Top 5 Short Stories from the Mahabharata for Kids

The Bhagavad Gita is a rich scripture of teachings and advice that was born during the Kurukshetra war between the Pandavas (Righteous and Truthful) and the Kauravas (Deceitful and Greedy).

Here are 5 stories that every child must be introduced to.

The lessons in these stories surpass age and time as golden pieces of advice.

1. The story of Eklavya

Eklavya was a tribal boy who had a deep passion to be trained in archery from Guru Dronacharya. However, since Drona had pledged to teach the Kuru Princes and train only the royal princes, he refused Ekalavya’s request. This refusal did not deter Ekalavya’s spirit, he went on to make a sculpture of Drona, who he had immense respect for and trained everyday on his own and honed his skill as an archer.

One day Drona and the Princes chanced upon Eklavya practicing and were astounded at how skilful he was at archery. Drona had made a promise to Prince Arjun to make him the best archer. In order to fulfil his word, Drona asked Eklavya for his right thumb as Guru Dakshina (teachers fee). Without a second thought, Eklavya sacrificed his right thumb, proving his loyalty and immense respect for Guru Dronacharya.

What we learn:

Hard work is the key to achieving anything. Eklavya took charge of his own learning and mastered it through self-discipline and determination.

The story of Eklavya teaches us how resilience is a very powerful quality to hone.

In today’s world of online resources, you don’t always need a traditional education to succeed.

2. The Yaksha Prashna

During their exile, through the forest one day, the Pandavas grew thirsty. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva came across a beautiful lake, they stopped to quench their thirst. A yaksha appeared and warned them not to drink the water, until they answered his questions. However, ignoring the warning, they drank the water. As a result, they fell to the ground unconscious, as if dead.

A while later, Yudhishthira arrived and saw the state his brothers were in. The Yaksha repeated his warning. This time however, Yudhishthira listened and humbly accepted the condition. He patiently answered the questions put forth. The questions tested his wisdom, righteousness and understanding of life. The yaksha was impressed by the answers and revealed himself as none other than Yama dev, the god of death and Yudhishthira’s divine father. Pleased with the answers, Yama dev revives his brother and blesses him with wisdom and guidance.

What we learn:

Yudhishthira did not act impulsively; he navigated the situation with patience and wisdom. This story encourages us to think and listen before we act in haste.

3. Aksha Patra

During their exile, the Pandavas found themselves playing hosts to many sages and guests who visited them. Feeding the many visitors was proving to be challenging. Draupadi prayed to Lord Krishna for help.

Lord Krishna appeared at their abode and asked for food. Draupadi was embarrassed as the food was over and the vessel was empty. Lord Krishna however, found a single grain of rice stuck to the pot and ate it. He declared that his hunger was satiated. From that moment on, the Aksha Patra, a gift from Lord Sury to Yudhishthira provided unlimited food until Draupadi had eaten. Thus, ensuring that no one in their company would ever go hungry.

What we learn:

Divine help will always arrive when we are devoted and righteous. True leadership is in the service of others.

4. Arjuna and the eye of the Bird

Guru Drona, the teacher of the Kuru Princes decided to test the focus of his students. He setup a wooden bird as their target on a tree branch and asked his students to step up one by one and take aim to shoot at the bird’s eye.

Drona asked each student what they saw and based on their replies, he decided if they could shoot or not.

Yudhishthira replied, “I see the tree, its leaves, the bird and the sky.”

Bhima replied,” I see the tree, the bird and my brothers.:

Duryodhana said, “I see the bird and its wings.”

One by one, they all stepped forward and had similar answers. Drona was unimpressed and did not allow any of them to shoot. Finally, t was Arjuns turn. He took aim and confidently replied,” I see only the birds eye.”

Arjun was the only student who was permitted to shoot. He took aim and shot the arrow straight into the bird’s eye.

What we learn:

Arjuns success came from his ability to focus and not be distracted by unnecessary details.

In today’s business world, maintaining a clear vision with focus is pivotal to achieving long term success. Look at the example of Steve Jobs, where he focused on innovation and simplicity to create the Apple legacy.

Focus, repetition and determination will always lead to success.

5. Karna and the Golden tooth

Karna never refused anyone who asked him for help. During the battle of the Mahabharat, when he lay wounded and near death, Lord Indra appeared as a brahmin and asked Karna for alms. Without hesitation, he broke his golden tooth from his mouth and gave it to the Brahmin as he had nothing else to offer. Indra, who was impressed by Karna’s generosity, revealed his true form and blessed Karna.

What we learn:

True devotion and kindness come from serving without conditions.

This story highlights the powerful lesson that true generosity is about giving even when it is difficult.

The stories from the Mahabharat are a timeless source of moral and spiritual lessons for life, for everyone.

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