Reading Notes: Mahabharata Videos Part A

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First of all the illustrations are very impressive with in this series of videos! It is known that there are many different versions of the epic Mahabharata and that this one would feature Bhishma and his nephews. Bhishma, who was once Devavrat, was the son of the King Shantanu a widow as Devavrat's mother had passed away. The King found new love but was turned away until the entire kingdom along with his son saw how upset he was. Devavrat only wanted his father to be happy and went to claim his new step mother promising her father and his that he would not take his claim to the throne once his father passed. Devavrat brought his father home his wife and thanked him for such a selfish deed even granting him life until he personally decided to die. Devavrat then changed his name to Bhishma and vowed to be celibate for the rest of his life. The King and his wife had another son who would become King and marry a group of sisters. One of the girls was not happy about the set up and begged Bhishma to let her go and marry the true love of her life. When she arrived to great love of hers he rejected her as he knew she had been promised to Bhishma's brother. She became enraged and tried to have Bhishma killed. This did not work out... 

Bhishma's brother passes away before either one of his wives could bare a child and with the kingdom king-less Bhishma's step mother brings in her secret son. The two wives along with a servant girl each have a son with Vyasa. The oldest who becomes King was born blind but found himself a bride who respected him so much she would blindfold herself. 

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