Commander. With their forces ready, the Pandavas marched to Kurukshetra, where the great battle was about to begin.Bibliography:Vyasa, Maharishi. Mahabharata. Translated by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951.Vyasa, Maharishi. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883–1896. Available in public domain.Narayan, R.K. The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. University of Chicago Press, 1978.Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata. Penguin India, 2010.Menon, Ramesh. The Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering. Rupa Publications, 2004.Buck, William. Mahabharata. University of California Press, 1973.