Lessons all Indians MUST know 😀

The *Mahabharata* is an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of a great conflict between two sets of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapura. The five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—are rightful heirs, but their envious cousins, led by Duryodhana, deny them their kingdom. After years of palace intrigue, exile, and attempts at peace, war becomes inevitable. The battle of Kurukshetra is fought for eighteen days, with legendary warriors like Bhishma, Karna, and Dronacharya taking part. Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, serves as Arjuna’s charioteer and imparts the *Bhagavad Gita*, a sacred discourse on duty and righteousness. In the end, the Pandavas emerge victorious, but at a great cost—almost all warriors perish. Yudhishthira becomes king, but realizing the futility of war, he renounces the throne and seeks salvation. The epic explores themes of fate, duty, morality, and the cycle of life and death. Beyond just a tale of war, the *Mahabharata* serves as a philosophical and spiritual guide, influencing generations with its wisdom on ethics, devotion, and the pursuit of righteousness (*dharma*). It remains one of the most significant works in world literature.