The Vana Parva (Third Book) contains -
Aranyaka Parva:
The Pandavas begin their exile in the forest and adapt to their new life.
Kirmira-vadha Parva:
Bhima kills the demon Kirmira, who attacks the Pandavas in the forest.
Arjunabhigamana Parva:
Arjuna leaves to perform austerities and obtain divine weapons.
Kairata (Kirata) Parva:
Arjuna is tested by Shiva in the form of a hunter and receives the Pashupata weapon.
Indralokagamana Parva:
Arjuna visits heaven and gains celestial weapons and training.
Nalopakhyana Parva:
The story of Nala and Damayanti teaches endurance through hardship.
Tirtha-yatra Parva:
The Pandavas travel to holy sites and hear many ancient legends.
Yaksha-yudha Parva:
Bhima fights Yakshas and Rakshasas while seeking celestial lotuses.
Nivata-kavacha-yudha Parva:
Arjuna destroys the powerful Nivatakavacha demons on behalf of the gods.
Ajagara Parva:
Yudhishthira's wisdom frees Bhima from a giant serpent's grasp.
Markandeya-Samasya Parva:
Sage Markandeya answers Yudhishthira's questions through inspiring stories and teachings.
Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada Parva:
Draupadi explains the principles that guide her married life.
Ghosha-yatra Parva:
Duryodhana's attempt to mock the Pandavas ends in humiliation by the Gandharvas.
Mriga Sapnovbhava Parva:
A dream persuades the Pandavas to move to a new forest region.
Vrihi Drounika Parva:
Additional legends and teachings are narrated as the exile nears its end.
Draupadi-harana Parva:
Jayadratha kidnaps Draupadi but is defeated and captured by the Pandavas.
Jayadhratha Vimokshana Parva:
Jayadratha is spared and released after being publicly humiliated.
Rama Upakhyana Parva:
The story of Rama's exile and victory is told to encourage the Pandavas.
Pativrata-mahatmya Parva:
The power of devotion and fidelity is illustrated through the story of Savitri.
Kundalaharana Parva:
Karna gives away his divine armor and earrings to Indra.
Aranya (Araneya) Parva:
The Pandavas complete their forest exile and prepare for the final year in disguise.
The Virat Parva (Fourth Book) contains -
Vairata Parva:
The Pandavas spend their final year of exile living in disguise in King Virata's kingdom.
Kichaka-vadha Parva:
Bhima kills the powerful Kichaka after he repeatedly harasses Draupadi.
Go-harana Parva:
Arjuna defeats the Kaurava army and recovers Virata's stolen cattle.
Vaivahika Parva:
The exile ends with the marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara, strengthening the Pandava alliance.
The Udyoga Parva (Fifth Book) contains -
Sanjayana Parva:
Sanjaya returns from the Pandavas with their final message of peace for the Kauravas.
Prajagara Parva:
A sleepless Dhritarashtra discusses politics, duty, and the coming crisis with Vidura.
Sanatsujata Parva:
The sage Sanatsujata teaches profound spiritual truths about life, death, and the self.
Yana-sandhi Parva:
Both sides make final preparations as peace efforts collapse and war becomes inevitable.
Bhagavad-Yana Parva:
Krishna personally travels to Hastinapura in a final attempt to prevent the war.
Sainya-niryana Parva:
The Pandava and Kaurava armies march toward Kurukshetra for battle.
Uluka-dutagamana Parva:
Duryodhana's messenger Uluka delivers harsh challenges and insults to the Pandavas.
Rathatiratha-sankhya Parva:
The great warriors of both armies are evaluated according to their fighting abilities.
Ambopakhyana Parva:
Bhishma's past conflict with Amba is retold, revealing the origins of his future downfall.
Jamadagnya Parva:
The legendary battle between Bhishma and Parashurama is narrated.