Kaurava Gang Average Friday Night

feat. Actual Sphynx Mastersona

...Also Arjuna Alter's got no beef, so he's vibing too.

(do not repost w/o permission)

So it is a trend in shows to show how Draupadi rejects Karna, saying she won't marry the son of a suta, how she calls Duryodhan "andhe ka putra andha" and laughs at him. Every show does it.

BRC did it. SP MB did it. RK did it. SPK did it. Heck, even that weird ass animation that came out in 2013 showed this as well.

Funnily, this event has 0 mentions in texts.

Karna FAILS in the event. Draupadi does not reject him. You see, Canon Draupadi is a sweet and generous lady. She is not a jealous or egoistic or short-tempered individual, tbh.

Also, check out the ACK Mahabharata. All the characters look immensely pretty in it, plus it is very close to the BORI version of MB so it can be seen as a decent source.

Now, back to the topic.

So technically I was swiping through Insta, and I saw this reel, where they showed Draupadi laughing on Duryodhana,(they used clips from SPK), and the reel showed "Wake up to reality" and then proceeded to show Draupadi being disrobed.

God, I hate the new sigma/alpha trend. Is it really cool to be sexist these days???

Let's just keep aside every perspective of Draupadi's character aside. Whether you like her or not, it does not matter.

She is an INNOCENT woman. She has come in Hastinapur as a GUEST. She did nothing wrong. And even if she had rejected Karna or insulted Duryodhan, it does not give them the right to disrobe her in return.

I feel showrunners try to inculcate the incident of Draupadi insulting these two to justify their hatred towards her?

TBH She did nothing to warrant such atrocious behavior towards her. Now, some ppl also like to blame the Pandavas for this, and honestly I do agree. These five men, who are great warriors, cannot look past their stupid sense of morality to help their own wife. How will they help other women when they cannot stand up for their own wife?

BUT.

BUT.

It is crucial to know that even if the Pandavas did not do anything at the moment, they, and several others like Bhishma, Vidur and Drona, had the decency to acknowledge their wrongs. The Pandavas tried to make amends, and they did. The war may not have been to avenge Draupadi's insult entirely, but it was still a very big factor in the war.

The Kauravas never even acknowledged that their actions were wrong. They dragged a woman to court, a woman who was their sister-in-law, and was in her periods. (Fuck, that must have hurt as hell.)

This woman, she is brought into the hall, and then Dushasan drags her around, as she begs for help. She is called a harlot, for marrying 5 men, when she is not the first woman to do so. Plus everyone knows that it was bound to happen, because of the boon of her previous birth. Draupadi would have had 5 husbands, or none at all.

Now, Karna orders her to be disrobed, Duryodhan passes lewd comments on her, and Dushasan...well, let's not mention him.

As a female, I feel horrible for Draupadi. The amount of physical and mental pain this woman went through because of this incident is incomparable. She would have been stripped naked and potentially gang-raped if it had not been for Krishna #onemorereasontoloveKrishna

And people have the gall to say it is her fault and she got what she deserved. The fucking audacity.

Idk if this asked but how do you feel about Bhima and Duryodhana? Did the writers do them well for fgo?

Bhimas profile is leaps and bounds better than arjuna’s (and tbh karna’s as well) to the point that it’s actually embarrassing for them. It actually gives an overview of who he is and most of the major notable legends of his! What a plot twist! #rewrite arjuna’s profile 2023 please god

That being said I’ve seen some people comment that it looks like that while they’ve finally acknowledged that one of the major inciting events of the war was draupdai’s harassment by duryodhana and the kauravas in the dice hall they only mention the part where he tries to get her to sit on his thigh, and not the attempted forced stripping (or dragging by her hair). Which *may* be worrying about nothing but… you know. The fact they also gave the kauravas a more ‘lovable rascal’ angle doesn’t make it a worry that comes from nowhere. I did talk to someone else about the bit where arjuna reminds bhima about his bow to crush duryodhana’s thighs and they pointed out that in some versions is IS him that prompts him, so while I’m still nervous it’s not…all awful?

Duryodhana isn’t bad either tbh. He’s got a nice mix of ‘I can see why some guys would hang around him haha’ and ‘wow yeah he’s literal scum’ which seems fairly believable, as even in the og text while he was on the side of adharma he still wasnt 100% evil all the time. There are some things I’m vaguely worried/annoyed about, like the fact they mention multiple times in both duryodhana’s profile and the newest chapter’s aside how arjuna killed Dushala’s husband (Jayadratha) but not. Why he did it. Which is kind of an important and crucial detail, because arjuna specifically swore vengeance on him for preventing him from reaching his son so a gang of other men could beat the boy to death. Ironically, at this point they’re actually avoiding mentioning the manner in which Abhimanyu dies even more than draupadi, possibly because it directly creates an issue with karna’s portrayal here and possibly bc…? Idk.

Overall I think they both seem pretty good, and I’m cautiously optimistic. I’m kind of disappointed that duryodhana was the ally we got the most time with over bhima (especially because bhima is literally on the ordeal call poster, like…what was that about then?) but I am cognizant of the fact that this is a gatcha and they do like…need to make the characters likeable in at least so manner so people want to roll for them. I have some anxieties (like from the few times he’s been mentioned it looks like they’re implying yudhisthira is a gambling addict, when it’s really more that he took the bet out of obligation, trying to be friendly to his cousin and knowing that the interaction was unavoidable) but overall it is a generally much more nuanced version than what we’ve had before. Still a bit more focused on and sympathetic towards the kauravas than I personally want but they’re shying away less and less from the fact that they’re terrible people. (Though I’d appreciate less guilt tripping with Dushala specifically as it feels weirdly pointed, like she was the only woman who lost family or something?)

y/n holding up a painting of krishna : anyone who looks like this hit me up 😉

krishna : heyy~

y/n : no

krishna : THAT'S LITERALLY ME IN THE PAINTING

ps : There are three gangs here Pandav gang which consists of Pandavas, draupadi and Krishna then there's Krishna gang, which consists of Krishna, Balaram, Subhadra and Krishna's wives (mainly Rukmini) and lastly there's the kauravas gang which u know consists of yk Duryodhan, Karna and the other ppl who were team Duryodhan.

Winds of War - Accidental Conversations | A Mahabharata OneShot

Angraaj Karna was an unhappy man.

The decision he had taken in haste and a bruised ego seems to have made a boomerang back at him. 

Maharathi Bhishma had refused to fight in the battle if he fights along. Blinded by rage and slight, Karna had taken a vow that he will not pick up arms against the Pandavas until Bhishma lies in his last sleep.

And then there was that vow he had taken for his supposed mother - to not kill any other of the Kaunteyas except Arjun. 

It looks like he is keeping true to form. 

Taking the worst decisions of his life in his own violation has been Karna's favourite pass time. 

Now that the battle has started in full swing he is standing at the side lines, twiddling his thumbs and bearing testimony to what most probably will be called the most horrific bloodbath ever committed in the history of humankind. His fingers itch to lift the Vijaya and jump into the fray participating in the thick of the action, but he couldn't. 

Blast that annoying vow!

Suddenly he heard a whistling sound in the air. It was unmistakable. The sound of an arrow cutting through the wind. But the sun had set. According to the rules of battle, there mustn't be any fighting after sundown. 

Then from where is that sound coming? 

Karna followed the sound and reached the bank of the Ganges. 

He saw a slender man with an impressive bow shooting arrows at the bark of a tree. His countenance screamed that he was royalty and his astounding skill was evident from the perfect stance he occupied while his concentration remained fixed even as Karna neared him curiously.

He stopped a few feet away and watched as he shot several arrows in timed succession creating a mesh of arrows hitting in perfect distance in the tree. And he wasn't even winded. 

Karna couldn't stop himself from voicing his appreciation. Whoever this warrior was - Kaurava or Pandava, he was extremely talented. Karna was impressed. And Karna is very rarely, read very very rarely impressed. 

"Bravo!"

The man turned and Karna saw him properly. His face was half covered by the red turban he was donning. The armour over his torso was fitted and shone blindingly in the setting sun and his red dhoti was crisply folded along his slender legs. His arms were long befitting an archer yet it was his eyes which tranced the Son of Suryadev. 

He had almost feminine eyes, lashed heavily and lined with kohl which brought the hazel green colour of the irises. Those eyes pierced at him and then widened slightly as if in recognition. Karna bowed in respect and the young warrior mirrored him. 

"That was impressive sir! What astounding skill you have! Can I be obliged with your good name? Are you on our side or that of the Pandavas?"

"Technically speaking.. neither your highness! But otherwise maybe on the side of your greatest enemy Angaraaj.."

The voice. It was too shrill to be considered manly. He was confused and as if on cue the man took of the makeshift scarf he had made with his turban off his face and Karna was suitably shocked. 

It was a woman!!!

No wonder...

Her frame was too slender to be considered manly but the play of wiry muscles in her arms and marks of faded wounds littering on her visible skin had given him a false impression that this was a warrior. But this was a woman.

A rather handsome woman with manly features yet a unique arresting feminine charm which made her look unconventionally beautiful. Karna stammered in part embarrassment and part amazement and she smirked boldly, her attractive green eyes dancing in mirth. 

"I.. I am sorry... I thought.. Forgive my impudence my lady. I couldn't recognize you."

He bowed again and heard her mischievous chuckle.

"It is quite alright Angaraaj. I do look quite ugly in comparison to the Aryavarta Queens."

"Nonsense my lady. Forgive my boldness but you are ravishing and quite resplendent in the comfort of this choice of attire and your skillset."

"I thank you Angaraaj Karna. It seems the talk of your arrogance was overdone to some point. You appear quite amiable."

Karna laughed and shook his head. 

"I assure you my lady. I am what you call... selectively amiable. What you might have heard of my vanity is as close to the truth as any other."

The woman chuckled again and picked her bow and went to pluck out the arrows she had shot. Karna went with her and helped her. She tilted her head in gratitude and he smiled. 

"Though you haven't yet answered my question my lady? What are you doing here? You are from the Pandava side surely because I haven't seen you in the Kaurava camps."

"I am. Though its just a temporary visit to my husband. I have to get back to my kingdom. The politics of Aryavarta has changed dynamically since the past decade, it is affecting its neighbours as well. The Great War has created an unrest all around the world. Both manmade and natural."

Her words were spoken in an authority which looked far beyond her years yet Karna couldn't help but agree. The battle of Kurukshetra is definitely damaging the general atmosphere of Aryavarta and its allies. Then her words registered in his mind. 

Her kingdom..? 

She was a queen? 

And who was her husband? 

And what was her name anyway. The woman saw Karna's face twist in further confusion and sighed. She had better reveal her identity. 

"I am the ruler of the kingdom of Manipur, Angaraaj. My father King Chitravahan has passed away a few years prior which has given me the sole responsibility of the throne. I thought you might have heard of me."

Realisation dawned on Radheya immediately. 

King Chitravahan's daughter! The elusive warrior princess of Manipur! A strange political alliance by marriage, with Indraprasth. Princess Chitrangada!

"Princess Chitrangada! Of course! My memory must be failing me. I failed to connect the dots. Greetings Princess!"

"Greetings Angaraaj! It is quite surprising you know that the first person I encounter from the opposite side should be you."

Karna turned to look at her. Her voice didn't have any tinge of malice which he had expected in fact it sounded pleased to an extent. This was Arjun's third wife.

He had expected a bit of hostility from her side yet she didn't look too fazed. Maybe she was just good at pretention. They had been walking silently a respectable distance apart by side by side at the water drenched edge of the river. 

"So.. I take it you are here to fight?"

"Not at all. I told you, technically I am at neither side. My kingdom doesn't fall in your land. There is no jurisdiction of the Emperor in my land. Why should I fight then?"

"But your husband is.."

"Yes. That is because he is fighting for his kingdom, dharma, justice and that whole deal. And he wouldn't need my help anyways. Who needs any help when Lord Krishna himself wields his chariot."

She chuckled seeing Karna's face drop and he sighed deeply. 

"Ahh yes, the mysterious Yadava, Lord Vaasudev Krishna! I should have grilled my friend before he had landed in Dwarka to ask for Dwarkadhish's help. But then... Duryodhan is prone to make embarrassing mistakes."

"A disaster you mean..?"

Chitrangada asked cheekily. Karna smiled ruefully.

"Precisely."

She broke into a surprisingly manly bout of laughter. It was unabashed and unhesitant. This woman had grace yet no traditional lady like qualities. Karna could see what Arjun might have seen in her. 

"I say Angraaj, you aren't bad at all! But what I couldn't understand is why you had to take this side. And please, do not insult my intelligence and give me that lie you have been telling everyone that you wouldn't desert your friend."

Karna looked at her slightly shocked. Her blunt appraisal and equally sharp deduction made him feel uneasy. He could see the top of the flags of the Pandavas come in the visible horizon. The sun had almost descended into the lap of Mother Ganga.

He could hear a faint but soothing music filter through the air which immediately soothed his frayed nerves. The Princess was still waiting for his answer. He could feel her curious gaze burn holes in his side. 

"Your highness.. I.. I will not humiliate my friend by telling that it wasn't for him at all, because a part of that reason is true but.. like you have so acutely judged, it isn't the whole truth. I know a line had been crossed in the Dyut Sabha that day... which should never have been crossed. I would not further insult the Pandava Queen, at least not more than I already have... by telling that it wasn't my fault. Yes it was. I.. I was blinded by my strive for revenge. To make her feel an ounce of the humiliation she had subjected me to, that day in Samrat Drupada's court. But in that urge I had completely disregarded my limits. I understood my folly the moment she was dragged into the court.."

He stopped gulping dryly as that horrifying scene flashed in front of his eyes. He dare not look at Chitrangada who had crushed her eyes close feeling her eldest sister in law's helpless pain as tears burned beneath them. Somehow he continued. Karna had to let this out. To someone.. 

"I understood then, yet my anger and my pride refused to relent and I had so shamelessly declared that obscenity in the court. It maligned my character more than it had for anyone else. I realised that. Thank God for God's grace that... that nothing happened... But at that moment I knew a wedge has been drawn between the brothers. And like your husband had declared then could only be filled with the Kaurava blood. Thus this war was inevitable. And I knew, only by fighting in this war, probably dying too may I get redeemed for that one horrible crime which I was an accomplice to."

Chitrangada looked at him pitifully. Will anyone ever believe her if she told them she had seen the great Angaraaj Karna droop in guilt and shame? 

What has destiny done to these super warriors, these brave hearts, these stalwarts of justice and statecraft?

Arjun had the same look of guilt painted on his handsome but haggard face when he had taken her in his arms this evening when he had seen her waiting for him in his tent.

She had felt his broad and steady shoulders droop into her embrace for the first time in her life. The war was draining all of them - the Pandavas, the Kauravas, their allies and even the Gods themselves. 

She smiled in what she believed was in sympathy.

"It was a heinous misdeed Angaraaj. I wouldn't lie just to ease your guilt. Being a woman and a warrior princess myself, I can't. But this much I can say that there is no deed which cannot be redeemed. Even if only this time you might have to give your life for it. By the end of this great war, we all might be redeemed."

Karna smiled at that brittlely and tried to appreciate the quiet dignity with which the Manipuri Princess had addressed this sensitive issue. She must be a good ruler. The diplomacy was threaded in her words yet she was unapologetically firm.

A leaders quality.

Now he was sure, Arjun had fallen for her before marrying and it was not just a political alliance which he had thought previously. He saw they had reached the Pandava camps almost. He stopped and she did too, a few metres away from the entrance.

"Thank you for your kind words your highness. I believe our journey has come to an end. It was such a pleasure to have met you Princess Chitrangada. Allow me to take my leave.."

"As great a pleasure to have made your acquaintance Angraaj Karna! I am truly humbled to have found company with one of the greatest warriors of our time."

She strode forward proudly after giving him a curt bow leaving Karna slightly shocked at the last sentence. Not ready to get defeated in this verbal war and determined to have the last word with this strangely intimidating yet fascinating Princess Karna called out from behind her.

"I hardly think your husband would approve that kind of a praise for me your highness."

Chitrangada stopped in her tracks and turned just her face around to flash him with her brightest grin, her handsome face lighting up in intelligent mischief. 

"Good then cause as my husband would tell you that I never much care for his approval either way. Good evening Angaraaj."

 Karna couldn't help the short disbelieving laugh which escaped his lips at that and he turned away from Chitrangada to walk towards the Kaurava camps slowly. 

Oh he had to agree now that his brother does have a very good taste in people...

Hear me out, okay?

The Sleeper's actions at the end of CoG mirrored Lord Krishna's. Not even Duryodhana, the man whose reincarnation he was.

Now, Lord Krishna made a cameo as the UBER driver in NoI (but as of now, that's besides the point)

BUUUT, in the OG Mahabharata (the version I've read, anyway), after Lord Krishna revealed his true form to the court of Dhritirashtra, he asked (an awe-struck) Karna to take him to the banks of the Ganga (or the Ganges, if you're not from India).

At the Ganga, Krishna revealed who Karna was: the son of the sun god, and a child of Kunti.

This was actually a power play: Lord Krishna wanted Karna to feel unsure about fighting for the Kauravas, maybe even defect to the Pandavas' side. He even used the words: "Why would you fight your own brothers?"

Sound familiar?

Fast forward to present day, Aru Shah's 2019 birthday party that was inconveniently crashed by the Sleeper. Even then, he reveals who Kara is: the daughter of Surya, and the child of Krithika Shah.

But his motives are as clear as Lord Krishna's were: to make Kara feel unsure of herself and whose side she was fighting for.

Except, instead of trying to get her to fight on the Pandavas' side, he tried to twist the words around and tried (and succeeded, actually (for a short time anyway)) to make Kara join his side.

His motives are EXACTLY the same as Lord Krishna's.

But, the Sleeper also twisted the words around, referencing the OG myths: About how Kara would never be accepted since she was an illegitimate Pandava, and how Aru was spying on her when she confessed to Aiden.

Which is why I think a full circle has been completed. Lord Krishna manipulated Karna first, and the Sleeper manipulated Kara next. Kara, and Karna have been manipulated so many times in their lives.

Lied to about their births, their heritages.

But in the end, anyway, they both chose to fight for their Duryodhana: the only person they thought accepted them.

this definitely isn't a major revelation or anything, it's just a messy af analysis of cog's ending

Best 8 Chardham Yatra Package 2023

The Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage circuit in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which consists of four ancient Hindu temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Yatra is considered to be one of the most sacred journeys in Hinduism, and it is believed that undertaking this journey can help in attaining Moksha or liberation.

Places to visit in Chardham

Yamunotri

The Yamunotri Temple, one of the Chardham pilgrimages, was constructed in the 19th century close to the sacred Yamuna River's source. A 5 km walk will take you to the temple from the outlying Janki Chatti settlement. There are a number of hot springs next to the temple that are safe to dip in, and visitors can also see pilgrims preparing grains and potatoes for prasad within the building.

Significance of Yamunotri

Yamunotri, which is in Uttarkashi and is situated at an elevation of 10,803 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, is about 40 kilometres from Barkot. The Yamunotri Glacier, which is located near the Bandarpunch Peaks at an elevation of 20,954 feet, is where the Yamuna actually originates. On your vacation to Yamunotri, you can see places like Divya Shila, Hanuman Chatti, Surya Kund, and Saptarishi Kund Lake.

Gangotri

The Ganges, the most venerated Hindu river, originates in the Gangotri Temple, one of the most sacred sites in the nation. In mythology, the nearby rock acted as a cushion to protect the world from the destruction that the river may have brought about if it had not been for Shiva's tangled hair in heaven.

Significance of Gangotri

According to Hindu mythology, Ganga was a gift from Lord Shiva to King Bhagirath in recompense for his assiduous penance. However, Lord Shiva captured the Ganges in his locks and made it flow down through them since he understood its true strength and the disaster it would bring about if permitted to run down unchecked. One of the reasons Ganga is known as Bhagirathi, after her father, King Bhagirath, is the sacred stone that bore the brunt of the rushing river's force and is located close to the Gangotri shrine.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is surrounded by icy Himalayan peaks and is situated close to the Chorabari Glacier, which feeds the Mandakini River. It is located at an elevation of 11,755 feet, and the nearest roadhead to Kedarnath is Gaurikund, which is 14 kilometres distant. The legendary origins of the stone hump inside the temple can be found in the epic Mahabharata, where the Pandavas begged Lord Shiva's mercy after defeating the Kauravas, who were after every member of their own family.

Significance of Kedarnath

Due to its proximity to the Chorabari Glacier, where the Mandakini River rises, the Kedarnath Temple boasts one of the most striking settings of all Hindu temples. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath attracts Hindu visitors all summer long. It is distinguished by deep canyons, apple orchards, snow-capped summits, and terraced hill slopes.

Badrinath

The Badrinath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu, also has a beautiful location at the foot of the pyramid-shaped, snow-capped Nilkantha peak. It is one of Chardham's most conveniently located temples and has a picturesque setting. Guru Adi Shankaracharya founded it in the eighth century.

However, the temple has undergone numerous updates and renovations. Hot springs with water that reaches a scorching 40 degrees Celsius are located at the base of the temple and are used by the locals for laundry and bathing. The Badrinarayan statue was discovered in the Alakananda River by Adi Shankaracharya, who built the original Badrinath Temple.

Significance of Badrinath

The Badrinath town is unspoiled and lovely, with many vistas of snow-capped high peaks, dense forests, and the holy river cutting through the lush valley and flowing down it. Kedar-Badri Utsav, Janmashtami, and Mata Mruti ka Mela are a few well-known festivals that take place in Badrinath. There are a number of attractions nearby Badrinath that you can visit, including Badri Narayan Temple, Panch Prayag Temple, Tapt Kund for its hot springs, Mana Village, Bheem Pul, and Vasudhara Falls.

When looking for a Chardham Yatra package for 2023, it is important to consider the following factors:

Itinerary: Make sure that the itinerary includes all four temples of the Chardham Yatra, as well as any other important pilgrimage sites along the way.

Duration: The duration of the tour should be long enough to cover all the sites comfortably. Usually, Chardham Yatra packages last for 10-12 days.

Accommodation: Check if the package includes accommodation in comfortable and hygienic hotels or lodges along the route.

Transport: Make sure that the package includes comfortable and safe transportation for the entire duration of the tour.

Guide: It is recommended to choose a package that includes an experienced and knowledgeable guide who can provide you with insights into the history and significance of the pilgrimage sites.

Price: Compare the prices of different packages and choose the one that fits your budget and meets your requirements.

It is advisable to choose a reputable travel agency that specialises in the Chardham Yatra package and has a good track record of providing quality services to its customers.

I hope this information helps you in finding the best Chardham Yatra package for 2023 that meets your requirements and budget.

When planning a Chardham Yatra trip, it's important to keep in mind that the best time to visit is from April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible. During the monsoon season (July to August), the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can make the roads and trekking routes difficult to navigate.

As for tour packages, there are many travel companies that offer Chardham Yatra package but The Chardham yatra Is One of the best. If You can search for them online or consult with a local travel agent to find a package that suits your budget and preferences. It's important to research the company and read reviews before making a booking to ensure that you are getting a reliable and trustworthy service.

I hope this information helps you in planning your Chardham Yatra trip.

Cassandra Truth and Time Loop for Kunti?

On the banks of the Ganges, Karna the generous grants his mother a boon, and this is what she demands of him:

“Don’t fight.” Kunti’s voice is low and urgent and still only a fraction of the fear she feels. She wants her boys to have their kingdom back again; she cannot bear for them to be known as their own brother’s murderer. This is the only way she sees.

Karna’s face–there is nothing in it of her own; if she had more than a fleeting memory of Shurasena, might she find him instead?– goes hard. For a moment she thinks he might refuse, and then his shining head lowers.

Kunti relaxes; it will be all right after all. Karna is of the sort that finds a peculiar satisfaction in sacrifice, a delight in dourness. Likely he will content himself the whole war through on the thoughts of his magnanimity to a mother he has no reason to love, and her boys will never need to know anything more.

Her contentment is short-lived. Karna does not indeed fight in the war at Kurukshetra, despite the scoffs and slanders of those around him, and watches his friends die in silence in the midst of the Kaurava camp. They say her nephew Krishna offers him friendship in those days, the only one to understand what is to take no weapons in a sea of dying men, but Krishna at least serves as charioteer. Karna does not enter the battlefield at all.

When Duryodhana is dead, Kunti hopes that will be the end of it. Let Karna and his sons have their Anga–a pittance to the prizes to be won!–and let Pandu’s sons forget them entirely. So indeed it might have been, had Yudhisthira not taken it into his head to conduct the Ashwamedha.

The horse’s entrance into their lands is one insult too many for those descended of the sun, and Karna and his sons ride out against Arjuna. Karna is a mighty warrior indeed, or was; but years of forced inactivity and shame take his toll, and Kunti knows her Arjuna to be marred by fratricide nonetheless.

Her boys spit at their brother’s pyre and call him “coward”; Kunti says nothing, but turns instead to the Sun, to demand some chance of happiness as compensation for his treatment of her.

*

She finds herself at the Ganges again, before Karna at his prayers, and this time she asks that he join his brothers when time comes to align for war. Karna’s face goes white, and his acceptance is nothing more than a whisper, but his word is given and Kunti wants no more. 

Duryodhana is understandably surprised at hurt at his dearest friend’s defection, and that hatred fuels his desire for war all the more; Kunti’s sons, for their part, treat their new ally with nothing more than suspicion.

But Karna comes to her before the war, and bows his head in blessing; and Kunti wonders if this would it have been like, to be his mother.

On the fourth day of battle, the inevitable occurs, and Karna and Duryodhana face each other on the field. Kunti’s boys watch but do not interfere–and Karna is brought down by his foe, a thousand times the lesser. “He wept,” Arjuna tells her when he brings the news, half-disgusted, half-confused; “they both wept, and when Duryodhana swung his last blow, I’d swear it was relief that made them so.”

She visits him on the battlefield where he lies dying, because the Queen Mother can do so for a commander–and Karna lifts his eyes to her, or to his divine father, and gasps: “Please–let it not be so–”

*

(”Impossible to stop him,” Surya intones, “when his fate is already written–”

But Kunti has heard too many impossibles in her life. “I can–” she says. “I must–”)

*

This time on the riverbank, she knows the war must never come to pass. Instead she bids Karna take his position as her son, announces him to be her son despite his protests, and smirks when Duryodhana’s resistance turns to smoke when it is his friend who lays claim to Indraprastha.

Yudhisthira, her dear boy, makes no protest at being superseded, and obedient to him, nor do her other sons. But Draupadi, fire-born, whose fury runs deep refuses to accept him, neither as husband, nor as brother-in-law, nor as ally.

“He is no suta, dear one,” Kunti coaxes, “but my own son–”

“As a young woman,” she fumes, “it might have been enough to sway me. But now I know Karna for what he is, what he would do to a woman who is friendless and alone in an assembly hall full of her foes, and it is for that I will ever turn my face from him.”

Draupadi retreats to Panchal, and takes her father and brothers and sons with her, and later Kunti hears that they intend alone to avenge her insult, now that her husbands will not. Karna will not allow his brothers to help their cause; but nor will they allow him to help Duryodhana, and so they watch their kinsmen destroy each other from afar. 

Karna never forgives himself for it, and, never a forceful and interested ruler, allows himself to sink into self-recrimination and indolence. Yudhisthira, ever fearful of overstepping his boundaries, shrinks into a shadow of what he might have been. Bhima, balking at Karna’s authority over him, spends more and more time with his first wife and son; Arjuna, similarly, retreats to Dwaraka. 

“Why ought we to obey him?” the twins snarl as they leave for Madra and Shalya’s waiting arms. “He’s no brother of ours.” (And lo, the worst blow of all–Kunti has never known them to emphasize how they are not her own, not before today).

The last of the Kurus come to an end, pathetic and forgotten, and Kunti’s family lies shattered around her. 

*

(The sun-god is too lofty to say anything along the lines of I told you so; but Kunti knows he thinks it.

She turns her face away. “Not this,” she says. “Anything but this.”)

*

Years spent together in Indraprastha have familiarized Kunti with Karna’s routine, so that his prayers are familiar, the shade of his body a comfort she almost expects. 

He is kind to her, even now, when she pleads; and the bargain of five sons living far more than she deserves. Besides, no amount of warnings and woe can win him joy; she knows that now. 

It is only when she turns away into the shelter of the palace that she remembers that this time, and this time alone, he had offered her no choice in her request–as though he knew and feared what she might ask–

She wonders what he might remember, her oldest, her bravest boy. 

Char Dham Yatra Package || Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra

Day 1: Delhi - Haridwar (230 kms/6-7hrs)

Arrival Delhi Airport / Delhi Railway Station, Meet & Assist further drive to Haridwar. Transfer to your Hotel. If time permits visit Mansadevi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temples & Others. Also, visit Har-ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti. The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving ritual. Back to your hotel, Night halt.

Har ki Pauri: It is also known as Brahmakund and it is believed to be the place where divine nectar fell from the pitcher. It is the site for the famous Kumbh Mela which is celebrated in 12 years. A large number of devotees comes especially to Haridwar to take a holy dip in the Ganga River. At twilight, when evening aarti has performed the reflection of the golden diyas that keep floating on the river offers an enchanting view of the ghat to the visitors. This sacred Ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari, who is said to have meditated on the banks of Ganga in Haridwar.

Day 2: Haridwar - Barkot (210kms/7-8hr)

Drive to Barkot via Mussoorie, enroute visit Kempty Fall (Suggestible to have your lunch at Kempty fall as further no good restaurants are available before Badkot). Later drive straight to Barkot, transfer to your Hotel. Overnight stay at Barkot.

Barkot is known for its scenic natural beauty. Located at the confluence of Yamuna and tons rivers. At an elevation of over 4,000 ft, apple orchards ringed by the Himalayan range. Barkot offers panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains of Bandar Poonch. Barkot is an important stopover en route to Yamunotri and Gangotri, among the four Char Dham Pilgrimages.

Weather - Generally pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius, Winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold,temp ranges from 10 deg to 05 deg.

Day 3: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot {36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)}

Early morning, Drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti, trek start from here to Yamunotri (6kms). Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost. Arr. Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Here near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila, After taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warn water and having "Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" returning to Jankichatti. Return back to Barkot, Overnight stay. Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again.Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund. Weather - In summer the maximun temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.

Day 4: Barkot - Uttarkashi (100kms/4hr)

Drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Vishwanath Temple & Others. Check in Hotel. Rest day at leisure. Night Halt.

Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams and temples and also to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is situated on the Ganges, lies next to a hill named Varun Parvat, on confluence of two rivers Varuna and Asi, has a ghat called Manikarnika Ghat and has a temple dedicated to Shiva (Kashi Vishwanath Temple) in the center of the town. Vishwanath temple - Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. A massive iron trident, symbolic of divine mother’s, is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex. Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi’s small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Akhand Jyoti as well as Akhand Abhishek, special aarti at morning and evening are offered. As per Skunda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug and counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Day 5: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 each side)

Early morning drive to Gangotri, enroute at Gangnani take a holy dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its nature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees, and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Return back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi. Gangotri Temple: The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.

Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr)

Drive straight to Guptkashi via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi. On arrival Check In at the Hotel, evening visit Ardh Narishwar Temple. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Gupt Kashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnath pandas (hereditary pilgrimage priests) live in Gupt Kashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.

Day 7: Guptkashi - Kedarnath (30kms by road & 19kms Trek)

After medical check-up proceed to Sonprayag, Trek start from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (3584 mts) by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Visit Kedarnath Temple. Overnight stay.

Kedarnath:The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The r! emaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Day 8: Kedarnath – Guptkashi (19Kms Down Trek & 30kms/1hr by Road)

Early morning, after Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag. Further drive to Guptkashi. Check in Hotel. Night Halt.

Day 9: Guptkashi - Badrinath (215kms/7hr)

Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Later at evening visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti. Overnight stay.

Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries".

Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform proppitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra : 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.

Day 10: 10:Badrinath – Kirtinagar (200kms)

Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Later drive back to Kirtinagar via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 11: Kirtinagar – Delhi (350kms)

Drive to Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides.Later transfer to Delhi. Drop at Delhi Airport / Railway Station.

Enquire Now

Char Dham Yatra ... Complete Guide

The Char Dham is a set of four pilgrimage sites in India. we indians believe that visiting these sites helps achieve "Moksha". It comprises Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri and Rameswaram. It is considered by Hindus that every Hindu must visit the char dhams during one's lifetime.

Here are a guide by TRAVELTOEXPLORE, which helps you how to reach and how to enjoy your trip without facing any problem. Here a look :-

Day 01: Haridwar - Barkot (210kms/7-8hr) HT : 1352 MTS. Pickup from Haridwar Railway Station / Dehradun Airport / Railway Station. Drive to Barkot via Mussoorie, enroute visit Kempty Fall (Suggestible to have your lunch at Kempty fall as further no good restaurants are available before Badkot). Later drive straight to Barkot, transfer to your Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hiII) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Overnight stay at Barkot. Barkot is known for its scenic natural beauty. Located at the confluence of Yamuna and tons rivers. At an elevation of over 4,000 ft, apple orchards ringed by the Himalayan range. Barkot offers panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains of Bandar Poonch. Barkot is an important stopover en route to Yamunotri and Gangotri, among the four Char Dham Pilgrimages. Weather - Generally pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius, Winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold,temp ranges from 10 deg to 05 deg.

Day 02: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot {36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)} HT : 3291 MTS. Early morning, Drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti, trek start from here to Yamunotri (6kms). Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost. The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs. Arr. Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Here near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila, After taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warn water and having "Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" returning to Jankichatti. Return back to Barkot, Overnight stay. Yamunotri, the western most shrine of the Char Dhams, is dominated by Banderpunch (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lord of Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km a head of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund. Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple. Weather - In summer the maximun temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.

Day 03: Barkot - Uttarkashi (90kms/4hr) HT : 1352 MTS. Drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Vishwanath Temple & Others. Check in Hotel. Rest day at leisure. Night Halt. Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams and temples and also to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is situated on the Ganges, lies next to a hill named Varun Parvat, on confluence of two rivers Varuna and Asi, has a ghat called Manikarnika Ghat and has a temple dedicated to Shiva (Kashi Vishwanath Temple) in the center of the town. Vishwanath temple - Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. A massive iron trident, symbolic of divine mother’s, is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex. Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi’s small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Akhand Jyoti as well as Akhand Abhishek, special aarti at morning and evening are offered. As per Skunda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug and counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Shakti temple - Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there are different views about the making of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga(Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti is erected over here Weather - Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 degree Celsius but nights is pleasant, Cold in winters.

Day 04: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 each side) HT : 3048 MTS. Early morning drive to Gangotri, enroute at Gangnani take a holy dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its nature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees, and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Return back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi. Gangotri Temple: The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases. Kedar Ganga Sangam: Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valle, this river meets the Bhagirathi on its left bank.

Day 05: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr) HT : 1319 MTS. Drive straight to Guptkashi via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi. On arrival Check In at the Hotel, freshen up. Overnight stay at the Hotel. The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Gupt Kashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnath pandas (hereditary pilgrimage priests) live in Gupt Kashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.

Day 06: Guptkashi - Kedarnath (30kms by road & 19kms Trek): After medical check-up proceed to Sonprayag, Trek start from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (3584 mts) by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Visit Kedarnath Temple. Overnight stay. Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Day 07: Kedarnath – Guptkashi (19Kms Down Trek & 30kms/1hr by Road) : Early morning you get up before dawn and after taking bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the 'Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag. Further drive to Guptkashi. Check in Hotel. Night Halt.

Day 08: Guptkashi - Badrinath (215kms/7hr) HT : 3133 MTS. Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Later at evening visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti. Overnight stay. Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries".

Day 09: Badrinath –Rudraprayag (160kms) Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Later drive back to Rudraprayag / Kirtinagar via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay. Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath. The idol is brought down to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship. There are many other temples in the township. The most important is the temple of Nir Singh with the idol of Lord Vishnu. The left arm of this deity is getting destroyed with time and the popular belief holds that the day the arm completely withers Badrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transfer the residence into the neighboring Niti Valley at Bhavishya Badri. Day 10: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh- Haridwar (160kms/5hr) Drive to Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of " Hrishikesh " and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh. If time permits visit Rishikesh Temples & Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Shivananda Ashram. Later transfer to Haridwar Railway Station / Dehradun Airport. Tour Terminate. For more information or any guidance please drop us your comment below, we will respond you as soon as possible. Read the full article

Solar Lunar Dynasties Surya Chandra Vamsa From One Woman Ila, A Dravida

New Post has been published on https://gyanyog.net/solar-lunar-dynasties-surya-chandra-vamsa-from-one-woman-ila-a-dravida/

Solar Lunar Dynasties Surya Chandra Vamsa From One Woman Ila, A Dravida

There were two ancient dynasties in India.

Other dynasties have sprung from the two.

These two dynasties are,

Surya Vamsa, the Solar Dynasty and

Chandra Vamsa, the Lunar dynasty.

Lord Rama belonged to Ikshvaku Dynasty which is the same as Surya Vamsa, Solar Dynasty.

Pandavas and Kauravas belonged to Chandra Vamsa,Lunar Dynasty.

When one tries to find out the origin of Man Genealogy, and the first pair , one gets stuck, either with Incest or the origin of one of the pair remaining with no visible parentage.

I seek the indulgence of the readers for my vagueness in the foregoing sentence.

This is to avoid that useless controversy.

Those who can read between the lines would understand.

Now to the point at hand.

Ila with Budha, son of Moon,Chandra.

If there were two dynasties, then who was the first one; how did the second dynasty come into play;how these two are related?

Indian texts are clear on Cosmology and Genealogy, besides pther things.

There are Eighteen Puranas and many Upa Puranas.

Please read my post on list of Indian Texts.

There may be minor variations in details among the Puranas, but all agree on essential major facts.

Thus Genealogy and Cosmology descriptions, explanations do not have discrepancies among the Puranas.

Thus under Genealogy, Puranas describe the dynasties and list the Kings.

It may not be of place to mention that Cosmology and Genealogy are two of the characteristics laid down for a text to be qualified as Purana.

Please read my article on Characteristics of Purana.

The Firs human was Manu, He is called Vaivaswatha Manu for the present Time scale, Kali Yuga, which has a span of 4,32,000 years.

He had one daughter and nine sons. Manu begot ten other children named Vena, Dhrishnu, Narishyan,Nabhaga, Ikshvaku, Karusha, Sharyati, the eighth, a daughter named Ila, Prishadhruthe ninth, and Nabhagarishta, the tenth. ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shraddhadeva_Manu#Descendants )

His son Ikshvaku was from the south of the Vindhya mountains, Dravida Desa.

His kingdom was centered around Madagascar.

When a Tsunami struck , Manu mediatated in a plateau near Madagascar.

He left south with his sons for Ayodhya, where he founded the Solar Dynasty, called as Surya Vamsa.

Manu had left his only daughter Ila in the South.

She remained in the South,Dravida Desa.

Her descendants ruled from the south.

This dynasty is the Chandra Vamsa, Lunar Dynasty.

The descendants of Ila and Ikshvaku are first cousins.

In Hindu way of explaining relationships, children of aunt and uncle.

Though both Ila and Ikshvaku belong to the Genealogy of Manu, the Dynasty is called Ikshvaku, Manu’s son.

I shall write as to why.

While the dynasty of Ikashvaku is called Solar, that of Ila is Lunar, Chandra Vamsa.

Chandra Vamsa is named after Chandra, Moon.

Ila was both a man and woman.

‘According to the Ramayana, when Ila approached Shiva for help, Shiva laughed with scorn but the compassionate Parvati reduced the curse and allowed Ila to switch genders every month. However, as a male he would not remember his life as a female and vice versa. While Ilā roamed the forest in her new form with her female attendants, Budha, the god of the planet Mercury and the son of the moon-god Chandra, noticed her. Although he had been practising asceticism, Ilā’s beauty caused him to fall in love with her at first sight. Budha turned Ilā’s attendants into Kimpurushas (hermaphrodite, lit. “is it a man?”)[10][14] and ordered them to run away, promising that they would find mates as Ilā had.

Ilā married Budha and spent an entire month with him and consummated the marriage. However, Ilā woke one morning as Sudyumna and remembered nothing about the past month. Budha told Ila that his retinue had been killed in a rain of stones and convinced Ila to stay with him for a year. During each month she spent as a woman, Ilā had good time with Budha. During each month as a man, Ila turned to pious ways and performed austerities under the guidance of Budha. In the ninth month, Ilā gave birth to Pururavas, who grew to become the first king of the Lunar dynasty. Then, as per the advice of Budha and Ila’s father Kardama, Ila pleased Shiva with a horse sacrifice and Shiva restored Ila’s masculinity permanently.

Another legend from the Vishnu Purana credits Vishnu of restoring Ilā’s manhood as Sudyumma. The Bhagavata Purana et al. texts tell that after Pururavas’s birth, the nine brothers of Ila – by horse sacrifice – or the sage Vasistha – the family priest of Ila – pleased Shiva to compel him to give the boon of alternate month manhood to Ila, turning him into a Kimpurusha.The Linga Purana and the Mahabharata record the birth of Pururavas, but do not narrate the end of Ila’s alternating gender condition. In fact, the Mahabharata describes Ilā to be the mother as well as the father of Pururavas.According to another account found in the Vayu Purana and the Brahmanda Purana, Ilā was born female, married Budha, then was transformed into a male called Sudyumna. Sudyumna was then cursed by Parvati and transformed once again into a female, but became a man once again through Shiva’s boon.

In almost all versions of the tale, Ila wants to live as a man, but in the Skanda Purana, Ila desires to be a woman. The king Ela (Ila) entered Parvati’s grove at Sahya mountain and became the woman Ilā. Ilā wished to remain a woman and serve Parvati (Gauri) and Ganga, the goddess of the Ganges river. However, the goddesses dissuaded him. Ilā bathed in a sacred pool and returned as Ela, bearded and deep-voiced.’

The Bhagavata Purana, the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and the Linga Purana declare that Ila ascended to heaven with both male and female anatomy.[18] Ila is considered the chief progenitor of the Lunar Dynasty through Pururavas and of the Solar Dynasty through his brother Iksavaku and sons Utkala, Gaya, and Vinatashva.[9][22] The marriage of Ilā, a descendant of the Sun, and Budha, the son of the Moon, is the first union of the solar and lunar races recorded in the scriptures.[11]

Reference and citation.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ila_(Hinduism)

53.805356 -1.539613

Draupadi - The Draupadi that wasn't or was......

Draupadi

Draupadi needs no introduction. She was the mysterious, fiery yet compassionate queen of the five Pandava brothers, and is also considered as the sole reason behind the great Mahabharat war. But do you know that Draupadi symbolizes binding of the five chakras in human body? She is thus referred as Kula kundalini, which resides in the spinal cord of the humans. 

The various names of Draupadi Draupadi is also referred to as Panchali (meaning one from the kingdom of Panchala), Yajnaseni (meaning one born from a Yajna or fire-sacrifice), Mahabhaaratii (great wife of the five descendents of Bharata) and Sairandhri (an expert maid, her assumed name during her second exile in which she worked as Virat kingdom’s queen Sudeshna’s hair-stylist).

There are also stories of Draupadi asking for a husband with 14 qualities in her previous birth. Lord Shiva granted her a boon. But as no man could possess all the qualities, he told her she will be the wife of five men who collectively possess all the qualities. Draupadi had asked Lord Shiva to bless her with a husband who had five of the best qualities a man can have: dharma, strength, archery skills, good looks, patience etc.

Rare in the culture of ancient times, Draupadi was a fearless woman. She demanded justice directly from Dhritarashtra, the king of Hastinapur, when she was insulted. She, as Sairandhri, again demanded justice directly from king Virata when she was insulted by his brother-in-law Kichaka. She openly condemned those kings (Virata and Dhritarashtra) for failing to protect a woman. She even condemned great warriors such as Bhishma, Drona, Kripacharya and her husbands for not saving her from the humiliation during Cheer-Haran episode

Draupadi’s father Drupada, king of Panchala, creates her with the sole purpose of destroying the Kuru household that patronized Drona, who used his students, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, to conquer and then divide Panchala. Thus, Draupadi is born an adult, with no appreciation of childhood or parenting. Draupadi is raised in hatred, designed for destroying a family.

There is popular belief in South India that Draupadi was also an incarnation of Maha Kali, who was born to assist Lord Krishna (who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is the brother of Goddess Parvati) to destroy all the arrogant Kings of India. That is why they are considered brother and sister although Draupadi was born from fire.

Draupadi screams vengeance but doubts if her five husbands will avenge her insult. She has reason to doubt them. They do not kill Jayadhrata, the husband of her sister-in-law, even though he drags her out of her house onto his chariot determined to make her his concubine. They hesitate to kill Kichaka for fear of making their secret identities public when he abuses her in the final year of their exile.

Draupadi’s vessel was like Lakshmi’s “akshaya patra” , always full of food. Across India, the term “Draupadi’s vessel” means a kitchen that is overflowing with the best of foods. Such a kitchen is the mark of a good homemaker (she is sometimes referred to as “Annapurna”). Mahabharata shows us the value of a good homemaker and that women should not be objectified for “LUST” alone.

There is also an interesting story of Durvasa saving Draupadi from the Cheer-Haran. Shiva Purana attributes her miraculous rescue to a boon granted by Durvasa. The story goes that the sage’s loincloth was once carried away by the Ganges. Draupadi quickly tore a piece of her garment to cover him. The sage granted her a boon, which caused an unending stream of cloth to cover her when Dushasan was trying to strip her.

When Ghatotkacha visited his father’s kingdom for the first time, he did not pay respect to Drauapdi on his mother’s (Hidimba’s) orders. Draupadi felt humiliated and she got very angry. She shouted at him that she was an exceptional person, she was the queen of Yudhisthira, she was the daughter of a Brahmin king, and her status was far higher than that of the Pandavas. And at his wicked Asur mother behest he had dared to insult her in the august assembly of elders, sages and kings!

Draupadi uttered a horrible curse that Ghatotkacha’s life would be short, and that he would be killed without a fight – a terrible eventuality for a kshatriya. Hidimba couldn’t control herself when she heard Draupadi’s curse. She rushed to her, and called her a wretched, sinful woman. Hidimba in her anger cursed Drauapdi’s children and the two queens almost killed the Pandava lineage.

According to Narad Purana and Vayu Purana, Draupadi is the composite avatar of Goddess Shyamala (wife of Dharma), Bharati (wife of Vayu), Shachi (wife of Indra), Usha (wife of Ashwins) and Parvati (wife of Shiva). In earlier avatars, she was born as Vedavati, who cursed Raavan. She then took birth as Sita, the cause of Raavana’s death. Her third incarnation was partial either Damayanti or her daughter Nalayani. The fifth avatar was Draupadi herself.

When Draupadi agreed to be the common wife, her condition was that she would share her household with no other woman. In other words, disregarding popular practice of the times, the Pandavas could not bring their other wives to Indra-prastha. Arjuna, however, succeeded in bringing one wife in. She was Krishna’s sister, Subhadra. And with a little advise from Krishna, she was able to trick her way into the household.

There is a reason why Duryodhana did not participate in Draupadi’s swayamvara.It’s because he was already married to the princess of Kalinga, Bhanumati. He had promised her that he would never marry another, and he kept his word.

Here goes the story according to a Punjabi folklore: Pandavas had agreed that only one brother must enter Draupadi’s chamber at a time and during that time no other Pandava must enter her chamber. The brother who entered her chamber was to keep his shoes outside the door. The violation of this condition had a strict penalty - the offender was to leave immediately for year long exile.

One day when Yudhishthira was in Draupadi’s chamber, a dog stole his shoes from outside the door. Arjuna, unaware of this, entered the chamber and saw his elder brother with Draupadi. According to the agreement, Arjuna had to leave for the exile. Embarrassed, Draupadi became furious with the dog that had stolen Yudhishthira’s shoe, thereby cursing all dogs – “All the world will see you copulate in public, stripped of all shame.”

Asvatthama, the son of Drona, had mercilessly killed the five sleeping sons of Draupadi in the middle of the night. Krishna, Arjuna and Bhima went and captured Asvatthama and brought him to Draupadi for her to take the final decision. Draupadi, however, displayed an amazing sense of compassion when Asvatthama sat with his head down. Although Krishna told her that there was no sin involved in killing such a murderer, Draupadi could feel the pain Drona’s wife could feel at the loss of her son.

Before she moved to the next husband, Draupadi walks through fire to regain her virginity and purity. Such rules were never placed before polygamous husbands. All the Pandavas had other wives but these wives stayed with their parents and the Pandavas had to travel out of the city to visit their other wives in the four years that Draupadi is intimate with the other brothers.

Draupadi always considered Lord Krishna as her Sakha or beloved friend and Krishna addressed her as Sakhi, this is emblematic of the spiritual love existing between the livid Draupadi and Krishna. The only true friend, who validated her persona and came to her rescue each time she found herself in dire circumstances, was Krishna, whose divine presence she experienced constantly in her life.

42. for Saint Galatine, 29. for your Dark Heresy character

42 ~ Has Saint Galatine ever had a parental figure who was not related to them?

"She has no others. Like many from Kaurava I, she entered the Schola too young to have known her biological parents, who died valiantly in the God-Emperor’s service. She speaks fondly of her teachers and caretakers often, though, and I believe she still corresponds with a few—Lt. Montilyet, Father Garrett, and Sister Ana.” — Canoness Selena Agna, over a glass of amasec.

29 ~ What did Crimson dream of being or doing as a child? Did that dream come true?

“I dreamt of being wealthy enough to move up-hive. Not to the top; just far enough that I didn’t have to be in a Hiver gang to survive. I don’t mean to pretend we were paragons of virtue, cruelly forced to steal and kill by the whims of fate. We had the choice not to, but we never took it. The best I hoped for was to never had to make that choice. It never really game true. I got out of the Hive for good, but while I know I will never fight for a gang again so long as I live, being on a Rogue Trader ship feels much the same all too often.” ~ Crimson, while awaiting trial for Heresy.

via Today Bharat Mari Selvaraj-Dhanush's 'Karnan' is the latest attempt to tell the story of the tragic hero on screen. The tragic figure of Karnan, one of the best known characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata, has inspired many songs, books and films. The eldest of the Pandavas but denied his place in the family, born to the same mother but shunned due to the social location of his adoptive parents, the injustice meted out to Karnan would move the coldest of hearts even if he fought on the 'wrong' side. On Tuesday, director Mari Selvaraj released the poster and making video of his upcoming film Karnan with Dhanush in the lead. There's not much known about the film at this stage but it's likely to be a retelling of the story, set in contemporary times. The poster shows a sword upheld by several hands, the image speaking of resistance, while the video has a silhouette of Dhanush raising the sword as the skies turn red. The sun is shown shining through the clouds as Karnan (Dhanush) raises the sword. In the Mahabharata, Karnan is born to Kunti, the daughter of Shurasena, a Yadava chief, and the sun god, Surya. After Kunti receives a boon from sage Durvasa, which enables her to beget a child from any god of her choice, she excitedly invokes it and becomes pregnant through Surya. It's only then that she realises that as an unmarried woman, she will face social ostracism. Kunti therefore abandons the baby - Karnan - who is born with kavacha (armour) and kundala (earrings). She sets him afloat in the Ganges in a basket. Karnan is found and adopted by Radha and Adhiratha, who belong to a caste group for whom the traditional occupation is charioteering. While Karnan's loyalty to Kaurava prince Duryodhanan and their friendship has been traditionally celebrated, later readings of the epic have focused on how he was insulted for his caste and denied opportunities. Like Ekalavya from the same epic, Karnan's story too has found resonance in historically-oppressed caste groups. Sivaji's Karnan Sivaji Ganesan played many memorable roles in his career, but his portrayal of Karnan is widely regarded to be one of his finest. The 1964 mythological film told the Mahabharata from Karnan's perspective, and starred many other stalwarts like NT Rama Rao, Savitri and Muthuraman. The film, produced and directed by BR Panthulu, is closely modelled on episodes from the Mahabharata but makes Karnan the hero of the narrative. He's portrayed as a generous man who does not hesitate to give all that is asked of him and more. The film begins with a distressed Kunti setting baby Karnan afloat in the river. He soon grows up to become warrior Karnan, who challenges Arjunan's (Muthuraman) archery skills. But though he's the famed archery teacher Dronacharya's student too, Karnan is questioned by the gurus, who declare that his 'low birth' means he cannot participate on an equal footing with Arjunan, who is of royal birth (Arjunan, in fact, is born to Kunti and Indra, the lord of the heavens). Duryodhanan (Ashokan) comes to his rescue (in the film, it's because he senses an opportunity to bring his cousins, the Pandavas, down by a notch) and laughs at the logic offered by the gurus. He also makes Karnan the king of Anga, to make him an "equal" to Arjunan, but the assembly is dissolved. While the 1964 film does question casteism and privilege ordained by birth to a certain extent, it is a straightforward retelling of the epic which does not indulge in subversions. For instance, the episode in which an angry Parasuramar finds out that Karnan is not a Brahmin but a Kshatriya because he's able to bear pain and tolerate the sight of blood, is presented as such. The narrative does not question the casteist notions within it. However, there is an interesting little story that's woven into the script. In Karnan's new court, a young boy who has set fire to a patashala (school) rushes in, chased by guards. When Karnan asks him why he did so, the boy reveals that because he's an orphan who does not know who his parents are, people were not willing to accept him in school. "It is wrong for a lowborn to study with those higher than him, it is a sin, get out, they say," the boy tells Karnan. "I did not want this injustice happening in your reign and that's why I burnt the school. Is that a crime?" he further asks. Karnan hails the boy and even apologises to him, taking him along to get him admitted to a school. He also says that it is his duty as the ruler to ensure the welfare of children like him. The episode not only fits with the caste discrimination apparent in the society described by the epic, it would have also been relevant to the audience watching the film at the time. In 1967, the anti-caste and pro-social justice Dravidian movement in the state would go on to form the government for the first time. While the screenplay of the film was written by AS Nagarajan, the dialogues were by Sakthi TK Krishnasamy. The latter, a Gandhian and a playwright, had earlier given Tamil cinema Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and was hailed for his literary flair by Dravidian leaders like Annadurai as well as Karunanidhi. Rajinikanth's Karnan In 1991 came a modern take on the Mahabharata which also had Karnan as the hero. Directed by Mani Ratnam, Karnan was played by none other than superstar Rajinikanth. Named Surya, Karnan here is abandoned by a 14-year-old girl, Kalyani. She gives birth to him and puts him in a goods train. He eventually becomes the henchman of Devaraj (Duryodhanan, played by Mammootty), a don. Shobana plays Draupathi, the wife of the Pandavas - here, she's recast as Subhalakshmi, a Brahmin woman who falls in love with the fiery Surya. Some versions of the Mahabharata have Draupathi stopping Karnan from participating in her swayamvar because he's "lowborn." In some others, she recognises that all the qualities that she wanted in a man are present in Karnan but she cannot marry him because of his social status. In Thalapathi, Subhalakshmi is equal parts drawn towards and repelled by Surya's violent streak. Subhalakshmi's father, a staunch Brahmin, insults Surya because of his origins and Subhalakshmi gives in to the pressure to wed another. She ends up marrying Arjun (Arvind Swamy), the Collector who is determined to put an end to the Devaraj-Surya reign. And Arjun is none other than the son of Surya's mother, Kalyani (Srividya). The question of caste does come up but mainly in the context of marriage; the systemic injustice that is part of the Mahabharata as well as Karnan does not receive much attention in this retelling. The film primarily revolves around three relationships - Surya's friendship with Devaraj, his love for Subhalakshmi but above all, his quest to know his mother. What troubles him the most is why he was abandoned at birth. While the Sivaji film was a mostly faithful adaptation of the epic and ends with Karnan's death, Thalapathi has him reuniting with his mother. In both films, Karnan's sacrifices are glorified as a mark of the hero's generosity although he is constantly subjected to humiliation. Dhanush's Karnan It will be interesting to see Dhanush playing the role of Karnan that Mari Selvaraj has visualised. The director's last film, Pariyerum Perumal, was about a Dalit law student who falls in love with a savarna woman and the violence that this unleashes in his life. Mari Selvaraj is among the new breed of Tamil directors who are vocal about casteism and are invested in changing how stories about the oppressed are told on screen. Dhanush, meanwhile, delivered one of the biggest hits in his career with Vetrimaaran's Asuran, in which he played a Dalit man fighting for justice for his family. From what we have seen so far, Mari Selvaraj's Karnan is likely to be based on the epic but set in contemporary times and in a backdrop that is immediately relevant. In an interview with Vikatan, Mari Selvaraj clarified that the film was not based on 1995 caste riots in Kodiyankulam. “Filmmakers are not required to repeat past real-life incidents, magazines and newspapers are more than enough. Karnan will talk about people from a humble background. It is a fictional film based on stories I have heard in my life. But unlike Pariyerum Perumal, here my protagonist doesn’t shy away from injustice because his upbringing is different. Karnan was supposed to be my first film, but director Ram sir told me that I have to prove myself first to narrate this script to a big star. After Pariyerum Perumal, I got a call from Dhanush sir, and Karnan happened,” he said. "Unlike the mythological Karnan, my protagonist will fight and get back his right," he further added. Perhaps the pain in Karnan's voice, so far romanticised, will finally echo in our ears as the wake-up call that it ought to be.

Uttarkashi is a position of extremely high respect among explorers yet in addition among experienced voyagers. For your Uttarakhand visit, in the event that you are arranging a short and sharp visit in Uttarkashi, here is a manual for benefit as much as possible from your visit.

Uttarkashi is situated at an elevation of 1165 meters, making it a renowned spot among climbers and explorers. Uttarkashi is one of the most well-known mountaineering organizations in India. Because of its lovely temperature in the late spring season, guests and aficionados locate the best opportunity to arrive at Uttarkashi, to pay their blessed supplications to Lord Shiva, the maker of the universe.

As its name proposes, this spot is the northern piece of Kashi. Which is one of the most visited blessed places in India. Uttarkashi, a little locale in Uttarakhand, was conceived in 1960 with Ravana and Tehri Garhwal. Situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

Best Places To Visit in Uttarkashi

The biggest sanctuary in all of Kashi is the Vishwanath Temple, which is accepted to have been worked by the incredible sage Parashurama. The sanctuary is situated at Char Dham Marg, where Lord Shiva is accepted to be sitting in profound contemplation. Directly before the sanctuary is a sanctuary committed to the Goddess Parvati. When in Uttarkashi, visit this sanctuary as Lord Shiva’s principle icon is moved when submerged in Kashi.

The spot called Har Ki Doon actually implies the valley of Lord Shiva. The spot is additionally fancifully renowned since Yudhishthira alongside his canine leaves this spot for the glorious home. The Osla sanctuary is devoted to Duryodhana on the grounds that the occupants of this spot have an extraordinary fondness for him and are viewed as immediate relatives of the Kauravas and Pandavas.

Uttarkashi

On the extremely well known Char Dham circuit, the Gangotri sanctuary involves a high position. Situated in the Gangotri Temple devoted to the Goddess Ganga, this sanctuary possesses a high situation among Hindus because of the inception of the Ganges stream. A primary fascination of this sanctuary is the Shivalingam, which remains somewhat submerged.

Nachiketa Tal is acclaimed for being situated at a height of 2453mtrs above ocean level. Uddālaka, the originator of the passage to hellfire and the importance of life and demise, manufactured this lake for his child Nachiketa. This eye treatment site can be arrived at both by climbing and by the street.

Gaumukh Glacier is the origination of Bhagirathi when you are in North Kashi. This gag is accepted to seem like a bovine’s mouth and is accordingly called Gaumukh.