Indian Mythology

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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.