Mahabharatas

The Mahabharatas is a vast and ancient Indian epic poem, considered one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. It is a foundational text in Hinduism and has had a profound influence on Indian culture, philosophy, and art. The epic primarily narrates the conflict between two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, over the throne of Hastinapura.

At its core, the Mahabharatas is a complex narrative that explores themes of dharma (righteousness, duty, moral law), karma (action and its consequences), loyalty, betrayal, and the human condition. It features a large cast of characters, each with their own motivations and moral dilemmas, making it a rich tapestry of human relationships and societal dynamics.

Beyond the central war narrative, the Mahabharatas contains numerous philosophical and didactic sections. The most famous of these is the Bhagavad Gita, a dialogue between the warrior prince Arjuna and his charioteer Lord Krishna, which expounds upon spiritual teachings, the nature of the soul, and the path to liberation. The epic is attributed to the sage Vyasa, who is also a prominent character within the narrative. Its immense length and intricate plot have led to its description as "the longest poem known."