MAARKANDEYA presents MAHAABHAARATHAM

A close study of the epic makes it clear that many people mentioned in it had their own merits and ,not to forget, rheir demerits too. Though this document cannot offer a full study of the merits of them, we will throw a glance at them for the benefit of the young readers.

1. Parashuraama :- Though he was a sage, he was by nature ferrocious. Yet, his temperment was admirable. When Amba approached him praying to punish Bheeshma since her marriage was spoiled by bheeshma's acts, Parashuraama readily accepted her request out of her pity towards her. Though his belief that his disciple would listen to his word was foiled by Bheeshma's sticking to hos own vow, he did not drop her cause. He fought with his dear student to tame him but eventually his efforts failed. As a normal human being, his choosing to fight against bheeshma was alright. Even after his defeat in Bheeshma's hands, he was magnaninous enough to accept his defeat and declare his helplessnesss to Amba. But he did not turn so adamant and cruel to use his supernatural powers to curse Bheeshma. It shows his containing powers too. It is such restrain that brings glory to our character.

2. Shukra :- Shukra was the mentor of the demons. He had his tussels with the mentor of the gods Brihaspathi. It was his his Mrithasanjeevani (Vivifying magical power) that made the demons superior to the gods. When the gods sent Brihaspathi's son Kacha to him to earn his praise and somehow learn Mrithasanjeevani from him, Shukra did not deny Kacha's request of joining as his disciple. Though he clearly knew that his counterpart's son is an undesirable disciple to him. he allowed him to study at him. Though the demons harmed Kacha many times, he revived his life due to his daughter Devayaani's prayers. Yet, he did not get angry with the demons because he knew that they were right in trying to get rid of their future danger. Allowing an opponent's son to enter his house and allowing to stay with him apparently for learning the vital chant from himself was not an ordinary act ! In later days, when Kacha left Devayaani without heeding to her love and incurring her curse, Shukra did not get angry with him though he extremely doted to her daughter, because he knew that Kacha was not in the wrong.

When Devayaani got angry with Sharmishtha for her intimidating behaviour and decided to abandon the demon king (Sharmishtha's father) Vrishaparva's place, Shukra first tried to placate his daughter, teaching at length about forgiveness. He didn't even express his anger towards Sharmishtha. Also, when his sin-in-law Yayaathi displeased Devayaani by secretely marrying Sharmishtha, he became angry with Yayaathi for his failing to keep his word of keeping away from Sharmishtha, but he did not even reprimand Sharmishtha for that.

Again, when Yayaathi requested for remedy for the curse, Shykra was kind enough to allow a remedy.

All these show that his Braahmanic character was not altogether destroyed by his stay with the demons.

"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."