Indian Mythology
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Jaratkaru & Jaratkaru
Brahma had ordained that Astika, the saviour of the snakes, was to be born to a sage named Jaratkaru. But Jaratkaru was resolved to marry a woman who also bore the name Jaratkaru. Fortunately for the snakes their sister was named Jaratkaru. Hence the stage was set for the birth of Astika.
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Kadru and the Snakes
Janmajeya, Utanka and Takshaka were mere pawns in the hands of fate. The snake sacrifice had been ordained aeons ago as a result of sibling rivalry between Kadru, the mother of snakes, and Vinata, the mother of birds. The snakes refused to help their mother to deceive Vinata and hence became the recipients of the curse. Brahma the Creator also supported the curse but added a provisio of his own.
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Utanka - II
Utanka is accosted by Takshaka, the king of the serpents, and loses the earrings to him. Through a strange string of events he recovers the earrings. He however wants revenge and puts in motion a plan that will enable him to end Takshaka's life.
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Utanka - I
Utanka was sent by his mistress to obtain the earrings of the Queen of King Paushya. After some unusual encounters he got the earrings but also received a strange warning and an unmerited curse.
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The Descent of Ganga - III
Three kings of the Solar dynasty tried to get Ganga to come to earth, but to no avail. It was then Bhagirath's turn. After many problems he finally succeeded in attaining salvation for his ancestors.
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The Descent of Ganga - II
Sagara’s sons turned out to be a wicked lot. Drinking, looting and raping were second nature to them. However once they took on a powerful sage and met a fiery end. Sagara was then forced to put the responsibility of salvaging their souls on his grandson.
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The Descent of Ganga - I
The tale of how the River Ganga came to earth is a famous one and is available in many scriptures, though in slightly different versions. Sage Vishwamitra recounted this tale to Rama and Laxman as they made their way to Mithila for Sita’s swayamvar. The tale begins with King Vrika of the Solar Dynasty.
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Apsaras - II
Ghritachi was responsible for the birth of several personalities, many of them in unusual ways. She along with other apsaras entertained special guests on spesial occasions.
Tilottama was created as the most beautiful female in order to bring about the end of the Demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, who were endowed with a peculiar boon.
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Apsaras I
Apsaras have been variously described as fairies, angels, nymphs and sirens. Actually they are celestial maidens of exquisite beauty and alluring charm, and have the power and will to use both.
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Jaimini and the Birds
Jaimini is advised to consult four birds who are well versed in the scriptures. The article traces how these birds acquired this learning. The wisdom imparted by these birds has been passed down to us in the Markandeya Purana.
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Tulasi - III
The boons given to Sankhachuda are protecting him. Vishnu appears as a mendicant and asks for the amulet. Having neutralised one boon he appraches Tulasi.
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Tulasi - II
Tulasi and Sankhachuda got married. Soon Sankhachuda became the undisputed king of te Demons. He defeated the demi-Gods and secure in the chastity of his wife he took on the might of Shiva.
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Tulasi - I
Sudama and Viraja lived in Golok, a region in the heavens. Sudama loved Viraja but Viraja loved Krishna. Sudama and Viraja were both cursed to live out a life as mortals and appeared on earth as Sankhachuda and Tulasi respectively. Their lives began to get linked. Sankhachuda's invincibility was dependent on Tulasi's chastity.
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The Abduction of Sita - Ravana
Lakshmana too is lured away by the dying Mareech. But not brfore he arranges a magical protection for Sita. Now Ravana has to use all his guile to overcome this barrier. Overcome he does and how!
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The Abduction of Sita - Mareech
Mareech tries to dissuade Ravana, but is unsuccessful. He then takes the form of a golden deer and lures Rama away. But Lakshmana is left behind to guard Sita. What will Mareech do now?
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The Abduction of Sita - Soorpankha
Soorpankha, a female demon lusts for Rama and Lakshmana. Her attempts to woo them fail. So do the attempts of the demon army to vanquish them. Ultimately the demon king, Ravana, thinks of a devious plan.
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Agastya's Ancestors
Agastya's ancestors wanted Agastya to have a son so thet their lineage would continue and prayers would be offered on their behalf. However this was more difficult than it seemed and many twists and turns were involved before the mission was accomplished.
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Nala Damayanti - III
Damayanti returns to her father's palace and sends emissaries to search for Nala. She finds a man who has Nala's qualities but not his features. Needless to say that all is well that ends well.
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Nala Damayanti - II
Nala loses everything to his brother in a gambling game and is exiled with his new wife. To make matters worse they get separated. They become prisoners of Fate waiting for Fate to make the next move.
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Nala Damayanti - I
Nala is the bachelor king of Nishada. He falls in love with Damayanti based on a description of her beauty. Using a swan as a messenger he determines that she too loves him. After some twists and turns they get married. But their troubles are just beginning.
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Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are several interesting legends that describe the origin of this festival. The most interesting is a fight between Vishnu and Brahma.
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Barbareek's Exaltation
Barbareek's head was buried in a place known as Khatu. It was discovered centuries later in a very unusual manner and a temple was built there. Today this shrine is one of the most popular ones in India.
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Barbareek's Sacrifice
Krishna explains to Barbareek that if he participates in the battle then both sides will be destroyed. Barbareek says that it will be impossible for him to resist the call to fight. Krishna then resorts to the only way out. He asks Barbareek for his head.
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Barbareek's Education
Barbareek wanted to become unconquerable. He became a student of Vijay Sindusen and achieved his ambitions. But his teacher put an unusual condition. Barbareek could fight only with a weaker side against a stronger side in battle.
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Barbareek's Birth
Ghatotkachch answers Maurvi's riddle but cannot defeat her in the duel. However Maurvi makes a surprise move that leads to a happy ending.
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Barbareek's Mother
Krishna attacks Pradyoshpuram, the capital of the demon Narakasura. Maurvi, the daughter of Narakasura's general had arranged the defences. Krishna outwits her. She wants to kill Krishna, but Krishna has other plans for her.
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Barbareek's Father
This is the first article in the series on Barbareek, a great warrior who is now worshipped in many temples across India. It begins with the marriage of his paternal grandparents in strange circumstances. It goes on to describe the birth of his father and ends with the search for a bride for his father.
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Sukanya
Sukanya, a beautiful and young princess, is forced to married an aged sage. One day as she is bathing in a lake a pair of twins approach her and make a proposal that could change her life.
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Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath Cave is one of the twelve holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These shrines are collectively known as ‘Jyotirlingas’. Amarnath cave was the spot chosen by Lord Shiva for narrating the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati. Ultimately Parvati could nothear this secret, but someone else did.
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Draupdi XV - Death
This article describes the death of Draupadi and her ascent to heaven.
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Draupadi XIV - War
Thw war began. Many of Draupadi's loved ones were killed. But so were her enemies. Ultimately Duryodhan was killed and Draupadi's mission was accomplished.
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Draupadi XIII - Keechak
Keechak bullies his sister, Queen Sudeshana, in sending Sairhandri to his bedroom. A scuffle takes place and Draupadi escapes. The next night Bhim kills Keechak and everyone assumes that Sairhandri's husbands have taken revenge.
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Draupadi XII - Sairhandri
The Pandavas obtain employment in the kingdom of Matsya, disguised as servants of Yudhishthir. They settle down in their new roles, excepting Draupadi. She becomes the object of desire of the queen's brother.
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Draupadi XI - Exile
The exile was hard on Draupadi. She was a princess who had not seen the outdoors. The daily physical exertions took their toll on her. But the mental agony of an injured pride was unbearable. Her only consolation was her guide and friend, Krishna, who visited them from time to time and encouraged their flagging spirits. On the other hand Duryodhana and his cronies lost no opportunity to rub salt on her wounds.
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Draupadi X - Rematch
Draupadirefrains from pronouncing her curse and Dhritarashtra restores to the Pandavas whatever they had lost. But Duryodhan was adamant. He insisted on a rematch with an unusaul set of conditions.
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Draupadi IX - Monologue
Draupadi addresses the men in the court. She chastises the elders for being silent while she was being humiliated. She questions Vidur on the propriety of the proceedings. She showers her husbands with contempt. In the end she is all et to pronounce a curse on Hastinapur.
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Draupadi VIII - Disrobing
Duryodhana invites Yudhishthir to play a game of dice. He cheats and Yudhishthir loses everything, including his wife Draupadi. Duryodhana then instructs his brother to strip Draupadi in the court and parade her naked.
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Draupadi VII - Duryodhana
Draupadi takes Duryodhanato the Palace of Illusions, where he gets confused and falls into a pool of water. Draupadi taunts him and he swears to take revenge.
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Draupadi VI - Coronation
Yudhishthir decides to form the Rajsuya sacrifice to assume the title of emperor. Shishupal tries to disrupt the proceedings and is killed by Krishna. In the process he cuts his finger, which is bandaged by Draupadi. Krishna promises to repay the debt.
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Draupadi V - Subhadra
Arjun is exiled fro entering Draupadi's chamber while she is in bed with Yudhishthir. During his exile he marries many princesses including Krishna's sister Subhadra. Subjadra cleverly diffuses an expected confrontation with Draupadi.
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Draupadi IV - Polyandry
The article describes how Draupadi became the common wife of the five Pandava brothers and discusses issues related to polyandry and polygamy.
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Draupadi III - Arjun
Arjun, disguised as a brahmin comes to the swayamwara and pierces the eye of the fish. The sons of Pandu, hitherto presumed dead, now reveal that they had escaped the fire. Draupadi marries Arjun.
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Draupadi II - Swayamwara
Draupadi was an extraordinary woman and her father wanted to find an extraordinary husband for her. A contest was devised and the winner would get to marry Draupadi.
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Draupadi I - Birth
Draupadi emeged as a full-grown woman from the sacrificial fire. This article narrates the events leading to her birth.
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Jay Vijay
Jay and Vijay were the gatekeepers of Vishnu who were cursed to spend three lives on earth. This article describes the lives and how they received their salvation.
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The Elephant and the Crocodile
According to the Bhagavata Purana Sonepur was the scene of the legendary fight between the Gaj or the elephant and the Grah or the crocodile. The seesaw battle continued for a thousand years. Both the Gaj and the Grah had been humans in their previous lives.
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Radha - Epilogue
This article describes the final meeting between Krishna and Radha which took place many years later.
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Radha - VI - The Parting
The time came for Krishna to leave for Mathura. The last moments with Radha were filled with agonising sweetness. Decisions were taken and promises were made. The final chapter of their lives was written.
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Radha - V - Aiyyan's Revenge
Aiyyan returned to Vrindavan, furious to learn that his fiancé was no longer his. Because of his employment in the army he could easily get a more suitable bride in Mathura. But the insult had to be avenged.
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Radha - IV - The Betrothal of Radha
Krishna overcomes several objections from his family to get them to agree to his engagement to Radha.
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Radha - III Testing Times
Adversity brings people closer. This article narrates the events which changed the lives of Radha and Krishna.
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Radha - II A Pledge Redeemed
Krishna redeems his promise and comes to Vrindavan and the friendship between Radha and Krishna begins to flourish.
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Radha - I The Meeting
This article, the first in a series, describes Radha's first meeting with Krishna. Radha was twelve at that time and Krishna was seven.
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Radha - a historical perspective
Radha has been perceived differently by different people down the ages. She is sometimes the adulterous and amorous lover of Krishna and at others his divine consort. This perhaps makes her the most confusing character in Indian mythology. Hence a note on the historical perspective of Radha is in order.
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The Maidens' Clothes
Krishna troubles the maidens of Vrindavan and they in turn complain to his mother. Krishna is irked by this and takes revenge by stealing the clothes of the maidens while they are bathing in the river.
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Putana
There was a prophecy that Kansa would meet his death at the hands of Devaki's eighth son. Though Kansa planned to kill all of Devaki's children, the eighth son miraculously escaped. Kansa then sent the demoness Putana to kill him.
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Yayati
Yayati was a king in the lunar dynasty. He fell in love with Shukracharya's daughter, Devyani and married her. But he alo got involved with Devyani's friend turned maid servant, Sharmishtha and this led to a host of problems.
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Mritsanjivni - II
Brihaspati sends his son Kach to learn the Mritsanjivni from Shukracharya. Kach succeeds, but in the end loses this power because he is cursed by Shukracharya's daughter, Devyani.
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Mritsanjivni - I
In order to help the demons, Shukracharya undertakes a penance and acquires the power to bring the dead back to life.
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Navgraha - II
In Hindu ritualistic worship, before the deity of the occasion is worshipped, a number of other deities are given their due. Amongst these are the "nine planets" known as "Navgraha". The remaining of the Navgraha are discussed in this article.
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Navgraha - I
In Hindu ritualistic worship, before the deity of the occasion is worshipped, a number of other deities are given their due. Amongst these are the "nine planets" known as "Navgraha". The mythological background of some of the Navgraha are discussed in this article.
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The Lunar Dynasty
Brahma had produced seven sons using his mental powers. These were great sages. Atri was one of them. He married Anasuya, who conceived a son named Som. Som means moon in Hindi and the lunar dynasty is named after this son of sage Atri. Pururava was the founder of this dynasty. The heroes of the Mahabharata war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas were also from this lineage.
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Prithu
Vena was an evil king who was killed by the sages because of his atrocities. Then from hid body they produced a noble ruler Prithu. Prithu established righteousness in the world and ruled for a thousand years before abdicating in favour of his children.
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Dhruv
Dhruv was a descendent of Manu, who was hurt by the words of his step-mother. As a result he undertook a severe penance and experienced the Almighty at the tender age of five. After his death he was given the exalted position of the pole star.
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The Maruts
Diti wanted a son who would kill Indra. Kashyap granted her this wish but attached certain conditions. Diti was unable to fulfill these conditions and Indra entered her womb and cut the fetus into forty-nine pieces. These were born as the Maruts.
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Manu's Descendents
Manu and Ananti had five children. His son Uttanpada carried on the lineage. Daksha was one of his descendents. Daksha's daughter married various sages and populated the world. The most important were Aditi and Diti who were the mothers of the demi-Gods and demons respectively.
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Matsya Avatar - The Fish Incarnation
The Fish Incarnation is the first incarnation of Vishnu in which he retrieves the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva and also saves the pious king Satyavrata from the deluge so that life and religion can be preserved for the next cycle.
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Durga and Mahishasura
Mahishasura was a demon who was given a boon that no man, mortal or immortal, could kill him. Hence the Gods created Durga the warrior Goddess to slay Mahishasura.
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Sabarimala
Sabarimala is the shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Once a year pilgrims throng to this temple after undergoing a period of rigorous penance. Women, however are not permitted to participate in this pilgrimage.
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Lord Ayyappa
The union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Mohini the enchantress, resulted in the birth of Lord Ayyappa or Hariharputhra. The purpose of his birth was to kill the demoness Mahishi who was given a boon that no person born from a man-woman relation would be able to slay her.
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Mohini Avatar
Apart from the ten main incarnations of Vishnu, known as dash avatar, there have been other times when he has appeared on earth in some form to solve a specific problem. One of the better-known occasions is when he transformed himself into the female enchantress, Mohini. She gave the nectar of immortality to the demi-gods, destroyed the demon Bhasmasur, and gave birth to a child who is worshipped as a God in his own right.
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Geet Govind - II
In the second part Radha and Krishna meet. They initially quarrel, but soon make up and enloy the bliss of making love.
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Geet Govind - I
Geet Govind is an epic poem on the romance of Krishna and Radha written by Jayadev in the 11th century. Jayadev narrates this love afair with a candour and explicitness never done before or since. In the first part, Radha sees Krishna flirting with the other gopis and leaves the scene. Krishna and Radha then spend the evening pining for each other.
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The Maiden's Reward
The romance of the young Lord Krishna with the Radha and the other 'gopis' (maidens) in Vrindavan is a focal component of the Indian ethos. It has fired the imagination of artists and writers, who have portrayed every nuance of this romance without the encumbrances of philosophy and theology. This article narrates an anecdote in which a gopi finds Krishna's ring and receives the reward from him with mixed emotions.
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Shikhandi
Amba was reborn as Drupad's daughter Shikhandini, who later became a male, Shikhandi, as per the prophecy of Lord Shiva. In the battle of Mahabharata Shikhandi became the cause of Bhishma's death, thus fulfilling Amba's mission.
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Amba
Amba was abducted by Bhishma for his step-brother, but she was in love with Shalva. She ended up marrying neither and spent a lifetime trying to avenge herself by having Bhishma killed.
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Rishyashringa
Rishyashringa is a human with the horns of a deer. The narration begins with the strange tale of his father's birth and the even stranger tale of his birth. Both had been born for a specific purpose and this article traces the events as they lead to the fulfillment of that purpose.
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Kamakhya
The places where the parts of Sati's body fell came to be revered as places of worship of Shakti. One of the most popular of such pilgrimage centres is the temple of Kamakhya, where Sati's genital organs fell. There are numerous legends and rituals associated with this goddess.
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Narada's Question
Narada was considered by all to be Lord Vishnu's greatest devotee and Narada was proud of this. However Lord Vishnu thought otherwise and through a simple experiment showed Narada that devotion does not consist of singing praises to one's master but consists of humbly doing his work.
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Jarasandh
Jarasandh was born from two mothers. Each queen gave birth to half a child and the two pieces were put together by a demoness. Jarasandh became a powerful and cruel king and ultimately it was Krishna who exploited the weakness of his birth and had him killed.
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Mahasati Anasuya
Mhasati Anasuya was renowned for her fidelity and devotion to her husband. The consorts of the Supreme Gods were jealous of her reputation and sent their husbands to defame Anasuya. But Anasuya came through with flying colours.
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Kali
Kali is an incarnation of Parvati.She took this form to kill the demon Raktabija. The Kalighat temple in Calcutta is the most popular shrine dedicated to Kali. In the past the worship of Kali has been associated with the cult of thuggees.
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Arjun and the Bhil
After Krishna ascends to heaven, Arjun is taking the women and children of Dwarka with him to Hastinapur. On the way he is challenged by a Bhil. The article describes the encounter between the two and the lessons Arjun learns from it.
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The Origin of the Solar Dynasty
Surya the Sun God was married to Samjna. After giving him three children she left him because she could not bear his radiance. She left her shadow Chhaya behind so that no one would no the difference. But, when Chhaya began to mete out step-motherly treatment to Samjna's children, the truth became known.
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Shakuntala - II
Sage Durvasa pronounces a curse on Shakuntala that prevents the lovers from coming together. Shakuntala had already conceived and gives birth to Dushyant’s son. The article finally narrates how the curse is broken and describes Dushyant’s final meeting with Shakuntala.
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Shakuntala - I
This is the story of Kalidasa's most famous epic. The heroine is the offspring of a beautiful celestial courtesan ans an all-powerful king turned sage. The hero a king of the most reknowned dynasty in Indian mythology. This part relates how they meet, fall in love and get married.
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Pandu Cursed
Pandu the King of Hastinapur accidentally killed a sage and his wife while hunting. The sage gave Pandu a curse that he will not be able to enjoy sexual pleasures again. The narrative relates how Pandu managed to get children despite this curse and how he met his end.
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Sage Valmiki
Valmiki was earlier a highway robber. He was reformed by Narada and after severe penance he became a revered sage. He is known today as the author of the Ramayan.
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Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi temple in Madurai is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundereshwara who are incarnations of Parvati and Shiva. The legend begins with the birth of Meenakshi as a three-breasted girl to the Pandyan king Malaydhwaj. The Meenakshi temple is renowned for its statues of Shiva in various dance postures..
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King Shibi
King Shibi was a righteous king and committed to help those who took refuge in him. In this story a pigeon trying to escape from the clutches of a falcon asks the king for help. Does the king deprive the falcon of his rightful meal or does he forsake the pigeon or....
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Satyavati - II
Shantanu falls in love with Satyavati, but cannot accept the condition Satyavati's father has put before him. Devrata, Shantanu's son from his first wife, comes to Shntanu's rescue. He sacrifices his future so that his father may marry Satyavati.
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Satyavati - I
Satyavati, the second wife of Shantanu, was born in an unusual way. She was accidentally conceived by a fish and given birth in human form. She was brought up by the leader of a fishing community. An encounter with the sage Parashara which resulted in the birth of Vyasa, set the stage for her tryst with Shantanu.
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The Puranas
The main scriptures in Hinduism are the Vedas and Puranas. The Vedas contain the phlosophy, whereas the Puranas contain the mythology. In paricular the Puranas have a wealth of information on creation, cosmology, time cycles, incarnations of Gods and the genealogy of legendary kings. The Puranas complement the Vedas by describing the concepts in a simple manner with the help of tales and parables. The two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are also popular sources of mythological information.
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The Weighing of Krishna
Satya bhama and Rukmini were two of Krishna's wives. Satyabhama is jealous of Rukmini and tries to upstage her by weighing Krishna with gold. But she is unsuccessful and Rukmini's love for Krishna wins in the end.
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Shantanu and Ganga
Shantanu, King of Hastinapur, marries the river Ganga. Then begins a sordid tale of Ganga drowning each of her sons as soon as they are born. Why she did this and how did the tale end are the contents of this article.
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Chained Hanuman
There is a small temple dedicated to Hanuman the monkey-God in Puri, which is the source of a fascinating legend involving Hanuman, Lord Jagannath and Varuna the Sea God.
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Kankhal
According to mythology, Sati the incarnation of Shakti and Shiva's wife immolated her self at Kankhal because her father Daksha insulted Shiva by not inviting him to an imprtant ceremony. At Kankhal one can see the temple built at the site where the ceremony was held.
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The Ten Incarntions
The ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu refer to his appearances on earth as some living creature in order to destroy evil and establish righteousness. As a side issue they reflect the theory of evolution.
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Ahalya
Ahalya the wife of sage Gautam has a sexual liaison with Indra the King of the demi Gods. The sage catches them at it and curses them both. Ahalya is turned into a rock. She is eventually released from her curse when ages later Rama touches the rock with his foot.
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Yudhishthir and Karna
Yudhishthir and Karna were both major characters in the epic Mahabharata. Both in their own ways were virtuous and generous. This article narrates an incident from the epic in which Krishna tests them both and Karna comes out the winner.
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Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the four holiest places of pilgrimage and is the scene of some crucial events in the Ramayana. It was from here that Rama launched his attack against the evil Ravana who had abducted his wife, Sita. This article looks at some of the interesting folklore associated with Rameshwaram.
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Creation
The creation of the universe is an essential and interesting part of every mythology. This article describes how Brahma, the supreme god of creation, forms the universe and the first man, Manu.
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The Romance of Urvashi and Pururava - Part 2
This part narrates interesting incidents in the period Urvashi lived with Pururava on earth and how they were eventually separated.
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The Romance of Urvashi and Pururava - Part 1
The passionate romance between the celestial maiden Urvashi and the great king Pururava has fired the imagination of writers and artists through the centuries. This article narrates how they fell in love and how they came together.
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The Kumbh Festival
The Kumbh Festival, currently underway in Allahabad, India, is the largest gathering of humanity in history. This article narrates the mythological tale which gave birth to this event, and discusses the religous and astrological significance attached to it.
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The Hindu Pantheon
In Hindu mythology Gods are classified according to their importance and divine powers. At the top of the heirarchy are the trinity of Supreme Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Then come the demi-Gods who represent the forces of nature. The demi-Gods are always battling with their half-brothers, the Demons over control of Heaven.
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