Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya

English translation of Sri Madhvacharya’s Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya

Source: Kannada Translation of MBTN by Sri Vyasanakere Prabhanjanacharya, MBTN as part of Sarvamoola Granthas published by Sri Vyasanakere Prabhanjanacharya, last 50 shlokas of Chapter 9 relied on the English translation by Sri B Gururajah Rao.

Complete translation in single PDF file – mbtn-eng-translation-1

Chapter 1. Sarvashastrartha Nirnaya mbtn-chapter1
Chapter 2. Bharata Vakyoddhara mbtn-chapter2
Chapter 3. Sarganusarga Laya Pradurbhava Nirnaya mbtn-chapter3
Chapter 4. Ramavatare Ayodhyapravesha mbtn-chapter4
Chapter 5. Ramacarite Hanumaddarsanam mbtn-chapter5
Chapter 6. Ramacarite Samudratarananiscayam mbtn-chapter6
Chapter 7. Ramacarite Hanumatpratiyanam mbtn-chapter7
Chapter 8. Ramacarite Hanumati Sriramadayadanam mbtn-chapter8
Chapter 9. Ramasvadhama Pravesa mbtn-chapter9
Chapter 10.Vyasavataranuvarnanam mbtn-chapter10
Chapter 11.Sri Bhagavadavatara Pratijnana mbtn-chapter11
Chapter 12.Sri Krishnavatara Pandavotpatti mbtn-chapter12
Chapter 13.Kamsavadha mbtn-chapter13
Chapter 14.Uddhavapratiyanam mbtn-chapter14
Chapter 15.Pandava Sastrabhyasa mbtn-chapter15
Chapter 16.Srugalavadha mbtn-chapter16
Chapter 17.Hamsa Dibhaka Vadha mbtn-chapter17
Chapter 18.Bhimarjuna Digvijaya mbtn-chapter18
Chapter 19.Pandava Rajya Labha mbtn-chapter19
Chapter 20.Khandava Vana Daha mbtn-chapter20
Chapter 21.Pandava Vanapravesa mbtn-chapter21
Chapter 22.Araniprapti mbtn-chapter22
Chapter 23.Ajnatavasa SamaptiH mbtn-chapter23
Chapter 24.Yudhhodyoga mbtn-chapter24.pdf
Chapter 25.Bhishmapaata mbtn-chapter25
Chapter 26.Narayanastropashamanam mbtn-chapter26
Chapter 27.Karna Vadha mbtn-chapter27
Chapter 28.Pandava Rajya Prapti mbtn-chapter28
Chapter 29.Samasta Dharma Samgraha mbtn-chapter29
Chapter 30.Ashwamedha Kathanam mbtn-chapter30
Chapter 31.Dhritarashtradi Svargaprapti mbtn-chapter31
Chapter 32.Pandava Svargarohanam mbtn-chapter32

Sanskrit text courtesy : Wikisource and Ananda Makaranda

  • Chapter 1 – Sarvashastraartha Nirnaya (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter1 )
    • Contents: The creation of the Universe, Lord Hari’s greatness, the right shastras, the right philosophies, the five differences, the route to Moksha, the hierarchy
    • Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
    • Part 5
  • Chapter 2 – Bharata Vakyoddhara (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter2)
    • Contents: The greatness of Bharata, the need for a decisive commentary, the order of hierarchy in Kshatriyas and others, the hierarchy amongst women, the explanation of the shlokas of the Bharata
    • Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
    • Part 5 Part 6
  • Chapter 3 – Sargaanursarga Pralaya Pradurbhava Nirnaya (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter3)
    • Contents: Continuation of the creation of the Universe, the birth of Brahma, Vayu and others, the creation of the world, Matsya and other avataras of Lord Hari, Lord Rama avatara
    • Part 1 Part 2
  • Chapter 4 – Bala Kanda Katha Nirupana (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter4)
    • Contents: Killing of Tataka, Control of Maricha, Ahalya Uddhara, Breaking of Shiva’s bow, Wedding with Sita, the union of Rama and Parashurama
    • Part 1 Part 2
  • Chapter 5 – Hanumaddarshana (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter5)
    • Contents: Exile in forest, devotion of Bharata, Vayasa episode, Sharabhanga episode, Killing of Viradha, Killing of Maricha, alternate form of Sita, Upliftment of Kabandha and Shabari
    • Part 1 Part 2
  • Chapter 6 – Hanumadvardhana (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter6)
    • Contents: Meeting Hanuman, friendship with Sugreeva, killing of Vali, Sugreeva becoming king, Assembly of monkeys, Search for Sita, Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama, Hanuman getting ready to jump across the ocean
    • Part 1 Part 2
  • Chapter 7 – Hanumatpratiyaanam – SundaraKanda Katha Nirupanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter7)
    • Contents: Crossing of the ocean, Mainaka episode, Surasa’s defeat, Killing of Simhika, Defeat of Lankini, Darshana of Sita’s form, Giving of Angulika, Destruction of Ashoka Vana, Killing of Ravana’s army, Killing of Aksha Kumara, Brahmastra, Message to Ravana, Burning of Lanka, Handing over of Chudamani
    • Part 1 Part 2
  • Chapter 8 – Yuddha Kanda Katha Nirupanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter8)
  • Chapter 9 – Rama Svadhama Pravesham (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter9)
    • Contents: The glorious rule of Rama, Birth of Lava and Kusha, Shatrughna establishes Mathura, Lord Rama returns back to His abode
    • Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
  • Chapter 10 – Vyasa Avatara (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter10)
    • Contents: Samudra Manthana, Birth of Lord Vyasa, the various activities of Lord Vyasa
    • Part 1 Part 2
  • Chapter 11 – Sri Bhagavadavatara Pratijnana (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter11 )
  • Chapter 12 – Sri Krishnavatara Pandavotpatti (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter12)
  • Contents: Birth of Lord Krishna, His initial leelas, birth of Pandavas
  • Chapter 13 – Kamsa Vadha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter13)
  • Contents: The leelas of Bala Krishna, up to the killing of Kamsa
  • Chapter 14 – Uddhava Pratiyaanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter14)
  • Contents: Gurukula vaasa of Lord Krishna, the defeat of Jarasandha, the passing away of Pandu, the arrival of Pandavas in Hastinapura, the childhood heroics of Bhima
  • Chapter 15 – Pandavadinamastra VidyabhyasaH (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter15 )
  • Contents: The incident involving Drona, astrabhyasa of Kauravas and Pandavas, story of ekalavya
  • Chapter 16 – Srugala Vadha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter16)
  • Contents: The repeated attacks of Jarasandha, Departure of Sri Krishna from Madhura
  • Chapter 17 – Hamsadibika Vadha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter17 )
  • Contents: Rugmini Swayamvara, Killing of Kalayavana, Syamantapokhyana, Killing of Hamsa and Dibika.
  • Chapter 18 – Bhimarjuna Digvijaya (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter18)
  • Contents: Bhima’s Bhagavata Dharma, Astra Vidya Pariksha, Defeat of Drupada, Birth of Draupadi and Dhristadyumna, Yudhisthira becoming Yuvaraja
  • Chapter 19 – Pandava Rajya Labha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter19)
  • Contents:  Burning of the wax palace, killing of Hidimba and Bakasura, Swayamvara of Draupadi, killing of Suvajra, Half the Kingdom to Pandavas.
  • Chapter 20 – Khandava Vana Daha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter20)
  • Contents: Swayamvara of Kali, Marriage with Shanmahishis, Dhanyashcharyakhyana, Slaying of Narakasura, Parijataharana, Subhadra Kalyana, Khandava Vana Daha.
  • Chapter 21 – Pandava Vanavasa Gamanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter21)
  • Contents: Ashwamedha Yaga of Sri Krishna, Jarasandha-vadha, Rajasuya Yaga, Shishupala-vadha, Maya-sabha, Dyuta, Anu-dyuta, Vanavasa.
  • Chapter 22 – Arani Prapti (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter22)
  • Contents: Kirmira Vadha, Bhima Gita, Kiratarjuneeya, Tirthayatra, Sri Krishna’s Kailasa Yatra, Ajagara Prasanga, Jayadratha’s defeat, Ghoshayatra, Kavacha Kundala Dana, Yaksha Prashna.
  • Chapter 23 – Ajnatavasa Samapti (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter23)
  • Contents: Pandavas at Virata, Slaying of Jeemoota, Slaying of Keechaka, Dakshina Gograhana, Uttara Gograhana, Abhimanyu-Uttaraa Vivaha.
  • Chapter 24 – Yudhhodyoga (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter24)
  • Contents: Sri Krishna’s offer to Arjuna and Duryodhana, Preparations by the Pandavas and Kauravas, Sri Krishna’s negotiations, Vishwaroopa Pradarshana, Karna episode.
  • Chapter 25 – Bhishma Paata (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter25)
  • Contents: Senadhipatya of Bhishma, Gitopadesha, Sri Krishna Chakra Dharana, Slaying of Iravanta, Valour of Bhima and Arjuna, Fall of Bhishma.
  • Chapter 26 – Narayana Astra Upashamanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter26)
  • Contents: Bhima’s defeat of Shalya, Killing of Bhagadatta, Abhimanyu and Ghatotkacha, End of Bahlika, Departure of Drona, Narayana Astra Episode, Greatness of Bhima’s Bhagavata Dharma.
  • Chapter 27 – Karna Vadha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter27)
  • Contents: Karna Senadhipatya, Bhima’s defeat of Ashwathama, Shalya becoming Sarathi, Bhargavastra by Karna, Arjuna Yudhisthira face-off, Slaying of Dushasana, Karna-Arjuna battle, End of Karna.
  • Chapter 28 – Pandava Rajya Prapti (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter28)
  • Contents: Shalya Senadhipatya, Killing of Shalya, Slaying of Shakuni and others, Duryodhana’s escape, Breaking of Duryodhana’s thighs by Bhima, Killing of Upapandavas by Ashwathama, Bhima’s defeat of Ashwathama, Brahma-shirostra, Sri Krishna saving Parikshita, Pandavas entering the city.
  • Chapter 29 – Samasta Dharma Sangraha (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter29)
  • Contents: Dharmaraja Pattabhisheka, Killing of Charvaka, Dharmaraja’s lament, Bhishmopadesha, Varnashrama Dharma, Stri Dharma, Tamosadhana, Purushartha Viveka, Supremacy of Kama.
  • Chapter 30 – Ashwamedha Kathanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter30)
  • Contents: Pandava Rajyabhara, Kali nigraha, Anugita, Story of Udanka, Birth of Parikshita, Ashwamedha Yaga, Babhruvahana episode, Greatness of Lakshana Shastra, Glory of the Yaga, Mongoose incident.
  • Chapter 31 – Dhritharashtradi Swargaprapti (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter31)
  • Contents: Bhimopadesha to Yudhishthira, Dhritharashtra Virakti, Vanavasa, Vidura Dehatyaga, Greatness of Vyasa, Departure of Dhritharashtra and others.
  • Chapter 32 – Pandava Svargarohanam (Complete chapter – single PDF file mbtn-chapter32)
  • Contents: Sri Krishna’s satra, Departure of Yadavas, Sri Krishna Parandhama Gamana, Mahaprasthana of Pandavas, Swargarohana of Yudhishthira, Regaining moola-roopa, Avataras of Buddha, Sri Madhwa, Durga and Kalki, Conclusion.

39 thoughts on “Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya”

  1. Mr Rohit,

    Arguments can never be unbiased. By arguing you forfeit your own plead not to be biased :). Last paragraph in your reply is a testimony to it :):).

    Respects.
    Naga Narayana.

    Reply

    1. Mr Naga Narayana
      Yes, I totally agree with you sir. However the same was a reply to the previous comment from Mr. Srivathsa whom i thoght was continuosly mocking and trying to degrade the dwaita siddantha. his comments were really displeasing and totally baseless is what i felt and meant by a biased mind, not that i am not. I beleive in arriving at conclusions through equanimous mind and respect what others has to say and what others follow in their life. We need not cut other’s legs to show that we are tall, but can anyday have a healthy argument whatsoever the truth is. 🙂
      Regards,
      Rohit

      Reply

  2. Dear Rohit,

    You might understand why I am addressing you, not your opponent from the following context. As I had first responded to this thread, building and breaking a cocoon around ourselves is our own choice!

    I appreciate your zeal here. But we are forgetting something here.

    Fools can never be taught! Because they refuse to learn! Also, one who craves to preach remains a much bigger fool!!

    Lord KriSHNa declares … na buddhibhedam janayet ajnyaanaam karmasanginaam! JoSHayet sarva karmaaNi vidwaan yuktah samaacharan!! This applies more to oneself rather than others. As long as we positively eradicate our ignorance, HIS words never go waste :). Trust me. When we believe we have understood HIM, we lose HIM totally, just like Duryodhana tries to capture HIM in his father’s puny court!!

    As for treatment to ignorance, intelligence can never be a solution. Ignorance grows humongous with intelligence like a weed fed with a miracle manure! Humility is the only solution to the ignorance. But humility can never be taught! It can only be sought!! No wonder why Lord did not bother to preach the entire army in the war field. A wise Arjuna got lucky to be taught by none other than THE WISDOM ITSELF as he surrenders to the same in absolute humility. No argument can ever take us to THE TRUTH! Humility brings THAT down to us right here and right now!! It compels THE LORD to reveal HIS universal magnificence even!! This is the essence of Mahabhaarata to me. This is the sole purport of any useful and meaningful study of the same.

    Since the forum was discussing on the purport of Mahaabhaarata, I thought of sharing my own little experience with the same, if it is of any utility to anyone. Good luck!

    Respects.
    Naga Narayana.

    Reply

  4. Dear sir,
    Thank you for this wonder seva to Paramatma and Parama Pujya Shri Madvhacharya _/\_. I have always wanted to read and understand MBTN but because of my limited knowledge of Kannada, had to wait for an English version. Please note that the link to Chapter 13 above is not in PDF format bu in plain HTML format. Request you to provide the PDF format for download. Thank you so much and God bless !

    Reply

  5. could all chapters be translated in English…I m interested to learn dvaita philosophy but…resources are very few…

    Reply

Leave a comment