Mahabharata is a heritage of India. In this legend, a wide variety of information is provided regarding all four kinds of Purushartha which are designed to be achieved by every man. Moreover, this great saga describes politics, erotics as well as virtues. The 18 Parvas of Mahabharat are all inclusive. In these Parvas, the Aranyak Parva or Van Parva gains magnitude as it explains the life of the Pandavas in the forest.

Aranyak Parva or Van Parva (the Book of the Forest) is the third book in the sequel of the Mahabharat. This book discusses the twelve years exile of the Pandavas in the forest. It narrates the incident that how the Pandavas were deceitfully defeated at dice by the sons of Dhritarashtra and their counsellors and in addition to that how the cruel words of the Kuaravas brought about a fierce animosity among the two branches of the Kuru Clan. The insulting words and added to it the disgrace shown towards Draupadi were other outrageous treatment of the Kuaravas. According to the condition of the deceiving game of dice whosoever loses will relinquish his kingdom and go to forest exile for twelve years with additional one year of living incognito.

In the Aranyak Parva or Van Parva, the undeserving pain experienced by the Pandavas in the Kamyak Forest is also mentioned. Furthermore, the book speaks about the encouragement given by Sri Krishna to the Pandavas for their ordeal. Lord Krishna commented "experience is the only source of knowledge". The whole Van Parva shows that suffering and sorrows as they bring requisite feeling of renunciation which is essential to seek higher goal in life.

The Aranyak Parva or Van Parva is the compilation of immense anger, frustration, and grief of the Pandavas and the shameless humiliation of Draupadi. Their twelve years in the forest in exile is aptly narrated with due implication to the thirteenth year in disguise. Besides, the third book reveals that how good conduct has taken leave of Kauravas and their misconduct with those who are near to their in blood. Van Parva is the book in detail wherein the merciful nature and high-mindedness of the Pandavas are depicted.