I just finished reading this legendary epic tale 'Mahabharata' and i was wondering if you guys have read it.....care to share your opinions?
I found it very fascinating,absorbing,enlightening but also somewhat weird [shrap in every verse it doesn't surprise me though for it is an antique piece of writing] The chapters were long and the names were confusing but adventures were just great! The characaters were so original and natural and the final showdown was just too too fun to stop reading,im talking about battle.Mahabharat taught me many things....had i not read it i would have left a major chapter of my life raw.Wisdom ofcourse is one of the teachings it taught me so well then any experience ever could.
My favorite character from the tale is valiant Vishma wise beyond nature,invincible yet bounded to grief and responsibilities under shadows of hungry Duryodhan.
have your say guys.....
Full Version: Mahabharat
I've created a thread specifically dedicated to the Mahabharat. I recommend doing a quick search for it 
I only saw the television series, but Mahabharata was my favourite epic as a child and teenager. Even though it's well over 2,000 years old now, it still is superior to most modern-day epics.
It's quite fascinating to think that such an old epic could have so much philosophical depth, three-dimensional characterization, thrilling action, a multi-layered storyline, and an epic timescale set over generations.
It's quite fascinating to think that such an old epic could have so much philosophical depth, three-dimensional characterization, thrilling action, a multi-layered storyline, and an epic timescale set over generations.
I hv read bits n pieces from here n there about Mahabhrata. I think it's an elegant, glorious, ancient tale that has got the perfect ingredients for an epic movie. I dont know why nobody from Hollywood has taken it up n made their mega million bucks from it yet.
My favourite is of course Arjuna, the demigod superhero torn between familial ties n his beholden divine duty to his dharma, in the Kurukshetra War pitting his own Pandava clan n that of his cousins, the Kaurava tribes.
What I'm still unclear about is, was Kurukshetra supposed to represent a battle between the newly established Aryan-led aristocracy and the confederation of rebel tribes opposing them, or what?
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
Or could it just be, just maybe, an Indian rehash of the first recorded World War in history, the colossal Battle of Kardesh between Egypt n the Hittite kingdom, ca 1,300 BC?
Appreciate any comments.
My favourite is of course Arjuna, the demigod superhero torn between familial ties n his beholden divine duty to his dharma, in the Kurukshetra War pitting his own Pandava clan n that of his cousins, the Kaurava tribes.
What I'm still unclear about is, was Kurukshetra supposed to represent a battle between the newly established Aryan-led aristocracy and the confederation of rebel tribes opposing them, or what?
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
Or could it just be, just maybe, an Indian rehash of the first recorded World War in history, the colossal Battle of Kardesh between Egypt n the Hittite kingdom, ca 1,300 BC?
Appreciate any comments.
QUOTE(AwangPembela @ Dec 20 2008, 02:57 AM) [snapback]4054280[/snapback]
What I'm still unclear about is, was Kurukshetra supposed to represent a battle between the newly established Aryan-led aristocracy and the confederation of rebel tribes opposing them, or what?
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
Or could it just be, just maybe, an Indian rehash of the first recorded World War in history, the colossal Battle of Kardesh between Egypt n the Hittite kingdom, ca 1,300 BC?
Appreciate any comments.
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
Or could it just be, just maybe, an Indian rehash of the first recorded World War in history, the colossal Battle of Kardesh between Egypt n the Hittite kingdom, ca 1,300 BC?
Appreciate any comments.
None of the above.
QUOTE(AwangPembela @ Dec 20 2008, 10:57 AM) [snapback]4054280[/snapback]
I hv read bits n pieces from here n there about Mahabhrata. I think it's an elegant, glorious, ancient tale that has got the perfect ingredients for an epic movie. I dont know why nobody from Hollywood has taken it up n made their mega million bucks from it yet.
My favourite is of course Arjuna, the demigod superhero torn between familial ties n his beholden divine duty to his dharma, in the Kurukshetra War pitting his own Pandava clan n that of his cousins, the Kaurava tribes.
What I'm still unclear about is, was Kurukshetra supposed to represent a battle between the newly established Aryan-led aristocracy and the confederation of rebel tribes opposing them, or what?
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
Or could it just be, just maybe, an Indian rehash of the first recorded World War in history, the colossal Battle of Kardesh between Egypt n the Hittite kingdom, ca 1,300 BC?
Appreciate any comments.
My favourite is of course Arjuna, the demigod superhero torn between familial ties n his beholden divine duty to his dharma, in the Kurukshetra War pitting his own Pandava clan n that of his cousins, the Kaurava tribes.
What I'm still unclear about is, was Kurukshetra supposed to represent a battle between the newly established Aryan-led aristocracy and the confederation of rebel tribes opposing them, or what?
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
Or could it just be, just maybe, an Indian rehash of the first recorded World War in history, the colossal Battle of Kardesh between Egypt n the Hittite kingdom, ca 1,300 BC?
Appreciate any comments.
It represents none of those, it's very much a spiritual battle between the "good" and "evil" within the world. On the Pandavas side, you see righteousness, power, dharma, knowledge and other values fighting against the kauravas, who represent greed, ignorance, hate, anger and other such "evils" in the world.
The chariot which Arjun rides with Krishna as the charioteer on is also symbolic of the relationship between humans, the world and god. Essentially, the chariot is often viewed as the space in which humans live (whether you view it as the world or universe), Arjun represents us as humans and Krishna is the Lord guiding us. The horses represent knowledge and purity and if I remember rightly, the reigns are the Vedas, which are given to us by the Lord to help us in life.
The Kurukshetra war is a spiritual war also in the sense that it is the war we all must suffer within as humans before we can attain enlightenment or moksha, thus becoming one with God. The idea of it being a war, where Arjun must kill his brethren shows the importance of fulfilling ones duty in life. This is explained in the Bhagavad Gita which Krishna recites to Arjun before the battle when Arjun is in doubt about the war.
There's a lot more to the Kurukshetra war, but it would take a long time to type it all out.
K. So Kurukshetra wasnt a story based on a real, historical battle then. So it was just a sort of metaphor.
That means there was no such living person as Arjuna, or some real, historical warrior on whom the Arjuna legend was based.
So when was the Mahabhrata first compiled? About 500 BC, someone said.
Anyone heard of the legend of Daivi Khadga, the Divine Sword? It was said to hv passed to Arjuna at some stage in time. It finally went to Kambujiya (Cambyses), a king of the Persian Kamboja tribe, who wrested it from Kuvalashava, a king of Kosala, neighbour of Magadha, in one ancient battle.
Just something I read somewhere.
That means there was no such living person as Arjuna, or some real, historical warrior on whom the Arjuna legend was based.
So when was the Mahabhrata first compiled? About 500 BC, someone said.
Anyone heard of the legend of Daivi Khadga, the Divine Sword? It was said to hv passed to Arjuna at some stage in time. It finally went to Kambujiya (Cambyses), a king of the Persian Kamboja tribe, who wrested it from Kuvalashava, a king of Kosala, neighbour of Magadha, in one ancient battle.
Just something I read somewhere.
QUOTE(AwangPembela @ Dec 21 2008, 12:43 PM) [snapback]4055413[/snapback]
K. So Kurukshetra wasnt a story based on a real, historical battle then. So it was just a sort of metaphor.
That means there was no such living person as Arjuna, or some real, historical warrior on whom the Arjuna legend was based.
So when was the Mahabhrata first compiled? About 500 BC, someone said.
Anyone heard of the legend of Daivi Khadga, the Divine Sword? It was said to hv passed to Arjuna at some stage in time. It finally went to Kambujiya (Cambyses), a king of the Persian Kamboja tribe, who wrested it from Kuvalashava, a king of Kosala, neighbour of Magadha, in one ancient battle.
Just something I read somewhere.
That means there was no such living person as Arjuna, or some real, historical warrior on whom the Arjuna legend was based.
So when was the Mahabhrata first compiled? About 500 BC, someone said.
Anyone heard of the legend of Daivi Khadga, the Divine Sword? It was said to hv passed to Arjuna at some stage in time. It finally went to Kambujiya (Cambyses), a king of the Persian Kamboja tribe, who wrested it from Kuvalashava, a king of Kosala, neighbour of Magadha, in one ancient battle.
Just something I read somewhere.
It is debated whether the Mahabharat is real or not. There is a fair amount of evidence to suggest it is real (and thus Arjuna was real) and so the Kurukshetra war would have been a real event. This doesn't mean the meaning behind Kurukshetra changes, and how people interpret it is important for learning in future generations.
Many say Mahabharata was compiled in around 800 BC, though it went through many iterations with the latest version coming around 400 BC. It's written by Lord Ganesha, whilst recited by Ved Vyas (who was a character in the story).
It sounds like you're pretty interested in the story and understanding the history of it. I would suggest reading about Hinduism, the time when Mahabharata was set (Dvarpa Yuga, we're now in the Kali Yuga) and about some of the key figures in Hinduism to understand further about Mahabhata, as it's quite difficult to comprehend without background knowledge (even those who know a lot about Hinduism still struggle to understand the detail, I say that firsthand).
The Daiva Khadga was created by Brahma (who created the universe) as a method of destroying evil and demons within this world. If I remember correctly, it was passed down generations of great warriors and eventually was given to the Pandavas (probably Arjuna as you said). I can't remember much more about it myself tbh.
Out of curiosity, what's your ethnic background if you don't mind me asking?
QUOTE(AwangPembela @ Dec 21 2008, 12:43 PM) [snapback]4055413[/snapback]
K. So Kurukshetra wasnt a story based on a real, historical battle then. So it was just a sort of metaphor.
That means there was no such living person as Arjuna, or some real, historical warrior on whom the Arjuna legend was based.
So when was the Mahabhrata first compiled? About 500 BC, someone said.
Anyone heard of the legend of Daivi Khadga, the Divine Sword? It was said to hv passed to Arjuna at some stage in time. It finally went to Kambujiya (Cambyses), a king of the Persian Kamboja tribe, who wrested it from Kuvalashava, a king of Kosala, neighbour of Magadha, in one ancient battle.
Just something I read somewhere.
That means there was no such living person as Arjuna, or some real, historical warrior on whom the Arjuna legend was based.
So when was the Mahabhrata first compiled? About 500 BC, someone said.
Anyone heard of the legend of Daivi Khadga, the Divine Sword? It was said to hv passed to Arjuna at some stage in time. It finally went to Kambujiya (Cambyses), a king of the Persian Kamboja tribe, who wrested it from Kuvalashava, a king of Kosala, neighbour of Magadha, in one ancient battle.
Just something I read somewhere.
Whether the Kurukshetra War itself actually happened is unknown, but the kingdoms involved in the war are based on real historical kingdoms which existed in Iron-Age Vedic India around 1000-500 BC. The Kuru Kingdom where most of the story takes place was a Mahajanapada ("Great Kingdom") in northern India that existed during the time of Buddha. The Mahabharata even describes a kingdom called "China", which has been identified as the Qin state which later became the Qin dynasty, the first dynasty of the Chinese Empire. Many later Indian kings also claimed descent from the Pandava brothers, such as King Porus, the toughest opponent Alexander the Great had ever fought. There were even Indian kings as late as 1000 AD claiming descent from the Pandava brothers, such as the Rajput king Jayapala Shahi.
According to an alternative theory (generally not supported by mainstream scholarship), the Kurukshetra War may have taken place during the Indus Valley Civilization (which existed around 3200-1700 BC). This theory dates back to 499 AD, when the Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata claimed that the war took place over 3,000 years before his time, based on certain astronomical calculations. If there is any truth to this theory though, then the Kurukshetra War could be interpreted as a story about the downfall of the Indus Valley Civilization.
QUOTE(ACMILAN1983 @ Dec 21 2008, 04:08 PM) [snapback]4055488[/snapback]
It is debated whether the Mahabharat is real or not. There is a fair amount of evidence to suggest it is real (and thus Arjuna was real) and so the Kurukshetra war would have been a real event. This doesn't mean the meaning behind Kurukshetra changes, and how people interpret it is important for learning in future generations.
Many say Mahabharata was compiled in around 800 BC, though it went through many iterations with the latest version coming around 400 BC. It's written by Lord Ganesha, whilst recited by Ved Vyas (who was a character in the story).
It sounds like you're pretty interested in the story and understanding the history of it. I would suggest reading about Hinduism, the time when Mahabharata was set (Dvarpa Yuga, we're now in the Kali Yuga) and about some of the key figures in Hinduism to understand further about Mahabhata, as it's quite difficult to comprehend without background knowledge (even those who know a lot about Hinduism still struggle to understand the detail, I say that firsthand).
The Daiva Khadga was created by Brahma (who created the universe) as a method of destroying evil and demons within this world. If I remember correctly, it was passed down generations of great warriors and eventually was given to the Pandavas (probably Arjuna as you said). I can't remember much more about it myself tbh.
Out of curiosity, what's your ethnic background if you don't mind me asking?
Many say Mahabharata was compiled in around 800 BC, though it went through many iterations with the latest version coming around 400 BC. It's written by Lord Ganesha, whilst recited by Ved Vyas (who was a character in the story).
It sounds like you're pretty interested in the story and understanding the history of it. I would suggest reading about Hinduism, the time when Mahabharata was set (Dvarpa Yuga, we're now in the Kali Yuga) and about some of the key figures in Hinduism to understand further about Mahabhata, as it's quite difficult to comprehend without background knowledge (even those who know a lot about Hinduism still struggle to understand the detail, I say that firsthand).
The Daiva Khadga was created by Brahma (who created the universe) as a method of destroying evil and demons within this world. If I remember correctly, it was passed down generations of great warriors and eventually was given to the Pandavas (probably Arjuna as you said). I can't remember much more about it myself tbh.
Out of curiosity, what's your ethnic background if you don't mind me asking?
It was the Mahabhata that got me interested in Hindu mythology. A lot of things in it didn't make sense the first time I watched it, but it started making more sense when I did more research into Indian history and Hindu philosophy years later.
QUOTE(Jagger @ Dec 22 2008, 08:03 PM) [snapback]4056741[/snapback]
Whether the Kurukshetra War itself actually happened is unknown, but the kingdoms involved in the war are based on real historical kingdoms which existed in Iron-Age Vedic India around 1000-500 BC. The Kuru Kingdom where most of the story takes place was a Mahajanapada ("Great Kingdom") in northern India that existed during the time of Buddha. The Mahabharata even describes a kingdom called "China", which has been identified as the Qin state which later became the Qin dynasty, the first dynasty of the Chinese Empire. Many later Indian kings also claimed descent from the Pandava brothers, such as King Porus, the toughest opponent Alexander the Great had ever fought. There were even Indian kings as late as 1000 AD claiming descent from the Pandava brothers, such as the Rajput king Jayapala Shahi.
According to an alternative theory (generally not supported by mainstream scholarship), the Kurukshetra War may have taken place during the Indus Valley Civilization (which existed around 3200-1700 BC). This theory dates back to 499 AD, when the Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata claimed that the war took place over 3,000 years before his time, based on certain astronomical calculations. If there is any truth to this theory though, then the Kurukshetra War could be interpreted as a story about the downfall of the Indus Valley Civilization.
According to an alternative theory (generally not supported by mainstream scholarship), the Kurukshetra War may have taken place during the Indus Valley Civilization (which existed around 3200-1700 BC). This theory dates back to 499 AD, when the Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata claimed that the war took place over 3,000 years before his time, based on certain astronomical calculations. If there is any truth to this theory though, then the Kurukshetra War could be interpreted as a story about the downfall of the Indus Valley Civilization.
That's really interesting. I have seen the work of Dr. S. R. Rao who has archeogically found numerous locations that relate to Mahabharata to suggest it is very much real. A number of the towns/cities have been found (e.g. Hastinapur is modern Delhi). A few of the most crucial findings include the dried up Saraswati river, pottery around the river, spear heads and other weapon findings at Kurukshetra and one of the most important findings, the lost city of Dwarka under the sea (Dwarka being the city Krishna was king of and sunk underwater at the start of the Kali Yuga).
QUOTE(Jagger @ Dec 22 2008, 08:03 PM) [snapback]4056741[/snapback]
It was the Mahabhata that got me interested in Hindu mythology. A lot of things in it didn't make sense the first time I watched it, but it started making more sense when I did more research into Indian history and Hindu philosophy years later.
Mahabharat was apparently written to teach us about Hinduism. However, without knowing the basic principles of Hinduism I think it's very difficult to understand the Mahabharat, so it's probably quite natural you got interested in Hindu Mythology through Mahabharat imo.
QUOTE(ACMILAN1983 @ Dec 21 2008, 11:08 AM) [snapback]4055488[/snapback]
The Daiva Khadga was created by Brahma (who created the universe) as a method of destroying evil and demons within this world. If I remember correctly, it was passed down generations of great warriors and eventually was given to the Pandavas (probably Arjuna as you said). I can't remember much more about it myself tbh.
That is the mythology angle. That stuff about Daivi Khadga having first been made in heaven by Brahma n then hurled to earth by him. Would hv been zapped by the Van Allen radiation belt then wouldnt it? On the way to earth. He he he.
If there was a real warrior called Arjuna, then he might have indeed held the Daivi Khadga in his time. As might several other ancient Indian kings/warriors.
So might have Kambujiya, the supposedly eponymous Kamboja ancestor of the Persian Hakhamanish (Achaemenid) dynasty of kings, which began with Khouroush-e-Bozorg (Cyrus the Great, ca 590 - 530 BC).
Khouroush's Persian father {his mother was a Madayu (Medean) princess, daughter of King Hastayaga (Astyages)} was also named Kambujiya (it was a favourite name among the Kamboja Persians), but the Kambujiya who won the Daivi Khadga was another much more ancient ancestor.
The REAL, historical angle is more likely that Daivi Khadga was the first famous sword of steel, made by the supposed first masters of steel technology, the Hittites of Asia Minor, rivals of ancient Egypt, who were said to hv mastered the secrets of steelmaking technology perhaps as early as 3,000 BC, but kept it ... well ... a secret ... from other nations. Daivi Khadga was then given as a special royal gift by a Hittite king to an ancient Indian king.
Either Daivi Khadga was a real sword, or it's a legend representing the first big improvement in ancient weaponry, the switch from relatively softer bronze swords to the much harder swords of steel.
QUOTE(dreamhunter @ Dec 26 2008, 04:06 PM) [snapback]4061792[/snapback]
That is the mythology angle. That stuff about Daivi Khadga having first been made in heaven by Brahma.
If there was a real warrior called Arjuna, then he might have indeed held the Daivi Khadga in his time. As might several other ancient Indian kings/warriors.
So might have Kambujiya, the supposedly eponymous Kamboja ancestor of the Persian Hakhamanish (Achaemenid) dynasty of kings, which began with Khouroush-e-Bozorg (Cyrus the Great, ca 590 - 530 BC).
Khouroush's Persian father {his mother was a Madayu (Medean) princess, daughter of King Hastayaga (Astyages)} was also named Kambujiya (it was a favourite name among the Kamboja Persians), but the Kambujiya who won the Daivi Khadga was another much more ancient ancestor.
The REAL, historical angle is more likely that Daivi Khadga was the first famous sword of steel, made by the supposed first masters of steel technology, the Hittites of Asia Minor, rivals of ancient Egypt, who were said to hv mastered steel technology perhaps as early as 3,000 BC, but kept it a secret from other nations. Daivi Khadga was then given as a special royal gift by a Hittite king to an ancient Indian king.
Either Daivi Khadga was a real sword, or it's a legend representing the first big improvement in ancient weaponry, the switch from relatively softer bronze swords to the much harder swords of steel.
If there was a real warrior called Arjuna, then he might have indeed held the Daivi Khadga in his time. As might several other ancient Indian kings/warriors.
So might have Kambujiya, the supposedly eponymous Kamboja ancestor of the Persian Hakhamanish (Achaemenid) dynasty of kings, which began with Khouroush-e-Bozorg (Cyrus the Great, ca 590 - 530 BC).
Khouroush's Persian father {his mother was a Madayu (Medean) princess, daughter of King Hastayaga (Astyages)} was also named Kambujiya (it was a favourite name among the Kamboja Persians), but the Kambujiya who won the Daivi Khadga was another much more ancient ancestor.
The REAL, historical angle is more likely that Daivi Khadga was the first famous sword of steel, made by the supposed first masters of steel technology, the Hittites of Asia Minor, rivals of ancient Egypt, who were said to hv mastered steel technology perhaps as early as 3,000 BC, but kept it a secret from other nations. Daivi Khadga was then given as a special royal gift by a Hittite king to an ancient Indian king.
Either Daivi Khadga was a real sword, or it's a legend representing the first big improvement in ancient weaponry, the switch from relatively softer bronze swords to the much harder swords of steel.
Interesting, do you have a source where I can read more about it?
Sorry but I dont remember any particular single sourse. But what I've posted is from my recollections of various sources. You've gotta be a keen n persistent clicker. He he he.
I got those from clicking "Kamboja", "Kambujiya" n "Daivi Khadga". Try that n keep digging. You'll find much interesting stuff.
Also, in the latest "Troy" trilogy (great stuff, I highly recommend it) by David & Stella Gemmil, you'll get the hint in some places that the Hittite kingdom of ca 1,400 - 1275 BC (the estimated period of the 3 Trojan Wars) was far more culturally advanced than either the Trojan or Greek kingdoms.
In the story:
Prince Hector, son of King Priam, led a Trojan cavalry division in support of the Hittites in the epic Battle of Kadesh against the Egyptians. There's even a role for a renegade Moses on the run from his Pharaonic adoptive father - he served under Prince Aeneas, Hector's cousin, as a ship captain, before finally returning to Egypt as a prophet.
Oh yeah. David Gemmil really had fantastic imagination.
Troy was in fact then considered a vassal kingdom, strategic n important but still a vassal nevertheless, of the Hittite kingdom.
I got those from clicking "Kamboja", "Kambujiya" n "Daivi Khadga". Try that n keep digging. You'll find much interesting stuff.
Also, in the latest "Troy" trilogy (great stuff, I highly recommend it) by David & Stella Gemmil, you'll get the hint in some places that the Hittite kingdom of ca 1,400 - 1275 BC (the estimated period of the 3 Trojan Wars) was far more culturally advanced than either the Trojan or Greek kingdoms.
In the story:
Prince Hector, son of King Priam, led a Trojan cavalry division in support of the Hittites in the epic Battle of Kadesh against the Egyptians. There's even a role for a renegade Moses on the run from his Pharaonic adoptive father - he served under Prince Aeneas, Hector's cousin, as a ship captain, before finally returning to Egypt as a prophet.
Oh yeah. David Gemmil really had fantastic imagination.
Troy was in fact then considered a vassal kingdom, strategic n important but still a vassal nevertheless, of the Hittite kingdom.
The Battle of Kurukshetra is believed by Hindus to be the crowning moment of Vedic glory.
The entire Bhagavadgita, starting from the Mahabharata is devoted to it.
If indeed it was a real battle, then Kurukshetra rivals Kadesh as one of the 2 greatest battles ever fought in ancient times. Uncounted words have been recorded discussing its divine meaning, its philosophical profundity, and its religious importance.
The entire Bhagavadgita, starting from the Mahabharata is devoted to it.
If indeed it was a real battle, then Kurukshetra rivals Kadesh as one of the 2 greatest battles ever fought in ancient times. Uncounted words have been recorded discussing its divine meaning, its philosophical profundity, and its religious importance.
QUOTE(ACMILAN1983 @ Nov 1 2008, 07:10 AM) [snapback]3991014[/snapback]
I've created a thread specifically dedicated to the Mahabharat. I recommend doing a quick search for it
Ohkay mate
QUOTE(Jagger @ Nov 6 2008, 03:03 PM) [snapback]3997767[/snapback]
I only saw the television series, but Mahabharata was my favourite epic as a child and teenager. Even though it's well over 2,000 years old now, it still is superior to most modern-day epics.
It's quite fascinating to think that such an old epic could have so much philosophical depth, three-dimensional characterization, thrilling action, a multi-layered storyline, and an epic timescale set over generations.
It's quite fascinating to think that such an old epic could have so much philosophical depth, three-dimensional characterization, thrilling action, a multi-layered storyline, and an epic timescale set over generations.
Indeed! Superior with flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyying colours
QUOTE(AwangPembela @ Dec 20 2008, 05:57 AM) [snapback]4054280[/snapback]
I hv read bits n pieces from here n there about Mahabhrata. I think it's an elegant, glorious, ancient tale that has got the perfect ingredients for an epic movie. I dont know why nobody from Hollywood has taken it up n made their mega million bucks from it yet.
yeah but im almost sure that hunters of Hollywood have already planned to adapt it and im expecting it to be triology which will be cool!
QUOTE(ACMILAN1983 @ Dec 21 2008, 03:14 AM) [snapback]4055325[/snapback]
It represents none of those, it's very much a spiritual battle between the "good" and "evil" within the world. On the Pandavas side, you see righteousness, power, dharma, knowledge and other values fighting against the kauravas, who represent greed, ignorance, hate, anger and other such "evils" in the world.
The chariot which Arjun rides with Krishna as the charioteer on is also symbolic of the relationship between humans, the world and god. Essentially, the chariot is often viewed as the space in which humans live (whether you view it as the world or universe), Arjun represents us as humans and Krishna is the Lord guiding us. The horses represent knowledge and purity and if I remember rightly, the reigns are the Vedas, which are given to us by the Lord to help us in life.
The Kurukshetra war is a spiritual war also in the sense that it is the war we all must suffer within as humans before we can attain enlightenment or moksha, thus becoming one with God. The idea of it being a war, where Arjun must kill his brethren shows the importance of fulfilling ones duty in life. This is explained in the Bhagavad Gita which Krishna recites to Arjun before the battle when Arjun is in doubt about the war.
There's a lot more to the Kurukshetra war, but it would take a long time to type it all out.
The chariot which Arjun rides with Krishna as the charioteer on is also symbolic of the relationship between humans, the world and god. Essentially, the chariot is often viewed as the space in which humans live (whether you view it as the world or universe), Arjun represents us as humans and Krishna is the Lord guiding us. The horses represent knowledge and purity and if I remember rightly, the reigns are the Vedas, which are given to us by the Lord to help us in life.
The Kurukshetra war is a spiritual war also in the sense that it is the war we all must suffer within as humans before we can attain enlightenment or moksha, thus becoming one with God. The idea of it being a war, where Arjun must kill his brethren shows the importance of fulfilling ones duty in life. This is explained in the Bhagavad Gita which Krishna recites to Arjun before the battle when Arjun is in doubt about the war.
There's a lot more to the Kurukshetra war, but it would take a long time to type it all out.
And Dignity
Wow! i have come to know much now i never really cared whether Mahabharat was in fact real or just lore developed over years.
has anyone considered this?
This is totally out of topic though well not really but...
has anyone considered this?
This is totally out of topic though well not really but...
QUOTE(Role Model @ Jan 14 2009, 09:56 AM) [snapback]4084844[/snapback]
Wow! i have come to know much now i never really cared whether Mahabharat was in fact real or just lore developed over years.
has anyone considered this?
This is totally out of topic though well not really but...
has anyone considered this?
This is totally out of topic though well not really but...
i taught Pahlava was indian?
QUOTE (AwangPembela @ Dec 20 2008, 05:57 AM) 
Or was it the old Dravidian aristocracy battling Aryan invaders?
No it with Dasyus/Asuras a Iranian tribe [Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex] who were historical enemies of India.
While the terms Dasa and Dasyu have a negative meaning in Sanskrit, the Iranian counterparts Daha and Dahyu have preserved their positive (or neutral) meaning. This is similar to the Sanskrit terms Deva (a "positive" term) and Asura (a "negative" term). The Iranian counterparts of these terms (Daeva and Ahura) have opposite meanings.
Dravidian and Aryan is ethnic group according to Vedas the Dravidians came from the North. Sanskrit word draviḍa a meaning of "collective Name for 5 peoples. the Āndhras, Karṇāṭakas, Gurjaras, Tailaṅgas, and Mahārāṣṭras". Dravidian languages into a larger Elamo-Dravidian language family, which includes the ancient Elamite language (Haltami) of what is now south-western Iran.
QUOTE (Role Model @ Jan 14 2009, 09:56 AM)
Wow! i have come to know much now i never really cared whether Mahabharat was in fact real or just lore developed over years.
has anyone considered this?
This is totally out of topic though well not really but...
has anyone considered this?
This is totally out of topic though well not really but...
Thx for the map
edit - the map has some mistakes
QUOTE (f3ro300 @ Jan 21 2009, 11:30 PM)
i taught Pahlava was indian?
Indian Pallava dynasty is very different from Iranian Pahlava.
Hi There !!
Mahabhart is a nice book to read, and it will taught us many things, and it has many morals which should be followed in our real life.
Mahabhart is a nice book to read, and it will taught us many things, and it has many morals which should be followed in our real life.
Mahabharata image by an Indonesian graphic artists, a tribute for legend comic artist in Indonesia, Mr Teguh Santosa:
Mahabharata Tribute by =garang76
Lord Krishna and Arjuna riding Chariot.
Arjuna Wijaya statue, Central Jakarta
Mahabharata Tribute by =garang76
Lord Krishna and Arjuna riding Chariot.
Arjuna Wijaya statue, Central Jakarta
Great pictures, thanks for those
Mahabharat is a very big epic in all historical epics
so thats why it is always best............
so thats why it is always best............
I heard that in Indonesia, Mahabharata is called as Bharathayuddha (The War of Bharatha). Very nice sound too : )
I checked in Manusmriti and I personally think that Pallava were ancient Indo-Persian. They were listed among Barbaric tribes like Kambujas and others that entered India during Ancient India Iron Age. Yeah, of course they are different from the Pahlevi of Iran. I can't check back what is the page because I had returned the copy of Manusmriti to the varsity library without making a new photocopy... OK, I know it is illegal without the permission of the publisher but the content of the copy is useful and it s very rare.
@Majapahitans, great pictures man. In India we can't put grand idols in city squares like the one @Majapahitans posted, so that people of other religions are not offended. India is a secular nation you know.
QUOTE (Majapahitans @ Jul 13 2009, 05:08 AM)
Mahabharata image by an Indonesian graphic artists, a tribute for legend comic artist in Indonesia, Mr Teguh Santosa:
Mahabharata Tribute by =garang76
Lord Krishna and Arjuna riding Chariot.
Arjuna Wijaya statue, Central Jakarta
Mahabharata Tribute by =garang76
Lord Krishna and Arjuna riding Chariot.
Arjuna Wijaya statue, Central Jakarta
Those are awesome
I had check some Wayang play art by native Javanese of Indonesia. I guess Mahabharat influence also can be seen in their local history through adaptation process apart of Ramayana. Check this out
Parashuraam
Differently from us in the mainland of SEA, we were influenced more by Ramayana, but hardly see Mahabharat influence.
Parashuraam
Differently from us in the mainland of SEA, we were influenced more by Ramayana, but hardly see Mahabharat influence.
Kathakali Art about Mahabharata
Arjuna
Kathakali On Stage
Kathakali Open Air
This one is proudly from my paternal grandfather land, Kerala : ) I don't care anymore if fellow Buddhist Thai in my hometown calling me Khek (native of ancient Indian ancestry). I do have Indian ancestry and never feel shy about it, they should thank my paternal ancestors too for their influence on them.
Some sample show from Mahabharat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMquphTYM3w
Arjuna
Kathakali On Stage
Kathakali Open Air
This one is proudly from my paternal grandfather land, Kerala : ) I don't care anymore if fellow Buddhist Thai in my hometown calling me Khek (native of ancient Indian ancestry). I do have Indian ancestry and never feel shy about it, they should thank my paternal ancestors too for their influence on them.
Some sample show from Mahabharat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMquphTYM3w
QUOTE (ACMILAN1983 @ Jul 18 2009, 02:06 AM)
Great pictures, thanks for those
You're welcome...
FYI I've read the artist information and the characters in this image are:
From top
Top male: Pandu Dewanata
Left female: Kunthi
Right female: Madrim
Center old man: Dorna
Bottom row of 5 men (Pandawa) from left to right: Arjuna, Nakula, Yudhistira, Sadewa, Bhima
All of characters are dressed in traditional Javanese style (jewelry, hairstyle, costumes).
And the dice is symbolize the gamble between Yudhistira (from Pandawa) and Kurawa.
QUOTE (sonofgunongjerai @ Jul 31 2009, 09:40 AM)
I heard that in Indonesia, Mahabharata is called as Bharathayuddha (The War of Bharatha). Very nice sound too : )
Actually the adoption and translation of this Indian epic; Mahabharata and Bharatayudha into Javanese is started in 1157 AD during the reign of King Jayabhaya of Kediri Kingdom, Java.
Mahabharata is more about telling the whole story, background, more about the prelude or raison-d'etre of the epic war, since the time of youthful Resi Bhisma. While Bharathayudha is more focussed on the Grand war between Pandawa and Kurawa on Kuruksetra battlefields on daily basis. The Bhadgawadgita, Lord Khrisna words of wisdom to Arjuna is part of this war.
QUOTE (VAMAN @ Aug 1 2009, 09:16 AM)
@Majapahitans, great pictures man. In India we can't put grand idols in city squares like the one @Majapahitans posted, so that people of other religions are not offended. India is a secular nation you know.
Wow I didn't know that.... Indonesia is a democratic and rather secular nation too.
But this Arjuna Wijaya chariot statue is hardly treated as an Idol or religious symbol, it is more like the symbol of virtue, courage, bravery, culture, and beauty.
Despite we're now overwhelmingly muslims, we (especially Javanese and Sundanese) tends to treated our Hindu past and legacy in regards and reverence of philosophy. The example of good virtue, such as bravery, truth, courage, etc.
QUOTE (desiboi @ Aug 1 2009, 02:12 PM)
Those are awesome
In Solo Baru, Solo city Central Java, there is Waterpark with Pandawa theme
Pandawa Water World
^That theme park looks amazing...I want to visit there....
Pandawa Water World looks awesome.
I checked their website.... they offer a wave pool, aerated bubbling crater pool, bungy jumping tower and the black hole water slide.
Looks like fun, but if they want to make me really happy they need to offer a lap swimming pool as well.
I checked their website.... they offer a wave pool, aerated bubbling crater pool, bungy jumping tower and the black hole water slide.
Looks like fun, but if they want to make me really happy they need to offer a lap swimming pool as well.
Majapahitans that theme park looks amazing. Please keep more pics coming if you have them
QUOTE (ACMILAN1983 @ Aug 9 2009, 03:50 AM)
Majapahitans that theme park looks amazing. Please keep more pics coming if you have them
Okay...
btw check this out...
Pandawa Action Figure
From left to right: Yudhistira, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula, Sadewa
Cool Action Figure huh...?
More traditional Action Figure
Sundanese Wayang Golek wooden puppet of Gatotkaca, the son of Bhima and Arimbi.
^I love those action figures......stuff that advanced isn't even available in India.... 
Pandav theme park, action figures? I am truly amazed. We have nothing like this in India not even close.
I wish there is more people to people contact between Indonesia and India. Indians need to learn from them to find their own roots. You know if anyone try to even conceptualize such things he/she would be termed as communal and fundamentalist. India is paying dearly for being a secular and democratic nation.
QUOTE (Majapahitans @ Aug 4 2009, 09:28 PM)
Wow I didn't know that.... Indonesia is a democratic and rather secular nation too.
But this Arjuna Wijaya chariot statue is hardly treated as an Idol or religious symbol, it is more like the symbol of virtue, courage, bravery, culture, and beauty.
Despite we're now overwhelmingly muslims, we (especially Javanese and Sundanese) tends to treated our Hindu past and legacy in regards and reverence of philosophy. The example of good virtue, such as bravery, truth, courage, etc.
But this Arjuna Wijaya chariot statue is hardly treated as an Idol or religious symbol, it is more like the symbol of virtue, courage, bravery, culture, and beauty.
Despite we're now overwhelmingly muslims, we (especially Javanese and Sundanese) tends to treated our Hindu past and legacy in regards and reverence of philosophy. The example of good virtue, such as bravery, truth, courage, etc.
I wish there is more people to people contact between Indonesia and India. Indians need to learn from them to find their own roots. You know if anyone try to even conceptualize such things he/she would be termed as communal and fundamentalist. India is paying dearly for being a secular and democratic nation.
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