Stories Of India Retold

Ekalavya, a Nishada prince, was one of the best archers who lived in the time of the Pandavas. He wanted to be the best archer and he wanted to be trained by the best teacher–Drona. Drona, however, refused to teach him because Ekalavya was a Nishada. But a determined Ekalaya wasn’t ready to give up. Ekalavya’s actions put to test Drona’s relationship with his most favored student Arjuna. Arjuna di...

The rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas is legendary. The #Kauravas, especially #Duryodhana, were not only motivated by greed, but they also believed that they were being discriminated against because of Dhritarastra's blindness. They believed the kingdom rightfully belonged to them and were ready to do whatever it took–even murder their relatives, the Pandavas. The burning of the lac house–...

A self made man in a world where one's parentage and lineage decided one's future and worth!  Karna was the secret son of Kunti. Unaware of his real parents and raised as the son of a charioteer, Karna went on to make a name for himself based entirely on his talents and skills in the art of warfare.  Listen to the story of Karna's: - Birth - Adoptive parents - Friendship with Duryodhana - Enmity w...

It's not a good idea to get on Drona’s bad side!   One of the most powerful and influential characters in the story of the Mahabharata, Drona, an expert in the art and science of weapons, was the preceptor of the Kuru princes. His deep-seated hatred for his former friend King Drupada was just as legendary as the way he exacted his revenge from his nemesis.   Listen to the story of: -Drona’s origin...

It is ridiculous how many times I say the word "sons" on this episode! (Insert- sheepish smile emoji) Niyoga is an ancient Indian practice that was followed to make sure the continuation of a lineage through male progeny.  Listen to the episode to know more about: - What it is and how it worked.  - The reasons for the practice - Importance of sons in the society - Different ways to obtain sons - R...

Pandu was cursed by rishi Kimdama because of a hunting accident. This story is about Pandu and his wife, Madri's death as a result of the curse and the events that followed. Listen to the story to know more about: - The cause and manner of Pandu's death  - Why Madri chose to accompany Pandu to his afterlife rather than Kunti - The final rites of Pandu and Madri–where, what and how. - What happened...

Part 2 of the story of the birth of Pandavas and Kauravas–the lead characters of the Mahabharata. (Part 1 - Episode 13) Both Dhritarashtra and Pandu are married, and the responsibility of continuing the royal line is theirs. Dhritarashtra is denied the throne because of his blindness and Pandu was made king. Listen to the story of: - Pandu's curse–a King who could not procreate  - How Gandhari had...

Part 1 of the story of birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas. After the birth of the Kuru princes Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidhura, Bhishma took up the responsibility of both the thriving kingdom and also the growing princes. The members of the family were keen to see the princes marry well, have sons and continue the dynasty.  Listen to the story of: - Who the princes married - How and why the girls...

Daughter of the great King Uparichara; mother to the author of the Mahabharata and the divider of the vedas; mother to 2 princes who became king; and the wife of King Shantanu, Satyavati was an intelligent and beautiful woman. Born to a Puru King and a fisherwoman mother, Satyavati was destined for great things and her adoptive father made sure to give her the best he could.  Listen to: -the origi...

Souti Vaishampayana tells the story of the births of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura, who are seen as the saviors of the Kuru lineage. Listen to the story to learn more about: -How and why the Kuru lineage was in danger of going extinct -The princes' parents and how their births were planned in order to guarantee the continuation of the Kuru lineage -How the kidnapped princess Amba convinced Bhish...

Vasus are children of Manu, who is the son of Brahma, and are collectively called the Ashta Vasu or Eight Vasus. They are deities who represent the eight elements—earth, water, fire, wind, sun, sky, moon and the stars; in the Mahabharata, they are named Dhara, Aha, Anala, Anila, Pratyusha, Prabhasa, Soma and Dhruva, respectively. Vasus lived a privileged life in the heavens. But, one day, they got...

As commander of the Kuru army and the grand-uncle to both the Kauravas and Pandavas, Bhishma is one of the main protagonists of the story. The son of King Shantanu and goddess Ganga, he was named Devavrata at birth. In Indian culture, Bhishma is widely loved and admired because of his dedication to dharma and his selflessness. Listen to how: -Shantanu and Ganga were married and then separated -Bhi...

Govina Haadu,or Song of the cow (also called, Punyakotiya Kathe or Punyakoti's story) is a story about a cow named Punyakoti, who inadvertently crosses path with a very hungry and fierce tiger named Arbhuta. Based on a story in Mahabharata, this beautiful, soul stirring song has been part of Kannada folklore for thousands of years. Listen to know how: -Punyakoti convinces Arbhuta to let her see he...

Puru, son of Yayati, belonged to the Lunar dynasty. He was the founder of the Puru or Kuru lineage-key players in the Mahabharata.  Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com Podcast website:  https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com   Instagram: @storiesofindiaretold

The Nagas are semi-divine serpents. They were cursed by their mother and condemned to die in the snake sacrifice conducted by the descendent of Pandavas, King Janamejaya. Under the threat of the decimation of their race, the Nagas searched for a cure to beat their curse. Their grandfather, Brahma, revealed that the key to break their curse lies in a child named, Astika. Listen to learn about how a...

A love story like no other. Young Dushyanta and Shakuntala meet in an enchanting hermitage in an equally enchanting forest. After spending a few moments in each others company, they fall in love and decide to marry. Alas! they are soon separated. Years later, the time comes for them to reunite, but things don't go exactly as Shakuntala had expected. Listen to the story of: -How Dushyanta and Shaku...

The fully grown Garuda—the legendary eagle-like creature—was powerful and mighty. The King of Birds inspired awe and respect everywhere he went. His loyalty and bravery won the hearts of even Vishnu and Indra; and his campaign to free his mother from her slavery won him the enmity of the Nagas. Listen to the story of how: - Garuda became Vishnu's vehicle mount; - Stole the amrita; and  - Came to b...

Legandary eagle-like creature, Garuda shone as brightly as the sun. Garuda's birth was blessed by powerful sages. With powerful and godly ancestors, and blessed with powers that equalled that of Lord Indra, Garuda was destined for greatness. Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com Podcast website:  https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com  

One of the most beloved text from ancient India, the Mahabharata is an epic poem. The core story talks about the Kurukshetra war fought between the Kouravas and the Pandavas. It said that—“What is not found in the Mahabharata, will not be found anywhere else.” Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com Podcast Website:  https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com  

A story about grit and determination of a boy named Dhruva. The name Dhruva means the one who is immovable or fixed. Just like his namesake, the Dhruva star(Pole star), Dhruva was immovable and unshakeable in his focus.  Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com   Podcast website:  https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com  

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