Book 01
Adi Parva
Book of the Beginning
The origins of the Kuru lineage, the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas, and the growing animosity between the cousins leading to the burning of the lac house.
headphones12 hrs 30 min
Epic• 18 Books
Mahabharatam
Dive into the timeless wisdom, divine pastimes, and the great war of Kurukshetra. Explore the 18 Parvas that define Dharma.
Explore the 18 Parvas
The Mahabharata is organized into eighteen books, known as Parvas. Each book unfolds a crucial phase of the great epic, from the origins of the Kuru dynasty to the final ascent to heaven. Select a Parva below to begin your journey.
Book 02
Sabha Parva
Book of the Assembly Hall
The establishment of Indraprastha, the fateful game of dice, and the exile of the Pandavas into the forest for thirteen years.
headphones8 hrs 15 min
Book 03
Vana Parva
Book of the Forest
Also known as Aranya Parva. The twelve years of exile in the forest, featuring many sub-stories including Nala and Damayanti, and Savitri and Satyavan.
headphones18 hrs 45 min
Book 04
Virata Parva
Book of Virata
The thirteenth year of exile spent in disguise at the court of King Virata. The Pandavas successfully remain undetected.
headphones6 hrs 20 min
Book 05
Udyoga Parva
Book of Effort
The period of preparation for war. Peace negotiations fail despite Lord Krishna's mission to the Kaurava court.
headphones9 hrs 10 min
Book 06star Featured
Bhishma Parva
Book of Bhishma
The first ten days of the great war. Contains the divine **Bhagavad Gita** spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. Bhishma falls on a bed of arrows.
headphones14 hrs 00 min
Book 07
Drona Parva
Book of Drona
Dronacharya commands the Kaurava army. This parva details the brutal war, the death of Abhimanyu, and the fall of Drona.
headphones11 hrs 50 min
Book 08
Karna Parva
Book of Karna
Karna leads the Kaurava army for two days. The intense rivalry between Karna and Arjuna concludes with Karna's death.
headphones8 hrs 30 min
Book 09
Shalya Parva
Book of Shalya
The final day of the war. Shalya commands and falls. Duryodhana is defeated by Bhima in a mace duel.
headphones5 hrs 45 min
Book 10
Sauptika Parva
Book of Sleeping Warriors
Ashwatthama, Kripa, and Kritavarma attack the sleeping Pandava army at night, killing the sons of the Pandavas.
headphones3 hrs 15 min
Book 11
Stri Parva
Book of the Women
The women of the Kuru and Pandava households lament the death of their husbands, sons, and kinsmen on the battlefield.
headphones2 hrs 40 min
Book 12star Featured
Shanti Parva
Book of Peace
The longest book. Bhishma, lying on his arrow bed, instructs Yudhishthira on the duties of a king, philosophy, and liberation (Moksha).
headphones22 hrs 15 min
Book 13
Anushasana Parva
Book of Instructions
Final instructions from Bhishma. Contains the **Vishnu Sahasranama** (Thousand Names of Vishnu). Bhishma leaves his mortal body.
headphones15 hrs 20 min
Book 14
Ashvamedhika Parva
Book of the Horse Sacrifice
Yudhishthira performs the Ashvamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice) to establish supremacy and atone for the war's sins.
headphones7 hrs 10 min
Book 15
Ashramavasika Parva
Book of the Hermitage
Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Kunti leave the palace for the forest (Vanaprastha ashram) and eventually perish in a forest fire.
headphones4 hrs 30 min
Book 16
Mausala Parva
Book of the Clubs
The fratricidal destruction of the Yadava clan through iron clubs. Lord Krishna ends his incarnation and returns to his abode.
headphones3 hrs 50 min
Book 17
Mahaprasthanika
Book of the Great Journey
The Pandavas renounce their kingdom and begin their final journey towards the Himalayas. Only Yudhishthira reaches the summit with a dog.
headphones1 hr 30 min
Book 18
Svargarohana Parva
Book of the Ascent to Heaven
Yudhishthira enters heaven. He sees the Kauravas there and his brothers in hell (an illusion/test). Finally, all attain their spiritual abodes.
headphones1 hr 15 min