Illustrated Mahabharata For Children

One day, a Brahmin running through the forest, came to seek help from the Pandavas. He had a pair of sticks that, when rubbed together, produced fire. He had hung them on a tree. A stag had rubbed itself against the tree. As a result, the sticks were caught in its antlers and it ran […]

Duryodhana wished to hold a Rajasuya Yajna but the learned Brahmins advised him that he was not entitled to holding the Rajasuya Yajna till Yudhishthira and Dhritrashtra were alive. Acting on their suggestion he decided to hold a Vaishnav Yajna. Meanwhile sage Durvasa with his disciples reached Duryodhana’s palace. Pleased with the hospitality of Duryodhana

Duryodhana had a sister named Dushala. When she grew up, she was married to Jayadratha, king of Sindhu and Sauveer. After Arjuna had returned with the divine weapons, all the Pandavas with Draupadi began to live in Kamyaka forest. One day, all the Pandavas went deep into the forest on purpose. Only Draupadi and a

The spies of Hastinapur carried the news of the Pandavas to Dhritrashtra who was frightened as he heard Arjuna had returned with divine weapons. But his sons, along with Shakuni and Karna, wanted to see the Pandavas and mock their misery. Reaching Dwaitavana, they found that Chitrasena, the Gandharva Chief, had already set up a

It was unbearable for all the Pandavas to live in separation from one another. In absence of Arjuna they visited various pilgrim sites with sages Lomasha and Dhaumya. Both the sages told them the stories about the other saints and sages, kings, demons, etc. to boost their courage and patience.One of such stories was related

All the four Pandavas were awaiting Arjuna’s return. Meanwhile, Krishna and Balarama reached the forest to discuss the safe return of the Pandavas or the issue of war regarding revenge for humiliation to them. Bhima desired immediate action against the Kauravas.Many of the allies of Krishna and Balarama were willing to go into battle on

During the exile Bhima was vain of his muscular power. He opined that none was superior to him in strength. One day, the wind dropped a fragrant flower near Draupadi, who wanted more of such flowers. Bhima set off to find more flowers for her. On the way, a huge monkey lay across the path,

All the five Pandavas reached Kamyaka forest. They built a hut and began to live there. Bhima and Draupadi tried to persuade Yudhishthira to attack the Kauravas and take revenge. Yudhishthira said they should first fulfil the condition of the game and complete their exile. In the meanwhile, Krishna and sage Vyasa arrived at Kamyaka

Sage Dhaumya, who was priest to the Pandavas, accompanied them in their exile. They built a hut and lived there. Yudhishthira was worried because he was not able to feed a large number of saints and sages who had come into the forest to meet them. He sought sage Dhaumya’s advice in this regard.Sage Dhaumya

The Kauravas were in turmoil after the departure of the Pandavas. They cursed their lot for losing a golden opportunity. On being instigated by Shakuni, Karna and Dushasana, Duryodhana went over to his father and insisted that he should recall Yudhishthira for another game. Dhritrashtra had to yield to his son’s wish.A messenger was sent

Draupadi’s hair got dishevelled as a result. Seeing her miserable condition she yelled, “O Mean! Don’t you feel ashamed of pulling me like this? Damn it! Shame an you and your Bharata dynasty!” Draupadi addressed the assembly thus, “O Council! What right did Yudhishthira have to stake me when he lost himself?” Vikarna, the younger

Duryodhana reached his father Dhritrashtra and told him about the miraculous palace of the Pandavas and the cutting remarks of Draupadi. This infuriated Dhritrashtra. Taking advantage of the situation Duryodhana said, “O Father! I have made a plan with maternal uncle Shakuni to avenge the insult heaped on you and me. If we invite Yudhishthira

Shakuni was the youngest son of king Subala of Gandhar. He was dear to the king due to his prowess. Gandhari, the princess of Gandhar, was known for her beauty through the length and breadth of Aryavrata. So, Bhishma went over to Gandhar seeking Gandhari’s hand for Dhritrashtra. But his proposal was rejected. Bhishma threatened

The great Rajasuya sacrifice was organized. Sage Vyasa, Bhishma, Vidura, Kripacharya, Drona, Duryodhana, Karna, Shishupala, the king of Chedi, were all invited. In the presence of sage Vyasa sage Dhaumya, priest of the Pandavas, was solemnising the Yajna.The Pandavas decided to accord the highest honour to Krishna. Accordingly, Krishna was requested to be seated for

King Brihadratha of Magadha had two queens. But he was unhappy as he had no children. Once, sage Chandakaushika visited the king. The sage was learned. Thus the king met the sage and related to him his woe. The sage took pity on him.He gave a mango to the king who gave each of his