The proper spelling of the word "mahabharatam" is a matter of debate. In its original language, Sanskrit, the word is spelled महाभारतम्, and is pronounced as /ma.haː.bʱaː.ra.t̪am/. Many English transliterations of the word also exist, such as "Mahabharata," "Mahabharatham," and "Mahabharat," with different spellings reflecting different phonetic interpretations of the original Sanskrit pronunciation. Regardless of its spelling, the epic tale of the Mahabharata remains one of the longest and most important works of ancient Indian literature.
Mahabharatam, also known as the "Mahabharata," is an ancient Indian epic that holds great importance in Hindu mythology and literature. It is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the "Ramayana." Composed by the sage Vyasa, the Mahabharatam is an immense epic that is believed to have been written between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
The Mahabharatam narrates the story of the Kurukshetra War, a great conflict between two factions of related royal families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It explores the intricacies of their relationships, alliances, struggles for power, and ultimate battle for righteousness. Alongside the war narrative, the Mahabharatam also delves into various philosophical, moral, and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.
This epic is renowned for its vast scope and numerous subplots. It encompasses eighteen books or parvas, each consisting of several chapters or verses. The Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture, is a significant part of the Mahabharatam, embedded within the epic as the discourse between Lord Krishna and the warrior prince Arjuna on the battlefield.
Mahabharatam provides deep insights into Indian culture, spirituality, and societal norms prevalent during ancient times. It offers lessons on the value of righteousness, loyalty, honor, duty, and the consequences of greed, envy, and pride. The epic is not only a captivating story but also a source of moral and philosophical guidance for millions of people, making it a foundational text for Hinduism.
The name of one of the great Indian epic poems, the chief subject of which is a long civil war between two dynasties of anc. India, the Kurus and Pandus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Mahabharatam" is of Sanskrit origin, derived from two words - "maha" and "bharata".
1. "Maha": In Sanskrit, "maha" means "great" or "large". It is often used to denote something of grandeur or magnitude. In the context of "mahabharatam", it signifies the epic's immense scope, complexity, and profound impact.
2. "Bharata": The term "Bharata" has multiple meanings in Hindu mythology and history. It originally referred to an ancient Indian king named Bharata, who was an ancestor of the main characters in the Mahabharata. Additionally, "Bharata" also symbolizes India as a nation, as it is derived from the name "Bharatvarsha", an old Sanskrit term for the landmass.