12. Shanti Parva
The Book of Peace
After the war ends, Yudhishthira is reluctant to rule, overwhelmed by grief and guilt. Shanti Parva follows his journey from refusal to acceptance, his coronation as king, and the profound teachings he receives from Bhishma on his bed of arrows. This parva covers governance (rajadharma), conduct during adversity (apaddharma), and the path to liberation (moksha-dharma), offering timeless wisdom on duty, dharma, and righteous living.
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Stories in Sequential Order
12.1 Yudhishthira's Reluctance
Yudhishthira refuses to accept kingship, overwhelmed by grief over the war's devastation
12.2 Return to Hastinapura
The Pandavas return to Hastinapura and prepare for the coronation ceremony
12.3 Yudhishthira's Coronation
Yudhishthira is crowned king of Hastinapura, accepting his duty to rule
12.4 Bhishma's Teachings Begin
Yudhishthira visits Bhishma on his bed of arrows, and the great teachings begin
12.5 The Duties of a King
Bhishma teaches Yudhishthira the duties of a king and principles of governance
12.6 Rules During Adversity
Bhishma explains the rules of conduct during times of adversity and crisis
12.7 The Path to Liberation
Bhishma teaches the path to liberation and the principles of moksha-dharma
12.8 Bhishma's Final Moments
Bhishma completes his teachings and departs, leaving behind his wisdom