As the war becomes inevitable, both the Pandavas andKauravas begin massive preparations. The time has come to choose their commanders.

On the side of the Kauravas, Bhishma Pitamaha—venerable, wise, and unmatched in valor—is declared the Supreme Commander. Yet, he lays down clear conditions:
– He will not fight against Shikhandi.
– He will not kill any of the Pandavas.
– The rules of Dharma Yuddha must be followed: no fighting after sunset, no attacking an unarmed or retreatingwarrior, and no harming those not engaged in battle.
– Most importantly, Karna must stay awayfrom the battlefield as long as Bhishma is the commander, citing his disapproval and mistrust of Karna’s conduct.

The Pandavas appoint the fiery and determined Druṣṭadyumna, born to slay Drona, as their commander-in-chief.

Karna, though hurt by Bhishma’s words, agrees to stay away until Bhishma lays down arms. With everything in place,drums beat and conches blow. Two mighty armies—each with millions of warriors, elephants, chariots, and horses—marchtoward Kurukshetra, where destiny awaits. The battlefield is set for the greatest war in history.

In this poignant episode, long-held secrets come to light as Kunti meets Karna on the banks of the Ganga. With trembling voice and teary eyes, she reveals the truth he never knew—that she is his mother, and he is the eldest of the Pandavas. The revelation shakes Karna, but his loyalty to Duryodhana remains unbroken. With dignity and pain, he refuses Kunti's plea to join the Pandavas, yet makes a solemn vow: he will not harm any of her sons—except Arjuna, his sworn rival.

As Kunti walks away, heart heavy, returning to Vidura’s house, the heavens prepare for another test of Karna's spirit. Indra, Arjuna's divine father, arrives in disguise as a brahmana. He asks Karna for the very things that protect his life—his divine armour and earrings. True to his nature, Karna does not hesitate. He cuts them from his body and gives them away, bleeding but proud. Moved by this ultimate act of charity, Indra blesses him with the Ekaastra—a divine weapon that can be used only once.

A tale of silent love, unwavering loyalty, and the nobility of sacrifice—this episode reveals the depth of Karna’s character and the tragedy that shadows him.

As the winds of war begin to howl louder, Yudhishthiramakes a final, desperate appeal to avoid the impending destruction. He turns to Shri Krishna and pleads with him to go to Hastinapura as a messenger of peace. Even Bhima and Nakula, despite their anger, voice their willingness to avert awar that threatens to annihilate their own clan.

But Draupadi, with eyes blazing with memory and pain, reminds Krishna—and all those present—of the humiliationshe endured in the Kuru court, the injustice of the dice game, and the silence of the elders. Her voice cuts through the air as she insists that the Kauravas must face the consequences of their deeds. The war, she says, is not a choice but a righteous necessity.

Krishna proceeds to Hastinapura, where he meets King Dhritarashtra and appeals to his wisdom and conscience. The blind king listens and even acknowledges Krishna’s words, butsorrowfully admits his helplessness in controlling his obstinate son, Duryodhana.Gandhari too pleads with her son, warning him of the ruin his pride will bring to their family.

But Duryodhana, blinded by arrogance, hears Krishna's firm statement—that one who endangers the existence of an entire lineage must be restrained, even imprisoned—and reacts with fury. He attempts to arrest Krishna.

In that tense moment, Krishna reveals his Vishwaroopa, a divine cosmic form that leaves the court trembling in awe and fear. The illusion of power shatters. The last hope for peacedissolves.

Before leaving Hastinapura, Krishna meets Kunti in private. In a moment of profound urgency and compassion, he urges her to speak to Karna—to reveal the truth of his birth and awaken thebond of brotherhood that could still change the course of fate.

With the successful completion of their 12-year exile and one year of Ajñātavāsa without being discovered, the Pandavas re-emerge, proving Duryodhana wrong. In a moment of joy and alliance, Abhimanyu is married to Princess Uttara of Matsya.

The Pandavas then send a message to Duryodhana, asking for the return of their kingdom. But Duryodhana, arrogant and unyielding, refuses. Both sides begin seeking support from kings across Bhāratavarṣa. Allies gather, camps are formed, and the shadow of war looms large.

To prevent the devastation, Dhritarashtra sends Sanjaya to persuade Yudhishthira to avoid conflict and return to the forest. But Yudhishthira, ever just, offers a peaceful compromise—asking not for the entire kingdom, but merely five villages. Even this, Duryodhana coldly rejects.

Meanwhile, both Arjuna and Duryodhana approach Krishna for support. Krishna offers a choice—his vast Narayani army to one, and himself, unarmed, to the other. Arjuna chooses Krishna. Duryodhana, pleased, secures the powerful Narayani army.

To strengthen his side further, Duryodhana cunningly tricks Shalya—uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva—into joining his forces. Thus, with alliances formed and hopes for peace shattered, the great war of Kurukshetra inches closer.

The shocking death of Kichaka raises alarm in Hastinapura. Duryodhana suspects that only someone as mighty as Bhima could have slain the powerful commander. He discusses his doubts with Karna, Dushasana, and Shakuni. Sensing an opportunity, it is Shakuni who devises a cunning plan—to attack the cattle of the Matsya kingdom from two directions. This would not only provoke the kingdom but also force the hidden Pandavas to reveal themselves.

As the Kauravas launch their attack, panic spreads in Matsya. In a bold display of youthful pride, Prince Uttara boasts that he will singlehandedly defeat mighty warriors like Bhishma, Drona, and Karna. But the moment he reaches the battlefield and sees the real might of the Kaurava army, his courage falters—and he turns to flee. What follows is a turning point that will reveal much more than Uttara expects.

In this gripping episode of Mareyalagada Mahabharata, the Pandavas, now in disguise, have quietly settled in the Matsya kingdom for their final year of exile. As they adjust to their hidden roles, danger brews in the royal court. Kichaka, the arrogant and powerful commander-in-chief, returns from a victorious war and is instantly infatuated by Draupadi’s beauty. When his obsession turns threatening, Draupadi turns to Bhima for help. What follows is a dramatic night where Bhima, disguised in a saree, lures Kichaka into his own weapon chamber—only to unleash his fury and end the tyrant’s reign of terror.

In this episode, the Pandavas prepare to enter the final phase of their exile—Ajñatavāsa, the year of incognito living. With their 12 years in the forest completed, they now face the challenge of blending into ordinary life while remaining hidden from their enemies.

They change their appearance, assume new names andidentities and carefully plan how to stay in touch without revealing themselves. Guided by the wise priest Dhaumya, they learn how to adapt their royal bearing to the role of humble servants—a life they have never known.

With their divine weapons safely hidden and theirstrategy in place, the Pandavas set out for the Matsya kingdom, where their next chapter begins.

In this thought-provoking episode, the Pandavas face a mysterious challenge in theforest. One by one, they fall unconscious after drinking from a forbiddenlake—ignoring the warning of a hidden Yaksha who demands answers to his questions.

It is Yudhishthira, the eldest, who approaches with patience and humility. He engages in a deep andmeaningful dialogue with the Yaksha, answering profound questions about life, values, duty, and truth. Yudhishthira’s wisdom not only saves his brothers, but also reveals timeless lessons that are just as relevant today as they were then.

🎧 Listen to Mareyalaagada Mahabharata – Episode 37, whereknowledge triumphs over haste, and wisdom becomes the key to survival.