The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose

(4 User reviews)   1033
By Charles Murphy Posted on Jan 12, 2026
In Category - Resilience
English
Imagine a story where family arguments don't end with slammed doors, but with kingdoms, cosmic weapons, and a war that changes everything. That's the Mahabharata. Forget thinking of it as some ancient, dusty scripture. This translation pulls you right into the middle of a massive royal family feud, centered on five brothers who lose their home and birthright through a rigged dice game. It's packed with gods, demons, impossible moral choices, and the legendary Bhagavad Gita. It’s long, sure, but it’s the most epic soap opera you’ll ever read, and it asks questions about duty, honor, and justice that still hit hard today.
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and the goddess Saraswati also, must the word _Jaya_ be uttered. Janamejaya said, "O thou foremost of regenerate ones, deceitfully defeated at dice by the sons of Dhritarashtra and their counsellors, incensed by those wicked ones that thus brought about a fierce animosity, and addressed in language that was so cruel, what did the Kuru princes, my ancestors--the sons of Pritha--(then) do? How also did the sons of Pritha, equal unto Sakra in prowess, deprived of affluence and suddenly overwhelmed with misery, pass their days in the forest? Who followed the steps of those princes plunged in excess of affliction? And how did those high souled ones bear themselves and derive their sustenance, and where did they put up? And, O illustrious ascetic and foremost of Brahmanas, how did those twelve years (of exile) of those warriors who were slayers of foes, pass away in the forest? And undeserving of pain, how did that princess, the best of her sex, devoted to her husbands, eminently virtuous, and always speaking the truth, endure that painful exile in the forest? O thou of ascetic wealth tell me all this in detail, for, O Brahmana, I desire to hear thee narrate the history of those heroes possessed of abundant prowess and lustre. Truly my curiosity is great." Vaisampayana said, "Thus defeated at dice and incensed by the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra and their counsellors, the sons of Pritha set out from Hastinapura. And issuing through _Vardhamana_ gate of the city, the Pandavas bearing their weapons and accompanied by Draupadi set out in a northerly direction. Indrasena and others, with servants numbering altogether fourteen, with their wives, followed them on swift cars. And the citizens learning of their departure became overwhelmed with sorrow, and began to censure Bhishma and Vidura and Drona and Gautama. And having met together they thus addressed one another fearlessly. "'Alas, our families, we ourselves, and our homes are all gone, when the wicked Duryodhana, backed by the son of Suvala, by Karna and Dussasana, aspireth to this kingdom. And, Oh, our families, our (ancestral) usages, our virtue and prosperity, are all doomed where this sinful wretch supported by wretches as sinful aspireth to the kingdom! And, Oh, how can happiness be there where these are not! Duryodhana beareth malice towards all superiors, hath taken leave of good conduct, and quarreleth with those that are near to him in blood. Covetous and vain and mean, he is cruel by nature. The whole earth is doomed when Duryodhana becometh its ruler. Thither, therefore, let us proceed whither the merciful and high-minded sons of Pandu with passions under control and victorious over foes, and possessed of modesty and renown, and devoted to pious practices, repair!'" Vaisampayana said, "And saying this, the citizens went after the Pandavas, and having met them, they all, with joined hands, thus addressed the sons of Kunti and Madri. "'Blest be ye! Where will ye go, leaving us in grief? We will follow you whithersoever ye will go! Surely have we been distressed upon learning that ye have been deceitfully vanquished by relentless enemies! It behoveth you not to forsake us that are your loving subjects and devoted friends always seeking your welfare and employed in doing what is agreeable to you! We desire not to be overwhelmed in certain destruction living in the dominions of the Kuru king. Ye bulls among men, listen as we indicate the merits and demerits springing respectively from association with what is good and bad! As cloth, water, the ground, and sesame seeds are perfumed by association with flowers, even so are...

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The Story

At its heart, this is a huge family drama. The Kaurava and Pandava cousins are supposed to share a kingdom, but jealousy and ambition tear them apart. The eldest Kaurava, Duryodhana, cheats the Pandavas out of everything in a loaded dice game, sending them into exile for thirteen years. When they return to claim their share, they’re refused, and all attempts at peace fail. This sets the stage for the devastating Kurukshetra war, where everyone must choose a side. The most famous moment comes when the warrior Arjuna, frozen with doubt on the battlefield, receives profound spiritual guidance from his charioteer, who is actually the god Krishna in disguise.

Why You Should Read It

What blew me away wasn’t just the scale, but the characters. These aren’t perfect heroes and clear-cut villains. Everyone is flawed, making terrible mistakes for what they think are good reasons. You’ll find yourself arguing about who was right. The discussions about duty (dharma), especially in the Bhagavad Gita section, are presented as a real, urgent conversation in the middle of a war, not a dry lecture. It makes the philosophy feel immediate and personal.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves big, immersive fantasy or historical fiction, but wants to explore the roots of so many stories. If you enjoy complex characters like in Game of Thrones or the sweeping fate-of-the-world stakes of The Lord of the Rings, you’ll find their granddaddy here. This particular prose translation is great for first-timers—it’s clear and focuses on telling the story straight, without getting bogged down. Just clear a big space on your shelf and in your schedule.



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Jessica Moore
1 month ago

I discovered this unexpectedly and the organization of topics is intuitive and reader-friendly. An impressive piece of work.

Donna Hill
3 months ago

Once I began reading, it challenges the reader's perspective in the most intellectual way. A perfect companion for a quiet weekend.

Deborah Robinson
4 months ago

I found this wwhile browsing online and the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. Don't hesitate to download this.

Nancy Martin
5 months ago

I came across this while researching and the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged from start to finish. This felt rewarding to read.

5
5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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