What is behind the number 18 in the Mahabharata? A Hidden Secret
The Mahabharata is a treasure trove of events, relationships, and scientific mysteries. Every character, from the Kauravas and Pandavas to Karna, Krishna, Dhristadyumna, Shalya, Shikhandi, and Kripacharya, is vividly alive. The epic extends beyond mere warrior tales; it holds secrets within its curses, vows, and blessings. Many stories of justice and injustice are intertwined within its narrative. The 18-day war ultimately established dharma, but did you know the significance of the number 18 extends far beyond the duration of the battle? Let's explore some of these mysteries.
The Bhagavad Gita contains 18 chapters:
1. Arjuna Vishada Yoga
2. Sankhya Yoga
3. Karma Yoga
4. Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga
5. Karma Sanyasa Yoga
6. Atma Samyama Yoga
7. Jnana Vijñana Yoga
8. Akshara Brahma Yoga
9. Rajavidya Raja Guhya Yoga
10. Vibhuti Yoga
11. Vishwarupa Darshan Yoga
12. Bhakti Yoga
13. Kshetra Kshetrajña Vibhaga Yoga
14. Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
15. Purushottama Yoga
16. Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
17. Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
18. Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
The Mahabharata is composed of 18 Parvas (books):
1. Adi Parva
2. Sabha Parva
3. Vana Parva
4. Virata Parva
5. Udyoga Parva
6. Bhishma Parva
7. Drona Parva
8. Karna Parva
9. Shalya Parva
10. Sauptika Parva
11. Stri Parva
12. Shanti Parva
13. Anushasana Parva
14. Ashvamedhika Parva
15. Ashramavasika Parva
16. Mausala Parva
17. Mahaprasthanika Parva
18. Svargarohana Parva
The Mahabharata features 18 principal characters:
1. Dhritarashtra
2. Duryodhana
3. Dushasana
4. Karna
5. Shakuni
6. Bhishma
7. Drona
8. Kripacharya
9. Ashwatthama
10. Kritavarma
11. Yudhisthira
12. Bhima
13. Arjuna
14. Nakula
15. Sahadeva
16. Draupadi
17. Vidura
18. Krishna
Few know that both the Kauravas and Pandavas commanded armies of 18 Akshauhinis – 11 on the Kaurava side and 7 on the Pandava side. After the Mahabharata war, only 18 warriors survived: 3 from the Kaurava side (Ashwatthama, Kritavarma, and Kripacharya) and 15 from the Pandava side (including Krishna, the Pandavas, and Satyaki).
The Mahabharata and the Puranas are equally revered. Both were authored by Maharshi Veda Vyasa, and there are also 18 Upapuranas. The Mahabharata contains approximately 1.8 million words. Its original name is "Jay" (victory), and the number 18 associated with Jay is mentioned in Sanskrit texts. Krishna slew Kansa at the age of 18 (although some accounts state 16). Jarasandha attacked Mathura 18 times over 18 years, eventually causing Krishna to leave Mathura for Dwarka.
The ultimate truth of the Mahabharata war is that only 18 warriors survived – 3 from the Kauravas and 15 from the Pandavas. Thus, the number 18 holds a significant, perhaps mystical, resonance within this bloody 18-day conflict.
