18 Parvas of Mahabharata narrate the incidents of the two princely families of the Kurus and the Pandavas and their conflict regarding the successor of the throne of Hastinapur. These parvas also provides information about Lord Krishna and his contribution to this great epic. The five sons of king Pandu, who fought for Dharma or righteousness all their lives, were called the Pandavas. The lengthy older generations of Mahabharat started with Shantanu. Kauravas were descendants of Kuru and the hundred sons of king Dhritarastra who opposed Pandavas. Raudraswa is the son of Ahamyati, descendant of Puru. Puru was the youngest son of king Yayati. Arjuna was third son of Pandu and Kunti, and a master archer and a great warrior in epic Mahabharata. Brahmanical Legends in Mahabharata have been added and preserved by the priestly class of the Brahmins for the purpose of up keeping their position and gaining supremacy. Most of these stories deal with the various ways in which Brahmins are superior and must be respected and hold a position even more important than that of the Gods. Some remarkable instances of Brahmanical wisdom have been handed down in these various Brahmanical myths and legends. Fables in Mahabharata are in the nature of ascetic poetry. Most of the narratives are fables and parables with a moral end, teaching love towards all beings and renunciation of the world. Senajit is one of the kings of Hastinapura. Parikshit was the son of Abhimanyu and the grandson of Arjuna. Partha is the name of Arjuna, and the son of Pritha. He is one of the central characters in the epic Mahabharata. The people living at Khasa which was an ancient Indian kingdom were called Khasas. Mudgala was a Vedic Rishi as mentioned in the Mahabharata. The Kurus were the rulers of the Kuru kingdom, with their capital at Hastinapur. Pratarddana was the son of Divodasa who was the king Benaras. Harivamsa Parva is not included in the list of the eighteen Parvas of Mahabharata. This Parva is however regarded as an appendix or a Khila to the great Hindu epic. Bhishmaka was a king of Vidarbha. Devaka is one of the sons of Ahuka. Putana was a Rakshasi or demoness killed by infant Lord Krishna. Ratnagir is the modern name of the mountain mentioned in the MahabharataYaraha. Srinjayas are said to be the warriors mentioned in the Mahabharata. Akrura was the uncle of Lord Krishna as well as a great devotee of him. Nichakra is said to be the son of Lord Krishna. Dwimidha is one of the sons of Hastin, the founder of Hastinapura. Khandavaprastha is a mythical kingdom situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Kirttimat is a son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Salya is the name of a Danava or demon who is the son of Viprachitti, renowned for great strength. Samba is the eldest son of Lord Krishna by Jambavati. In the Puranas, Mani is described as a powerful serpent Hidimbi was the sister of Hidimba. Rituparna is the emperor of Ayodhya, a monarch celebrated for his skill in dice. Jayadratha is the king of Sindhu who is distinguished character in Mahabharata who insulted Draupadi. Kritavarman is one of the three warriors on the Kauravas side who survived at the end of the Kurukshetra War. Bhanumati is the wife of Duryadhana. Dadicha is a votary of Shiva, who was not invited to the sacrifice. |