Mahabharathams

The Mahabharatams are the most widely known versions of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata is a legendary tale written by sage Vyasa, which consists of 18 parvas or books, each with its own distinct theme and storyline.

The Mahabharatams are derived from the original text of the Mahabharata, which is estimated to have been composed between 400 BCE and 400 CE. There are several known manuscripts of the Mahabharata, and the most widely studied ones are the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute's manuscript and the Mahabharata manuscript from Kashmir.

The Mahabharatams have undergone various adaptations and translations through the centuries. There are also different recensions, known as sakha texts, which differ from each other in reciters, readings, and distinctive styles. However, all the Mahabharatams share the underlying narrative of the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

The most popular Mahabharatam is the Vyasakanda or the royal purification version, which was written down around the 2nd century CE. This version purveys the views of the sage Vyasa and himself on the Mahabharata's existential and natural profound comprehensiveness.

The study of the Mahabharatams is essential to understanding the culture, history, and mythology of ancient India. Their formation and development reflect the evolution of Hindu society, written into the characters and stories of the epic. Scholars and historians analyze the Mahabharatams to understand their influence on Indian literature, history, and society.