The story of Bhangaswana: Who derives greater pleasure from an act of union with each other? Man or woman? This story is narrated by Bhishma to Yudhishthira in Dana-dharma Parva of Anushasana Parva. Yudhishthira said, “It befits, O king to tell me truly which of the two viz., man or…
Fruits of good deeds: Conversation between Yudhishthira and Bhishma This conversation is narrated by Vaishampayana to Janamejaya (Dana-dharma Parva, Anushasana Parva) Yudhishthira said, “O the best of Bharata’s race and the foremost of great men, I wish to know what the fruits are of good deed. Do you enlighten me…
The story of Indra and a compassionate parrot This story appears in the Dana-dharma Parva of Anushasana Parva. Yudhishthira said, “O you that know the truths of Dharma, I wish to hear of the merits of compassion, and of the characteristics of devout men. Do you, O sire, describe them…
Vishwamitra: How a Kshatriya attained Brahminhood This story of how Vishwamitra, being a Kshatriya, attained Brahminhood, appears in Dana-dharma Parva of Anushasana Parva. Yudhishthira said, “If, O prince, Brahmanahood be so difficult of attainment by the three classes (Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras), how then did the high souled Vishwamitra, O…
Conquering Mrityu: The story of Sudarshana and Oghavati This story appears in Dana-dharma Parva of Anushasana Parva Yudhishthira said: “O grandsire! O wisest of men! O you that are learned in all the scriptures! I have listened to this great story, O foremost of intelligent men! I am desirous of…
Savitri There was a king among the Madras, who was virtuous and highly pious. He always ministered unto the Brahmanas, and was high-souled and firm in promise. He was of subdued senses and given to sacrifices. He was the foremost of givers, and was able, and beloved by both the…
This story is narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira, during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) Raibhya Bharadvaja and Raibhya were two friends. They dwelt ever taking the greatest pleasure in each other’s company. Now, Raibhya had two sons, named Arvavasu and Paravasu. Bharadvaja had an only son,…
This story is narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira, during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirtyayatra Parva) Ashtavakra The sage Uddalaka had a disciple named Kahoda of subdued passions, and entirely devoted to the service of his preceptor and who had continued his studies long. The Brahmana had served…
This story was narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) Ushinara Desirous of testing Ushinara’s merit and also of bestowing boons on him, Indra and Agni presented themselves at his sacrificial ground. Indra assuming the shape of a hawk, and Agni that…
This story was narrated by Rishi Lomasha to Yudhishthira during the latter’s pilgrimage (Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Tirthayatra Parva) “One cannot enjoy or suffer for another person’s acts.” – Lord Dharma to Somaka Somaka There was a virtuous king Somaka by name. He had one hundred wives, all suitably matched to…