Shanti Parva Mahabharat: Mahabharata Chapter 12 Shanti Parva Overview

The Shanti Parva is one of the 18 sections/books of the Mahabharata history. Three Upa Parvas and 366 chapters make up this section known as book of peace. Out all the 18 books in the Mahabharata, it is the longest. The book details Yudhishthira’s coronation as king and the obligations that came with the position. Each sub-parva’s summary is given below.

Shanti Parva Mahabharat Overview

(1) Usana Parva

This Parva has over 4700 verses spread across 130 chapters. After the conflict, Yudhishthira begins The Parva in a state of intense sadness. Popular sages like Vyasa and Narada came to see Yudhishthira, who was upset at losing his own family members and cousins in battle. The most serious issue that troubled his thoughts was the knowledge that he had killed his own older brother Karna. He ordered Arjuna to murder Karna. His remorse engulfed his entire being. Yudhishthira no longer want to rule over Hastinapura. Then, the sages calmed Yudhishthira. As Yudhishthira was prepared to renounce all and go from the compassionate world riddled with bad impulses, even Bhagwan Krishna arrived and informed him of his responsibilities.

Sage Vyasa and Bhagwan Krishna were able to persuade him to alter his viewpoint. His mental suffering was relieved by Bhagwan Krishna’s magnificent remarks. He was then found guilty and sentenced to carry out the responsibilities of the Hastinapura King. Then Yudhishthira had his formal coronation as king. He selected several worthy candidates for different positions and assigned them duties. Bhishma, who had been wounded, was still unconscious and praying to Krishna as he expired. He was no longer even capable of speaking. Krishna and the Pandavas visited him at Kurukshetra. He received a blessing from Bhagwan Krishna that made all of his suffering go away. He provided advice to Yudhishthira on all of his obligations and duties as a king. All of the moral knowledge was explained by Bhishma, along with the main responsibilities of the ruler. A competent king must have both superior administrative abilities and a clear understanding of his Dharmic obligations. Even Yudhishthira, who had been alienated from the kingdom due to the conflict, listened to many of his stories. Bhishma desired for him to form a close relationship with the populace of his realm.

(2) Apaddharma Parva

This Parva has roughly 1600 verses and 43 chapters. In this Parva, Bhishma describes how a ruler acts in difficult circumstances. He advised Yudhishthira that a monarch should have the presence of mind to anticipate problems before it arises. He used the tale of the fish to illustrate his point about having clairvoyant abilities. He said that a monarch should be very careful while chatting to a prospective foe and not divulge any kingdom-related information. He advised a King not to become helpless in difficult times and promote evil ideas and individuals. He claimed that evil individuals want to profit when there is strife. However, a king should always subdue the evildoers and defend the righteous. A monarch, according to him, ought to guard anyone seeking safety in his realm. He told several tales to illustrate how a ruler who upholds his Dharma even during difficult times is always successful in preserving tranquilly and prosperity for the citizens of his country.

Bhishma went on to emphasise the value of honesty, truth, and repentance. In addition, he described how to eliminate the causes of the thirteen parvas, which include lust, wrath, sadness, pride, the want to murder, the desire to do evil, greed, malice, jealousy, pity, and blame. He continues by outlining the characteristics of sinners and how a person could atone for his prior transgressions.

(3) Mokshadharma Parva

With over 7000 verses, this is the Shanti Parva’s longest subparva. This Parva describes how to live in order to obtain moksha, or eternal salvation. Dharma, according to Bhishma, is the way to ultimate salvation. He told several old tales that included the proper steps for a person to get moksha. In order to free oneself of previous tragedies and sins, Jesus stressed the value of sacrificing all earthly wants. He discussed the creation of the concepts of sacrifice and Dharma via the legends of Bhagwan Indra and Bhagwan Vishnu.

You can read other chapters from the table below. Click on the respective link to understand about the summary of that book/section of Mahabharata.