Duryodhana suspects Bhishma’s commitment; Karna vows to finish the Pandavas if Bhishma steps down, and Shakuni backs the move. The request wounds Bhishma, who fights beyond age and limits on Day 9, decimating the Pandava ranks. Arjuna hesitates, Krishna surges to strike, and Arjuna finally resolves to face his grandsire. That night, Yudhishthira seeks thesecret; Bhishma repeats it: if Shikhandi stands before him, he will lay down arms.
The eighth day of the Kurukshetra war dawns with an intensity never seen before. The battlefield trembles as Duryodhana’s stinging words of insult ignite Bhishma’s wrath. The grandsire, who had until now fought with restraint, now unleashes his full might upon the Pandava army, his arrows falling like a storm.
Amid this chaos, Bhima’s rage knows no bounds. With unmatched strength and ferocity, he slays eight more of Duryodhana’s brothers, his mace dripping with vengeance. Possessed by fury, Bhima dances wildly on the battlefield, a terrifying sight that strikes fear even among seasoned warriors.
But sorrow soon follows. In another corner of the vast field, Iravantha—the valiant son of Arjuna and the Naga princess Ulupi—faces the Rakshasa king Alambusha. A fierce duel ensues, filled with illusion and sorcery, ending with the tragic death of Iravantha, a shining warrior extinguished too soon.
Grief turns to rage once again as Ghatotkacha, the mighty son of Bhima, learns of his cousin’s fall. With his Rakshasa might and magic, he tears through the Kaurava army, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
The eighth day closes with the field soaked in blood and echoing with cries of both triumph and loss. The war has crossed a threshold—mercy has no place left in Kurukshetra.
On the seventh day of the Kurukshetra war, tension brews in the Kaurava camp. Duryodhana confronts Bhishma angrily, questioning why he cannot defeat the Pandavas. Calm and firm, Bhishma repeats what he has always declared — as long as Krishna is on the side of the Pandavas, no force on earth can overcome them.
The battlefield claims another life from Virata’s family — his brave son Shankha falls in combat, deepening the grief of the Matsya king. Meanwhile, the day witnesses a fierce duel between Bhishma and Arjuna, two of the mightiest warriors, their arrows covering the sky like clouds before a storm.
Duryodhana, however, is cautious — he ensures that Shikhandi does not get a chance to face Bhishma, for Bhishma had vowed never to fight Shikhandi. On the other side, Yudhishthira stands firm, protecting Shikhandi, determined to keep that advantage alive for the Pandavas.
The seventh day thus unfolds as a mixture of personal grief, epic duels, and the unyielding presence of Krishna that continues to guard the Pandavas’ destiny.
his episode covers the fifth and sixth days of Kurukshetra.
On the fifth day, Bhishma’s makara vyuha faced Dhrishtadyumna’s garuda vyuha. The Pandavas pressed hard, Bhima clashed with Duryodhana in a fierce mace fight, and Satyaki lost ten sons to Bhurishrava before Bhima intervened.
On the sixth day, Bhima fought relentlessly despite heavy wounds, destroying elephants and soldiers until rescued by Dhrishtadyumna. Duryodhana and his brothers tried to trap him, but the sammohana astra saved the Pandavas. Later, Bhima shattered Duryodhana’s bow, killed his horses, and felled four of his brothers, forcing Kripacharya to save Duryodhana.
The day ended with conches blown — the war only growing fiercer.
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Bhishma rose like Rudra himself, vowing revengefor the havoc Arjuna had created the previous day. The war intensified beyondimagination—a canal of blood from soldiers, horses, and elephants flowed acrossthe land.
For the first time, the Kaurava commanders witnessed the brilliance of young Abhimanyu’s skill. Drushtadyumna killed Shalya’s son, while Bhima struck down fourteen of Duryodhana’s brothers before being stopped by Bhagadatta. When Ghatotkacha rushed in to save hisfather, Bhishma, bound by his own code, let him go.
Enraged, Duryodhana confronted Bhishma. But the grandsire reminded him of his vow—he had already slain no fewer than ten thousand Pandava soldiers each day. Yet, he declared, victory was impossible against Krishna, the very personification of God.
This episode captures Bhishma’s fury, Abhimanyu’s emergence, Bhima’s power, and the tension between Duryodhana and his commander.
The third day of the Kurukshetra war takes a fierce turn.
Duryodhana’s sharp and stinging words wound Bhishma far deeper than any arrow. The old commander, determined to prove his loyalty, fights beyond his physical limits, cutting down thousands of Pandava soldiers.
On the other side, Arjuna still cannot overcome his deep love and respect for Bhishma, holding back from facinghim with full force. Watching this hesitation, Krishna’s patience snaps. In a moment of divine fury, he leaps from the chariot, determined to kill Bhishma himself.
But Bhishma, seeing the Lord approach, drops his weapons, kneels down, and welcomes the death he considers agreat fortune. At that crucial moment, Arjuna intervenes, stopping Krishna, and vows to fight Bhishma with his whole heart from then on.
The war of Kurukshetra intensifies. The Pandavas, reeling from their defeat on the first day, return with fierce determination on the second. Bhima and Arjuna lead a thunderous charge thatshakes the battlefield.
Bhima, unstoppable in his wrath, slays two formidablewarriors—Shrutayu and Shukradeva—leaving a trail of destruction in his path.
In another part of the battlefield, young Abhimanyu displays astonishing bravery. As Duryodhana’s son Lakshmana charges forward, it is Abhimanyu who intercepts him and halts hisadvance, protecting the Pandava forces with unwavering courage.
The momentum shifts. Fear grips the Kaurava army. Confusion spreads. Warriors begin to break ranks and flee, unable to withstand the renewed Pandava assault.
Dronacharya, desperate to prevent a complete collapse, rides into the chaos, urging the fleeing soldiers to stand their ground. But fear proves stronger than command.
This episode captures the fierce comeback of the Pandavas and the first signs of disarray within the Kaurava camp.
As the sun rises over the plains of Kurukshetra, the great war finally begins.
Yudhishthira, embodying dharma even in the face of battle, walks unarmed to the enemy camp. With folded hands, he seeks blessings from the elders he once revered—Bhishma, Drona, Kripacharya, and Shalya. One by one, they bless him to win righteousness, not necessarily the war. Shalya, though a commander on the Kaurava side, offers his heart tothe Pandava cause. The Kauravas watch in stunned silence, unsure whether to respect or ridicule Yudhishthira’s bold humility.
Then, the conches roar. The ground trembles. The war begins. This episode immerses you in the agni sparsha—the fire-touch—of Day One. Blood and dust mingle. Arrows darken the skies. Elephants scream. Warriors fall. And so do sons.
On the very first day, King Virata suffers an unbearable loss. His brave sons—Uttara, the hero of the Matsya kingdom, and Shveta, a fearsome charioteer—are both slain. Their fallmarks the beginning of a war that will not spare the innocent or the brave.
The first day's fury sets the tone for what lies ahead—a war not just of weapons, but of hearts torn between duty and kinship.
As the great war is about to begin, Arjuna stands overwhelmed on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Seeing his own family, elders,teachers, and friends arrayed as enemies, he is torn with sorrow. "Do I kill all these for a mere piece of land?" he asks Krishna, laying down his bow and declaring he will not fight.
Krishna gently but firmly responds, revealing the deeper truths of existence. First, he explains that the soul is eternal—there is no real death or birth; just as we change clothes, thesoul takes new bodies. Second, as a Kshatriya, it is Arjuna's dharma to fight for justice. Third, Krishna emphasizes Nishkama Karma—to act without attachment to the results and surrender the outcome to the divine.
In a moment of divine revelation, Krishna declares that he alone is behind all actions, all beings, and all elements of the universe. To awaken Arjuna’s inner clarity, Krishna reveals his Vishwaroopa—his cosmic form—showing that everything in the universe is but a part of him.
As the clang of weapons draws closer, Duryodhana makes onefinal attempt—not at peace, but provocation. He sends his messenger Uluka to the Pandavas' camp, not with terms of truce, but words laced with mockery and insult. Each Pandava, however, answers not with anger but with fierce clarity, declaring their resolve and righteousness.
Meanwhile, far from this exchange of barbs, Bhishma prepares for a war he never wished for. Burdened by his dharma and loyalty, he insists that the battle, however bloody, must stillretain its moral compass. He lays down the rules of engagement—when to fight, whom to fight, and when to stop—guiding the greatest war with a code of conduct never before seen.
This episode captures the sharp contrast between petty provocation and principled preparation—where dignity stands tall even on the edge of destruction.
As the war becomes inevitable, both the Pandavas andKauravas begin massive preparations. The time has come to choose their commanders.
On the side of the Kauravas, Bhishma Pitamaha—venerable, wise, and unmatched in valor—is declared the Supreme Commander. Yet, he lays down clear conditions:
– He will not fight against Shikhandi.
– He will not kill any of the Pandavas.
– The rules of Dharma Yuddha must be followed: no fighting after sunset, no attacking an unarmed or retreatingwarrior, and no harming those not engaged in battle.
– Most importantly, Karna must stay awayfrom the battlefield as long as Bhishma is the commander, citing his disapproval and mistrust of Karna’s conduct.
The Pandavas appoint the fiery and determined Druṣṭadyumna, born to slay Drona, as their commander-in-chief.
Karna, though hurt by Bhishma’s words, agrees to stay away until Bhishma lays down arms. With everything in place,drums beat and conches blow. Two mighty armies—each with millions of warriors, elephants, chariots, and horses—marchtoward Kurukshetra, where destiny awaits. The battlefield is set for the greatest war in history.
In this poignant episode, long-held secrets come to light as Kunti meets Karna on the banks of the Ganga. With trembling voice and teary eyes, she reveals the truth he never knew—that she is his mother, and he is the eldest of the Pandavas. The revelation shakes Karna, but his loyalty to Duryodhana remains unbroken. With dignity and pain, he refuses Kunti's plea to join the Pandavas, yet makes a solemn vow: he will not harm any of her sons—except Arjuna, his sworn rival.
As Kunti walks away, heart heavy, returning to Vidura’s house, the heavens prepare for another test of Karna's spirit. Indra, Arjuna's divine father, arrives in disguise as a brahmana. He asks Karna for the very things that protect his life—his divine armour and earrings. True to his nature, Karna does not hesitate. He cuts them from his body and gives them away, bleeding but proud. Moved by this ultimate act of charity, Indra blesses him with the Ekaastra—a divine weapon that can be used only once.
A tale of silent love, unwavering loyalty, and the nobility of sacrifice—this episode reveals the depth of Karna’s character and the tragedy that shadows him.
As the winds of war begin to howl louder, Yudhishthiramakes a final, desperate appeal to avoid the impending destruction. He turns to Shri Krishna and pleads with him to go to Hastinapura as a messenger of peace. Even Bhima and Nakula, despite their anger, voice their willingness to avert awar that threatens to annihilate their own clan.
But Draupadi, with eyes blazing with memory and pain, reminds Krishna—and all those present—of the humiliationshe endured in the Kuru court, the injustice of the dice game, and the silence of the elders. Her voice cuts through the air as she insists that the Kauravas must face the consequences of their deeds. The war, she says, is not a choice but a righteous necessity.
Krishna proceeds to Hastinapura, where he meets King Dhritarashtra and appeals to his wisdom and conscience. The blind king listens and even acknowledges Krishna’s words, butsorrowfully admits his helplessness in controlling his obstinate son, Duryodhana.Gandhari too pleads with her son, warning him of the ruin his pride will bring to their family.
But Duryodhana, blinded by arrogance, hears Krishna's firm statement—that one who endangers the existence of an entire lineage must be restrained, even imprisoned—and reacts with fury. He attempts to arrest Krishna.
In that tense moment, Krishna reveals his Vishwaroopa, a divine cosmic form that leaves the court trembling in awe and fear. The illusion of power shatters. The last hope for peacedissolves.
Before leaving Hastinapura, Krishna meets Kunti in private. In a moment of profound urgency and compassion, he urges her to speak to Karna—to reveal the truth of his birth and awaken thebond of brotherhood that could still change the course of fate.
With the successful completion of their 12-year exile and one year of Ajñātavāsa without being discovered, the Pandavas re-emerge, proving Duryodhana wrong. In a moment of joy and alliance, Abhimanyu is married to Princess Uttara of Matsya.
The Pandavas then send a message to Duryodhana, asking for the return of their kingdom. But Duryodhana, arrogant and unyielding, refuses. Both sides begin seeking support from kings across Bhāratavarṣa. Allies gather, camps are formed, and the shadow of war looms large.
To prevent the devastation, Dhritarashtra sends Sanjaya to persuade Yudhishthira to avoid conflict and return to the forest. But Yudhishthira, ever just, offers a peaceful compromise—asking not for the entire kingdom, but merely five villages. Even this, Duryodhana coldly rejects.
Meanwhile, both Arjuna and Duryodhana approach Krishna for support. Krishna offers a choice—his vast Narayani army to one, and himself, unarmed, to the other. Arjuna chooses Krishna. Duryodhana, pleased, secures the powerful Narayani army.
To strengthen his side further, Duryodhana cunningly tricks Shalya—uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva—into joining his forces. Thus, with alliances formed and hopes for peace shattered, the great war of Kurukshetra inches closer.
The shocking death of Kichaka raises alarm in Hastinapura. Duryodhana suspects that only someone as mighty as Bhima could have slain the powerful commander. He discusses his doubts with Karna, Dushasana, and Shakuni. Sensing an opportunity, it is Shakuni who devises a cunning plan—to attack the cattle of the Matsya kingdom from two directions. This would not only provoke the kingdom but also force the hidden Pandavas to reveal themselves.
As the Kauravas launch their attack, panic spreads in Matsya. In a bold display of youthful pride, Prince Uttara boasts that he will singlehandedly defeat mighty warriors like Bhishma, Drona, and Karna. But the moment he reaches the battlefield and sees the real might of the Kaurava army, his courage falters—and he turns to flee. What follows is a turning point that will reveal much more than Uttara expects.
In this gripping episode of Mareyalagada Mahabharata, the Pandavas, now in disguise, have quietly settled in the Matsya kingdom for their final year of exile. As they adjust to their hidden roles, danger brews in the royal court. Kichaka, the arrogant and powerful commander-in-chief, returns from a victorious war and is instantly infatuated by Draupadi’s beauty. When his obsession turns threatening, Draupadi turns to Bhima for help. What follows is a dramatic night where Bhima, disguised in a saree, lures Kichaka into his own weapon chamber—only to unleash his fury and end the tyrant’s reign of terror.
In this episode, the Pandavas prepare to enter the final phase of their exile—Ajñatavāsa, the year of incognito living. With their 12 years in the forest completed, they now face the challenge of blending into ordinary life while remaining hidden from their enemies.
They change their appearance, assume new names andidentities and carefully plan how to stay in touch without revealing themselves. Guided by the wise priest Dhaumya, they learn how to adapt their royal bearing to the role of humble servants—a life they have never known.
With their divine weapons safely hidden and theirstrategy in place, the Pandavas set out for the Matsya kingdom, where their next chapter begins.
In this thought-provoking episode, the Pandavas face a mysterious challenge in theforest. One by one, they fall unconscious after drinking from a forbiddenlake—ignoring the warning of a hidden Yaksha who demands answers to his questions.
It is Yudhishthira, the eldest, who approaches with patience and humility. He engages in a deep andmeaningful dialogue with the Yaksha, answering profound questions about life, values, duty, and truth. Yudhishthira’s wisdom not only saves his brothers, but also reveals timeless lessons that are just as relevant today as they were then.
🎧 Listen to Mareyalaagada Mahabharata – Episode 37, whereknowledge triumphs over haste, and wisdom becomes the key to survival.
In this gripping episode, Jayadratha, the Sindhu king and brother-in-law of Duryodhana, encounters Draupadi alone in Kamyaka Vana during a hunting trip. Captivated by her beauty and blinded by arrogance, he dares to abduct her whilethe Pandavas were away.
But Draupadi’s cries do not go unheard. Bhima and Arjuna arrive in time, confront Jayadratha, and rescue her. As a mark of justice and disgrace, Bhima punishes him by shaving half of his head. This incident leads to Jayadratha acquiringa boon to defeat the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.
In this episode, Duryodhana once again plots against the exiled Pandavas — this time by sending the fiery sage Durvasa to visit them, hoping his unpredictable temper would lead to their downfall. The sage arrives just after Draupadi has finished her meal, when the divine Akshaya Patra can no longer provide food for the day.Distressed and helpless, Draupadi fears the wrath of Durvasa, whose curses arelegendary.
Listen to know how the Pandavas are saved from another cleverly laid trap.
