7 Friendship Lessons From the Mahabharata Every Indian Must Know
Riya Kumari | Dec 27, 2024, 15:18 IST
You meet someone new, and they seem like a breath of fresh air—funny, kind, and totally on your wavelength. For a while, everything clicks. But then, the cracks start to show. They cancel plans last minute, make comments that sting more than they should, and suddenly, you’re left wondering if they’re really as invested in the friendship as you are. It’s like you’re in a weird episode of life where you didn’t sign up for the drama.
The Mahabharata offers some surprisingly spot-on advice for moments like this. As we get older, friendships aren’t always as simple as they once seemed. People change, life shifts, and suddenly, the bond that once felt effortless starts to feel... off. The Mahabharata doesn’t sugarcoat how relationships evolve—sometimes they take a sharp turn, and not always for the better. But that’s part of the deal. Friendships can change, and that’s okay. It’s just another chapter in the story, even if it’s one you didn’t see coming.
1. Know Your Draupadi Moments
Draupadi was the OG “I said what I said” queen. Remember that dice game where her husbands (yes, plural—wild times) lost everything, including her? She didn’t just sit there and take it; she dragged everyone with a spine-shattering glare and zero patience for nonsense. Lesson? If your friends are pulling shady stunts—say, inviting your ex to their party without a heads-up—you channel your inner Draupadi. Speak up. But do it with grace and fire, not passive-aggressive Instagram captions.
Krishna was that friend who had everyone’s back, but he also knew when to give tough love. Karna, on the other hand, was loyal to a fault—so much so that he stuck with Duryodhana, the human equivalent of a red flag. The takeaway? Be loyal, yes, but don’t let your friendships drag you into their messes. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is lovingly tell your friend, “Babe, this one’s on you. I’ll bring snacks, but I’m not bringing bail money.”
3. The Pandavas and Their Eternal Group Chat Energy
Five brothers, one massive WhatsApp group vibe. Sure, they argued, made questionable decisions, and occasionally gambled away their empire, but at the end of the day, they had each other’s backs. Friendship isn’t about always agreeing; it’s about showing up for each other, even when someone’s made a colossal mess of things. So, when your bestie texts you at 2 a.m. about their latest work drama, you reply. Even if it’s just, “Girl, you need therapy and a glass of water.”
4. Don't Be a Duryodhana
Duryodhana, the original drama king who could hold a grudge longer than your aunt holds onto Tupperware you lent her in 2017. Sure, he was ambitious, but his inability to chill cost him...well, everything. Take note: a little competition is fun, but don’t let envy turn you into the villain of your own group chat. Celebrate your friends’ wins—yes, even that friend who “accidentally” lands every dream job while you’re stuck Googling “how to fake enthusiasm in interviews.”
5. Know When It’s Time to Take a Gandhiv Bow
Arjuna had a Gandhiv (fancy divine bow) and knew exactly when to use it. You need the same precision in friendships. Sometimes, walking away isn’t losing; it’s protecting your peace. That friend who only calls when they need something? The one who makes you feel like a side character in your own life? Yeah, it’s time to channel Arjuna and walk into the sunset (metaphorically, unless you’re feeling dramatic).
6. Forgive, But Don’t Forget Like Bhishma
Bhishma was loyal, wise, and annoyingly stuck in his principles. He forgave a lot but also ended up on the wrong side of history because he refused to call out bad behavior. Forgiveness is cool; it's like a reset for your soul.. But don’t let it make you a doormat. If a friend keeps repeating the same toxic patterns, it’s okay to set boundaries. In fact, it’s necessary.
7. Celebrate the Sudamas in Your Life
Krishna’s friendship with Sudama is the heartwarming reminder we all need. Sudama was broke, brought Krishna a snack made of dry rice, and still got treated like royalty. Moral of the story? Cherish the friends who bring you joy, even if they can’t split the dinner bill or show up with a proper gift. Sometimes, the ones who offer the least materialistically give the most emotionally.
1. Know Your Draupadi Moments
Draupadi
Draupadi was the OG “I said what I said” queen. Remember that dice game where her husbands (yes, plural—wild times) lost everything, including her? She didn’t just sit there and take it; she dragged everyone with a spine-shattering glare and zero patience for nonsense. Lesson? If your friends are pulling shady stunts—say, inviting your ex to their party without a heads-up—you channel your inner Draupadi. Speak up. But do it with grace and fire, not passive-aggressive Instagram captions.
2. Be a Krishna, Not a Karna
Krishna
Krishna was that friend who had everyone’s back, but he also knew when to give tough love. Karna, on the other hand, was loyal to a fault—so much so that he stuck with Duryodhana, the human equivalent of a red flag. The takeaway? Be loyal, yes, but don’t let your friendships drag you into their messes. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is lovingly tell your friend, “Babe, this one’s on you. I’ll bring snacks, but I’m not bringing bail money.”
3. The Pandavas and Their Eternal Group Chat Energy
Pandavas
Five brothers, one massive WhatsApp group vibe. Sure, they argued, made questionable decisions, and occasionally gambled away their empire, but at the end of the day, they had each other’s backs. Friendship isn’t about always agreeing; it’s about showing up for each other, even when someone’s made a colossal mess of things. So, when your bestie texts you at 2 a.m. about their latest work drama, you reply. Even if it’s just, “Girl, you need therapy and a glass of water.”
4. Don't Be a Duryodhana
Duryodhana
Duryodhana, the original drama king who could hold a grudge longer than your aunt holds onto Tupperware you lent her in 2017. Sure, he was ambitious, but his inability to chill cost him...well, everything. Take note: a little competition is fun, but don’t let envy turn you into the villain of your own group chat. Celebrate your friends’ wins—yes, even that friend who “accidentally” lands every dream job while you’re stuck Googling “how to fake enthusiasm in interviews.”
5. Know When It’s Time to Take a Gandhiv Bow
Arjuna
Arjuna had a Gandhiv (fancy divine bow) and knew exactly when to use it. You need the same precision in friendships. Sometimes, walking away isn’t losing; it’s protecting your peace. That friend who only calls when they need something? The one who makes you feel like a side character in your own life? Yeah, it’s time to channel Arjuna and walk into the sunset (metaphorically, unless you’re feeling dramatic).
6. Forgive, But Don’t Forget Like Bhishma
Bhishma
Bhishma was loyal, wise, and annoyingly stuck in his principles. He forgave a lot but also ended up on the wrong side of history because he refused to call out bad behavior. Forgiveness is cool; it's like a reset for your soul.. But don’t let it make you a doormat. If a friend keeps repeating the same toxic patterns, it’s okay to set boundaries. In fact, it’s necessary.
7. Celebrate the Sudamas in Your Life
Sudama
Krishna’s friendship with Sudama is the heartwarming reminder we all need. Sudama was broke, brought Krishna a snack made of dry rice, and still got treated like royalty. Moral of the story? Cherish the friends who bring you joy, even if they can’t split the dinner bill or show up with a proper gift. Sometimes, the ones who offer the least materialistically give the most emotionally.