First Indian Epics Blog

Horse O' War: King Yudhisthira's Horse leading Arjuna into Battle The story that I am about to tell you is one that has yet to be told in its original context. By now you are well aware of the story of the moon-white horse with a plate of gold strapped to its head. You know, the one that the army of Arjuna followed for a year, conquering rajah after rajah? Well, there are several very important aspects of that story that all but a very few are unaware of.  For starters, it may seem that the horse had very little to do with the many victories that Arjuna experienced, for I am just a simple horse, wandering around the land. That is where you are wrong.  But, it is not your fault as the reader, it is more my fault for keeping such a low profile in this story for so many centuries. Who am I, you might be asking? Well, let me tell you. I am Skanda, the firstborn son of Shiva, and the god of war, and during these particular events told in The Mahabharata I was str...

Reading Notes Source:  Public Domain Edition of the Mahabharata The Court of King Virata Finally, the 12 year exile of the Pandava's has ended and they begin their one year disguise. They spend this disguised in the court of King Virata. Ironically, Yudhishthira's role is as the kings dice companion, Bhima is disguised as the cook, and Nakula and Sahadeva play roles with cattle. Arjuna takes the name of Brihannala and lives as a eunuch, and Draupadi is the queen's hairdresser named Sairandhri. While in disguise, Draupadi is raped by Kichaka, the queen's brother. Bhima avenges her by squeezing Kichaka to death, almost ruining the groups chances of completing their year in disguise.  Brink of War Once again, the Pandavas find themselves on the brink of war and are bidding for peace. All Yudhishthira asks Hastinapura is that he be given 5 villages (instead of half of the kingdom which was the originally negotiating terms) in order to avoid war. The section ends wi...