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ओम सहनाववत ु सहनौभ ुनक्त ु सहव ीर ्यं करवावह ै | तज े स्व ी नाव ध ीतमस्त ु मा कस्चि दद ुखभागभ्व त े ( मा वि द ्वि षावह ै ) ||

Lore Of

India Tribhawan Kaul

Beacon Publication

Lore Of

India Tribhawan Kaul

Beacon Publication

Published By : Beacon Publication House Infinity Tower, 7th Floor, C, 1, DLF Cyber City, DLF Phase 2, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122002 Contents are taken from major websites like wikipedia, culture trip, Quora, Britannica, Google Images, Pinterest and many other websites. The stories expressed in this book are taken from research by the author and the facts are as reported by him which have been verified to the extent as possible, and the publishers are not in any way liable for the same. All rights reserved. No part if the publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. ISBN : 739-69-420-9211-6 Tenth impression 2020 09 8 7 6 The moral right of author has been asserted. Printed at Print N Promote, Delhi This book is sold subject to condition that it shall not, by way of trade or therwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated, without the publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover than that in which it is published.

Preface This book consists of stories and folklore of the ancient land of India which has been passed down through generations and are a symbol of the culture experienced in India. In this age, where these stories are lost in the hub hub of the city and constant work, the author aims to spread the stories which would else be lost to the coming generations. Engaging the imagination of children as well as the aadults while providing education of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own culture is what the author wants to achieve through the book.

Contents 09

Mushakraj

Shesha Naga

Matsya

Garuda

Navagunjara

Makara

Airavata

Kamadhenu

Yali

Nandi

Vasuki

Kali Yuga

The Devotion of Surdas

The Courage of Abhimanyu

The Dedication of Ekalavya

The Strength of Durga

Vibhishana’s Devotion

Karna’s Generosity

Ganesha and Ved Vyasa

Loyalty Of Shravana

Bali and Hanuman

Faith of Prahlada

Krishna’s Coin

Natraja and apasmara

Kali and Shiva

Durga and Bhairavnath

Ganesha and kubera

Narasimha

Contents 09

Mushakraj

Shesha Naga

Matsya

Garuda

Navagunjara

Makara

Airavata

Kamadhenu

Yali

Nandi

Vasuki

Kali Yuga

The Devotion of Surdas

The Courage of Abhimanyu

The Dedication of Ekalavya

The Strength of Durga

Vibhishana’s Devotion

Karna’s Generosity

Ganesha and Ved Vyasa

Loyalty Of Shravana

Bali and Hanuman

Faith of Prahlada

Krishna’s Coin

Natraja and apasmara

Kali and Shiva

Durga and Bhairavnath

Ganesha and kubera

Narasimha

Mushakraj The legendary Vahana rode my Ganesha

Animals Of

Indian Mythology

Ganesha is often shown riding on or attended by a mouse, shrew or rat. The mouse with many stories. The mouse as a mount first appears in written sources in the Matsya Purana and later in the Brahmananda Purana and Ganesha Purana, where Ganesha uses it as his vehicle in his last incarnation. There are many stories behind why Ganesha rides on a mouse. According to one interesting tale, a musician god, Krauncha, was cursed into becoming a mouse. But he was the size of a mountain and destroyed everything in his way. When he reached the ashram where Ganesha was staying, he was captured. He begged for forgiveness and became Ganesha’s vehicle.

the root mūs (stealing, robbing). It was essential to subdue the rat as a destructive pest, a type of vighna (impediment) that needed to be overcome., an obstacle to prosperity. By conquering it, Ganesha conquers obstacles, living up to his name, Vighnaharta (conqueror of obstacles) and gives evidence of his possible role as a folk grāma devatā (village deity) who later rose to greater prominence.

Another story suggests, it is noted that the rat is destructive and a menace to crops. The Sanskrit word mūsaka (mouse) is derived from Animals Of Indian Mythology

Mushakraj The legendary Vahana rode my Ganesha

Animals Of

Indian Mythology

Another story suggests, it is noted that the rat is destructive and a menace to crops. The Sanskrit word mūsaka (mouse) is derived from Animals Of Indian Mythology

Shesha Naga The Cosmic Serpent Shesha Naga is a cosmic serpent who is believed to support all the planets of the universe on its thousand heads. Lord Vishnu, protector of the universe, is often pictured lying down on Shesha’s body.

to exist. Shesha, which means ‘the one who remains’, is the only one who will continue to abide when everything else in the universe is annihilated. This is why Shesha is also known as Ananta, which translates to infinite.

Sheshnaag had 1000 brothers who who always caused troubles for everyone around them. Tired of living in such bad company, Sheshnaag left his home and went to the Himalayas. He started meditating and observing strict penances for his brothers’ deeds. Impressed by this, Brahma offered him a boon, but Sheshnaag only asked to be a servant of spirituality. So, Brahma asked Sheshnaag to coil around the unstable earth and hold it steady, which he gladly accepted. It is said that every time the divine serpent coils, the creation of life takes place but when he finally uncoils back, the world will cease

Shesha is considered a servant and a manifestation of Vishnu. He is said to have descended to Earth in three human forms or avatars: Lakshmana, brother of Vishnu’s avatar Rama during Treta Yuga, and as Balarama, brother of Vishnu’s avatar Krishna during Dvapara Yuga and Ramanujacharya, the proponent of Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta during Kali Yuga.

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Matsya The legendary Fish Avatar

As with many religions and cultures, Indian mythology also mentions a great flood, which once threatened to destroy earthly existence. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a fish called Matsya to save the world when this deluge took place. However, some ancient texts also suggest that Matsya was an incarnation of Lord Brahma.

also instructed him to take various animals and plants and seven wise sages on board with him. The legend is intriguing because of its uncanny similarity with the story of Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark.

Legend has it that a tiny fish approached Manu, the leader of the human race, pleading him to save him from a big fish. In return, the aquatic creature promised to protect the earth from the impending flood. Heeding the request, Manu put the small fish in a pot. Day by day, the fish grew bigger and bigger until it had to be placed in the ocean.To save himself from the deluge, the fish asked Manu to take shelter in a boat along with his family and

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Matsya The legendary Fish Avatar

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Garuda The Most Famouse Winged Beast Garuda is a legendary bird or bird-like creature in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology. He is variously the vehicle mount (vahana) of the Hindu god Vishnu, a dharma-protector and Astasena in Buddhism, and the Yaksha of the Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha. Garuda is described as the king of birds and a kite like figure. He is shown either in zoomorphic form (giant bird with partially open wings) or an anthropomorphic form (man with wings and some bird features). Garuda is generally a protector with power to swiftly go anywhere, ever watchful and an enemy of the serpent.He is also known as Tarkshya and Vynateya.

his mother were freed at once. Vishnu though, asked him to prevent the snakes from drinking the amrit. Just as the serpents were about to drink the amrit, Garuda asked them to clean up first. When the snakes were away for cleaning themselves, Indra attacked Garuda and tried to claim the amrit. Garuda managed to smash Indra’s thunderbolt but couldn’t keep the amrit. However, a few drops of amrit fell on the ground and the snakes licked it. The amrit was so strong that it burnt their tongues. Apparently, that is the reason why snakes have forked tongue.

The story behind garuda is, Garuda and his mother were enslaved by the snakes. In order to be free, Garuda had to go to Indra’s kingdom and steal the amrit. So Garuda did exactly that, although he had to battle all of Indra’s might to do this. He and

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Navagunjara The creature made from nine animals

If you think putting together two animals was cool, meet Navagunjara, named so because it is composed of nine different animals. It has the head of a rooster, and stood on three feet, each of which was of an elephant, a tiger and the deer or a horse. The fourth limb was a raised human arm carrying a lotus. The creature further had the neck of a peacock the hump of a camel, the waist of a lion, and the tail was a serpent. A very less known trope from the Mahabharata. Once, when Pandavas were in vanaprastha (in exile to forest). Arjuna encountered a strange composite being which is a combination of nine different animals. It was a Navagunjara. Arjuna was mesmerised but felt equally frightened and unsettling to look at this complicated being. He raised his bow deciding to shoot at

it. That is when he hears a voice, an Ashareeri (an anonymous voice) telling “What cannot exist in the human imagination, can exist in the imagination of the Universe. So lower you bow, submit to it”. As Arjuna is hearing, he sees the creature is picking up a lotus, holding in its hand and turning towards him, asking “Don’t you recognise me?”. Aruna suddenly realises that he knows this form. It is Krishna. Arjuna drops down his weapon, bows before the Navagunjara, realising it in the form of Mahavishnu and sought his blessings.

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Navagunjara The creature made from nine animals

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Makara The guardian amphibian Makara is a legendary seacreature in Hindu mythology. In Hindu astrology, Makara is equivalent to the Zodiac sign Capricorn. Makara appears as the vahana (vehicle) of the river goddess Ganga, Narmada and of the sea god Varuna.Makara are considered guardians of gateways and thresholds, protecting throne rooms as well as entryways to temples; it is the most commonly recurring creature in Hindu and Buddhist temple iconography, and also frequently appears as a Gargoyle or as a spout attached to a natural spring. Makara-shaped earrings called Makarakundalas are sometimes worn by the Hindu gods, for example Shiva, the Destroyer, or the Preserver-god Vishnu, the Sun god Surya, and the Mother Goddess Chandi. Makara is also the insignia of the love god Kamadeva, who has

no dedicated temples and is also known as Makaradhvaja, â&#x20AC;&#x153;one whose flag depicts a makaraâ&#x20AC;?. It is generally depicted as half terrestrial animal in the frontal part (stag, deer or elephant) and half aquatic animal in the hind part (usually of a fish, a seal, or a snake, though sometimes a peacock or even a floral tail is depicted). Though Makara may take many different forms throughout Hindu culture, in the modern world, its form is always related to the marsh crocodile or water monitor.

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Airavata The Legendary white elephant

The legendary white elephant, Airavata served as Indra’s mount or vahana. It is also called ‘abhra Matanga’, meaning “elephant of the clouds”; ‘Naga-malla’, meaning “the fighting elephant”; and ‘Arkasodara’, meaning “brother of the sun”. Abhramu is the elephant wife of Airavata. Airavata is depicted with six tusks and three trunks and is spotless white. Airavat was born when Brahma sang seven sacred hymns over the two halves of the egg shell from which Garuda hatched. He is also the reason behind the myth that elephant can bring clouds. According to a legend, when Indra defeated Vritasur, the demon of drought, Airavata reached down to the watery underworld with his trunk, and sprayed the water into the clouds. Indra then caused the watery clouds to rain down upon

Animals Of Indian Mythology

the drought-stricken land. Prithu made Airavata king of all elephants. One of his names means “the one who knits or binds the clouds”. Airavata also stands at the entrance to Svarga, Indra’s palace. In addition, the eight guardian deities who preside over the points of the compass each sit on an elephant. Each of these deities has an elephant that takes part in the defense and protection of its respective quarter. Chief among them is Airavata of Indra.

Airavata The Legendary white elephant

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Kamadhenu The mother of all cows Kamadhenu, also known as Surabhi, is the original mother of all cows described in Hinduism as Gou Mata. It is believed that the cow came in to being during the churning of the cosmic ocean, and was presented to the seven sages by the gods.

As such, Kamadhenu is not worshipped independently as a goddess, and temples are not dedicated to her honor alone; rather, she is honored by the veneration of cows in general throughout the observant Hindu population.

She is generally depicted as a white cow with a female head and breasts, the wings of a bird, and the tail of a peafowl or as a white cow containing various deities within her body. Its four legs symbolize the four Vedas, and its breasts the four Purusharthas. Its horns symbolize the gods, its face symbolize the sun and the moon, its shoulders symbolize fire. It is believed that it grant all desires of its owner and hence is also known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cow of plentyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. All cows are venerated in Hinduism as the earthly embodiment of the Kamadhenu.

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Yali Guardians of temples and its pathways Yali is a mythical creature seen in many Hindu temples. These are also known as Vyalam or Sarabham, in Sanskrit. Yalis are often sculpted on the pillars of Hindu temples. Yali is a mythical lion, and it has been widely used in south Indian sculpture. Description and references to yalis is very old, but its depiction in the south Indian sculpture became prominent from the 16th century.

According to Vastu Shastra, there are 16 types of yalis or vyalas. They usually have body of a lion and the head some other beast. Common examples are Elephant head -Gaja vyala, Lion head Simha vyala, Horse head - Ashva vyala, Human head - Nir vyala, Dog head - Shvana vyala.

Yalis are believed to be more powerful than the lion or the elephant. Sometimes they have been shown standing on the back of a makara, another mythical creature. Images or icons have been found on the entrance walls of the temples, and the graceful mythical lion is believed to protect and guard the temples and ways leading to the temple. Generally they are positioned on both sides of an entrance.

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Nandi Protector of all animals

Nandi is the gate-guardian deity of Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva. He is usually depicted as a bull, which also serves as the mount to Shiva. Nandi also considered the protector of all the animals, who calmed down the Angry Shiva. Kamadhenu, the mother of all the cows, started giving birth to a lot of calves, the milk from all of whom flooded Shivaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abode. This disturbed his meditation and made him really angry. And he struck the cows with a bolt of fire from him third eye. To calm him down, the gods offered him a magnificent bull, Nandi, the son of Kasyapa and Kamadehnu.

his son. It is said that Nandi was born from a Yajna performed by the Shilada, and his body was clad in armour made out of diamonds, when he was born.Nandi grew as an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and he did penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as his mount, on the banks of river Narmada. The Cham Hindus of Vietnam believes that when they die, the Nandi will come and take their soul to the holy land of India from Vietnam.

Another legend is Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada. Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boo: a child with immortality and blessings of Lord Shiva, and received Nandi as

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Nandi Protector of all animals

Another legend is Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada. Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boo: a child with immortality and blessings of Lord Shiva, and received Nandi as

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Vasuki The King of Serpents Shiva is always shown wearing Snake around his neck. The snake is called Vasuki, the king of serpents. He is described as having a gem called Nagamani on his head. He is also known in Chinese and Japanese mythology as being one of the “eight Great Dragon Kings” Vasuki, king of snakes, has so many legends about it. The most popular one of them says that when the cosmic oceans were being churned called Samudra Manthan, the poison produced by it was also consumed by some snakes along with Shiva himself. Impressed by this, Shiva decided to accept the Vasuki, the king of snakes, around his neck. It is also said that the snake helps keep the poison in Shiva’s throat and not let it slide down to his body. It is said that the three coils of the snake around Shiva’s neck, represent the past, the present, and the future.

And the direction of its hood is towards right, which signifies that Shiva’s perpetual laws of reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe. In the Buddhist mythology, Vasuki and the other Naga Kings appear in the audience for many of Gautama Buddha’s sermons. The duties of the Naga Kings included leading the nagas in protecting and worshiping the Buddha, as well as protecting other enlightened beings.

Animals Of Indian Mythology

Kali Yuga

Stories Of

Indian Mythology

In Hinduism, there are four distinct epochs, or yugas, and we are currently living in the fourth stage called the Kali Yuga. This era started in 3102 BC when Lord Krishna left the earth for his heavenly abode after the great Mahabharata War and thus began the degeneration of human civilization. The ancient Hindu texts of Puranas characterized Kali Yuga as being dominated by avarice, hatred, intolerance, lust and corruption. In this dark age, the average human lifespan is the

Stories Of Indian Mythology

shortest, lasting about 70 years whereas, in the first era of Satya Yuga, life expectancy was as long as 4,000 years. Some Shaivites maintain that the ill effects of Kali Yuga can only be moderated by the manifestation of Shiva himself. Shastriji, one of the followers of Haidakhan Babaji, gave the following narration: “Once Parvati asked Lord Shiva, her husband: ‘You have done good work for the people in all ages, but I am afraid for the people in the Kali Yuga; how will they safeguard themselves? Then Lord Shiva told Parvati: ‘I will appear in the Kali Yuga and I will create a new state, a new centre of religion a most important place, where I will live and establish all the Gods there.

Kali Yuga

Stories Of

Indian Mythology

Stories Of Indian Mythology

The Devotion Of Surdas Surdas was a 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer, who was known for his lyrics written in praise of Krishna.They are usually written in Braj Bhasha, one of the two literary dialects of Hindi. Surdas is usually regarded as having taken his inspiration from the teachings of Vallabha Acharya, whom he is supposed to have met in 1510. There are many stories about him, but most consideringly he is said to have been blind from birth.

following him. When asked to return it, he refused, stating that he could not confirm her identity as he was blind. At this point, Krishna blessed him with sight, after which Surdas begged Krishna to take his sight away again. When asked why, he said that he had seen Krishna, and there was nothing else he wanted to see again.

Surdas was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Krishna and loved Krishna so much that he wrote over a lakh of devotional songs in his honour. He was a blind man who once took away Radhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anklet when she was

Stories Of Indian Mythology

The Courage of Abhimanyu Abhimanyu was the son of Arjuna and Subhadra. When Subhadra was pregnant with Abhimanyu, Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, decided to tell his wife about the Chakravyuh war technique. Krishna narrated to Subhadra how to break the Chakravyuh, a labyrinth formed by armed soldiers to trap the enemy, and enter it. Abhimanyu heard and memorized the entire process

from inside Subhadra’s womb. But by the time Krishna told her about coming out of the Chakravyuh, Subhadra fell asleep. As a result, Abhimanyu learned only entering the labyrinth but couldn’t know how to come out of it. Later in life, when young Abhimanyu fought in the great Kurukshetra War of Mahabharata, he had to confront the enemy’s Chakravyuh formation. He could get into the formation, but could not come out. Abhimanyu took a chariot wheel and swung it around, fighting enemies unarmed. He did not give up easily and fought valiantly till his last breath.

The Dedication of Ekalavya Ekalavya was a young prince of Nishada, a hunter tribe. He wanted to become a great warrior by learning the skills from Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He approached Dronacharya but the latter turned him away as Ekalavya was from a lower caste in the community. Ekalavya was hurt but did not give up his will to become an archer. He collected the soil on which Dronacharya walked and made an idol out of it. He treated Dronacharya’s idol as the symbolic teacher and perfected himself in archery through several years of practice.

then showed him the idol. Dronacharya was worried that Ekalavya would become a better archer than Arjuna, Dronacharya’s favorite student. Therefore, he asked Ekalavya to give his right thumb as Guru Dakshina Without any questions asked, Ekalavya chopped his thumb and gave it away to Dronacharya thus forfeiting an opportunity to be a better archer than Arjuna.

When Dronacharya learned about Ekalavya’s skill, he visited him to know about his Guru. Ekalavya

Stories Of Indian Mythology

When Dronacharya learned about Ekalavya’s skill, he visited him to know about his Guru. Ekalavya

Stories Of Indian Mythology

The Strength of Durga Durga is depicted in the Hindu pantheon as a goddess riding a lion, with many arms each carrying a weapon, often defeating Mahishasura . The three principal forms of Durga worshiped are Maha Durga, Chandika and Aparajita. When the asura-king Mahishasura defeats Indra, the king of the gods, and takes his place in heaven, the great goddess Durga is created from the divine energies of all the gods combined. She then takes on Mahishasura, the Buffalo Demon, and defeats him and his entire army, saving the world.

mythology centres around combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and Dharma the power of good over evil. Durga is also a fierce form of the protective mother goddess, who unleashes her divine wrath against the wicked for the liberation of the oppressed, and entails destruction to empower creation.

Durga, identified a principal and popular form of the Hindu Goddess. She is a goddess of war, a warrior goddess, whose

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Durga, identified a principal and popular form of the Hindu Goddess. She is a goddess of war, a warrior goddess, whose

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Vibhishana’s Devotion Vibhishana was the younger brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka. He was a part of Ravana’s court and was always surrounded by people who hated Lord Ram and encouraged Ravana in his misdeeds. Vibhishana warned his brother to give up his evil ways, but Ravana would never listen and instead ridicule Vibhishana for being weak and docile. It never discouraged Vibhishana and he always stuck to the noble path. His

righteousness eventually paid off when Ram defeated Ravana and made Vibhishana the king. When Vibhishana attained the position of the King of Lanka, he turned his subjects from the path of evil to the path of Dharma (righteousness). His wife, Queen Sarama also aided him in this effort. He had a daughter named AnalTe. When Rama was about to leave Ayodhya at the end of his reign, Lord Rama in his original form of Shri Vishnu ordered Vibhishana to stay on earth and serve the people and guide them to the path of truth and Dharma. Hence, Vibhishana is considered one of the seven immortals or Chiranjeevins.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Karna’s Generosity Karna was the spiritual son of the Vedic deity- Surya (“sun god”) and princess Kunti (queen of the Pandavas), and thus a demigod of royal birth. He was a key warrior who aimed to kill 3rd Pandava Arjuna but dies in a battle with him during the Mahabharata.

Karna pierced the earth with his arrow, brought out a spring of water, washed the teeth with it and gave to Lord Krishna.

King Karna was known for his generosity. In the Kurukshetra war, when he was lying in the mud dying, Lord Krishna disguised himself as a poor Brahmin and came to Karna to seek alms. Lying there helpless, Karna couldn’t give the poor Brahmin anything. So, he broke two of his gold teeth and gave them to the disguised Krishna. The Brahmin got furious that Karna gave him the blood-ridden teeth.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Karna pierced the earth with his arrow, brought out a spring of water, washed the teeth with it and gave to Lord Krishna.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Ganesha and Ved Vyasa Vyasa is the legendary author of the Mahabharata, Vedas and Puranas, some of the most important works in the Hindu tradition. He is also called Veda Vyasa, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the one who classified the Vedasâ&#x20AC;?.It is also known as Vyasa Purnima, the day believed to be both of his birth and when he divided the Vedas.

broke. There was no time to get a new quill as the story had to be written in one sitting. Lord Ganesha did some quick thinking, broke one of his tusks, and used its sharp end to write the remainder of the story.

Sage Ved Vyas wanted to recite Mahabharata and was looking for a disciple to write the text while he narrated. Ved Vyas approached Lord Ganesha for help, and he agreed to write it. Ved Vyas had a condition that the story should be written in one go without any pause. Lord Ganesha agreed. However, while writing the Mahabharata, the quill with which Lord Ganesha was writing

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Loyalty of Shravana Once upon a time there lived a boy named Shravan Kumar. He had parents who were blind. He had to do all the work for them, since they could not see. Shravan took great care and did everything for his mother and father with earnestness and love. He fulfilled every wish of his parents. One day his parents expressed their desire to go on a pilgrimage. His parents were pleased that their only son was fulfilling their wish. During the journey, Shravan managed to

get them some roots and fruits from the forest. They ate them and never accepted corn or cereal offered by anyone else. They were on a pilgrimage and wanted to eat simple food offered only by their son. While on pilgrimage they arrived in a forest near Ayodhya. His parents were thirsty and requested Shravan to get water to quench their thirst. Shravan Kumar took a vessel to fetch water from the river Sarayu. He left his parents and went to the banks of the river. Dashrath had a unique skill of shooting a mark with his arrow from where he heard the sound. As soon as Shravan Kumar dipped the vessel to fill water, Dashrath thought it was the sound of a deer drinking water. He received the arrow precisely, aiming at the

Stories Of Indian Mythology

place from where the sound came. The arrow pierced into Shravan. He gave out a cry and fell on the ground.

were shocked and were in utter grief. They cried out loud and told the king to take them to their dead son.

On hearing the moaning sound, King Dashrath came to the place to see who it was. He saw an innocent boy crying in pain. The vessel was lying on the ground. His body was all splashed with blood and mud. When King Dashrath saw this young boy, he became very sad and started cursing himself.

King Dashrath carried them on his shoulders to the place where Shravan Kumar had died. Just then, Shravan Kumar spoke to his parents, Through my services to you I have attained a place in the heaven. Do not worry about me. I shall wait for you both and provide my service to both of you when you come to me.

When Shravan saw the king, he told him, O, King! Please don’t worry. I came to take water for my parents. They are thirsty. I am in severe pain. Please pull out this arrow and take some water to my parents and tell them the sad news. The king sadly removed the arrow and went to Shravan’s parents with water. He silently gave them water to drink, which they refused to accept unless the carrier revealed his identity. The parents had in fact grown suspicious of some foul play. Their intuition had warned them that the carrier was not their real son. He conveyed the message about the death of their son. Shravan’s old and blind parents Stories Of Indian Mythology

Stories Of Indian Mythology

place from where the sound came. The arrow pierced into Shravan. He gave out a cry and fell on the ground.

were shocked and were in utter grief. They cried out loud and told the king to take them to their dead son.

Bali and Hanuman Once Hanumanji was retiting Rama Rama in woods when Bali came out of the blue destroying trees ,kiling wild animals and shouting and boasting about what he did To Ravan because he had an ability to absorb 50% power of his apponent if he sees into his eyes, first Hanumanji tried to ignore him but when it was unbearable , he went to him and requested him to calm down and asked him to stop destroying woods and killing animals , he added that greed has entered his head and he should worship Rama to gain peace again to which Bali in a disrespecting manner stood and said Bring your Ram iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll crush him down under my feet, this angered Hanumanji ,The sudden change in Hanumanji,s facial expressions was enough to change the calimatic conditions of the

world, wind started blowing at a very fast pase taking whatever came in it,s way the oceans started shashing the shores with big might tides and animals started shouting running here and there to save there lives , The temperature near Hanumanji and bali started increaing as Hanumanji,s body was emitting Too much heat , Hanumanji drew his mase or gadha and jumped towards bali ,just then Brahma appeared and asked Hanumanji to stop, he was not ready to as bali has insulted his only raeson of life Prabhu shree Ram , brahma changed his plan and asked bali to apologize but blindes by his greed bali disagreed qnd started insulting Rama again, ! Brahma then used his fifth head and came up with an idea ! He asked both of them that if they want to fight ,they should

Stories Of Indian Mythology

fight officially infront of everyone to which both agreed and brahma took a deep breath! The next day all the big kings were called at bali,s rajmahal to witness this fight , huge celebration was going on bali was shouting and telling everyone that today he,ll beat Hanumanji and make a slave out of him, all the mighty gods were watching this senerio too, on the other side Hanumanji was worshiping rama,s Statue which he made out of clay, stones, leaves and other things available in the woods! He requested Rama to bless him before his fight , just whenhe picked up his gadha started marching towards baliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rajmahal , Brahma appeared again !Hanumanji touched his feet and apologized for his behaviour yesterday , Brahma told Hanumanji that bali is a fool but this behaviour from Hanumanji was unexpectible , Hanumanji being a gentleman was feeling sorry and asked Brahma to give him punishment ,brahma smiled and said as a punishment i order you to leave 95% of your strength with Lord Rama and fight Bali with 5% leftover strength ! Hanumanji accepted the punishment with a smile and he left 95% percent of his strength Stories Of Indian Mythology

with the Rama,s statue itself ! To hanumanji,s surprise the statue started radiating because of the energy infused within it and as Hanumanji had innocence of the monkey in him he thought Rama was giving him blesdings! Hanumanji became happy with what happened and started shouting Jai shree Ram ,jai Shred Ram, and he started marching again! His gait,( walk )was like that of a big Mamoth with each foot producing a soynd like a big rock thrown from a big height , when he reached bali,s mahal he was surprised to see the decorations and preperations that were made for their dwand or duel ! Bali shouted and called Hanumanji in His akhada but to Bali,s shock Hanumanji ignored him, bali shouted again but everything was same this time as well when he came closer ,he noticed that Hanumanji was more interested in all the pakwans and dishes that were being made than the fight itself, Bali laughed and said Hanuman, if you someway some how beat me today then you can eat what ever you want and how much you want ! These words were enough for Hanumanji to bring his attention back towards

Stories Of Indian Mythology

bali !Bali looked into the deep blue eyes of Hanumanji filled with fire capable to burning the whole world and ice that can overpower every heat or fire perfectly balanced with each other he knew that he is winner already ! His body started absorbing 50% energy from Hanumanji,s body which was 2.5% of the 5% energy hanumanji had , in the beginning bali was feeling nothing new ,his body started getting hot as Hanumanji,s energy started getting infused in his body , just Hanumanji was standing in a defencive position as he knew that bali has absorbed his power ,just when bali was about to attack ,something happened which shock the whole body of bali, his heartbeat accelerated to a pace that was beyond normal , his muscles started getting bulked up , his chest started getting bigger as a result of which he was having an enormous pain his bones started expanding which was as painfull as something being drilled into the bones, his eyes started bleeding and he fell on the ground , and started crying, yelling out in pain, he was not even able to see as too much blood was coming out of his eyes ,brahma connected with bali,s

maind and told him to run as fast as he , can , bali without caring about his whereabouts started running randomly , he really was looking like a monkey with his tail on fire!!, after running for two whole days bali collapsed , slowly slowly he regained his senses and wanted to know what actually happened! He requested brahma to guide him and tell him what was that all about ,Brahma told him that the energy bali absorbed was only 50% of the 5% energy Hanumanji had during the fight as He had ordered him to leave 95% of the energy behind ! If he would have absorbed 50% of his whole energy his(bali,s) body would have had brusted out like a bomb! , brahma warned bali from getting into a fight with Hanumanji and from that day onwards bali, was not able to look into the eyes of Hanumanji again.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Faith of Prahlada Prahlada is described as a saintly boy from the Puranas known for his piety and bhakti to Vishnu. Prahlada was born to Kayadu and Hiranyakashipu, an evil daitya king who had been granted a boon that he could not be killed of anything born from a living womb, neither be killed by a man nor an animal, neither during the day nor at night, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither on land, nor in the air nor in water and of no man made weapon. However, after repeated attempts

of filicide by Hiranyakashipu unto Prahlada, Prahlada was finally saved by Lord Narasimha, a prominent avatar of God Vishnu who descended to demonstrate the quality of Divine rage and redemption by killing the demon king. The word “Narsimha” is derived from the Sanskrit word” nara” meaning Man and “simha” meaning lion.Thus, the Lord took the form of a part man, part lion to kill the Asura. Lord Narasimha, being the transcendental Supreme Personality of Godhead, fulfilled all the proper requirements by which the otherwise nearlyinvincible Hiranyakashipu could be killed. After the death of his father, Prahlada took his father’s kingdom and ruled peacefully and virtuously.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Krishna’s Coin One day, when a poor priest was seeking alms, he found a bag of gold coins. As he could not locate the owner of the bag, he decided to keep the bag with himself. On his way back home, he saw a beggar; he pitied him but did not give any coin to him. As the priest went on his way, he saw a diamond shimmering on the ground. He bent to take the diamond, but a thief jumped from behind, grabbed the bag of gold coins, and ran away. The diamond was just a piece of glass that the

Stories Of Indian Mythology

thief used to lure the poor man. The priest was disheartened and went back to seeking alms. Then, Lord Krishna passed by and gave the priest a metal coin. The priest wondered what a single metal coin would fetch him. On his way back home, he saw a fisherman with a couple of fish in his net. The priest felt pity for the fish and bought them with the metal coin. He placed the fish in an earthen pot with water. The next day when he picked the pot to empty the fish in the stream, he was amazed by what he discovered. There were two diamonds in the water. The fish had accidentally swallowed diamonds when they were in the river and spew them when they were in the pot. The priest burst into tears of joy and thanked Lord Krishna in his mind.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Natraja and Apasmara The tiny human you see there is a devil named Apasmara. He is also known as Muyalaka or Muyalakan. Apasmara is believed to be a representation of ignorance and epilepsy. Apa, meaning negation or loss of; smara, meaning recollection or consciousness. According to legends, Apasmara used to plague humans who prayed to Shiva to control him. In order to ensure the knowledge in the world is preserved, he can not be killed. To kill him would mean attaining knowledge without any dedication or effort, which would devalue the whole notion of knowledge and would also unbalance knowledge and ignorance in the world. Thus, he is destined for immortality. Hence Lord Shiva incarnated as Sri Nataraja. He performed

the cosmic Tandava Nritya and suppressed Apasmara under his right foot. As we know Apasmara was destined to immortality. To subdue him forever, Lord Shiva has to remain in that position for eternity. This literally signifies that ignorance has to be subjugated or vanquished by the attaining of knowledge.According to Ayurveda, Apasmara is a deadly disease which we call epilepsy. Attack of Apasmara includes falling down; shaking of the hands, legs, and body; rolling up of the eyes; grinding of the teeth, and foaming at the mouth.Apasmara is considered a dangerous disease that is chronic and difficult to treat.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Kali and Shiva There was once a very powerful demon known as Rakta Beej who had acquired a boon that he could duplicate himself as soon as his drop of blood touched the Earth. Due to this boon, the Gods were unable to bring the notorious demon under control.Hence, Shakti in the form of Goddess Durga was summoned to kill the demon. Armed with all the weapons, the Goddess charged at the demon. But as soon as She wounded him with Her sword and his blood fell on Earth, the demon kept on multiplying. Huge armies of Rakta Beej were formed by the puddles of blood which fell on Earth. Enraged by this, the Devi took the fierce form of Kali. Then She went on to destroy the demon with sword in Her hand. She would slay each demon and drink his blood immediately. Soon She finished the whole army of Rakta Beej and only the real Rakta Beej was left. Then She slay him and drank all his blood till he fell

Stories Of Indian Mythology

down lifeless. It is said that the Goddess became mad with blood lust after this incident. She started dancing the dance of destruction and forgot that She had already killed the demon. She kept on slaying the innocent after that. Only Shiva had the power to stop Kali at this stage. So, Lord Shiva went and lay down among the corpses where the Goddess was dancing. Accidentally, Kali stepped on Shiva and soon She realised Her mistake. It is then Her tongue immediately came out of embarrassment and She calmed down. She was ashamed of Her blood lust preventing Her from recognizing Her own husband. She came back to Her original form and the destruction was stopped. Shiva lying at Kaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet also symbolises the supremacy of Nature over man. It clearly shows that without Kali or Shakti even a powerful force like Lord Shiva is inert. Hence, Kali is shown as stepping on Shivaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chest.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Durga and Bhairavnath Bhairavnath was a learned sage, who had accumulated so much knowledge that he had become arrogant about it. One day, Goddess Durga was born as Vaishno to a couple who lived in the same village as Bhairavnath. As the little girl was growing up, Bhairavnath observed that she has special skills, and got suspicious of her. He would follow her and observe that she went into a cave every day, and then disappeared. Yet, Bhairav was adamant to chase Mata, this infuriated Mata This

angered Vaishno, who turned into the angry Goddess Kali and killed Bhairavnath with her trident by beheading his head from his body. Bhairavnath was surprised to see this form of the goddess. With his dying breath, he asked for forgiveness for his misbehaviour. His honest plea melted the goddess’ heart, and she accepted his apology. Later, she granted her the boon according to which, Mata’s devotees who will visit the Holy shrine for her darshan will have to visit Baba Bhairavnath’s mandir as well, without which their darshan won’t be complete.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Ganesha and Kubera Ganesha , also known as Ganapati and Vinayaka, is one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. Kubera also known as Kuvera, Kuber or Kuberan, is the Lord of Wealth and the god-king of the semi-divine Yakshas in Hindu culture. He is regarded as the regent of the North , and a protector of the world

He ate all the preparations made for dinner and demanded to give him more. Kubera stood in shock as he saw Ganesha devour tons of food. Ganesha’s hunger was insatiable and he threatened Kubera to give more food or he would eat Kubera. Kubera fled to Lord Shiva in panic. Shiva offered Ganesha a bowl of cereal, which immediately satisfied his hunger. Shiva then turned to Kubera and told him that it was a lesson for him that he must never have false pride.

The lord of wealth Kubera invited Lord Ganesha for dinner. Ganesha attended the event but did not like the Kubera’s flashy nature and ostentatious display of wealth. Ganesha decided to teach Kubera a lesson.

Stories Of Indian Mythology

Narasimha Narasimha is a fierce avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, one who incarnates in the form of part lion and part man to destroy evil and end religious persecution and calamity on Earth, thereby restoring Dharma. Hiranyakasyipu, the asura king, had a boon from Brahma that made him almost indestructible. He could not die either on earth or in space; nor in fire nor in water; neither during day nor at night; neither inside nor outside (of a home); nor by a human, animal or God; neither by inanimate nor by animate being.

on his lap before killing (neither earth nor in space). The boon was thus made ineffective. Narasimha is known primarily as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Great Protectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who specifically defends and protects his devotees from evil. The most popular Narasimha mythology is the legend that protects his devotee Prahlada, and creatively destroys Prahladaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demonic father

To kill Hiranyakasyipu, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha (a man-lion form). He came out to kill at twilight (neither day nor night); on the doorsteps of his palace (neither inside nor outside); used his nails to kill (neither animate nor inanimate); put him

Stories Of Indian Mythology