ADI PARVA
BEGINNINGS (MAHABHARATA)
This is the story of Chandra vamsha (the moon dynasty), from its progenitor Chandra (moon) to the great war between its two clans which almost resulted in its complete destruction. In this climatic battle in the great battlefield of Kurukshetra, most of the Kings of Bharath (India) took part, allied with either the Pandavas (sons of Pandu) or the Kauravas (sons of Dhritharashtra). Many great deeds of bravery were performed on this battlefield, as well as heinous crimes, violations of the laws of war. It was human nature at its best and its worst. Although the Pandavas won the war, it was at a great cost. They lost so many of their brave warriors, including all their sons.
The story begins in the hermitage of Brihaspati (Jupiter), the Guru (perceptor) of the Devas (Gods), who was one of the greatest Rishis (sages) of all time. In the Hindu Pantheon, the Devas come right below the supreme trinity of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the protector and Shiva the destroyer. The Devas inhabit the Swargaloka (heavens), ruled by their king Indra. Indrani (Sachi) is his consort and his principal lieutenants are Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind) and Varuna (Waters). Indra is the lord of thunder, and his principal weapon is the vajra (thunderbolt). The Devas are immortal, because they drank Amrit (nectar), which was thrown up when the "sea of milk" was churned. The Devas derive their power from the worship of mortals. When mortals conduct sacrifices in honor of the Gods, Agni carries the sacrificial offerings up to them. The offerings are know as Havis (oblations).
The Devas are engaged in perpetual conflict against the Asuras (Demons), who are also referred to as Daithyas (Sons of Diti. The sons of Danu, the Danavas are also Asuras.) . The Asuras inhabit the netherworld, and are ruled by different kings from time to time. In this eternal battle, on many occasions, the Asuras, strengthened by boons obtained from one of the Trinity, would succeed in defeating the Gods and overthrow Indra from the throne of heaven. Dark times would follow, with the complete disruption of the order that pervades the universe, and mortals would tremble with fear, as they no longer could rely upon the Gods to protect them from the ravages of demons. Ultimately, the Gods would pray to one of the Trinity (usually Vishnu, but sometimes Shiva), to deliver them from their predicament. Most of the Avatars (incarnations) of Vishnu were undertaken to defeat the Asuras and restore the Devas' rule over the heavens.
Brihaspati, the Guru of the Devas was famed as the most learned Brahmana (scholar) in all the seven worlds. Many Gods, Kings and Brahmanas came to his hermitage to become his disciples and to learn the Vedas (most sacred hymns) and Shastras (scriptures) from him. One of his disciples was Chandra (the moon), who was exceedingly handsome. As fate would have it, Tara, the wife of Brihaspati, was smitten by desire for the young student. Forgetting his vows as a Brahmacharin (celibate; a student is required to be a celibate till his studies are complete), and the utter immorality of raising his eyes in desire for his Guru's wife, one who was like a mother to him, Chandra also returned this love. They consummated their lust and Tara, accompanied by her lover Chandra fled from her husband's hermitage. When Brihaspati came to know of this great betrayal, he was excessively angry. He sought redressal from Indra, king of the Devas. Fearing Indra's wrath, the illicit couple fled to the sanctuary of the Asuras, the mortal enemy of the Devas.
Of course, this meant war. A great war raged between the Asuras and Devas in the heavens. As both sides were evenly matched, it dragged for many years, with neither side able to score a decisive victory. At last, both sides tired of the war and a compromise was negotiated. As per this compromise, Chandra escaped punishment, and Tara would return to her husband. Right when everything seemed to be resolved, a new complication arose. During this time, Tara had given birth to a child Budha (Mercury) and both Brihaspati and Chandra claimed him as their own. Tara, who was the only one who could answer this question conclusively, remained silent.
