Adi Parva is the first book of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. It sets the stage for the entire epic by introducing the main characters, the background of the Kuru dynasty, and various significant events that lead up to the central conflict of the Mahabharata. Here are some important episodes in the Adi Parva:
1. Anukramanika Parva
- Overview: Introduction to the epic, the sage Vyasa, and the context in which the Mahabharata is narrated by Ugrasrava Sauti to the assembled sages at Naimisharanya.
2. Sambhava Parva
- Birth of Vyasa: The story of how Vyasa was born to Satyavati and the sage Parashara.
- The Kuru Dynasty: Detailed lineage of the Kuru dynasty starting from King Bharata.
- Birth of Pandu, Dhritarashtra, and Vidura: Descriptions of how these key characters were born and their early lives.
- Birth of Pandavas and Kauravas: The miraculous birth stories of the Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva) and the Kauravas (led by Duryodhana).
3. Paushya Parva
- Story of Utanka: Sage Utanka’s adventure and how he retrieved the earrings of his guru’s wife, which involves interaction with Takshaka, the serpent king.
4. Puloma Parva
- Birth of Astika: The birth of the sage Astika and his role in the cessation of the snake sacrifice (Sarpa Satra) conducted by Janamejaya.
5. Pauloma Parva
- Legend of Bhrigu and Puloma: The story of sage Bhrigu and his wife Puloma, which sets up the birth of the great sage Chyavana.
6. Adivansavatarana Parva
- Descent of the Kuru Lineage: Detailed accounts of the ancestors of the Kauravas and Pandavas.
7. Sambhava Parva (Continued)
- Story of Shantanu and Ganga: King Shantanu’s marriage to the river goddess Ganga and the birth of Bhishma.
- Bhishma’s Vow: Bhishma’s vow of celibacy to ensure his father Shantanu could marry Satyavati.
- Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika: The story of Bhishma abducting the three princesses for his half-brother Vichitravirya and the resulting events, especially focusing on Amba’s vow for revenge.
8. Jatugriha Parva
- The House of Lac: The conspiracy by Duryodhana to burn the Pandavas alive in a house made of lac and their subsequent escape.
9. Hidimba Vadha Parva
- Killing of Hidimba: Bhima’s encounter and killing of the rakshasa Hidimba and his marriage to Hidimba’s sister, Hidimbi, leading to the birth of Ghatotkacha.
10. Baka Vadha Parva
- Killing of Bakasura: Bhima’s killing of the demon Bakasura, who was terrorizing the village of Ekachakra.
11. Chaitraratha Parva
- Encounter with the Gandharva Angaraparna: The Pandavas' encounter with the Gandharva Angaraparna and learning about various celestial weapons.
12. Swayamvara Parva
- Draupadi’s Swayamvara: The Pandavas’ attendance at the Swayamvara of Draupadi and Arjuna’s success in winning her hand by performing the difficult task set by King Drupada.
- Marriage of Draupadi: The unique marriage of Draupadi to all five Pandava brothers.
13. Vaivahika Parva
- Return to Hastinapura: The Pandavas return to Hastinapura with Draupadi and are welcomed back by their family.
14. Viduragamana Parva
- Vidura’s Advice: Vidura’s wise counsel to Dhritarashtra regarding the return of the Pandavas and the division of the kingdom.
15. Rajya-labha Parva
- Division of the Kingdom: The division of the Kuru kingdom and the establishment of the Pandavas at Khandavaprastha, later known as Indraprastha.
16. Arjuna-vanavasa Parva
- Arjuna’s Exile: Arjuna’s journey during his exile, including his marriage to Subhadra, the sister of Krishna.
17. Subhadra-harana Parva
- Abduction of Subhadra: Arjuna’s abduction and subsequent marriage to Subhadra with Krishna’s support.
18. Khandava-daha Parva
- Burning of the Khandava Forest: The Pandavas’ assistance to Agni in burning the Khandava forest, leading to their friendship with Krishna and Arjuna acquiring divine weapons.
These episodes provide a comprehensive overview of the major events in the Adi Parva, establishing the background and characters for the epic saga of the Mahabharata.