Reading Notes: Krishna: Victory Over Kamsa, Part B

Setting: It is Shivaratri. Krishna and his family go to visit a nearby forests along with other people and fast.

Krishna's father is attacked by a python. Krishna kicks it and it turns into a man.The man was cursed for laughing at two people and making fun of their faces since he was rich.

Shankhachooda kidnaps two girls

• Devotee of Kubera
• Krishna beheads him

The tone in this story is less aggressive and more peaceful than the Ramayana even when Krishna attacks demons.  However Krishna is brutal when he kills demons.

Animals are also charmed by Krishna's flute.

A demon named Arishtasura attacks Krishna in the form of a bull.

A lot of the demons go disguised as animals when they try to attack Krishna but all end up getting killed. 

Narada seems to encourage Kamsa to be evil but also tries to keep him from killing.

• He tells Kamsa that Vasudeva sent his boys to his friends to protect them from their uncle
• He convinces Kamsa not to kill Vasudeva but instead to hold him and his wife prisoner.

In Kamsa's defense, he felt threatened since he was told that one of his nephew's would try to kill him but he's a coward for not fighting his battle himself. 

If he does fight his own battles, it's only if the person he's fighting is at a disadvantage like the babies he killed. The parents were also chained up so they couldn't fight back.

Kamsa summons Mushtika, a wrestler, and the Keeper of elephants to kill Krishna and Balarama. He also calls his ministers.

Plan A: The keeper's elephant must kill them at the gates of the kingdom

Plan B: Mushtika must make it look like an accident while they're wrestling.

His ministers are called to arrange a celebration of a bow sacrifice to ensure his plan succeeds.

If his plans succeeds, Kamsa plans to kill Vasudeva, other Vrishnis, his own father, and all his enemies.

The attempted murder was premeditated.

Motive: He wanted to conquer the earth. 

p. 96

Another demon named Vyomasura disguises himself as a boy and plays with Krishna and his friends. He kidnaps Krishna's friends and traps them in a cave by blocking the cave with a large rock.

Krishna realizes what's happening and the demon transforms into a large muddy brown man. He has a moustache and long hair and is wearing golden earrings, a necklace, and green and red pants. He is also not wearing any shoes.

Krishna kills the asura and helps his friends escape.

Akura is sent by Kamsa to get Krishna and Balarama to take them back to Mathura so that Kamsa can ambush them.  Akura is happy to go get them because he gets to see them but he tells them Kamsa's plan.

Krishna's father hears what happened and tells the boys to play along with the plan. They visit Mathura and are adored by everyone.

Kamsa is good to his people and is doing his dharma as a king. They are kind to Krishna. Some of the people are also loyal to Kamsa. 

The Wrestling Match

Krishna kills Kamsa
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Kamsa holds a wrestling match with five of his strongest men against Krishna and Balirama, who are both still children.

All five are defeated and Krishna kills Kamsa. Kamsa's eight younger brother's try to take revenge but they get killed too.

Week 12 Storytelling: The People vs.Kamsa

I was already sitting at my desk waiting for the next trail when the doors opened. Ah, right on time. First, Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna and Balarama's parents, walk in. Then Nanda, and Yashoda, Krishna's and Balarama's adoptive parents.

Finally, Krishna and Balarama walk in each holding an arm of man wearing an orange jumpsuit. His long black hair and a beard looks tangled. He looks like he hasn't showered in days. This must be Kamsa.Kamsa's arms and legs are chained together as they bring him in. The people glare at him with hatred and disgust. Some people even yell obscenities at him. 

Everyone turns their attention  from Kamsa to their prince, Krishna. They look at him in admiration. He is looking rather stunning with his black, long, and wavy hair. He is dressed in a suit with brown dress shoes. They all look at him with love and adoration. I bang my gavel to let everyone know that the trial is starting. Everyone goes silent.

JUDGE KARMA(Looking at Vasudeva and Devaki): Hello Vasudeva and Devaki. Thank you for coming today. It must've been difficult for you both.

VASUDEVA(Vasudeva and Devaki smile): Thank you, Your Honor. We are honored to be in your presence.

JUDGE KARMA(Looking at Nanda and Yashoda): Nanda, Yashoda, I hope you guys are doing good as well. It must have been so stressful and hard to raise that mischievous son of yours.

KRISHNA: Hey!


NANDA(Nanda and Yashoda chuckle): He was quite the handful, but we loved him nonetheless, Your Honor.

JUDGE KARMA(Judge Karma smiles and then looks at Kamsa): Kamsa, I've heard so much about you! It's finally nice to meet the person that has been terrorizing all of Yadavas and Vrindavana. I hear you held your cousin captive and also killed innocent babies. Care to explain?

KAMSA(Kamsa looking uncomfortable replies): It's actually King Kamsa, Your Honor.


JUDGE KARMA: I will address you as I please. Only a true king deserves such a royal title, and based on your deeds, you are far from it. Now are you going to explain yourself or should I just give you the sentence?


KAMSA: I was only trying to protect myself. They were all going to kill me!

JUDGE KARMA(Judge Karma feigns shock): Kill you? Please do tell.

KAMSA: A sage came to my kingdom and warned me that one Devaki's children would kill me. He never said when or how. All he said was that I would die at the hands of my cousin's child. 

JUDGE KARMA: But that doesn't explain why you wanted to kill everyone else, including your own father, Ugrasena.


KAMSA: If I killed Krishna, my father would've taken the kingdom away from me so I held him captive until I could find time to kill him. All of Krishna's and Balarama's devotees would've been angry and would've come after me. I felt threatened!


KRISHNA(Krishna laughs in mock humor): Really, Kamsa? You of all people felt threatened? By a baby? This is rich! You are such a coward! You got other people to fight your battles for you unless the person was at a disadvantage. Admit it, you just wanted to rule the world and corrupt it.


KAMSA(Kamsa yelling at Krishna): That is not true! I was scared for my life! And that's King Kamsa to you, boy!


JUDGE KARMA: You better tone it down right now, Kamsa. I can make you disappear with a snap of my fingers.


Judge Karma snaps her fingers to make her point causing Kamsa to flinch.


KRISHNA: It's fine, your Honor. We all know what a huge coward he is. He'll probably just go find someone to do the dirty work for him. He did chain my birth parents up after all so that he could personally kills all my infant siblings. I bet if my parents hadn't been chained up and locked in a cell, my father could've beat him to a pulp.


KAMSA: Are you really going to let him talk to me like this, your Honor?


JUDGE KARMA(Judge Karma puts her hand up causing Kamsa to smirk): That's enough, Krishna.


JUDGE KARMA(Looking at Kamsa): It is obvious that you're delusional, Kamsa. Unfortunately for you, you aren't delusional enough. You clearly knew what you were doing is wrong and yet you still went through with it. I have to agree with Krishna, you are indeed a coward. You only killed those innocent and helpless babies after you chained Devaki and Vasudeva up. Krishna, is right. You are weak.


KRISHNA(Krishna's arms are crossed): Don't forget selfish, your Honor.


JUDGE KARMA(Giving Krishna a warning look, Krishna meekly smiles and sits down. Looking back at Kamsa): You know what, Kamsa? I think you're a fool. Did you ever think that maybe your actions is what would lead to your demise?  Or that maybe that the sage was giving you a wake up call to change your behavior? Or even that the sage might be tricking you?


KAMSA(As Karma spoke to him, his smirk slowly falls): Well no your honor but -


JUDGE KARMA(Judge Karma interrupting Kamsa puts a hand up): Enough! Kamsa, your are undeserving of being king. I am stripping you of your royal title and granting it back to King Ugrasena. Furthermore, you will be imprisoned in the dungeons of Yadavas for the rest of your life like you did to your family members. If King Ugrasena decides he wants to do something else with you, he is welcome to but just know if you are set free, I will personally see to it that you do not get to live your life peacefully. In fact, I am designating Krishna to make your life a living hell if you are ever set free.


KAMSA(Kamsa looks at Judge Karma in shock): Your Honor, I know what I did was wrong. But
you have to understand that I was only trying to protect myself. Also Krishna killed people too!


JUDGE KARMA: See now that was your biggest mistake. You were only looking out for yourself. You did not care for your kingdom, your family, or anyone else. You had a dharma as an uncle, and a king, and you neglected it for your own gain. I hope you can makes things right in your next life but for now, all I'm going to say is, good riddance. And for the record, Krishna didn't commit murder. He was using self-defense and it wasn't just for himself. It was for everyone that YOU put in danger.


KAMSA(Kamsa looking at Krishna) : Krishna, you have to stop her, your my nephew. Please, we can work this out outside of the court.


KRISHNA: I'm afraid that's a little too late, Uncle.


JUDGE KARMA: The decision has been made! Kamsa, you will die at the hands of your own nephew.


I banged my gavel in finality. 

Krishna kills Kamsa
Image Source: Wikipedia

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is based off the Bhagwat: The Krishna Avatar by Amar Chitra. In the original story a sage warns Kamsa about his death. He is told that one of Devaki's children will kill him. He holds Vasudeva and Devaki captive in a cell and kills all of their newborns but Vasudeva had manages to sneak Krishna out and switch him with his friend's baby, who was a girl. When he threw the baby girl, a goddess had appeared and cursed him. He had eventually found Krishna, and sent demons to go and kill him but Krishna was too powerful. Krishna kills Kamsa in a wrestling match. After he killed Kamsa, he gave the title of Yadavas back to his grandfather.

In this story, Judge Karma sentences Kamsa in way that allows him to live an unhappy life. I did that because I wanted Krishna still be able to have the power to kill him like he did in the original story. I felt like his death was too quick in the original story and that he didn't really pay for what he did.

Week 13 Storytelling: Kamadeva Gets Married

Kamadeva puts on his black tuxedo and dress shoes on. He was a little nervous but also very excited. She was finally going to be his wife. He had courted her for several years but always got turned down but his persistence and determination finally paid off.

There is a knock on the door and a lady dressed in a professional manner walks in. She was the wedding planner. She claps and says,"It's time!

He entered the temple and looks around. Several people are gathered for the wedding including the raksasas, princes, kings, and queens.

He was currently in his dressing room with his best man, Krishna, and his groomsmen, Rama, and Arjuna.


"How come it took long for the god of love to get hitched?", asked Krishna in a teasing manner as he helped Kamadeva with his tie.

"What do you mean? How? I think the real question is Why?, replied Arjuna in a teasing manner.


"Love sure works in mysterious ways, Kamadeva should know that better than anyone. Isn't that right?, Rama asked Kamadeva.

Kamadeva just laughs and says, "I would've been married sooner if that woman wasn't so hard headed." He thought about his soon-to-be wife. The two would always fought because of Kamadeva's mischief with his love arrows. He would often make a person whose already fallen in love, love another, and then she would have to clean up his mess.  

Krishna just shook his head and chuckled. 

Him and his soon-to-be wife had affected many people's lives. Some for the worst, and some for the better but regardless, they were all here to celebrate their big day. Kamadeva slowly walked to the altar. His best man, the groomsmen, and the bridesmaids walked in next, each as a couple. It was Krishna and Radha, Rama and Sita, and Arjuna and Draupadi. Kamadeva and his bride had strategically place the couples together. Even on his big day, he was working his magic.

They were now patiently waiting on the bride. 

The wedding march began playing and everyone stood up and looked at the door as the light shone in with a silhouette of the bride.

The woman put on her black wedding dress. Her bridesmaids, Draupadi, Sita, and Radha, gently grabbed her arms and sat her down in front of the dresser. They were currently in the dressing room getting ready for the her big day.

She smiled at her wonderful friends. Over time, they became very close after their court trials. They were very grateful for what their friend had done for them.

Draupadi started working on the bride's hair while Sita worked on her makeup. As they worked on their dear friend, Draupadi teased her and said, "Wow whoever thought you would ever get married. Your so stubborn and hard headed."

She playfully glared at her friend. 

"Careful, we can't have you messing up your makeup!", said Sita as she applied some black eyeliner on her eyes.

As Draupadi and Sita did the finishing touches, Radha walks over to the bride with a smile and hands her a bouquet of white roses. 

"I'll be sure to throw these at you, Radha. I've seen the way you look at Krishna.", she teased. Radha's cheeks turn red as she shyly looks away.

There is a knock on the door and the wedding planner walks in. She claps and says,"It's time!" As the bridesmaids leave they each look back at her and give her a smile. The door closes.

The bride looks into the mirror. She was a little nervous but also excited. Never in her years did she even think of getting married. She has always seeked advice from Kamadeva during her court trials. He balanced her out. While she was ruthless and all about returning favors, he was about making peace and spreading love around the world.

Another knock comes on the door and the wedding planner walks in and says, "It's finally time! You are looking absolutely beautiful!"

She smiles at the wedding planner. Together they walk towards the doors of the temple. She meets her father who gives her a warm smile. A tear of happiness rolls down his cheek. 

"I am so proud of you darling.", he says to her and gives her a kiss on the cheek. The wedding march starts playing as the doors open. She grabs her father's arm and together they walk to the altar.

Kamadeva watches as his bride makes her way to the altar. His father-in-law gives her a kiss on the cheek and gives to her soon-to-be husband. Kamadeva gently grabs it and helps her onto the altar. The couple gazed into eachothers eyes lovingly.

As the music dies down, the priest begins to speak,"We are gathered here today to watch these two wonderful souls become one. "

"Do you Kamadeva, take Karma to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, through sickness and in health, until the universe tears you both apart?", asks the priest.

"I do.", replies Kamadeva as he gazes into Karma's eyes.

"And do you Karma, take Kamadeva to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, through sickness and in health, until the universe tears you both apart?", asks the priest.

Karma looks at the crowd and then back at Kamadeva and replies, " I do."

"If there are any objections please speak or forever hold your peace.", says the priest.


The room is silent.


"In the presence of all the gods and goddesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride.", says the priest.

Kamadeva swoops in and gives Karma a sweet kiss as the guests start cheering and wolf-whistling.

'Who knew?', thought Karma with a smile.

Karma's Wedding Dress
Source: nafDress

Author's Note: I decided to create my own story and combine all the characters from both the Mahabharata and Ramayana into this story. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were main characters from both the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Radha is the only one who is not in either of these stories. She and Krishna were a couple in a different version of the Krishna tales which I grew up hearing about. In the story I grew up hearing about, Krishna had only one wife instead of several. The Bhagwat illustrates that Krishna had many wives which I didn't really like.

I purposefully chose the title that I created to keep Karma a mystery until the end. From Case 1 of my portfolio, Kamadeva had made a guest appearance as a marriage counselor towards the end. I thought about how the characters were personalities were so different and thought this would make a great story. I decided to surprise the readers by having them get married.

The setting is in a temple since India has temples instead of churches. Karma's dress is black to reflect her personality and demeanor in society. The priest says universe instead of death doing them apart because both of them are immortal. 

I did not mention Karma's name but I explained how the two balanced each other out. By this, I was not only referring to their characters but to the decisions Karma makes in her court. I've made her kind of a ruthless and sarcastic character. I thought it would be a good idea to allow readers to put the pieces together. 

I want to convey the idea that when Karma handles a case, she seeks Kamadeva's advice because of his nature and job as cupid. I also mentioned Karma having to clean up his messes occasionally which was a reference to Draupadi and the Pandavas as well as my story from Week 6. Arjuna was brought to trial because he married three different women. I want to give readers the idea that Kamadeva had done this because he is also mischievous. 

I also said Karma became friends with the bridesmaids after the trial so that people know she isn't bias when making her decisions in each case.

I vaguely mentioned Kamadeva in one of my very first stories with Judge Karma. He had been a marriage counselor for Rama and Sita. Since Karma is all about justice and Kamadeva is about love and peace, I thought they would both make a good couple and created this story about their wedding. In most of my stories Karma's personality seemed cold so I wanted to show a different side of her in this story. Since Kamadeva is an Indian cupid, I thought about all the messy love stories throughout both the Ramayana and Mahabharata and combined it with Karma and made them balance each other out.

The Pandava Bachelors: Meeting the Bachelorettes

Vasuki walks on to the stage smiling. He is wearing a black tuxedo. "Hello again everyone! Welcome to the second part of the Bachelor!", Vasuki greets the crowd. "Today these lovely gentlemen will be meeting their new brides!",  he continues. The crowd roars in excitement.

"But before we bring out these beauties, we're going to have these gentlemen have a seat." The five men exchange looks with one another and then look at Vasuki in confusion. They thought the chairs facing the crowd were for the women.

"What are you guys waiting for? Sit down!", Vasuki happily exclaims. The men hesitantly sit down on the chairs. The stage crew comes out rolling a large wall and places it in between them and the side where the women will be entering. 

"What's going on?, Bheem asks. Vasuki replies, "I'm glad you asked, Bheem! We are going to change things up a bit. Instead of picking your wife, I'm going to introduce them and ask them some questions. If you like the answers, you'll have the choice to pick one the ladies to marry." Vasuki  gestures to someone to come onto the stage.

"Come on out ladies!", exclaims Vasuki. The crowd claps and screams as the beautiful women walk out in a line. There are even some wolf whistles.

"Welcome ladies!", greets Vasuki. "So before we start asking questions, let's introduce our bachelorettes!" Vasuki faces the first lady and says, "First we have the magnificent Ulupi! She is the daughter of a Kourayva, the king of snakes?", Vasuki asks as he looks toward the black-haired woman in confusion.

The woman confidently looks at the crowd and says, "That is correct. My father is a snake charmer. He can get any snake under control just by looking at them."

"Scary, but interesting, and how about you? I'm assuming you've grown up around snakes, surely you've wrestled some.", asks Vasuki.

"I have as a matter of fact. I have also fought a few demons.", Ulupi replies.

"Wow, not only is she brave, but she is strong, like a warrior!", exclaims Vasuki. Vasuki's statement catches Bheema's attention. 'Warrior', he thought. Sounds like my kind of woman.  Bheema smirks at this thought.

"Next, we have the sweet Chitra."

"So tell me, Chitra, what do you look for in a husband?" 

Chitra is wearing a pink, long-sleeved dress that flows out with golden earrings and a necklace. She shyly looks up with her big blue eyes and softly says with a smile, ,"I want a  husband who will love me as much as I will love him."

Yudhistira slowly looks up at the sound of Chitra's voice. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

"Very nice!", reples Vasuki. "So what are your hobbies?"

Chitra replies, "I like painting and dancing."

"Well there you have, it! Chitra everyone!", says Vasuki. The crowd claps as they look at Chitra in awe.

Yudhithira tried to ignore the sound of his heart pounding in his chest and listen to Vasuki introduce the next woman but his thoughts kept going back to Chitra. He has never met or seen this woman, yet he felt the need to protect her. 'She sounds so delicate and innocent, not to mention she enjoys dancing and art.', he thought to himself.

"Next we have -", Vasuki is interrupted all of a sudden the red-headed woman takes the mic from him. The crowd laughs. 

The woman says, "No need Vausks, I can introduce myself. The name's Draupadi. My hobbies are wrestling and shooting things with my bow and arrow." She hands the mic back to Vasuki and goes back to her spot where she casually stands.

Arjuna looks amused and couldn't help but laugh along with the crowd. 'A woman who takes charge, I like that', he thought. I bet she's feisty!

"Well then, there you have it! Draupadi everyone!", says Vasuki in amusement. There are some wolf whistles from the crowd which makes Draupadi glare at the crowd, causing them to get quiet. She was obviously not one to mess with.

"Next we have, Subhadra!", says Vasuki. He gestures to the woman with black hair wrapped in a bun. She's wearing a short red dress, with black heels. 

"So what can you tell us about yourself, sweetheart?", asks Vasuki.

Subhadra happily replies with a smile, "I enjoy riding horses, and sword fighting in my spare time."

"Sword fighting? That's crazy! I definitely would not want to get on your bad side", Vasuki grimaced. Subhadra laughed along with the crowd.

Nakula's ears perk up. This whole time he had spaced out not really listening to these women were. He didn't really care and was only here because his parents forced him. Hearing that this woman enjoyed riding horses peaked his interest. Most of the women he's met have never liked horses. They would always yell like banshees at the sight of a horse. 'Maybe this Subhadra chick might be the one', he thought. She's down to earth, and doesn't mind getting down and dirty with the horses.

"Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?", asked Vasuki asks Subhadeva.

"Not really."

"Well then there you have it! Subhadea everyone!", exclaims Vasuki. The crowd claps.

"And last but not least, we've got Nikki!", says Vasuki. He gestures to the woman whose black hair is covering her face. The woman looks up at the crowd. The black eyeliner makes her light brown eyes pop out. She's wearing a black dress with black heels.

The mysterious woman just blankly stares at the crowd.

'What would you like your future husband to know?", Vasuki asks Nikki. She does not reply and looks back at Vasyki with a stone cold face. This intimidates Vasuki a little but he shakes it off with a smile and looks back at the crowd.

"A lady of few words I see. Well it looks like Nikki will remain a  mystery for now.", 

Sahadeva tilts his head from under his black hat and smirks. 'This Nikki girl sounds like a challenge. I like it.', he thought to himself.

"And here we have it! Our five bachelorettes! Who do you think each bachelor will choose? Until next time!", says Vasuki.

The crowd claps and roars in excitement.

Bachelor Show Banner created using Canva

Author's Note: This story is continuing from Week 9. In the original story, Arjuna marries all these women (except Nikki) and the bachelor's are all brothers that end up marrying the same wife. I wanted to change that and give each of them their own wife. I also thought I would the story more interesting by making the Pandavas do a blind marriage. Instead of meeting the women and deciding they liked them based on their appearances.

I ran out of bachelorette's so I added Nikki. I did some research on the women (except Nikki) and found a few traits and created their personality based on those few things. I also considered what each of the bachelor's looked for in a wife. I thought I would also share what the bachelor's were thinking since they wouldn't really say much in this story.

It's really different from the original story but I tried to keep their names the same as the original story. I shortened Chitrangada's name to Chitra since it would be easier. In the original story, I felt like Draupadi was pretty vocal about how she felt, especially when her husband gambled her away. She also openly rejected Karna. I gave her a leader type of role in this story because she was so vocal and determined to fight for her equality. Draupadi took the microphone away from the host to show this and gives Vasuki a nickname.  I also gave her red hair to symbolize her short-temper.

Famous Last Words: Good News, Bad News, and More Good News!

So I just got back from my LAST Spring break yesterday. It was really fun. I visited the zoo with my friends and we fed the Lorikeets and we also hung out at the dog park a lot. I also got to make a day trip to Dallas and learned how to use chopsticks at this sushi place. Thankfully, they had some vegetarian sushi.

Later in the week it was national puppy day. My dad was working as usual at the hotel and a found a puppy in one of the rooms. The customer wasn't there but after they got back, they said they were planning to give it away. My mom said yes but then had second thoughts and gave him back. On Sunday she brought it down to babysit and was planning to keep him overnight to see how he and Shiva would interact but the customer had a daughter who wanted to spend the night with the pup first so we gave him back (we hadn't adopted him yet) . Yesterday before I headed back to Norman though, my parents finally decided to keep him so now we have 4 dogs. Shiva really loves his new little brother.

Here is a picture of him.

Today I got an email from the Study Abroad Office, and unfortunately I won't be going to Spain. On the bright side I still have my trip to California and Texas though. I also just found out one of my cousin's got engaged which is really exciting cause that means another wedding is around the corner. I don't think I ever mentioned this but my brother and I are youngest in our whole family so most of my cousins are either married or engaged.

Although I won't be going abroad, at least I have my new puppy. I am so excited to go home this weekend so I can play with my new little nugget.

Week 10 Reading Notes: Karmic Revolution, Part B

Draupadi's Swayamwara

A contest is held to win Draupadi's hand in marriage. All the princes are invited including the Pandavas. The challenge was to string a bow and then hit the eye of a fish with it. Duryodhana tries and fails. Arjun wins.

Karna's Humiliation

Karna begs a Pursharam to be his teacher. He is asked if he is a Kshatiya. He tells him he is also a Brahmin. He is taught the secrets of fighting. Pursharam is sleeping on Karna's lap and Karna gets bit by a scorpion and doesn't make noise. Pursharam notices Karna's bleeding and Pashram gets angry and accuses Karna of lying about his caste and curses him.

He is cursed to forget his skills on the day he needs them the most. 

 Draupadi's Husbands

The brother's call out to Kunti while she's inside her hut and assumes they brought food and carelessly told them to share whatever they brought among themselves and realizes she made a mistake.

A sage reveals that Draupadi had prayed for a husband in her previous life.

Return to Hastinapura

Duryodhana calls his council after finding out the Pandavas married Draupadi. The council advices him to give them part of the kingdom. Drona suggests a messenger go and get them and bring them back to Hastinapura.

Creation of Indraprastha

Arjun and Krishna meet Agni. Agni wants to set the forest on fire to satisfy his hunger. A palace is built and a new kingdom called Indraprastha is created. People from Hastinapura move to the new kingdom.

Narada visits Indraprastha

Narada visits the Pandavas at Krishna's requests to guide them. He meets Draupadi and tells the Pandavas the story of the Asur brothers. Like the Pandavas, the brothers were inseparable until they fell in love with the same woman. They ended up killing each other. Narad advices that they each spend time with her for a year and if one intrudes, then they must be exiled as a consequence.

Arjuna's Exile

Arjun accidently enters the room while one of his brother's is spending time their wife. He was trying to help a brahmin and went to go get his weapon which were in Yudhistra's room. He asked for permission to enter but doesn't wait for a response because he needed to help the brahmin despite knowing he would be exiled. Yudhisthira forgives Arjuna and tells him he doesn't have to go to exile because he was trying to help a brahmin but he insists that he needs to since he broke the rule and that it's his dharma to go. 

Arjun's Journey

• 12 years of exile

He chose dharma over his family. Arjun sets off with a group of brahmins into the forest and meets several women. He also marries and has children with them.


1. Draupadi

He spends his time in the Himalayas and meets Ulpi.

2. Ulpi - Arjun tells her he's married but gives into her temptation.

• Arjun broke his dharma as a husband by being unfaithful.

He wanted to explore and ended up at a kingdom. Arjun stays in a palace and is disguised as a brahmin and meets his third wife.

3. Chitrangada

• Arjun has a child with her and leaves her in the middle of the night.

Arjun reaches Dwarka

Krishna and Arjun 
Image Source: (Wikimedia)

Arjun reunites with Krishna again and catch up. Krishna tells Arjun his experiences were meant to happen. Arjun confesses his attraction to Krishna's sister and asks for permission to marry her. Krishna agrees. Balram planned to marry her so they scheme a plan to kidnap her and marry her.

Krishna and Arjun were not right to do this to Balram or Krishna's sister since Arjun is already married. Balram was also set to marry her already.

Week 10 Reading Notes: Karmic Revolution, Part A

Karna's Quest

Karna wore an enchanted armor. He was found in a basket, floating in a river. He wanted to learn under Drona but he said he only taught a certain caste. He never told Drona that he was a part of the caste Drona taught but didn't want to insult his parents. 

This could be Karna's good karma. He was good to his adoptive parents.

The Kshatriya

Every teacher refused to teach Karna because he was the son of a charioteer. He finally tells a teacher, Parshuram that he is a Brahmin and finally gets a teacher. He gets bit by a scorpion while his teacher sleeps on his lap. He remained silent while his teacher slept. His teacher gets angry and curses him and believes he's not really a Brahmin because he stayed quiet when he got bit.

This makes a great case against Karna or Parshuram. It depends. 

Karna Becomes King 

A tournament is held so the Pandavas and Kauravas can demonstrate what they've learned. Karna shows up and demonstrates his skill and does better than Arjuna. Arjuna feels insulted and Karna doesn't win the tournament. He had to be of royal blood in order to fight the Pandavas and they all laughed at him. They humiliate Karna so Duryodhana declares him king of a kingdom under him in order to fight the Pandavas.

The Pandavas deserved what they got from Karna. 

Drupad Humiliates Drona 

Drona gives the Pandavas a mission after he teached them. Drupad and Drona became good friends and Drupad made a promise to Drona that he would share half his kingdom with him. Drona suffered poverty and takes his offer several years later and is humiliated by Drupad.

Drupad gets his karma through Drona.  Drona can make a case against Drupad for breaking his promise. 

Wax Palace Conspiracy

The Kauravas are jealous of the Pandavas because they had better skilled and got more attention from people. They scheme to get rid of the Pandavas by getting a palace built of wax and setting it on fire with the Pandavas in it. 

Pandavas Escape

The brother escape with Kunti through a tunnel. The builder's living quarters are at the front of the gates so he wouldn't die in the fire. The people and Kauravas believe the Pandavas and Kunti are dead.

Pandavas Escape from Wax Palace
Image Source: India Today

Bhim Kills Bakasur

The Pandavas and Kunti disguise as Brahmins and find shelter in the house of a scholar. Bakasur, an asura (demon) steals his people's food which leaves the people starving. If the people don't give him food he eats them and their family. It's the scholars turn to deliver food so Kunti sends Bhim who eats all the food before he gets to Bakasur and then kills him. 

The Birth of Draupadi

Drona trains the Pandavas to fight Drupad. Drupad performs a fire ceremony and Draupadi and her brother are born. After she is older, her father invites men since she was ready to get married.