Mahabharat : The Ancient History
Chapter 2: Invocation and Origin of The Epic
The rustling of palm leaves fills the air as Lord Ganesha inscribes Vyasa’s words with swift precision. The sage sits cross-legged, his voice steady, while Ganesha’s tusk moves without pause. The sacred task has begun.
Sage Vyasa
This is not just a story of kings and battles, of righteousness and betrayal.
Sage Vyasa
It is the very essence of dharma, the guide for generations to come. Before I begin the tale, I must invoke the divine.
Vyasa closes his eyes and recites a prayer.
Sage Vyasa
"Narayana Namaskritya, Naram chaiva Narottamam,
Deviim Saraswatiim chaiva, tato jayam udiirayet."
I. e. "I bow to Narayana, the Supreme Lord, to Nara, the noblest of men, and to the goddess Saraswati. May victory be spoken of!"
Ganesha pauses momentarily before writing, ensuring he fully understands the invocation. He then continues inscribing, nodding in approval.
Shree Ganesha
A grand beginning, O Sage. But tell me, how did this tale come to be? Who first heard it?
Sage Vyasa
The story was first recited in the court of the great King Janamejaya, the son of King Parikshit, who was the grandson of Arjuna.
Shree Ganesha
(intrigued) And why did Janamejaya wish to hear this tale?
Vyasa strokes his beard, his eyes filled with ancient wisdom.
Sage Vyasa
That is a tale in itself, O Ganapati. Listen closely.
Scene: The Court of King Janamejaya
The grand court of Hastinapura is filled with noblemen, sages, and ministers. King Janamejaya, seated on a golden throne, looks toward a venerable sage standing before him—Sage Vaishampayana, a disciple of Vyasa.
King Janamejaya
O Sage Vaishampayana, I have heard that my ancestors, the Kuru princes, fought in a great war. But many tales are told, and I seek the true account. Speak to me of the deeds of my forefathers. Tell me of the great war, the Kurukshetra battle, and of my noble grandfather, Parikshit.
Vaishampayana bows before the king, his expression solemn.
Sage Vaishampayana
O King, the tale you seek is vast, filled with wisdom, heroism, and sorrow. It was composed by the great Sage Vyasa and recorded by Lord Ganesha himself. Listen with patience, for this is the story of the Mahabharata.
The court falls silent as Vaishampayana begins his recitation.
Sage Vaishampayana
Long ago, in the golden age, there lived a great king named Shantanu, of the Kuru dynasty. His reign was peaceful and just. But fate had plans that would change the destiny of the world…
The court listens in rapt attention as the story unfolds.
Now back to Sage Vyasa's hermitage
Ganesha, still inscribing with his tusk, glances at Vyasa.
Shree Ganesha
So this tale was first heard in the court of Janamejaya? But what of his father, Parikshit? You mentioned his name—what happened to him?
Sage Vyasa
(nods) Ah, Parikshit… The noble son of Abhimanyu. His fate was intertwined with destiny. Shall I tell you his story next?
Shree Ganesha
(grinning) I must understand before I write, must I not? Proceed, O Sage.
Vyasa takes a deep breath, preparing to recount another tale—one that would lead to the very reason Janamejaya sought this epic.
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