The Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of two essential sacred Hindu texts. It was originally written as a Sanskrit text and dates back to the first millennium BC. At that time it consisted of popular stories of gods and kings that were told and then retold by wise sages and seers. It was also incorporated into many performances and dance themes, which would continue throughout the centuries. It was around 350 CE that it was consolidated into the sacred Sanskrit text. Tourists who visit India and stay in one of the Delhi five star hotels will be able to recognize elements of the Mahabharata in some of their cultural experiences.
One of the fundamental story lines of the text depicts two sets of cousins, one of them consisting of the five sons of the deceased King Pandu , and the other group consisting of the one hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra. These two sets of cousins become bitter enemies and engage in war and conflict over gaining the rightful procession of the ancient kingdom of Bharata. The capital city of the kingdom was called the City of the Elephant. There are many ethical puzzles, character conflicts and philosophical encounters that occur throughout the complicated and dynamic plot.
The Mahabharata is commonly considered to be the second largest text in the world and one of the largest epic poems ever written. There is a total of approximately 1.8 million words, one hundred thousand verses and long sections of prose. Throughout this great work, the conflict of the cousins is used to demonstrate the four goals of life through various in-depth philosophical discussions. On a simple or basic level, the four goals can be described as Dharma , meaning the right action, artha, intentions, kama, meaning pleasure and moksha, liberation. These profound messages and lessons are as relevant today as they were centuries ago when they were created.
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