Reading Diary A: Online PDE Mahabharata

I found it very interesting that a deer had a large role in this epic, just like the Ramayana. It also just so happens that the fathers in both stories (Pandu, Dasharatha) were cursed. As I began reading further into the pieces, I had an idea of the miseries that were to come. It all started in "Pandavas and Kauravas" in which the relationship between the groups of children was described. It was very interesting to see how the leaders of each group were presented (Bhima being a powerful leader and Duryodhana being more envious and evil-minded when it comes to power).

I definitely foresaw what the next few stories held. As the story goes, Duryodhana attempted to kill Bhima with poison and dump his body. I thought the part about the venom of the snakes neutralizing the poison from Duryodhana was a very cool aspect of this story. I enjoyed the fact that because of Duryodhana's jealousy, Bhima actually gained a lot out of being attacked (such as super-human strength). I also enjoyed the fact that all of Pandu's sons agreed it was better to leave this a secret for the possibility of an unexpected advantage in the future.

(Image information: Bhima the Warrior. Source: Harishankar)