Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Reading: Mahabharata Part A Favorites


Devavrata's Vow:

The King was sad and told Devavrata his secret
Devavrata went to find the daughter of the fisherman, and did so successfully
The fisherman informed devavrata that if Styavati bore sons, thenthey would not inherit the kingdom
Devavrata made a vow renouncing his claim to the throne to allow for Styavati's children to reign in the future
Devavrata was henceforth known as Bhisma 
Bhisma didend up ruling as a regent for some years

Drona:

Bhishma stated that young men should be trained to bear arms. 
He searched for a wise former warrior to teach people this
On his search he found Drona.
Drona had no mother, and was born by a nymph
Of similar origin was Drupada, son of a rajah named Prishata
The two friends grew up and were parted by fate
Drupada became a king, and Drona married and had children
Drona devoted himself to rearing his son, while he accumulated the wisdom of the sages and performed sacred rites with pious mind like to his holy sire.
heavenly weapons were bestowed upon Drona, and he went to visit his childhood friend
Drapuda did not accept his old friend as a friend any longer, saying that it had faded away


Drona's Revenge:

After the Pandavas and Kauravas became accomplished warriors. Drona sent them to smite Drapuda in battle
The two groups could not wage war together, due to their jealousies. The kauravas attakced first, and were defeated
The Pandavas then rushed against the enemies of Drona
Drupada tried to turn the tide of the battle surrounding himself with powerful warriors.
The Pandavas were too much to conquer, and they laid waste to the capital
Drupada was brought before Drona, and Drona said "At last I have conquered thy kingdom, and thy life is in my hands. Is it thy desire now to revive our friendship?"
Drona took possessions of half the kingdom, and the two became "friends" once more
Drupada sought of ways to bear a son who could defeat his enemy


Bibliography:  Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

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