Podcast · Devotional & Spiritual

Mahabharat by Kumar Varun

by Kumar Varun · English · Devotional & Spiritual

This series is a simplified retelling of the epic Indian scripture, “Mahabharata”. It is important to note that this version does not encompass the full depth, complexity, and nuances of the original text, which spans multiple volumes and contains numerous intricate storylines. The purpose of this

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 7 min
Latest: 29 Sep 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

29 Sep 2025 · 8 min

Ep.106: The Final Ascent

Narrated by Kumar Varun The final episode of our Mahabharata series. Yudhishthira renounces the world and walks north with his brothers and Draupadi. One by one, they fall. A dog follows. What happens next is the most moving and profound chapter of the Mahabharata : a tale of loyalty, illusion, and ultimate truth. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings: The Mahabharata – translated by C. Rajagopalachari The Mahabharata of Vyasa – Kisari Mohan Ganguli (public domain)

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E105 · 16 Sep 2025 · 6 min
Ep. 105: The Death of Krishna
Narrated by Kumar Varun After 36 years of peace, Dwaraka descends into chaos. A drunken brawl among the Yadavas fulfills a deadly curse. Krishna watches as his clan destroys itself. Balarama retreats into the ocean. And on a quiet forest floor, a hunter’s arrow ends the mortal life of Vasudeva. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings: Mahabharata – Mausala Parva (Book 16), especially the C. Rajagopalachari abridged version (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951) Mahabharata – Critical Edition, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (Pune) K.M. Ganguli translation of the Mahabharata…
S1 · E104 · 16 Sep 2025 · 6 min
Ep. 104: Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti – The End of a Generation
Narrated by Kumar Varun Kunti, Gandhari, and Dhritarashtra walk away from the palace, from power, from family , and into the forest. This is the story of their final journey, their last goodbye, and how they embraced the fire that ended it all. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings: Vyasa Mahabharata (Ashramavasika Parva) C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata Critical Edition by Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), with focus on the Ashramavasika Parva Translations and commentaries from P. Lal, K. M. Ganguli, and the Gita Press editions
2 Sep 2025 · 6 min
Ep. 103: When Dhritarashtra Walked Away
Narrated by Kumar Varun Dhritarashtra stayed in the palace for fifteen years after the war. He was treated with dignity, but grief doesn’t listen to comfort. One day, the blind king said he was ready to leave, ready to walk into the forest and never return. What followed was a heartbreaking moment of truth between father and son, power and guilt, grief and grace. This episode of the series follows the emotional farewell of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, and Yudhishthira’s reckoning with the weight of war, power, and pain. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings: Vyasa’s Mahabharata…
S1 · E102 · 26 Aug 2025 · 4 min
Ep. 102: After the War: The Quiet Rule of Yudhishthira
Narrated by Kumar Varun After winning the war, Yudhishthira becomes king, but there's no joy in his victory. In this episode, we explore how the Pandavas treated Dhritarashtra and Gandhari with deep respect, how Bhima struggled with forgiveness, and how Yudhishthira ruled not like a conqueror, but like a man carrying the burden of loss. A quiet, emotional chapter of what it truly means to lead with dharma. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. The Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari 2. Critical Edition of the Mahabharata (Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute) 3. The…
S1 · E101 · 19 Aug 2025 · 6 min
Ep 101: A Pound of Flour vs. a King’s Horse Sacrifice
Narrated by Kumar Varun At Yudhishthira’s grand Ashwamedha Yajna, a strange weasel appears , half of it pure gold. What it says shocks everyone. It tells the story of a starving family’s tiny gift... that outweighed the king’s entire sacrifice. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further reading: C. Rajagopalachari, Mahabharata Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951. Kisari Mohan Ganguli (translator), The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Published 1883–1896. Public domain translation. Critical Edition of the Mahabharata produced by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) , Pune.
S1 · E100 · 12 Aug 2025 · 6 min
Ep. 100 : Krishna’s Friend, Krishna’s Test
Narrated by Kumar Varun Krishna meets an old brahmana friend after the war. What follows is a test of wisdom, ego, and humility — and a divine gift tragically rejected. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) 2. Kisari Mohan Ganguli Translation of Mahabharata 3. Critical Edition References: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute
5 Aug 2025 · 8 min
Ep.99: The Day Fire Fled: Samvarta vs Brihaspati
Narrated by Kumar Varun What happens when the guru of the gods becomes jealous of his own brother? This is the story of Brihaspati, Samvarta, a golden yajna, and the day fire itself got scared. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings: C. Rajagopalachari , Mahabharata , Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, 1970. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa , translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, Book 12 ( Shanti Parva ) Gita Press , Mahabharata (Hindi-Sanskrit) , Volume 4: Shanti Parva ,
S1 · E98 · 29 Jul 2025 · 6 min
Ep.98: From Ashes to Dharma: Yudhishthira’s Turning Point
Narrated by Kumar Varun Yudhishthira, consumed by guilt after the war, decides to renounce the throne but Draupadi, his brothers, Vyasa, and Bhishma guide him back to his duty as king. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings: Vyasa’s Mahabharata , Critical Edition, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Gita Press Gorakhpur , Chapter XCVIII – Yudhishthira Comforted Bibek Debroy’s Mahabharata (Penguin Classics) – Shanti Parva excerpts C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata – narrative interpretation K.M. Ganguli’s Translation (Public Domain) – for comparisons across versions
22 Jul 2025 · 7 min
Ep. 97: Victory Meant Nothing: Yudhishthira’s Breakdown
Narrated by Kumar Varun The war is over, but Yudhishthira finds no peace. When Narada reveals the truth about Karna’s birth, the eldest Pandava breaks down in guilt and rage, not at the war, but at his mother. This episode tells the haunting aftermath of victory, the story of Karna’s curses, and the heartbreaking curse Yudhishthira unleashes in his pain.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:Vyasa Mahabharata (Critical Edition), Stri Parva & Shanti ParvaC. Rajagopalachari’s MahabharataKisari Mohan Ganguli translationP. Lal’s Mahabharata retelling (Writers Workshop…
15 Jul 2025 · 7 min
Ep.96: After the War: Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and the Pandavas
Narrated by Kumar Varun The battle is over. But grief remains. Dhritarashtra mourns. Gandhari’s anger burns quietly. Yudhishthira bows for forgiveness. But peace is harder to find than victory. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:– Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari , Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951– Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering by Ramesh Menon , Volume II– Inputs from the BORI Critical Edition
8 Jul 2025 · 5 min
Ep. 95: A Jewel Removed, A Child Saved
Ashwatthama kills Draupadi’s sons in their sleep. Duryodhana dies satisfied. The Pandavas pursue revenge, until Ashwatthama strikes once more, this time at the unborn heir. Krishna steps in. And the war’s true cost is revealed.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (1951)2. Mahabharata: A Modern Rendering by Ramesh Menon, Volume II3. Critical edition input from Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI)
S1 · E85 · 1 Jul 2025 · 7 min
Ep. 85: The Lion’s Roar: Bhima’s Path of Destruction
Narrated by Kumar Varun. As Yudhishthira's anxiety over Arjuna and Satyaki grows, he sends Bhima into the thick of battle, hoping for news of his brother. Bhima, unstoppable and furious, cuts through the Kaurava ranks like a storm, slaughtering eleven of Dhritarashtra’s sons and breaking through Drona’s forces with sheer power. When Drona himself tries to stop him, Bhima shows no hesitation—destroying eight of Drona’s chariots before forcing his way through. His lion’s roar echoes across Kurukshetra, reaching the ears of Arjuna and Krishna and Yudhisthira.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested…
S1 · E82 · 1 Jul 2025 · 8 min
Ep. 82: The Hunt for Jayadratha
Narrated by Kumar Varun. After learning of Abhimanyu’s tragic death, Arjuna takes a solemn oath—to slay Jayadratha before sunset the next day or sacrifice his own life. As news of this vow spreads, the Kauravas fortify their defenses, placing Jayadratha behind an impenetrable wall of warriors. With time running out, Arjuna faces relentless opposition, including a fierce standoff with Dronacharya. Can he break through the Kaurava lines and fulfill his deadly promise before the sun sets?Source, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna Dwaipayana. The Mahabharata.…
S1 · E76 · 1 Jul 2025 · 6 min
Ep 76: The Eleventh Day: Arjuna Saves Yudhishthira
Narrated by Kumar Varun. On the eleventh day of the Kurukshetra war,Duryodhana tasked Drona with capturing Yudhishthira alive, hoping to exploit the Pandava king’s adherence to dharma. The Pandavas fortified Yudhishthira’s defenses, anticipating Drona’s plan. Drona unleashed his formidable prowess, scattering the Pandava forces. However, Arjuna, with Krishna’s guidance, intervened just in time, forcing Drona to retreat. The day ended with Yudhishthira safe and the Pandavas celebrating a small yet vital victory.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna Dwaipayana.…
S1 · E70 · 1 Jul 2025 · 9 min
Ep. 70 : The Seventh Day: Bhishma’s Might and Duryodhana’s Despair
Narrated by Kumar Varun.On the seventh day of the Kurukshetra war, Duryodhana, disheartened by repeated defeats, sought solace from Bhishma, who reassured him and rallied the Kaurava army into a circular formation. The battle raged across multiple sectors with fierce clashes: Bhishma against Arjuna, Drona against Virata, and Aswatthama against Sikhandin. Bhima decimated Kritavarma and other Kaurava warriors, while Ghatotkacha fought Bhagadatta but had to retreat. Duryodhana narrowly escaped capture in a duel with Dhrishtadyumna, saved by Sakuni. Yudhishthira displayed uncharacteristic wrath,…
S1 · E66 · 1 Jul 2025 · 10 min
Ep.66 : The Third Day: Arjuna Faces Bhishma's Fury
Narrated by Kumar Varun.On the third day of battle, Bhishma led the Kaurava army in a strong formation, while the Pandavas countered strategically. The fighting was intense, with significant engagements between key warriors. Bhima wounded Duryodhana, causing temporary chaos among the Kauravas. Duryodhana accused Bhishma of not fighting wholeheartedly. Provoked, Bhishma launched a fierce attack, overwhelming the Pandavas. Seeing this, Krishna attempted to intervene directly but was stopped by Arjuna, who then fought Bhishma with full vigor. By day's end, Arjuna's prowess turned the tide, and…
S1 · E32 · 1 Jul 2025 · 13 min
Ep.32 : Chastity Tested: Rishyasringa's Encounter with Desire
In the forest, the sage Vibhandaka raised his son Rishyasringa, who had never encountered another person. King Romapada, facing famine, sought Rishyasringa's help, knowing his purity could bring rain. Courtesans were sent to entice Rishyasringa, who, captivated by their charms, agreed to visit their hermitage. The courtesans disguised a boat as an ashrama, luring Rishyasringa to Anga. There, rain fell as predicted, and Rishyasringa married Princess Shanta. Despite initial anger, Vibhandaka blessed the king and his son, who served both faithfully.
S1 · E94 · 1 Jul 2025 · 9 min
Ep.94: Ashwatthama Strikes: The Massacre at Night
The war is over. Or so everyone believes. But in the shadow of the banyan tree, Ashwatthama, son of Dronacharya, makes a vow. As his rage builds and the forest turns silent, he watches an owl slaughter sleeping crows… and finds his method. This episode is the story of the night that changed everything: the night the Pandava camp burned, the sons of Draupadi were killed, and warrior honour was extinguished not in battle, but in sleep. Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further reading: Mahabharata (English prose retelling) by C. Rajagopalachari , Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1951 Mahabharata: A…
S1 · E93 · 24 Jun 2025 · 11 min
Ep. 93: Kurukshetra’s Last Battle, Krishna’s Last Argument
Narrated by Kumar Varun. Duryodhana lies broken. Bhima has struck below the belt. And Balarama is furious. In this riveting episode, we witness the final duel of the Kurukshetra war, and the moral collapse that follows. Krishna defends Bhima. Yudhishthira questions the cost of victory. And Duryodhana… dies unrepentant, honoured by the heavens. Was it justice? Or just revenge wrapped in silence?Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Mahabharata (English prose retelling) by C. Rajagopalachari, 1951 – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan2. Original Sanskrit epic by Vyasa (translated and…
S1 · E92 · 17 Jun 2025 · 10 min
Ep. 92: Bhima vs. Duryodhana: The War Ends in Blood
Narrated by Kumar Varun. The war has come to its final moment. With his army wiped out and his greatest warriors slain, Duryodhana stands alone—the last Kaurava left. As he goes in a lake, Yudhishthira challenges him to a final duel. Bhima and Duryodhana face off in an earth-shaking mace battle—the greatest showdown of the war. The oath of vengeance is fulfilled, and Duryodhana falls. But even in death, he refuses to surrender.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna Dwaipayana. The Mahabharata (Critical Edition). Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute,…
S1 · E91 · 8 Jun 2025 · 6 min
Ep.91: The Blood Oath & The Final Duel: Bhima vs Duhsasana, Karna vs Arjuna
Narrated by Kumar Varun. Bhima brutally fulfills his vow against Duhsasana, avenging Draupadi’s humiliation. Meanwhile, the long-awaited duel between Karna and Arjuna unfolds—but when Karna’s chariot sinks into the earth, fate delivers its verdict. Krishna urges Arjuna to strike, and Karna falls. The Kaurava army loses its greatest warrior. The war is about to end.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna Dwaipayana. Mahabharata. (Critical Edition, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute)2. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata.…
S1 · E90 · 6 Jun 2025 · 7 min
Ep. 90 : The Night Battle & The Fall of Drona
Narrated by Kumar Varun. On the fourteenth night, Ghatotkacha wreaked havoc, forcing Karna to use his divine weapon, saving Arjuna but costing the Pandavas dearly. Drona killed Virata and Drupada before Bhima’s trick—killing an elephant named Ashwatthama—broke his spirit. Believing his son was dead, Drona surrendered to fate, and Dhrishtadyumna beheaded him. Yudhishthira’s first lie cost him his divine purity—his chariot, once floating, finally touched the earth.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. K.M. Ganguli (Trans.) The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Public…
S1 · E89 · 5 Jun 2025 · 6 min
Ep. 89: The Illusion of Dusk: Krishna’s Trick and Jayadratha’s Doom
Narrated by Kumar Varun. On the 14th day, Arjuna raced to kill Jayadratha before sunset—or die trying. As the Kauravas fiercely defended him, Krishna created an illusion, making Jayadratha lower his guard. Arjuna seized the moment, severing his head and fulfilling a deadly curse. As the Pandavas celebrated, the war raged on—now breaking all rules.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further reading:1. Vyasa, Krishna-Dwaipayana. The Mahabharata (Critical Edition). Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 1933-66.2. Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (translator). The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa.…
S1 · E88 · 3 Jun 2025 · 9 min
Ep. 88: The Price of Revenge: Satyaki vs Bhurisravas
Narrated by Kumar Varun. On Kurukshetra, an old feud reignites as Bhurisravas overpowers Satyaki. Just as he prepares the final blow, Arjuna intervenes, severing his arm. Accused of dishonor, Bhurisravas sits in meditation—only to be beheaded by a vengeful Satyaki, shocking all. Condemned across the battlefield, it’s a reminder that in war, rage often triumphs over reason. Meanwhile, Arjuna races against the setting sun—Jayadratha must die before nightfall.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna-Dwaipayana. The Mahabharata. Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.…
S1 · E87 · 26 May 2025 · 8 min
Ep.87: Bhima’s Wrath: The Fall of the Kaurava Princes
Narrated by Kumar Varun. Bhima’s fury explodes as he cuts through the Kaurava ranks, slaughtering Duryodhana’s brothers one by one. Even Vikarna, the only Kaurava who defended Draupadi, falls to Bhima’s unstoppable rage. Meanwhile, Karna and Bhima engage in a brutal duel, but Karna, bound by his promise to Kunti, refuses to kill him—choosing instead to insult him. Just as Bhima prepares to strike back, Arjuna and Krishna arrive, forcing Karna to retreat. The sun inches closer to the horizon, and the battle for Jayadratha is far from over.Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further reading:1.…
S1 · E86 · 16 May 2025 · 9 min
Ep.86: Bhima vs. Karna: The Battle of Fury
Narrated by Kumar Varun. On the fourteenth day of the Mahabharata war, the battlefield burned with multiple duels of destiny. Bhima charged through the Kaurava ranks to reach Arjuna, but Karna stood in his way.Bhima vs. Karna – A Battle of Brutality and Strategy.The Sun Moves Closer to the Horizon – Will Arjuna Reach Jayadratha?The war rages on, and the fate of the Pandavas hangs in the balance.Sources, Bibliography, and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna-Dwaipayana. The Mahabharata: Critical Edition. Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.2. Ganguli, Kisari Mohan (Trans.). The…
S1 · E84 · 12 May 2025 · 7 min
Ep. 84: The Fire and the Flood: Drona and Satyaki’s Deadly Battle
Narrated by Kumar Varun. The battle rages as Satyaki and Drona clash in an intense duel. When Satyaki falters, Yudhishthira faces a tough choice. Meanwhile, Krishna’s conch sounds—but Arjuna’s bow is silent. Fearing the worst, Yudhishthira orders Satyaki to break through enemy lines to find Arjuna. But can he survive the Kaurava onslaught?Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Kisari Mohan Ganguli. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 1883-1896.2. Bibek Debroy. The Mahabharata (Volumes 1-10). Penguin India, 2010-2014.3. J.A.B. Van…
S1 · E83 · 6 May 2025 · 5 min
Ep. 83: Arjuna vs. Duryodhana: The Last Barrier Before Jayadratha
Narrated by Kumar Varun. With time slipping away, Arjuna presses forward to fulfill his oath and slay Jayadratha before sunset. But standing in his way is Duryodhana, protected by an impenetrable armor gifted by Drona. A fierce battle ensues, but Arjuna, knowing the armor’s weakness, forces the Kaurava prince to retreat in disgrace. As Krishna blows his conch, the Kaurava army scrambles to defend Jayadratha. With eight of their greatest warriors blocking his path, can Arjuna break through before the day ends?Sources, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna-Dwaipayana.…
S1 · E81 · 28 Apr 2025 · 8 min
Ep.81: Sunset’s Ultimatum: Arjuna’s Oath Against Jayadratha
Narrated by Kumar Varun. After the tragic fall of Abhimanyu, Yudhishthira is consumed by grief, lamenting the cost of ambition. Sage Vyasa offers words of wisdom, but the sorrow in the Pandava camp is immeasurable. Meanwhile, Arjuna senses impending doom, and upon learning of his son’s fate, his anguish turns to fury. In an earth-shaking vow, he swears to kill Jayadratha before sunset the next day—or end his own life. As the Gandiva sings and Krishna’s conch echoes, the battlefield braces for Arjuna’s wrath.Source, Bibliography and Suggested further readings:1. Vyasa, Krishna Dwaipayana.…

About Mahabharat by Kumar Varun

Mahabharat by Kumar Varun is a English devotional & spiritual podcast from Kumar Varun. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Kumar Varun
Language: English
Category: Devotional & Spiritual
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 7 min
Latest episode: 29 Sep 2025
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