Season guide
14 episodes · first aired 2014-05-28
Season 20 of the 2013 Mahabharat covers the intense prelude to the Kurukshetra War and the early philosophical teachings. It focuses on the armies gathering, Karna relinquishing his divine armor, Lord Krishna becoming Arjun's charioteer, and Krishna's profound Bhagavad Gita discourses, including Karma and Bhakti Yoga
Draupadi decides to stay on the battlefield with the Pandavas. Bhishma informs Vidur that the person who might be responsible for his death is in the Pandava army. Armies of the Pandavas and the Kauravas gather on the battlefield. Krishna declares that the war will begin after three days.
Duryodhan tells Krishna that he has unbeatable warriors like Bhishma, Dronacharya and Karna. Shikhandini tells Duryodhan that she, Dhrishtadyumna and Arjun can defeat their opponents. Soon after, Shakuni begins to read the rules of the war. Yudhishthir is tensed, but agrees to the rules.
When Shikhandini confronts Bhishma about not letting her participate in the war, he explains the reasons to her. Meanwhile, Duryodhan decides to protect himself with Karna's Kavach and Kundal. But according to Suryadev, during the war, Karna will have to give away his Kavach and Kundal.
Indradev, disguised as a Brahmin, asks Karna for his Kavach and Kundal. Later, he tells Krishna and Arjun that he will help them. Arjun suspects that the Brahmin is Indradev and that he might ask for Karna's weapons.
Indradev asks Karna to donate his Kavach and Kundal to him, or not participate in the war. Karna obeys him. Arjun tells Indradev that he will kill Karna anyway, but to kill a warrior deprived of his weapons may cast a doubt on his own abilities. So, Indradev blesses Karna with a divine weapon.
Duryodhan is not happy to learn that Karna donated his Kavach and Kundal. Shakuni advises Duryodhan to increase his army as Karna won't be able to protect them. Kunti sees Karna suffering with pain. Vrushali suggests Nakul and Sahadev should treat him. Will the Pandava brothers help their enemy?
As Nakul and Sahadev treat Karna, Dushyasan and Ashwatthama welcome Shalya. King Shalya informs the Pandavas that he has promised his support to Duryodhan. They are worried as Duryodhan's army has multiplied. Will the Pandavas agree to Krishna's plan of killing Bhishma?
Bhishma learns about Kunti and Karna's relationship and forbids Karna from fighting in the war. Duryodhan intervenes and Bhishma asks Duryodhan to choose between him and Karna. Who will Duryodhan choose, knowing that Bhishma will never kill the Pandavas?
Krishna decides to drive Arjun's chariot, in the war. The Kuru and the Pandavas' armies face each other on the battlefield. Yudhishthir requests Bhishma and Dronacharya, on behalf of the Pandavas, to either allow them to wage the war or sacrifice their weapons.
Bhishma blesses the Pandavas and orders them to attack. While Ved Vyas blesses Sanjay with the power to foresee how the war will progress, Krishna helps Arjun get a glimpse of the Kuru army. Arjun is sad at the thought of attacking Bhishma. Krishna steps in to guide him.
Krishna reminds Arjun of Duryodhan, Dushyasan and Shakuni's misdeeds, and the sacrifices of Bhishma and Dronacharya. He enlightens him about dharma and adharma. Thinking about the outcome of the war, Arjun drops his Gandiv. How will Krishna motivate him to fulfil his duty?
Krishna helps clear Arjun's mind by telling him about sattva, tamas and rajas. He explains to him how the body can be destroyed but the soul remains eternal. He further explains how everyone has to eventually face death and that, he shouldn't worry about it but prepare for war!
Krishna teaches Arjun to accept the consequences of the war, whether victory or defeat. He tells him about Karma Yoga and Moksha. Arjun learns that Krishna is almighty. Krishna asks him to submit himself to his duties as that is the path to a better future for the world.
Krishna educates Arjun about Bhakti Yoga and the relationship between dedication and devotion. Listening to Krishna, Arjun wishes to take his blessings in his real avatar. Krishna assumes Vishwaroop and blesses Arjun. Is Arjun now ready to attack the Kaurava army?
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