Reading Notes: Epified Mahabharata Part A

Karmic Revolution - Every event result of previous action and cause of next action

Shantanu the Unfortunate


This story is kind of a warning against promises and the consequences that may come from following or failing to follow them. I doubt Shantanu thought Ganga would want to kill their children but he does seem rather silly to make such promises as not to question Ganga.

Plot Summary:


  • King Shantanu fell in love with Ganga and asked her to marry him.
  • Ganga made Shantanu promise never to question her decisions to which Shantanu agreed.
  • Ganga drowned their first seven children and Shantanu said nothing
  • When their eight child was born Shantanu asked why she killed their children,
  • Ganga told Shantanu that she had agreed to give birth and end the lives of the eight cursed vassals.
  • Ganga left Shantanu and took their last son.


Devavrata returns:


  • Shantanu returned to the bank of the river Ganga because he missed her.
  • He met a young archer who had tamed the Ganga.
  • Ganga telles Shantanu the archer is their only living son Devavrata


Vyasa Sons

I find this story kind of sad. I kind of wish that Vidura had been king and that it didn't matter that his mother was a servant.

Plot Summary:


  • Ambika closed her eyes when she saw Vyasa, so her child was to born blind
  • Ambalika turned pale from fear of Vyasa, so her child was to born pale and with bad health (according to Vyasa)
  • Satyavati asked Vyasa to pay Ambalika a second visit.
  • Ambalika made a servant meet Vyasa in her place and she was not afraid and embraced him with love.
  • Ambika gave birth to Dhritarashtra
  • Ambalika gave birth to Pandu
  • The servant came birth to Vidura
  • The sons of Vyasa were taught by their uncle Bhisma.


Bibliography:
Mahabharata Episode 1 - Shantanu the Unfortunate | Epified

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