THE MAHABHARATAM: (in 18 Episodes) - PRELUDE to the Bhagavad Geeta : Episode 9 :

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Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 08:30.

How the Writing Began:

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Episode 9:
The Pandavas Enjoy Some Peace!

After their well-executed escape from the “wax-palace”, the Pandavas sought shelter

among the Brahmanas who lived in the forest. As far as the country was concerned they

were burnt to death. That message went around like wild fire. Even the forest dwellers got

the news. Bhishma was wild with fury when he heard of what had taken place. The

Pandavas found a poor Brahmin family with whom they sought shelter. But how do five

lions live incognito in the dwellings of mice!

It was Bhima’s duty to go for Bhiksha daily for the Pandavas. He had such a huge

appetite that it was hard for him to get sufficient food. He would eat one half, and give the

other half to his mother and brothers!

One day Bhima went to a home for Bhiksha. The lady was weeping. Her husband was

shouting, “Alas! today it is our turn to satisfy the hunger of the demon Bakasura. Our family

will have to be sacrificed.” Bhima was then told the whole story of how this demon Bakasura

had made captive this entire village of poor Brahmins, by demanding that everyday one

family should sacrifice itself and become his food. The villagers lived in terror of Bakasura.

Bhima had other ideas on that day. He told the villagers to fill the carts with food for

the demon. He will take the day’s offering himself and deliver it to the demon. Halfway

through the journey Bhima felt very hungry. He ate most of the food himself. He even drank

whatever was in the carts. [Acharyaji made us all laugh at this point when he said, “But he

did not touch the wine!”]

When Bakasura saw Bhima coming he gave out a roar of delight, “My food is coming

in a cartload today!” Bhima stopped before this tyrant of a demon. Bhima then caught hold

of this Bakasura and smashed him up into pulp! He then put Bakasura’s body into the cart

and took it back to the forest village of the Brahmanas. Bhima went to his mother and

reported to her what had happened. Kunti Mata was very disturbed at the news. She said to

Bhima: “O Bhima, you have made a big mistake. Who can kill Bakasura? Now you will

become the talking point in this village. Duryodhana’s spies will hear of it, and they will

know that we are hiding here. What have you done, Bhima?”

Lions cannot live long in a prison! That was the end of the Pandavas’ peaceful stay.

Episode 10:

Draupadi’s Swayamwara

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