Karna, one of the most noble characters in history, presents himself for combat with Arjuna.

The sowing of the seeds of hate and acrimony between the Kauravas and the Pandavas was done early in their respective lives which conflagrated inexorably into a lasting and bitter rivalry.

The five Pandavas are born in the forest and King Pandu falls prey to the curse that spelt doom if ever he broke his abstinence.

Kunti Devi, who was given a boon to invoke any god and be blessed with a child, marries King Pandu.

The many pieces of the jigsaw slowly fit into the whole. Vidura, incarnation of Dharma, is born a mortal and will be appointed by Bhishma as the Counsellor to Dhritarashtra later.

The story of King Yayati and his quest to quench his sensual desires through indulgence and more indulgence is instructive. Wisdom oozes from this chapter.

DEVAYANI marries Emperor YAYATI.

The story of how the Asuras were deprived of the secret of Sanjivini, the art of bringing the dead back to life, the secret which was only known to Sukracharya, the preceptor of the Asuras.

Amba plots for the death of Bhishma after being spurned in marriage

BHISHMA’S vow of renouncing not only his right to the throne but also his vow to lead a life of unbroken chastity just so his father King Santanu can marry the woman he wished to is the stuff of gods!