The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the story of the Kurukshetra War between two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and explores themes of duty, righteousness, and morality. The Mahabharata is not just the story of a war — it is the story of life itself. Written in Sanskrit by Sage Ved Vyasa more than 5,000 years ago, this epic contains over one lakh shlokas, making it the longest poem in the world. Yet it’s true greatness lies not in its length but in its lessons.
At the centre of the Mahabharata is the struggle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas for the throne of Hastinapur. But beyond the battles, it is about choices, values, friendships, and duties that still matter today. It teaches what happens when greed and jealousy take over, and how truth and righteousness always find a way to shine.
The war of Kurukshetra is the climax of the Mahabharata. It lasts for 18 days and brings together kings, warriors, and armies from all over India. But before the first arrow is shot, the most famous moment of the epic takes place.
Day 1–10: Bhishma Leads
The war begins with Bhishma Pitamah as the commander of the Kaurava army. On the first ten days, battles rage fiercely. Bhishma fights with unmatched power but refuses to kill the Pandavas completely, as he loves them too. Still, his arrows cause great destruction.
On the tenth day, Arjuna, guided by Krishna, finds a way to bring him down. With Shikhandi (who was born as Amba, reborn to take revenge on Bhishma) leading the attack, Arjuna shoots countless arrows, pinning Bhishma to the ground. Bhishma, blessed with the boon of choosing his time of death, lies on a bed of arrows, waiting for the right moment to depart.
Day 11–15: Drona’s Command
After Bhishma falls, Dron Acharya becomes the commander of the Kauravas army. He is unstoppable, using powerful battle formations. On the thirteenth day, he creates the deadly Chakravyuha, a circular formation. Only Arjuna knows how to break it, but he is away fighting elsewhere.
Young Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, bravely enters the formation. Though he fights like a lion, he does not know the way out. Surrounded by Kaurava warriors, he is killed mercilessly. His death breaks the hearts of the Pandavas. Arjuna vows to kill Jayadratha, the warrior who blocked Abhimanyu’s escape, before sunset the next day.
With Krishna’s help, Arjuna fulfils his vow, piercing Jayadratha with a deadly arrow as the sun sets. Drona continues to fight, but soon the Pandavas trick him. They spread the false news that his son Ashwatthama has died. Shocked and heartbroken, Drona lays down his weapons and is killed.
Day 16–17: Karna Takes Charge
With Drona gone, Karna becomes commander. He is a warrior of unmatched bravery and skill, equal to Arjuna in archery. Yet fate turns against him.
On the seventeenth day, Arjuna and Karna face each other in a battle long awaited. Their arrows darken the sky, shaking the earth with their power. But as destiny would have it, Karna’s chariot wheel gets stuck in the mud. Bound by the rules of war, he asks Arjuna to pause while he lifts it. But Krishna reminds Arjuna of Karna’s cruelty during Draupadi’s humiliation. Without hesitation, Arjuna releases the fatal arrow that strikes Karna down.
It is only after his death that the Pandavas learn the truth: Karna was the firstborn son of Kunti, making him their elder brother. The revelation fills them with grief, but the war still rages on.
Day 18: The End of the War
On the final day, Shalya leads the Kaurava army but is soon slain. At last, only Duryodhana remains. Wounded, he hides in a lake, but the Pandavas find him.
Bhima challenges Duryodhana to a mace duel. The fight is fierce, with both striking powerful blows. Remembering his vow, Bhima strikes Duryodhana on the thigh, breaking it. This ends the war.
But the cost is terrible. Nearly all the warriors are dead. Mothers, wives, and children weep over the battlefield. Even the victors, the Pandavas, feel no joy.
After the War
After the destruction, Yudhishthira is crowned king of Hastinapur. But he is filled with sorrow, not pride. So much blood has been shed for the throne. To guide him, Bhishma, still lying on his bed of arrows, teaches him about dharma, kingship, and the duties of a ruler before finally leaving his body.
Gandhari, grieving for her sons, curses Krishna that his own Yadava clan will one day destroy itself in civil war. Years later, this curse comes true, and even Krishna leaves the world, ending his earthly role.
The Pandavas rule for many years but eventually renounce the throne. They crown Parikshit, Abhimanyu’s son, as king and set out on their final journey to the Himalayas. One by one, they fall — Draupadi, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva — each because of their human weaknesses. Only Yudhishthira, accompanied by a faithful dog (who is revealed to be Dharma himself), reaches the gates of heaven. After being tested, he finally attains peace.
Thus ends the grand story of the Mahabharata.
The Mahabharata is not only the story of a war. It is the story of life itself. It shows how greed and jealousy can destroy families, but also how courage, truth, and duty can guide us even in the darkest times.