2.Sangraha Parva: Unveiling the Synopsis of the Epic Mahabharata

The Rishis gathered in the sacred Naimisha forest, eager to hear the stories from Ugrasrava, also known as Sauti, the son of Romaharshana. One of the sages asked, “We wish to hear, O son of Suta, all about the place you called Samantapanchaka.”The Sangraha Parva summarizes the key events and structure of the Mahabharata, outlining the 18 Parvas and their contents. It serves as an introduction, giving an overview of the epic's themes, major stories, and the significance of each Parva.Sauti, full of reverence, responded, “Hear, O Brahmanas, the sacred words I say. You are fit, O best of men, to hear them.”

He began recounting the tale of Samantapanchaka. “At the end of Treta and the beginning of Dwapara Yuga, the greatest of all warriors, Parashurama, grew impatient with the wrongs done to him and repeatedly destroyed the Kshatriya races of the world. That fiery Rama, after wiping out the Kshatriyas with his own prowess, made five lakes of blood at Samantapanchaka. It is said that, senseless with anger, he offered oblations to the manes of his ancestors while standing in the bloody waters of these lakes.”

Sauti continued, explaining that Parashurama’s ancestors, including Richika, appeared before him and said, “Rama, O blessed Rama, O son of Bhrigu, we are pleased with your filial piety and prowess. O mighty one, blessings be upon you. O illustrious one, ask for any boon you desire.”

Rama humbly replied, “If, O fathers, you are pleased with me, the boon I ask is to be freed from the sin of annihilating the Kshatriyas, and that the lakes I have made may become celebrated shrines in the world.”

The ancestors agreed, saying, “It shall be as you wish, but be pacified.”

Sauti explained that the region near the five lakes became famous from that day by the name Samantapanchaka. He also mentioned that wise men have said every place should be known by a name signifying something that made it famous.

“At the end of Dwapara and the beginning of Kali Yuga,” Sauti continued, “a great battle was fought between the Kurus and the Pandavas at this holy Samantapanchaka. In that sacred place, where there was not the least sign of raggedness, 18 Akshauhinis of soldiers, all eager for battle, assembled. O Brahmanas, they were all slain there.”

The Rishis, intrigued by the story, asked Sauti to explain what an Akshauhini was, as they had never heard of it.

Sauti, ever knowledgeable, responded, “One chariot, one elephant, five foot soldiers, and three horsemen form a Patti. Three Pattis make a Senamukha, three Senamukhas make a Gulma, and three Gulmas make a Gana. Three Ganas form a Vahini, and three Vahinis form a Pritana. Three Pritanas make a Chamu, three Chamus form an Anikini, and ten Anikinis make an Akshauhini.”

Sauti continued, “O best of Brahmanas, mathematicians have calculated that there are 21,870 chariots and elephants in an Akshauhini, with 109,350 foot soldiers and 65,603 horses. Eighteen such Akshauhinis were assembled during the great battle of Kurukshetra, which led to the destruction of the Kauravas and Pandavas alike.”

Sauti described how time brought together these mighty warriors, only to destroy them. He spoke of the warriors who led the battle: “Bhishma, skilled in arms, fought for ten days. Drona defended the Kuru army for five days. The destroyer of enemies, Karna, fought for two days, Shalya for half a day, and then came the final club fight between Bhima and Duryodhana. At the close of that day, Ashvatthama, Kritavarma, and Kripa destroyed the army of Yudhishthira while they were unsuspectingly sleeping.”

The Rishis were enthralled by the account of the great war, and Sauti continued, “O Shaunaka, this Bharata, which is being recited here at your sacrifice, was originally narrated at the snake sacrifice of Janamejaya by the learned pupil of Vyasa. It describes the fame and valor of kings, and the wisdom contained within it is unmatched.”

He explained that the Bharata was divided into 18 Parvas, and in the beginning, three Parvas—Paushya, Pauloma, and Astika—were filled with extraordinary dictions and descriptions. “As men desirous of final release accept Vairagya, so do the wise accept this work. There is no history in the world that does not depend on this epic.”

The sages listened carefully as Sauti outlined the contents of the Mahabharata. “The first is called Anukramanika, the second Parva is called Sangraha. Then comes Pauloma, Paushya, Astika, and Adi Parva. After this comes the wonderful and thoughtful Sambhava, then Jatugrihadaha, Hidimba, and Baka-vadha, followed by Chaitraratha, Panchali-svaimvara, and Vaivahika Parva. Viduragamana and Rajya-lambha follow.”

Sauti listed the key events in order: “Next comes Arjuna-vanavasa, Subhadraharana, Khandava-daha, and Mayadarshana, then Sabha Parva and Mantra Parva. After Jarasandha-vadha and Digvijaya comes the Rajasuya Parva. Next are the events of Arghyabhiharana, Shishupalavadha, and Dyuta.”

The narrative continued with the exile of the Pandavas: “After the gambling match, comes Aranyaka Parva, which recounts their time in the forest. Then, Arjuna’s adventures in Kairata, including his encounter with Lord Shiva. This is followed by Tirtha-yatra, Jatasura-vadha, Yaksha-yuddha, and the Nivatkavacha-yudha.”

The Rishis remained captivated as Sauti described the grand adventures of the Pandavas, including their encounters with various sages, kings, and divine beings. He spoke of Arjuna’s journey to the heavens, his receipt of celestial weapons, and the battle with the Nivatkavachas, which formed a crucial part of the epic.

He continued, “In the Sabha Parva, the grand assembly hall is built, and in the Rajasuya Parva, the Pandavas hold the great Rajasuya sacrifice. Shishupala is slain by Krishna at this event, which sparks Duryodhana’s jealousy.”

As the Rishis listened, Sauti elaborated on the key battles of the war: “Bhishma Parva recounts Bhishma’s fall, after which Drona is made commander of the Kuru army. Drona Parva tells of the fall of Abhimanyu, Karna’s duel with Arjuna, and the killing of Jayadratha.”

The narrative then moved towards the final stages of the war: “Karna Parva details Karna’s heroic death at the hands of Arjuna. Shalya Parva narrates the final battle between Bhima and Duryodhana. Duryodhana is struck down by Bhima, as per Krishna’s suggestion.”

Sauti recounted the tragic end of the war: “In Sauptika Parva, Ashvatthama, Kritavarma, and Kripa massacre the sleeping Pandava army. Ashvatthama, in his anger, unleashes the Narayanastra on the Pandavas, but Krishna neutralizes it. Ashvatthama is cursed for his actions.”

The Rishis were deeply moved by the scale and depth of the events. Sauti explained that after the war, Yudhishthira was deeply troubled by the destruction and sought Bhishma’s advice in the Shanti Parva. Bhishma, from his bed of arrows, instructed Yudhishthira on the duties of kingship, Dharma, and the path to moksha.

“In the Anushasana Parva,” Sauti continued, “Bhishma gives further instructions on Dharma, charity, and the responsibilities of a ruler before his eventual passing. Following this is the Ashvamedhika Parva, where Yudhishthira performs the Ashvamedha sacrifice.”

Sauti concluded with the final Parvas of the epic, “The Mausala Parva describes the destruction of the Yadava dynasty, as they fight among themselves and perish. Mahaprasthanika Parva recounts the Pandavas’ final journey towards the Himalayas, where they meet their fates.”

He added, “In Svargarohana Parva, Yudhishthira ascends to heaven and witnesses the fates of his brothers and the consequences of their actions.”

With this, Sauti had finished his recounting of the epic. The sages, moved by the depth of the Mahabharata and its intricate tales of Dharma, valor, and the eternal battle between good and evil, thanked him for his eloquent narration.