MAHBHRATA:
an Indian epic which is important in HINDU mythology. It is the "Great
Story" which records the HISTORY of the descendants of Bhrata. The epic is about
100,000 verses long and includes numerous sub-sections. The main story is clearly older
than the historic text which was compiled sometime between 400 B.C. and 400 A.D. There is
no scholarly consensus as to whether the epic is based on historical events, or purely
artistic invention. The central theme develops from the MYTHS of VISHNU'S AVATRS. The
Goddess Earth is oppressed by DEMONS and over-population and in danger of being submerged
in the ocean. To relieve her, the GODS take human FORM and descend to earth headed by
Vishnu who is born as KRISHNA and who declares the THEOLOGY of the epic in the BHAGAVAD-GTA
. The story then focuses on the HISTORY of the dynasty and its response to crisis over
four generations.
