Janamejaya's request for a full narration of the Mahabharata causes him to ask subsequent, specific questions about the Pandavas' domestic life, such as their unity with Draupadi, which Vaishampayana then explains.
Adi Parva
How can the Pandavas, now sharing one wife, avoid the destructive discord that felled even powerful demons?
After establishing Indraprastha, the sage Narada visits and warns Yudhishthira that sharing Draupadi could lead to fatal jealousy among the brothers. To illustrate his point, he tells the story of the demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, whose perfect unity was shattered by their mutual desire for the same celestial nymph, leading to their mutual destruction.
4 stories · 0 pivotal · Chapters 200–201
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
The Pandavas' decision to share Draupadi as a common wife is the unique marital arrangement that prompts Janamejaya's question. Janamejaya, hearing of this arrangement, specifically asks how they prevented dissension, making the earlier event the direct cause of his inquiry.
This Arc
Narada's Warning and the Tale of Sunda-Upasunda
Leads into
Narada narrates the story of Sunda and Upasunda as a direct, cautionary example to the Pandavas, leading them to establish a rule to prevent discord over Draupadi.
Stories
Showing all 4 stories
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.
Supporting
Janamejaya Asks About Pandava Unity with Draupadi
King Janamejaya, hearing his ancestors the Pandavas shared a single wife, Draupadi, presses the sage Vaishampayana for details. He wants to know how five powerful brothers prevented jealousy and lived together in harmony after winning their kingdom.
Chapter 200 · ~1 min
Supporting
Narada Visits and Warns the Pandavas About Dissension
The Pandavas rule happily in Indraprastha, their unique marriage to Draupadi seemingly peaceful. Then the sage Narada arrives. After being honored, he delivers a blunt warning: they must establish a firm rule regarding their shared wife, or risk destroying each other like the demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda.
Chapter 200 · ~2 min
Supporting
Narada tells Yudhishthira the story of Sunda and Upasunda
Narada begins an ancient tale for Yudhishthira and his brothers. He tells of two asura brothers, Sunda and Upasunda, whose unity and terrible austerities shook the heavens and forced the gods to intervene. After withstanding every temptation and illusion, they win a boon of near-invincibility from Brahma himself.
Chapter 201 · ~3 min
Supporting
Sunda and Upasunda perform austerities and receive a boon
Resolved to conquer the three worlds, the asura brothers Sunda and Upasunda undertake terrible penance in the mountains. They withstand starvation, temptation, and terrifying illusions sent by the frightened gods, until their power forces Brahma to appear and grant them a wish.
Chapter 201 · ~2 min