Many of us have grown up hearing elders say that the Mahabharata should not be kept at home or recited inside the house because it supposedly leads to quarrels and conflict. But is this belief actually true? Here’s the real perspective based on tradition, history and scripture:
1. Mahabharata is Considered the Fifth Veda
After the four Vedas, the Mahabharata is honored as the “fifth Veda,” giving it the same spiritual status. If Vedas can be kept at home, so can the Mahabharata. Even the Vedas contain descriptions of wars such as the Dasharajna battle and the fight between Indra and Vritrasura, which were essentially conflicts within clans.
2. Many Scriptures Contain Wars — Yet We Keep Them at Home
Homes commonly keep texts like the Durga Saptashati, Ramayana, and Pura?as, all of which describe wars. So believing that Mahabharata should be avoided simply because it contains warfare is illogical.
3. Relationships Are Complex in Every Scripture
Some claim that Mahabharata brings bitterness in relationships. But even the Ramayana contains deep challenges involving family, loyalty, and sacrifice. By that logic, even novels or scriptures from any religion — all of which discuss human conflicts — should not be kept at home. This belief has no scriptural basis.
4. Ancient India Kept Mahabharata in Every Household
In ancient times, Mahabharata was found in almost every home. No one knows how the myth arose during the medieval period that it should not be kept at home. Historians believe this superstition may have been spread during the era of foreign invasions to disconnect Hindus from their literature, culture, and identity — just like the false rumor that “Ramayana is untrue.”
5. Mahabharata Contains the Essence of Hindu Knowledge
The Mahabharata includes the essence of the Vedas, Pura?as, Upanishads, Indian history, and all core Hindu texts. Keeping it at home is important, because studying it gives one a deep understanding of almost the entire body of Hindu wisdom.
6. A Guide to Justice, Morality, Relationships & Life
Mahabharata discusses every aspect of life — justice, injustice, duty, relationships, politics, wisdom, and human nature. It sharpens intelligence and teaches practical life skills. Every individual should read and understand its teachings.
7. Children Who Read Mahabharata Become More Insightful
A child who reads the Mahabharata early gains the knowledge that adults usually acquire through years of life experience. Ramayana teaches what one should do in life, while Mahabharata teaches what one should not do. This is why both texts are essential in every home and should be taught to children.
8. Mahabharata Includes Much More Than the Bhagavad Gita
Apart from Krishna’s Gita, it includes many other profound teachings, like:
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Parashara Gita
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Dhritarashtra–Sanjaya dialogues
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Vidura Neeti
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Bhishma Neeti
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Yaksha Prashna
9. No Hindu Scripture Forbids Keeping Mahabharata at Home
No scripture states that the Mahabharata should not be kept in the house. If it were truly forbidden, Ved Vyasa, the author of the epic, would have clearly mentioned it.
10. Mahabharata Represents the Entire Hindu Civilization
It covers dharma, philosophy, logic, politics, salvation, knowledge, arts, and the foundations of righteous living. The only people who would want Hindus to avoid this text are those who want them disconnected from their roots and wisdom.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
