THE FOLLOWING ALPHABETICAL list identifies the principal characters in the narrative, and provides basic explanations of the Sanskrit terms that appear in the text. Among the headwords, characters’ names are given in bold roman type, whereas other terms are in bold italics.
Each headword is followed by a brief annotation in square brackets. For most headwords, this information consists of the syllabification of the term, its scansion in English, and its scansion in Sanskrit, in that order. The syllables in a word are separated by dots; thus, “Abhimanyu” is broken up into four syllables as A·bhi·man·yu. The English scansion is specified using S for a stressed syllable and U for an unstressed syllable; the metrical pattern of A·bhi·man·yu is thus displayed as SUSU. The sound pattern of Sanskrit words is measured in “duration” rather than stress; L represents a short or “light” syllable, and H represents a long or “heavy” syllable. The scansion of A·bhi·man·yu in the original language is LLHL, which is different from the SUSU pattern in English.
In some instances, the annotations identify the grammatical gender or number of a term. Whenever the syllabification of a headword involves significant differences between the English spelling and the original Sanskrit spelling, both spellings are provided. For example, for the word “danda,” the entry in square brackets gives us “dan·da, SU; dan·da, HL”; the (latter) Sanskrit spelling indicates that both n and d are retroflex sounds in this instance, as in English dent. Readers will find the annotations in square brackets useful for the pronunciation of unfamiliar terms.
In many cases, the English spelling provided here reflects the Sanskrit pronunciation quite accurately. Sometimes, however, diacritical marks have to be added to it in order to capture the original spelling or pronunciation. The transcriptions in square brackets use a simplified system of essential diacritical marks.
BASIC PRONUNCIATION OF SANSKRIT TERMS
The common vowels in Sanskrit are consistently transcribed and pronounced as follows: a as in “about”; ā as in “father”; i as in “bit”; ī as in “beet”; u as in “put”; ū as in “boot”; e as in “they”; and o as in “go.” Three other vowels can be approximated thus: r as in “rig”; ai like the i in “high”; and au like the ou in “house.” When no ambiguity is involved, the long ā is represented in the English spelling of a word as aa.
The majority of Sanskrit consonants can be pronounced as they appear in English. The unusual consonants are represented or simplified as follows: ch as in “chew”; t as in “but”; d as in “do”; n as in “tint”; t as in French “tu” or in Italian “pasta”; and d like thethin “thou” or “though.”
Sanskrit distinguishes between two sibilants, both of which are simplified here to sh, as in “ship.” Hence, the main text uses “Shiva” and “Vishnu” as the Anglicized names of these gods, and the Glossary adds “Vishnu” as the more precise transcription of the latter (with the n as in “tint”).
Whenever a appears at the end of a Sanskrit word, it should be pronounced as a short vowel (as in “about”), and not as a long ā. Sanskrit distinguishes clearly, for example, between “Krishna”/“Krishna” (short a at the end) and “Krishnā”/“Krishnaa” (long at the end). Likewise, the language distinguishes between “Chitrāngada”/“Chitraangada” and “Chitrāngadā”/“Chitraangadaa.”
Whenever an h appears after a consonant, the sound of the latter is aspirated (pronounced with an accompanying expulsion of air from the mouth). Thus, t is pronounced as at the end of “goat,” whereas th is pronounced as the conjoined th in “goatherd.” Hence, “Dhrishtadyumna” and “Yudhishthira.”
Abhimanyu [A·bhi·man·yu, SUSU; LLHL]: son of Arjuna by Subhadra, Krishna’s sister
Adhiratha [A·dhi·ra·tha, SUSU; LLLL]: adoptive father of Karna
Agastya [A·gast·ya, USU; LHL]: a great seer
Agni [Ag·ni, SU; HL]: god of fire
ahimsa [a·him·saa, USS; LHH]: non-harmfulness
Ajatashatru [A·jaa·ta·shat·ru, USUSU; LHLHL]: “unrivaled,” a name of Yudhishthira
Alambusha [A·lam·bu·sha, USUU; LHLL]: rakshasa killed by Ghatotkacha
Alayudha [A·la·yu·dha, UUUU; LLLL]: rakshasa killed by Ghatotkacha
Amba, Ambika, Ambalika [Am·baa, SS; HH. Am·bi·kaa, SUS; HLH. Am·baa·li·kaa, USUS; HHLH]: daughters of the king of Kashi, abducted by Bhishma as brides for Vichitravirya
Anga [An·ga, SU; HL]: kingdom given to Karna
Apantaratamas [A·paan·ta·ra·ta·mas, USUUSU ; LHLLLL]: seer; previous incarnation of Vyasa
apsarases [English plural; singular: ap·sa·ras, SUU; HLL]: beautiful celestial nymphs
Arjuna [Ar·ju·na, SUU; HLL]: third son of Pandu and Kunti; fathered by the god Indra
ashrama [aa·shra·ma, SUU; HLL]: one of the four approved life paths
Ashvapati [A·shva·pa·ti, SUSU; HLLL]: king of the Madras, father of Savitri
Ashvasena [Ash·va·se·na, SUSU; HLHL]: son of Takshaka, the snake king
Ashvatthaman [Ash·vat·thaa·man, SUSU; HHHL]: son of Drona
Ashvins [English plural; singular: Ash·vin, SU; HL]: twin deities, fathers of Nakula and Sahadeva
Astika [Aas·ti·ka, SUU; HLL]: snake-brahmin, savior of the snakes at Janamejaya’s sacrifice
astra [as·tra, SU; HL]: supernatural weapon
asura [a·su·ra, SUU; LLL]: demon
atman [aat·man, SU; HL]: human self or soul; an aspect of Brahman
Babhru [Ba·bhru, SU; HL]: a Vrishni warrior
Babhruvahana [Ba·bhru·vaa·ha·na, SUSUU; HLHLL]: Arjuna’s son by Chitrangadaa
Baka [Ba·ka, SU; LL]: rakshasa killed by Bhima
Balarama [Ba·la·raa·ma, UUSU; LLHL]: Krishna Vasudeva’s older brother
Ballava [Bal·la·va, SUU; HLL]: Bhima’s alias at Virata’s court
Bhagadatta [Bha·ga·dat·ta, SUSU; LLHL]: an ally of the Kauravas
Bhangashvana [Bhan·gaash·va·na, USUU; HHLL]: king who becomes a woman
Bharadvaja [Bha·rad·vaa·ja, UUSU; LHHL]: seer; father of Drona
Bharata: (1) [Bhaa·ra·ta, SUU; HLL] lineage of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas; (2) [Bha·ra·ta, SUU; LLL] king, founder of the royal lineage
Bharatavarsha [Bhaa·ra·ta·var·sha, SUUSU; HLLHL]: ancient name for India south of the Himalaya
Bhargavas [English plural; singular: Bhaar·ga·va, SUU; HLL]: brahmin descendants of Bhrigu
Bhima [Bhee·ma, SU; HL]: (1) second of the five Pandava brothers; fathered by Vayu, god of the wind; (2) Damayanti’s father
Bhishma [Bheesh·ma, SU; HL]: son of Shantanu and Ganga; Bharata patriarch
Bhrigu [Bhri·gu, SU; HL]: a seer
Bhurishravas [Sanskrit singular; Bhoo·ri·shra·vas, SUSU; HHLL]: an ally of the Kauravas
Brahma [Brah·ma, SU; HL]: god of created beings
Brahma’s Head [Brahma as above]: powerful celestial weapon, also known as Pashupata
Brahmadatta [Brah·ma·dat·ta, SUSU; HLHL]: king; friend of the bird Pujani
Brahman [Brah·man, SU; HL]: universal soul; essence of all that is
brahmins [as in English; SU]: highest class in the social hierarchy; priests, guardians of the Vedas
Brihadashva [Bri·ha·dash·va, UUSU; LLHL]: a sage
Brihannada [Bri·han·na·daa, USUU; bri·han·na·dā, LHLH]: Arjuna’s alias at Virata’s court
Brihaspati [Bri·has·pa·ti, USUU; LHLL]: preceptor/priest to the gods
Chandalas [English plural; singular: Chaan·daa·la, SSU; chān·dā·la, HHL]: a lowborn and despised community
Charvaka [Chaar·vaa·ka, SSU; HHL]: a rakshasa posing as a brahmin
Chekitana [Che·ki·ta·na, SUSU; HLLL]: Vrishni warrior; ally of the Pandavas
Chitrangada [masculine; Chi·traan·ga·da, USUU; HHLL] elder of Shantanu’s two sons by Satyavati
Chitrangadaa [feminine; Chi·traan·ga·daa, USUS; HHLH] mother of Arjuna’s son Babhruvahana
Chitrasena [Chi·tra·se·na, SUSU; HLHL]: king of the gandharvas
Chitravahana [Chi·tra·vaa·ha·na, SUSUU; HLHLL]: king of Manalura
Chyavana [Chya·va·na, SUU; HLL]: a great seer
Damayanti [Da·ma·yan·tee, UUSS; LLHH]: wife of Nala
Danavas [English plural; singular: Daa·na·va, SUU; HLL]: a type of demon
danda [dan·da, SU; dan·da, HL]: rod of royal authority
Daruka [Daa·ru·ka, SUU; HLL]: Krishna’s charioteer
Devadatta [De·va·dat·ta, SUSU; HLHL]: Arjuna’s conch
Devasthana [De·va·sthaa·na, SUSU; HHHL]: a great ascetic
Devavrata [De·va·vra·ta, SUSU; HHLL]: Bhishma’s original name
dharma [dhar·ma, SU; HL]: righteousness; right conduct
Dharma [as above]: god of righteousness; Yudhishthira’s father
Dharma King [as above]: a title for Yudhishthira
Dhaumya [Dhaum·ya, SU; HL]: the Pandavas’ household priest
Dhrishtadyumna [Dhrish·ta·dyum·na, SUSU; dhrish·ta·dyum·na, HHHL]: Panchala warrior; son of Drupada; brother of Draupadi
Dhrishtaketu [Dhrish·ta·ke·tu, SUSU; dhrish·ta·ke·tu, HLHL]: ally of the Pandavas
Dhritarashtra [Dhri·ta·rash·tra, SUSU; dhri·ta·rāsh·tra, HLHL]: blind king of the Bharatas; son of Vyasa; father of the Kauravas
Draupadi [Drau·pa·dee, SUS; HLH]: daughter of Drupada; wife to the five Pandavas
Drona [Dro·na, SU; dro·na, HL]: great brahmin weapons teacher
Drupada [Dru·pa·da, SUU; HLL]: king of Panchala; father of Draupadi, Dhrishtadyumna, and Shikhandin
Duhshala [Duh·shaa·laa, SSS; HHH]: only daughter of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari
Duhshanta [Duh·shan·ta, SSU; HHL]: father of Bharata, founder of the Bharata lineage
Duhshasana [Duh·shaa·sa·na, SSUU; HHLL]: second son of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari
Durjaya [Dur·ja·ya, SUU; HLL]: one of Dhritarashtra’s sons
Durmashana [Dur·ma·sha·na, SUUU; HLLL]: one of Dhritarashtra’s sons
Durmukha [Dur·mu·kha, SUU; HLL]: one of Dhritarashtra’s sons
Durvasas [Sanskrit singular; Dur·vaa·sas, USU; HHL]: a seer
Duryodhana [Dur·yo·dha·na, USUU; HHLL]: eldest son of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari; leader of the Kauravas
Dvaipayana [Dvai·paa·ya·na, USUU; HHLL]: (1) a name for Vyasa; (2) lake where Duryodhana hides at the end of the war
Dvapara age [Dvaa·pa·ra, SUU; HLL]: second-worst of the four ages; also personified as an evil being
Dvaraka [Dvaa·ra·kaa, SUS; HLH]: Krishna’s city
Dyumatsena [Dyu·mat·se·na, SUSU; HLHL]: Savitri’s father-in-law
Ekalavya [E·ka·lav·ya, SUSU; HLHL]: a tribal youth, son of the king of the nishadas
Gandhari [Gaan·dhaa·ree, SSS; HHH]: Gandhara princess; wife of Dhritarashtra; mother of the hundred Kauravas
gandharvas [English plural; singular: gan·dhar·va, USU; HHL]: celestial musicans and accomplished fighters
Gandiva [Gaan·di·va, SUU; gān·di·va, HLL]: Arjuna’s bow
Ganesha [Ga·ne·sha, USU; ga·ne·sha, LHL]: elephant-headed god; scribe of the Mahabharata
Ganga [Gangaa, SS; HH]: (1) sacred river; (2) goddess of the river
Garuda [Ga·ru·da, SUU; ga·ru·da, LLL]: celestial eagle
Gautami [Gau·tam·i, SUU; HLH]: a wise brahmin woman
Ghatotkacha [Gha·tot·ka·cha, USUU; gha·tot·ka·cha, LHLL]: half-rakshasa son of Bhima and Hidimbaa
ghee [as in English]: clarified butter, used in rituals
Govinda [Go·vin·da, SUU; HLL]: a name for Krishna
Granthika [Gran·thi·ka, SUU; HLL]: Nakula’s alias at Virata’s court
Hanuman [Ha·nu·maan, UUS; LLH]: divine monkey
Harishchandra [Ha·rish·chan·dra, USSU; LHHL]: an emperor of previous times
Hastinapura [Has·ti·naa·pu·ra, SUSUU; HLHLL]: City of the Elephant; the capital of the Bharata kingdom
Hidimba [Hi·dim·ba, USU; hi·dim·ba, LHL]: rakshasa killed by Bhima
Hidimbaa [Hi·dim·baa, USS; hi·dim·bā, LHH]: Hidimba’s sister; wife of Bhima; mother of Ghatotkacha
Himalaya [Hi·ma·la·ya, USUS; LHLL]: great mountain range in the north of Bharatavarsha
Himavat [Hi·ma·vat, SUU; LLL]: Himalaya
Indra [In·dra, SU; HL]: powerful god; father of Arjuna
Indraprastha [In·dra·pras·tha, SUSU; HHHL]: beautiful city created by the Pandavas
Iravat [I·raa·vat, USU; LHL]: Arjuna’s son by Ulupi
Jaimini [Jai·mi·ni, SUU; HLL]: one of Vyasa’s disciples
Jalasandha [Ja·laa·san·dha, USSU; LHHL]: a son of Dhritarashtra
Jamadagni [Ja·mad·ag·ni, UUSU; LLHL]: seer of ancient times; father of Rama Jamadagnya
Jambavati [Jam·ba·va·tee, SUUS; HLLH]: one of Krishna’s wives
Janaka [Ja·na·ka, SUU; LLL]: a king claiming to have achieved moksha
Janamejaya [Ja·na·me·ja·ya, UUSSU ; LLHLL]: king, descendant of the Pandavas, to whom the Mahabharata is recited
Jarasandha [Ja·raa·san·dha, USSU; LHHL]: king of Magadha, killed by Bhima
Jarita [Ja·ri·taa, SUS; LLH]: bird, wife of Mandapala
jaya [ja·ya, SU; LL]: victory
Jayadratha [Ja·yad·ra·tha, SUSU; LHLL]: Sindhu king; husband of Duhshala
Jayatsena [Ja·yat·se·na, USSU; LHHL]: ally of the Pandavas
Jimuta [Jee·moo·ta, SSU; HHL]: wrestling contestant at Virata’s court
Kailasa [Kai·laa·sa, SSU; HHL]: northern mountain, home of gods
Kali age [Ka·li, SU; LL]: worst of the four ages; worst throw at dice; personified as an evil being
Kampilya [Kam·pil·ya, USU; HLL]: capital of the Panchala kingdom
Kanika [Ka·ni·ka, SUS; LLL]: Dhritarashtra’s minister
Kanka [Kan·ka, SU; HL]: Yudhishthira’s alias at Virata’s court
Kanva [Kan·va, SU; HL]: seer; adoptive father of Shakuntala
karma [as in English]: natural law whereby acts have consequences for the doer
Karna [Kar·na, SU; HL]: premarital son of Kunti by the sun god; friend of Duryodhana
Kashyapa [Kash·ya·pa, SUU; HLL]: a rishi’s son
Kauravas [English plural; singular: Kau·ra·va, SUU; HLL]: descendants of Kuru; name given to the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari
Kaushika [Kau·shi·ka, SUU; HLL]: an ascetic
Khandava Forest [Khaan·da·va, SUU; khān·da·va, HLL]: forest tract destroyed by Arjuna and Krishna
Kichaka [Kee·cha·ka, SUU; HLL]: Virata’s general; would-be seducer of Draupadi, killed by Bhima
Kirmira [Kir·mee·ra, USU; HHL]: rakshasa killed by Bhima
Kripa [Kri·pa, SU; HL]: Bharata princes’ first weapons teacher
Kripi [Kri·pee, US; LH]: sister of Kripa; wife of Drona
Krishna Dvaipayana [Krish·na Dvai·paa·ya·na, SU SSUU; krish·na dvai·pā·ya·na, HL HHLL]: a name for Vyasa
Krishna Vasudeva [Krishna as above; Vaa·su·de·va, SUSU; HLHL]: avatar of Vishnu; cousin and supporter of the Pandavas
Krishnaa [Krish·naa, SU; krish·nā, HH]: “the dark one,” name of Draupadi
Krita age [Kri·ta, SU; LL]: first and best of the four ages of the world; best throw at dice
Kritavarman [Kri·ta·var·man, SUSU; LLHL]: Krishna’s kinsman; ally of the Kauravas
kshatriyas [English plural; singular: Ksha·tri·ya, SUU; HLL]: the ruling class; warriors; second-highest class in the social hierarchy
Kubera [Ku·be·ra, USU; LHL]: god of treasure
Kunti [Kun·tee, SS; HH]: first wife of Pandu; mother of Karna, and of the five Pandavas; sister of Krishna’s father
Kuntibhoja [Kun·ti·bho·ja, SUSU; HLHL]: adoptive father of Kunti
Kurukshetra [Ku·ru·kshe·tra, SUSU; LHHL]: “Kuru’s field,” the plain on which the great war is fought
Lakshmana [Laksh·ma·na, SUU; laksh·ma·na, HLL]: son of Duryodhana
Lapita [La·pi·taa, SUU; LLH]: bird in the Khandava Forest
Left-handed Archer: name for Arjuna
Likhita [Li·khi·ta, SUU; LLL]: brahmin brother of Shankha
Lomapada [Lo·ma·pa·da, SUUU; HLLL]: a king of Anga
Lomasha [Lo·ma·sha, SUU; HLL]: a seer
Madhu [Ma·dhu, SU; LL]: demon killed by Vishnu
Madhusudana [Ma·dhu·soo·da·na, SUSUU; LLHLL]: “killer of Madhu,” a name for Vishnu
Madras [English plural; singular: Ma·dra, SU; HL]: a people
Madri [Maa·dri, SU; HL]: Pandu’s second wife; mother of Nakula and Sahadeva
Mahabharata [Ma·haa·bhaa·ra·ta, USSUU; LHHLL]: the present epic poem
Maitreya [Mai·tre·ya, SUU; HLL]: a great sage
Malavi [Maa·la·vee, SUS; HLH]: mother of Savitri
Mandapala [Man·da·paa·la, SUSU; HLHL]: bird in the Khandava Forest
Mandhatri [Maan·dhaa·tri, SSU; HHL]: a great archer and king
Manu [Ma·nu, SU; HL]: the first man
Markandeya [Maar·kan·de·ya, SUSU; mār·kan·de·ya, HHLL]: a great seer, famously long-lived
Marutta [Ma·rut·ta, USU; LHL]: an ambitious king
Matali [Maa·ta·li, SUU; HLL]: Indra’s charioteer
Matanga [Ma·tan·ga, USU; LHL]: boy who tried to become a brahmin
Matsya [Mat·sya, SU; HL]: land ruled by King Virata
Maya [Ma·ya, SU; LL]: demon architect
Mlecchas [English plural; singular: Mle·chchha, SU; HL]: barbarians
moksha [mok·sha, SU; HL]: final release from the cycle of birth and death
Mudgala [Mud·ga·la, SUU; HLL]: devout gleaner
muni [mu·ni, SU; LL]: a holy man
Naga [Naa·ga, SU; HL]: snake deity
Nahusha [Na·hu·sha, SUU; LLL]: Pandavas’ ancestor, who turned into a serpent under Agastya’s curse, and resumed his human form when saved by Yudhishthira
Nakula [Na·ku·la, SUU; LLL]: one of the Pandava brothers; twin son of Pandu and Madri; fathered by the Ashvins
Namuchi [Na·mu·chi, SUU; LLL]: demon killed by Indra
Nara [Na·ra, SU; LL]: deity/seer associated with Arjuna; companion of Narayana
Narada [Naa·ra·da, SUU; HLL]: a great seer, traveler in the three worlds
Naraka [Na·ra·ka, SUU; LLL]: a demon
Narayana [Naa·raa·ya·na, SSUU; nā·rā·ya·na, HHLL]: (1) a name for Vishnu; (2) a divine seer
Narayaniya [Naa·raa·ya·nee·ya, SSUSU; nā·rā·ya·nī·ya, HHLHL]: devotional hymn to Narayana
Nila [Nee·la, SU; HL]: ally of the Pandavas
nishadas [English plural; singular: ni·shaa·da, USU; LHL]: a forest tribal people
Nivatakavachas [English plural; singular: Ni·vaa·ta·ka·va·cha, USUSUU; LHLLLL]: demon enemies of Indra, defeated by Arjuna
Oghavati [O·gha·va·tee, SUUS; HLLH]: (1) river at Kurukshetra; (2) Sudarshana’s wife
Paila [Pai·la, SU; HL]: one of Vyasa’s disciples
Panchajanya [Paan·cha·jan·ya, SUSU; HLHL]: Krishna’s conch
Panchala [Paan·chaa·la, SSU; HHL]: (1) kingdom ruled by Drupada; (2) the people of that kingdom
Pandavas [English plural; singular: Paan·da·va, SUU; HLL]: the five sons of Pandu; also their forces in the war
Pandu [Paan·du, SU; pān·du, HL]: brother of Dhritarashtra, fathered by Vyasa; father of the five Pandavas
Pandyas [English plural; singular: Paand·ya, SU; pānd·ya, HL]: allies of the Pandavas
Parashara [Pa·raa·sha·ra, USUU; LHLL]: a seer; father of Vyasa by Satyavati
Parikshit [Pa·rik·shit, USU; LHL]: heir to the Bharata kingdom after Yudhishthira; father of Janamejaya
Parvati [Paar·va·tee, SUS; HLH]: wife of Shiva
Pashupata [Paa·shu·pa·ta, SUSU; HLLL]: supreme celestial weapon
Pradyumna [Pra·dyum·na, USU; LHL]: Krishna’s son
Prahlada [Prah·laa·da, SSU; HHL]: wise chief of demons
Prasena [Pra·se·na, USU; LHL]: Karna’s son
Prithu [Pri·thu, SU; LL]: the first king
puja [poo·jaa, SS; HH]: act of worship
Pujani [Poo·ja·nee, SUS; HLH]: a wise bird
Purochana [Pu·ro·cha·na, USUU; LHLL]: Duryodhana’s agent in the burning of the lacquer house
Pushkara [Push·ka·ra, SUU; HLL]: Nala’s brother
Radha [Raa·dhaa, SS; HH]: Karna’s adoptive mother
rajasuya yajna [raa·ja·soo·ya yaj·na, SUSU SU; HLHL HL]: imperial consecration sacrifice
rakshasa [raak·sha·sa, SUU; HLL]: ogre
Rama [Raa·ma, SU; HL]: hero of the Ramayana
Rama Jamadagnya [Raa·ma Ja·mad·aag·nya, SU UUSU; HL LLHL]: brahmin warrior; great weapons teacher
Ravana [Raa·va·na, SUU; rā·va·na, HLL]: demon abductor of Sita in the Ramayana
Rishabha [Ri·sha·bha, SUU; LLL]: a recluse
rishi [ri·shi, SU; LL]: sage
Rishyashringa [Ri·shya·shrin·ga, SUSU; LHHL]: an innocent brahmin youth
Rukmaratha [Ruk·ma·ra·tha, SUUU; HLLL]: Shalya’s son
Sahadeva [Sa·ha·de·va, UUSU; LLHL]: twin son of Pandu and Madri; one of the five Pandavas; fathered by Ashvin
Sairandhri [Sai·ran·dhree, SUS; HHH]: Draupadi’s alias at Virata’s court
Samba [Saam·ba, SU; HL]: Krishna’s son
Samvarta [Sam·var·ta, USU; HHL]: brother of Brihaspati
Sanatsujata [Sa·nat·su·jaa·ta, USUSU; LHLHL]: wise ancient youth
Sanjaya [San·ja·ya, SUU; HLL]: Dhritarashtra’s aide and companion; witness of the entire Kurukshetra war
Sarasvati [Sa·ras·va·tee, USUU; LHLH]: river
Satyabhama [Sat·ya·bhaa·maa, SUSU; HLHH]: Krishna’s wife
Satyajit [Sat·ya·jit, SUU; HLL]: son of Drupada
Satyaki [Saat·ya·ki, SUU; HLL]: Krishna’s kinsman; ally of the Pandavas
Satyasena [Sat·ya·se·na, SUSU; HLHL]: Karna’s son
Satyavat [Sat·ya·vat, SUU; LLL]: Savitri’s husband
Satyavati [Sat·ya·va·tee, SUUU; HLLH]: second wife to Shantanu; mother of Vyasa, and of Chitrangada and Vichitravirya
Savitri [Saa·vi·tree, SUU; HLH]: virtuous wife of Satyavat, who wins him back from Death
Senajit [Se·naa·jit, SSU; HHL]: king, bereaved father
Sita [See·taa, SU; HH]: wife of Rama in the Ramayana
soma [so·ma, SU; HL]: sacred drink, a Vedic sacrificial offering
Somadatta [So·ma·dat·ta, SUSU; HLHL]: father of Bhurishravas
Subhadra [Su·bhad·raa, USUU; LHH]: Krishna’s sister; Arjuna’s wife
Sudarsha [Su·dar·sha, USU; LHL]: one of Dhritarashtra’s sons
Sudarshana [Su·dar·sha·na, USUU; LHLL]: son of the god of fire
Sudarshana [Su·dar·sha·na, USUU; LHLL]: Krishna’s discus
Sudeshna [Su·desh·naa, USU; su·desh·nā, LHH]: Virata’s wife
Sudyumna [Su·dyum·na, USU; LHL]: king of Panchala in ancient times
Sulabha [Su·la·bhaa, SUU; LLH]: female ascetic; interrogator of King Janaka
Sumantu [Su·man·tu, USU; LHL]: one of Vyasa’s disciples
Sumitra [Su·mi·tra, USU; LHL]: a king who lives in hope
Sunda [Sun·da, SU; HL]: demon; brother of Upasunda
Surya [Soor·ya, SU; HL]: sun god; father of Karna
Susharman [Su·shar·man, USU; LHL]: king of the Trigartas
Sushena [Su·she·na, USU; su·she·na, LHL]: Karna’s son
sutas [English plural; singular: soo·ta, SU; HL]: inferior social group of mixed brahmin and kshatriya or kshatriya and vaishya descent; traditionally employed as drivers and bards
svayamvara [Sva·yam·va·ra, USUU; LHLL]: bridegroom choice ceremony
Shakuni [Sha·ku·ni, SUU; LLL]: Gandhari’s brother; close supporter of Duryodhana
Shakuntala [Sha·kun·ta·laa, USUU; LHLH]: mother of Bharata
Shalva [Shaal·va, SU; HL]: (1) Amba’s chosen bridegroom; (2) demonic king of the flying city of Saubha, defeated by Krishna; (3) Mleccha chief
Shalya [Shal·ya, SU; HL]: literally, “dart”; king of Madra, uncle of Nakula and Sahadeva, who fights for the Kauravas
Shankha [Shan·kha, SU; HL]: (1) son of Virata; (2) brother of Likhita
Shantanu [Shan·ta·nu, SUU; HLL]: Bharata king; father of Bhishma; husband of Ganga and Satyavati
Sharadvat [Sha·rad·vat, USU; LHL]: father of Kripa and Kripi
Shatayupa [Sha·taa·yu·pa, USUU; LHLL]: a sage
Shaunaka [Shau·na·ka, SUU; HLL]: brahmin who accompanies the Pandavas into exile
Shibi [Shi·bi, SU; LL]: devout king tested by the gods
Shikhandin [Shi·khan·din, USU; shi·khan·din, LHL]: son of Drupada; reincarnation of Amba
Shishupala [Shi·shu·paa·la, UUSU; LLHL]: king of Chedi, killed by Krishna
Shiva [Shi·va, SU; LL]: powerful god
shraddha [shraad·dha, SU; HL]: ritual offering to nourish the ancestors
Shri [Shree, S; H]: goddess of royal fortune
shudras [English plural; singular: shoo·dra, SU; HL]: servants, peasants, etc, lowest of the four main classes in the social hierarchy
Shuka [Shu·ka, SU; LL]: Vyasa’s son
Shveta [Shve·ta, SU; HL]: Virata’s son
Takshaka [Ta·ksha·ka, SUU; HLL]: king of snakes
Tantipala [Tan·ti·paa·la, SUSU; HLHL]: Sahadeva’s alias at Virata’s court
Terrifier: name for Arjuna
Tilottama [Ti·lot·ta·maa, USUU; LHLH]: woman created by Vishvakarman to test Sunda and Upasunda
Treta age [Tre·taa, SU; HH]: second-best of the ages of the world; second-best throw at dice
Trigartas [English plural; singular: Tri·gar·ta, SSU; HHL]: a people sworn to kill Arjuna
Ugrashravas [Sanskrit singular; Ug·ra·shra·vas, SSUU; HHLL]: a bard; narrator of the Mahabharata to seers in the Naimisha Forest
Uluka [U·loo·ka, USU; LHL]: Shakuni’s son
Ulupi [U·loo·pee, USU; LHH]: snake princess; wife of Arjuna
Upasunda [U·pa·sun·da, UUSU; LLHL]: demon; brother of Sunda
Urvashi [Ur·va·shee, SUU; HLH]: an apsaras
Uttanka [U·tan·ka, USU; LHL]: an ascetic tested by Krishna
Uttara [masculine; Ut·ta·ra, SUU; HLL]: son of Virata
Uttaraa [feminine; Ut·ta·raa, SUU; HLH]: Virata’s daughter; wife of Abhimanyu
Vaishampayana [Vai·sham·paa·ya·na, SUSUU; HLHLL]: Vyasa’s disciple; reciter of the Mahabharata to King Janamejaya
Vajra [Vaj·ra, SU; HL]: Krishna’s descendant; designated ruler of Indraprastha
Varaha [Va·raa·ha, USU; LHL]: boar incarnation of Vishnu
varnas [English plural; singular: var·na, SU; var·na, HL]: social categories; precursors of caste divisions
Varuna [Va·ru·na, SUU; va·ru·na, LLL]: god of the waters; one of the world guardians
Vasus [English plural; singular: Va·su, SU; LL]: eight celestial beings born as mortals; Bhishma is an incarnation of the eighth
Vasudeva [Va·su·de·va, UUSU; LLHL]: Krishna’s father
Vasudeva [Vaa·su·de·va, SUSU; HLHL]: “son of Vasudeva,” one of Krishna’s names
Vasuki [Vaa·su·ki, SUU; HLL]: Naga king
Vayu [Vaa·yu, SU; HL]: god of the wind; Bhima’s father
Vedas [English plural; singular: Ve·da, SU; HL]: the most holy scriptures, orally transmitted by brahmins
Vibhishana [Vi·bhee·sha·na, USUU; vi·bhī·sha·na, LHLL]: king of Lanka
Vichitravirya [Vi·chi·tra·veer·ya, USUSU; LHLHL]: son of Shantanu and Satyavati
Vidura [Vi·du·ra, SUU; LLL]: son of Vyasa by a maidservant; brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu
Vikarna [Vi·kar·na, USU; vi·kar·na, LHL]: son of Dhritarashtra
Virata [Vi·raa·ta, USU; vi·rā·ta, LHL]: king of Matsya; host to the Pandavas in exile
Vishnu [Vish·nu, SU; vish·nu, HL]: supreme deity
Vishvakarman [Vish·va·kar·man, SUSU; HLHL]: divine craftsman
Vishvamitra [Vish·vaa·mit·ra, SUSU; HHHL]: a seer
Vivimshati [Vi·vim·sha·ti, USUU; LHLL]: son of Dhritarashtra
Vrishasena [Vri·sha·se·na, SUSU; HLHL]: Karna’s son
Vrishni [Vrish·ni, SU; vrish·ni, HL]: Krishna’s clan, a subdivision of the Yadava people
Vyasa [Vyaa·sa, SU; HL]: seer; author of the Mahabharata and major participant in the events; a.k.a. Krishna Dvaipayana
Wealth-winner: a name for Arjuna
Wearer of the diadem: a name for Arjuna
Wolf-belly: a name for Bhima
Yadavas [English plural; singular: Yaa·da·va, SUU; HLL]: “descendants of Yadu,” a people to whom Krishna belongs
Yaja [Yaa·ja, SU; HL]: priest who brings Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi into being
Yakshas [English plural; singular: Yak·sha, SU; HL]: earth spirits serving Kubera
Yama [Ya·ma, SU; LL]: god of death
Yamuna [Ya·mu·naa, SUU; LLH]: major river of northern India
yoga [as in English]: spiritual discipline
Yudhishthira [Yu·dhish·thi·ra, USUU; yu·dhish·thi·ra, LHLL]: eldest of the Pandava brothers; the Dharma King
Yuvanashva [Yu·va·naash·va, UUSU; LLHL]: king, father of Mandhatri
Yuyutsu [Yu·yut·su, USU; LHL]: son of Dhritarashtra by a vaishya woman; ally of the Pandavas in the war