Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section D

Hello World!!

This week we completed the Mahabharata. There was an incredible amount of bloodshed in the last bit of this book. The entire book had some violence, but this specific part definitely had an extreme amount in my opinion. I was incredibly amazed by how each of the characters were killed of one by one. In all honesty, I was aware that certain characters were going to die but I didn't think that all of them would meet the same fate. I was particularly upset about Krishna's death. I had always heard the story of Radha and Krishna, so I suppose that it was a bit of a shock to me when he was killed. 

The part that seemed the most cruel to me was the entire scene with Drona. I didn't think that someone could be so manipulative. I knew once I had read that Ashwatthaman, the elephant, was dead that there would be a twist in the story. I felt so terrible for Drona. I can't imagine what that would have felt like. I'm sure I would have had the same reaction. I can't believe that he was killed while he was still in shock and mourning the death of his son. I can't imagine the kind of heart it would take to do something like that. 

Drona's Death, Source: dronasdeath.wordpress.com

 In all honesty, while I enjoyed the Ramayana this story became a bit more than what I could handle in this last little bit. I enjoy quite a bit of guts and gore, but I felt like this was much more extreme. It was a significant contrast in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In my opinion the Ramayana was a love story while the Mahabharata was more about war. 

All information has come from Narayan's Mahabharata, (link to Reading Guide D)
 

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section C

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The part that I found really interesting in today's reading as the entire scene about the voice in the lake. I was honestly surprised by the fact that they three brothers died. I understand that it was a test by Yama and Dharma, but I was hoping that death wouldn't be the consequence of failing. I liked that Yudhishthira was the one who answered the questions which allowed for the three brothers to come back to life. I can't help but wonder what each of them would answer to the questions given by the voice. I wonder if their answers would have sufficed or if they would have met the same fate. I think it would have be very different to see if the situation could be tweaked a little, and the questions would be answered but not up to par with what was required. I think that would make for an interesting story. 

The Voice in the Lake, Source: allindiaroundup.com

Another part of the reading that caught my attention was Draupadi's rape. Something about it seemed very strange to me, but I can't put my finger on exactly what it is. I do know that it is important to the story, but I found it to be a bit abrupt. I wasn't even thinking about her when the entire situation came up in the book. I'm assuming that's why I seem to be at odd with the scenario, however, otherwise I enjoyed the "squeezing" to death part. I do wonder why Draupadi had to beg for her vengeance I assumed that it would just be natural for someone to want to avenge her for it. 

All in all, I felt that I enjoyed the reading for today. I did get a bit confused as to what exactly was occurring especially with all of the different characters we need to keep track of at all times. I enjoy these stories though. I like that there are things that we truly can learn from them and apply to our own lives. The lessons are up to interpretation in my opinion, and you can find a different hidden lesson each time! It's like a scavenger hunt!  

All information has come from Narayan's Mahabharata, (link to Reading Guide C)