Mythological reading & its significance

As our child grows, we should try to get their focus towards our mythological stories. The right time to nurture our little ones with the versatility of our culture is to let them know from the very beginning.

One of the fondest memory of my childhood was my inclination towards our mythology. When I was a kid, the whole family sometimes neighbors too, to get together at my place to watch Ramayan, Mahabharata, and Shri Krishna. It was a time when everyone could not afford a television. I just loved seeing amazing stories of Bal Krishna, Rama, Ravana, Kauravas, and Pandavas. How did Hanuman help Lord Rama to find Devi Sita and win over evil? My love for mythological stories led me to read more and more of them and try to learn new things from them.

Let us come to why am I talking about mythology today? As a mother of growing son, I feel that teaching my kid about our mythology is very important, as many times he comes up with questions that need to be answered soon. As our child grows, we should try to get their focus towards our mythological stories. The right time to nurture our little ones with the versatility of our culture is to let them know from the very beginning.

Why encourage mythological reading in kids?

A child should bring light to mythology from the very beginning. Understanding our mythology helps the child come out of any trouble and could help them lead a better life.

Teaches moral values to a child

Mythological stories are a great source of moral values. The Puranas are full of these stories. It helps kids know about the old traditions of that time and the life of real heroes and their moral values. These stories can help them learn predominant life lessons. Each mythological story proved to be a great source of moral values, rules, and regulations to lead a happy and prosperous life. Mythology teaches kids moral values in a very interesting way so that they feel connected to them.

Sibling bonding

In most of the mythological stories, we came across the bond between siblings is incredible. We can take examples of the bond between Rama and Lakshmana, Krishna and Balrama, Pandavas. In the present world, many siblings are having disputes related to property, dictatorship. So if your child has a sibling, then bringing light on the sibling bonding can help them boost their relationship with their siblings.

Differentiating between good and evil

In most of the stories, either it is the story of Lordess Durga, Lordess Kali, Lord Rama, Pandavas, or Lord Krishna, they give us a lesson of victory over evil. From childhood, we should train our children to differentiate between right and wrong. We should always teach our kids that it is good that you get what you desire but adopt it rightly.

Respect for Women

The story of Ramayana inspires everyone to respect women. For instance, in the incident when Ravana kidnapped Seeta he did not touch Sita out of her will. Though she was kept at Ashoka Vatika at his kingdom then also she never forced himself over her. On the other hand, if we take the example of worshipping Lordess Durga for nine days in Navaratri and worshipping little girls as a replica of Lordess Durga also shows respect for women.

Respecting Elders, teachers, and Parents

Mythology teaches us to respect not only our parents but also our elders and teachers. There are many examples set by mythological heroes in way of respecting decisions made by elders. In Ramayana, even though Lord Rama knew that Kekayi’s decision is not appropriate than also respected her will and left his kingdom for 14 years. Another instance if we take is of Guru Dronacharya and Eklavya, we can see Dronacharya did not accept Eklavya as his student then also when asked for Eklavya’s finger as Guru Dakshina, Eklavya respected his Guru’s order and offered his fingers.

Keeping promises and commitment

King Dashratha knew that after his separation from his beloved son Rama, he will die in his bereavement. Then also he kept his promise that he made to Rani Kekayi when she saved King Dasaratha from his enemy in a war. Likewise, we can look from the example set by the promise given by Bharata to Lord Rama that he will not take the throne and keep Lord Rama’s sandals at the throne as he is the mighty king of Ayodhaya.

Keep away from Bad Advice

As we know that mythology is full of bad advice given to a character which leads to various miseries in their lives. Be it Manthra from Ramayan or Shakuni from Mahabharata, they have proved to be a bad advisor which leads to so many misfortunes in the life of others.

Unlocks imagination

Mythological stories have a world full of imagination, from flying chariots to multiple incarnations to unimaginable powers and so on. It helps to develop imagination and creativity in the kids.

Strength of women

Lord Kali, Lordess Durga, Lordess Sati, Maa Parvati, Maa Sita all are great examples of strength. We all know that women have been given a great strength to bear childbirth. She always proved herself to be strong in every situation. Likewise, we can learn more about women’s strengths through reading mythological stories.

Bond of friendship

Shri Krishna and Sudama portray a great example of the true bond of friendship. Although one came from the royal family and the other from the poor family both while heartedly respected the bond of friendship.

Teaches about our culture

Mythology also teaches kids about our culture. They are the true source from where kids can get to know more about their cultures and traditions. These stories are part of rich cultural heritage.

Value of education

We can see from each Indian mythology that either it is a prince or a normal child or an incarnation of God everyone visited Gurukul to attain education and enlighten themselves. No matter who the person is, everyone was treated equally in Gurukul.

Developing concentration

The example of Arjuna hitting the rotating fish eye or Lord Rama breaking the Shiva Dhanush all are examples of sheer concentration. With their concentration power only they were able to win among the others.

Developing faith

Taking the example of Prahalad, he had full faith in his Lord Vishnu. Once his father out of rage made him sit in the fire but it was his faith in Lord Vishnu that he easily escaped the death. Another instance is of Lord Hanuman, he had his full faith in Lord Rama and because of his faith only he was able to make a bridge with floating stones in the sea.

This, we can see Indian mythology are full of life lessons. Each story will teach you how to choose good over evil, how to keep faith in yourself and others, respect elders, teachers, parents, women, and everyone’s dignity. There is more than this you can learn from Indian mythology. It helps you to connect with your roots. It helps you to understand when there is a will, there is a way. It helps you to understand the value of time.