Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part A

 The story of Bhima's extraordinary power is fascinating. One of the five Pandavas, Bhima's original source of power comes from being a son of Lord Yama ( from a boon to Kunti). However when his cousin Duryodhan tries to murder him, it works to his advantage. Duryodhana tries to poison Bhima and drown him in a lake. However, the mighty warrior Bhima drowns to the underworld and is encountered by the snakes (Nagas) that inhibit it. The King of the Nagas- Vasuki, impressed by the might of Bhima, bestows him with the power of a thousand Nagas. Returning stronger than ever, Bhima uses his power to strive for Dharma and play an important role in the victory of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. 

Perhaps the most tragic story alongside Karna's upbringing would be that of Ekalavya. Part of legend and lore in modern day India, Ekalavya was born into a minority community during the Kuru kingdom's prime. Ekalavya was born into a community outside the caste system and hence was rejected by Dronacharya as a student. He chose to worship Drona;s statue instead and teach himself archery. When Drona found out about his prowess, he asked for his thumb as gurudakshina ( payment for teaching in Hindu tradition ). Dronacharya did so because of his own insecurity towards his student Arjuna ( the best archer in the world). Karma later worked it;s course, as Drona died at the hands of his own student. 

Naga Idols 

The Nagas are worshipped even in modern day India. My family in India worship the Nagas as their prime deity 

Works Cited

Alexander Mackenzie, Donald. “The Project Gutenberg EBook of Indian Myth and Legend, by Donald A. Mackenzie.” Www.Gutenberg.Org, 29 Oct. 2014, www.gutenberg.org/files/47228/47228-h/47228-h.htm.