The Mahabharata Podcast

Hosted by Prashant Joshi

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Nov 2026

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Hear reflections based on the ancient Vedic teachings of the epic Mahabharata. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

November 5, 202623 min

70. The Funerals of Pandu & Madri

After the youthful beautiful Madri, second wife of former King Pandu, followed her husband into the afterworld upon the agreement with Kunti that she would on her own rear their five children, this episode looks at the immediate aftermath. The reaction of sages, the arrangement of the funerals, and ultimately the next steps for them as a family of a very different identity that they had lived in the forest with. Transcript available on website Lonesome Journey by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ “Dying Light”, HUKU Music provided by https://slip.stream Undertow by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Adrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ I Walk With Ghosts by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artwork partially created with Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 28, 202611 min

69. Pandu & Madri Depart

Following the birth of the three sons of Kunti, and two of Mādri, whose seeds were those of none other than demigods, and after Mādri asking if she could have more children, there was an anticlimax in the peaks of Satashringa. After Kunti’s refusal to Mādri’s request for more children of her own, forest life resumed, however it didn’t take long for a major disaster to come. This episode covers the fruition of the curse of Sage Kindama, that when Pandu engages in sexual intercourse with his wife, he shall leave his body. Discussions ensue between Kunti and Mādri over who of them should follow him to the afterlife, concluding in Mādri doing the same. Transcript available on website Music: Ambient Nature Music | Nature by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Hiraeth by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Permafrost by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artwork partially created with Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 23, 202614 min

68. Birth of the Sons of Madri

On the peaks of the Satashringa mountains, following the birth of the three, most magnificent sons of Kunti, with Dharma, the God of justice, Vayu, the God of wind, and Indra, the king of Gods, what would this incredible pursuit lead to next. This episode explores the feeling of Pandu after this, and the reception by Kunti, of the same, as well as finally, the role Pandu’s second wife, Madri, would play. Transcript available on website. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Dying Light by slip.stream Peaceful Forest - Into Oblivion by Darren Curtis Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 'Penumbra' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Artwork partially created with Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 16, 202625 min

67. Birth of the Sons of Kunti

After hearing that it had been seen by the wise ones, that he would have children, Pandu was enthused, and had approached Kunti on the matter. Soliciting her ideas on the matter, and eventually asking her to make an advancement on it. The episode covers how it is that Kunti managed to birth children, who would in name, be the sons of Pandu according to the ordinance. Transcript available on website. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Aurora by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Suspensify by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Chasing Shadows, Music by StudioKolomna from Pixabay 'Penumbra' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au 'Titan' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Artwork partially created with Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 7, 202624 min

66. Pandu & Kunti discuss progeny

After receiving the curse of the sage Kindama in the guise of a deer, King Pandu seemed to be fated to have no children of his own. This episode shares what happens when he entered renounced life, and the vision of the sages that he would have progeny. Kunti and Pandu debate and explore which paths they may follow to have children. Transcript available on website. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Lonesome Journey by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Dhaka MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ MANTRA by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Solemn Choral Piece No. 1 by Steven O'Brien | https://www.steven-obrien.net/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY-ND 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Artwork partially created in Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 17, 202622 min

65. Pandu's Renunciation

After Pandu‘s unfortunate curse, one that would effectively stop him from procreating with his wives, he renounces on an extreme sending the message back to Hastinapura of the same. Taking up intense association with the forest dwelling sages, they prophesied here of Pandu‘s having powerful children, after which he is left pondering for solutions. Transcript available on website. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ I Walk With Ghosts by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Sovereign by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Lonesome Journey by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Filaments by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artwork partially created with adobe firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 6, 202612 min

64. Pandu & The Deer Curse

King Janamejaya after hearing about the Kaurava births, is curious about his own line, that from Pandu, and so enquiring on this, hears beginning from the ventures of Pandu in the forest, and his dramatic meeting with Sage Kindama, in the guise of a deer. The resulting curse from their curious interaction that raises many questions on the domain of the warrior, the sage, and the hunting of animals, paves way for many important events that shall unfold. Transcript available on website. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Chasing Daylight by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Sovereign by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Artwork partially created with Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 30, 202624 min

63. Birth of The Kauravas

Following the conquests of Pandu, and his eventual retirement at a young age, to the forests, this episode turns its attention to Dhritrashtra and Gandhari, and their score of 102 children. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Lonesome Journey by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Adrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Black Vortex by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 'Red' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au Reaching Out Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Jul by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artwork partially created with Adobe Firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 24, 202612 min

62. Pandu's Conquests

The powerful son of Queen Ambalika of the Kingdom of Kosala, Pandu, whose spirit was adventurous and boisterous, went with his forces in every direction, entailing one of the largest conquests of his race. Rapidly bringing Kings under his sway, he equally quickly retires to the forests, leaving the throne vacant. Music: Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Jalandhar Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Uncaria by Espionage | https://soundcloud.com/jelwooddj Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Yugen - Emotional Ethnic Music by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 10, 202615 min

61. Birth of Karna

The two brothers Dhritrashtra & Pandu had thus been married through the vision of Bhishma in reinforcing alliances with the Gandhara, Vrishni, and Madra Kingdoms, who were none other than the fellow ancestors through the line of King Yayati. This episode explains the past of Kunti, who was now Queen of Hastinapura, and her eldest son, who would be known as Karna. Music Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Dhaka MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Adrift Among Infinite Stars by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Lonesome Journey by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Artwork partially created with Adobe firefly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.