Stories Of India Retold

A master warrior. A devoted student. A mission fueled by revenge. We dive into the riveting tale of Drona and Arjuna: a legendary teacher-student duo whose relationship shaped the destiny of empires. This isn’t your average guru-disciple story. It’s a story about the complex bond between Drona and Arjuna—how ambition, loyalty, and betrayal shaped one of Indian mythology’s most powerful relationshi...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful and timeless story of Shakuntala and Duhshanta (Dushyanta) as told in the Mahabharata. Shakuntala’s journey highlights themes of women’s rights, autonomy, and justice. Far more than a love story, Shakuntala is a strong, bold young woman, who stands up for herself and her son in the face of betrayal and abandonment. Tune in as we unravel the lessons from S...

The Suras (Gods/good) and Asuras (Anti-god/evil) must work together to obtain the precious nectar of immortality, Amrita; in a process called Samudra Manthana or Churning of the Ocean. Along the way, they face many obstacles and even a deadly poison that threatens to destroy the world. From the appearance of divine treasures to Vishnu's clever tricks, this episode explores the intense struggle, wi...

The heroic Pandava brothers face a deadly plot at the hands of their treacherous cousins, the Kauravas. Through their wisdom and unity, they outwit their enemies and make a daring escape. It all begins with the construction of a sinister house built of lac (a flammable resin) that was both their prison and their home. With a little help from their wise uncle Vidura and a talented Khanaka/miner (an...

In this episode, we dive into a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale from the Naga folklore. A young woman, feeling lost and alone, prays to Nagoba, the serpent god, to take her into his family. Her wish is granted, but an unfortunate accident involving the serpent queen's newborns sets off a chain of events that tests the power of forgiveness. Join in as we explore themes of divine interventio...

🌟 Listen to the Fascinating Birth Story of the Pandavas! 🌟 Ever wondered how the legendary heroes of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, came into being? It starts with an accidental death which led to a fateful curse that changed everything for King Pandu. Pandu turns to Kunti to help him obtain the sons he desperately wants. With Kunti’s boon, the Pandavas are born, each embodying unique qualities...

Punyakoti's story or Govina Haadu (Song of A Cow) is an extremely popular Kannada folksong. It is also part of Telugu folklore. Punyakoti finds herself in the clutches of a famished tiger, Arbhuta. Realizing that escape is impossible, Punyakoti pleads with Arbhuta for one final chance to see her son before becoming the tiger's meal. Although hesitant at first, Arbhuta eventually consents to grant...

The story of the birth of the Kauravas. -Why the Kurus chose Gandhari as Dhritarshtra's bride? -How Gandhari gives birth to 100 sons and one daughter, in-vitro? -Why some in the Kuru court wanted Dhritarashtra to kill the infant Duryodhana? Gandhari was blessed with a boon to produce 100 sons. So she is frustrated when things don't go exactly as she had hoped–the pregnancy was unusual and she had...

The Kurus were becoming an increasingly powerful and dominant Kingdom. But, they had a problem–a big one! The heirs of the Kuru dynasty died in quick succession, leaving no one to continue the line–the last in line to the Kuru throne, Vichitravirya, had died. The Kurus were in deep trouble, the lineage would end and with it, the dynasty. Bhishma and Satyavati would not let that happen. After much...

** Additional Notes: **At first, the book says Drona and Drupada become friends when the latter visited Bharadvaja with his father, later in the book Drona tells Bhishma that they became friends when they attended Agnivehsya’s school together. **Drona tells Bhishma that when they were young Drupada promised to share with him his wealth when he became king, this detail is not mentioned at first. Al...

King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, is the ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Yayati is best known for his obsession with youth and living longer and the fact he was cursed to lose his youth prematurely and live as an old man. But there is more to Yayati’s story. Yayati is involved in a love triangle between his wife, Devayani and her friend-turned-slave, Sharmishta–it was a complicated web he wa...

Bhishma, the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces, was destined to be a great warrior and to always uphold Dharma, but he was also destined to always keep his father happy and to never have children. Learn why!   Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com   Watch the Video Podcast: ► YouTube: https://youtu.be/o8HMnkno1LE...

All about the Mahabharata and its author, Krishna Dwaipayana (Veda Vyasa), why he composed it, why Mahabharata is considered the greatest story ever told, who and what it is about, why it is considered sacred, why the stories found in this great epic is relevant to this day and more! Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.co...

Dear Listener, Welcome to the new and improved version of the Stories of India Retold Podcast. We will start from the beginning of the Mahabharata (yet again) but with better story telling and even a video element to it.  I hope you will listen to the new episodes.  Thank you so much for your continued support. Much Love, Nivi.  ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretol...

The heroes Arjuna and Krishna are involved in the burning of the Khandava forest–a dark episode in the Mahabharata known as the Khandava Daha(burning). Thousands died-particularly the people belonging to the Naga tribe; their leader Takshaka and his son survive and they would never forget or forgive this injustice. This story from the Khandava Daha Parva or episode, tells us the story of: -Arjuna...

Arjuna’s actions lead to his exile from Khandavaprastha for 12 years. Arjuna spends the 12-years traveling, building allies and falling in love a few times. Come, follow Arjuna’s adventures! In order to avoid any chance of breeding resentment amongst themselves, the Pandava brothers decide to set rules regarding their marriage–the rule was simple–if, when a brother was in a room with Draupadi, ano...

Pandavas are finally returning home! Their very advantageous marriage to Draupadi proves to be a brilliant strategy as the Kauravas are taking notice and are calling them back home. This absolutely does not mean that all the Kauravas are glad to see them. Still, the pressure on the Kauravas to do the right thing is intense. The Pandavas are coming home, and there is nothing they can do about it. L...

How acceptable was a marriage like that of Draupadi and Pandavas in their time? How did society evolve with respect to attitudes about different types of relationships and marriages? Dig deeper into the stories of why Draupadi was destined to have five husbands and look into the concept of polyandry and its practice in ancient India. Polygamy: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more...

Draupadi was a catch. She was the princess of Panchala, a kingdom which was both wealthy and influential. The young Pandavas needed a powerful ally and Panchala fit the bill perfectly. When they heard that Drupada had arranged for a swayamvara for his daughter Draupadi, the Pandavas joined numerous other kings and princes to try and win her hand. Things get a little complicated because they attend...

The #Kauravas and #Pandavas come from line of rulers belonging to illustrious Chandravamsha (Chandra-Moon)or the #Lunar Dynasty. The #Bharata, #Puru, #Kuru and #Yadu #clans came from this #legendary #Kshatriya (warrior class) house. They ruled the northern Indian #subcontinent in the #Vedic age (late Bronze-early Iron Age) and left an indelible mark on the religious, social and cultural identity o...

On their way to #Panchala, the #Pandavas met with the #Gandharva King, #Angaaraparna. Things were tense between them initially; they did not start out as friends. After a #fight, in which #Arjuna easily defeated Angaaraparna, the #demigod Gandharva was immensely impressed with Arjuna’s talents and character, and they struck up a mutually beneficial #friendship.   Listen to the story of: -The reaso...

Drupada and Drona’s rivalry is legendary. #Drupada wanted revenge for the humiliating defeat handed down to him by his former friend, #Drona. Because he had no suitable heir, Drupada arranged for a #sacrifice which would provide him with an heir who would have the power to defeat Drona. The sacrifice produced not one, but two children–a son named #Dhrishtadyumna, and a daughter named #Krishnaa. Th...

Rakshasa Baka was a bully who terrorized the people of Ekachakra. The people of #Ekachakra were ruled by an incompetent King who did nothing to keep them safe. #Baka volunteered to provide the people with protection from invaders and enemies; however, in exchange he demanded that the people of Ekachakra take turns to provide him with payment, which, unfortunately included eating the person who del...

The Rakshasa (female:Rakshasi) is a race of beings who were big and fierce looking. They were powerful warriors and were mostly portrayed as the bad guys in ancient Indian scriptures. #Hidimba was one of the better-known Rakshasas in #Indian #mythology–an entire parva is named after the story of his death in the #Mahabharata. After killing Hidimba, the #Pandavas forged an alliance with the #Raksha...

A shorter version of Shakuntala’s story from the #Mahabharata, retold from a slightly different lens. Shakuntala was the wife of Duhshanta–the founder of the Pourava dynasty, and the mother of the great Emperor #Bharata, who was the founder of the Kuru lineage and ancestor of the #Kauravas and #Pandavas. #Shakuntala was a smart, intelligent and a feisty young woman, and she fell in love with King...