Extra Credit Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part C

Mahabharata, by Epified on Youtube

• Karna learned of his origins of his adoption. He went out to find a teacher and was denied by Drona on account of his not being a kshatriya, which really disappointed him but for the sake of honoring the parents who raised him he never corrected him. In his search for another teacher, he came upon one who in contrast with Drona, would refuse to teach a kshatriya. This teacher is was an avatar of Vishnu, Parsharam and Karna learned the art of war, including the use of the most devastating weapons in the world.
• One day a scorpion stung Karna, but so as not to disturb his sleeping teacher on his lap he ignored it. Instead of impressing Parsharam, he instead was suspicious and accused him of being a kshatriya as no Brahmin’s would have been able to suffer so silently. Thus, he sent Karna away and cursed him saying that he would not be able to use his skills in the future when he most needed to.
• The Pandavas and Kauravas learned from Kripacharya and Drona, they had a tournament to show their skills. Karna out-did Arjuna in his archery skills to Arjuna’s frustration but was refused the title of victor. When the Pandava’s tried to perform against him, their teacher Kripacharya intervened and demanded that they must learn of Karna’s lineage since he had to have royal ancestry to proceed. He told what he knew of his story, and Kunti fainted after hearing it. Duryodhan declared Karna king of Anga.
• The story of friendship turned foe between Drona and Drupad, disciples of the same teacher, tells a story of forking morals and ambitions leading to different paths. Drupad always promised Drona he would give him half his kingdom once he acquired one despite the fact that Drona had never cared much for material things or money except in the case that he need it to care for his wife and son Ashwatthama. Drupad was crowned king of Paanchal, but went back on his childhood promise and humiliated him. Afterward he was invited by Bhishma to train the Pandavas and Kauruvas at Hastinapur in the art of archery and arms.
• Arjun was the best archer, and Bheem was the strongest, and Yudhisthira with his wisdom was up next for the throne at Hastinapur much to Duryodhan’s dismay and jealousy. He devises with Karna and Shakuni to get rid of the 5 brothers.  He planned to set a palace for the brothers at Vanvrat on fire and to burn them to death, hoping it would be believed an accident. Vidura warned them and realized upon the completion of the building that was made of combustible material. The cousins escaped through a contrived passage.  
• Bhima was the pillar of strength for his family while they were in the forest, supporting their weak frames, fetching water for them, and keeping watch in the night. They settle in the city of Ekachakra after wandering far and put on disguises as Brahmins to prevent detection from the Kauravas. This place apparently had a problem with an asura called Bakasur who had an agreement with the city that human sacrifices must be made periodically. Kunti met a man who was scheduled for this duty and said no one had been able to kill the asura, and she assured him her son Bhima would take his place. The son of Vayu ended up defeating him and everyone celebrated.
• Drupad in anticipation of Drona wanted a son who could face him so he held a Yagya and invited sages to offer prayers and grant him a son. From the sacred fire came the fraternal twins, Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi.

Bibliography:
Author: Epified
Title: Epified: Mahabharata, Part B (Playlist)
Source: YouTube

(Image Source: Screenshot by me of Drupad and his twins in Episode 26, Youtube)

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