Sutradhar Mini Tales (English)

Once the God of wealth Kubera became very proud of his prosperity. He started throwing lavish parties to host all the Gods, to showcase his wealth. He invited Mahadeva many times, but Mahadev he refused. Kubera started visiting Mahadeva at Kailash and started offering Him jewels and ornaments. Mahadeva was not impressed by such offerings, but he sensed Kubera's arrogance and decided to teach him a lesson. Next time when Kubera invited Mahadeva for his party, Mahadeva declined the invitation as usual, however he suggested his son Ganesh would visit instead.  Kubera welcomed Ganapati in his lavish abode and offered him food. Ganapati ate whatever Kubera offered, but was still not satisfied, so he asked for more food. Kubera served more food, which was also consumed by Ganapati. Vinayak kept eating whatever Kubera offered and still demanded for more. In the end Kubera ran out of food to serve, but Ganapati was still hungry.  To protect himself from Ganapati's wrath, Kubera went running to Mahadeva and requested for his help. Knowing that he had learned his lesson, Mahadev suggested that Kuberhe prays to Mata Parvati. Kubera pleaded to Mata Parvati forto help. Mata Parvati went to Kubera's palace and offered a Modak to Ganapati. Ganapati ate the Modak offered by his mother and was instantly full. Kubera learned a lesson in humility and never again bragged about his possessions.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Analasura was a demon who was born out of Yama and was made of fire. He could burn anything just by looking at themit. When Analasura started destroying the world with his extreme fire emitting eyes, all the Gods became worried and upon Guru Brihaspati's advice prayed to Ganapati.  Ganapati appeared in the form of a small boy and challenged Analasura. Analasura got angry at the baby Ganesha and tried to burn him too, but because of his small size he could not hit him with his fire. Finally, when the demon charged at Ganesha, he grew in size and swallowed the demon. The demon started causing massive heat inside Ganapati's stomach. All the Gods tried their best to calm the heat. Indra requested a cool moon to adorn Ganapati, Brahmadev offered his mind born daughters Riddhi and Siddhi to fan around him, Shivaji offered a thousand headed snake to wrap around his stomach, Vishnuji offered lotus flowers and Varuna dev showered him with cold water.  When all these efforts could not calm the heat inside Ganapati, 88000 Rishis led by Kashyap rishi offered Ganapati 21 blades of Bermuda grass each, this eventually calmed the heat making Durva or Doob Ganapati's favourite.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After both her sons Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu were killed, devi Diti was overtaken by grief. In order to avenge the death of her sons, she tried to please her husband Kashyap rishi, in order to get a son who would kill Indra. Indra disguised himself and started living with devi Diti and served her.  One day Indra shrunk in size and entered Diti's womb. He cut the baby growing inside her into 7 pieces. It didn't kill the baby, in fact there were now 7 babies who started crying. So Indra kept saying, “Ma Rud.. Ma Rud.” and cut them into 7 pieces each. Because of Narayana's blessings Diti gave birth to 49 babies.  When she saw 49 babies and Indra with them she enquired Indra about this. Indra told her everything honestly and said, these 49 Maruds are gods, and are his brothers, and Gods and would live with him in heaven.  Devi Diti forgave Indra and blessed him and her 49 sons.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kashyap rishi's wife devi Aditi had twelve sons, Vivaswana, Aryama, Pusha, Twashta, Savita, Bhag, Dhata, Vidhata, Varuna, Mitra, Indra and Trivikrama. विवस्वान, अर्यमा, पूषा, त्वष्टा, सविता, भग, धाता, विधाता, वरुण, मित्र, इन्द्र और त्रिविक्रमTogether they are called the twelve Adityas. Twashta was married to rachana, the younger sister of the Daityas, Rachana and they had two sons - Sannivesha and Vishwarupa. सन्निवेश और विश्वरूप When Devguru Brihaspati abandoned the Gods because of an insult by Indra, the Gods decided to appoint Vishwarupa as their preceptor.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the ancient times in the city of Kanyakubja, lived a brahmin named Ajamila. Ajamila had no qualities of a Brahmin, and he instead he spent his time in doing wrong by others. He would rob people or con them to earn a livelihood.  He spent all his life like this. He had ten sons. He loved the youngest one among them the most and named him “Narayana”. He would spend his old age playing with Narayana and would not eat before feeding young Narayana.  When Ajamila's time came, agents of Yama appeared before him to take him to Mrityuloka. Ajamila got scared and started calling out to his son, Narayana… Narayana.  When agents of Bhagwaan Vishnu heard the sound of Narayana, they rushed there and stopped the Yamadutas from taking him away. Ajamila heard the conversation between the agents of Narayana and Yamadutas. This conversation made him realise his wrong ways. He became a changed man. He left all his vices and started spending time in praying to Bhagwaan. In the end, because of these good deeds, he found a place in Vaikunthaloka.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Maharaj Prithu, his son Vijitashwa विजिताश्व became the king. His son was Havirdhan हविर्धान and grandson Bahirshad. बर्हिषद Bahirshad was married to the daughter of the ocean Shatdruti शतद्रुति. They had ten sons, who were collectively called Prachetas प्रचेता. The Prachetas worshipped Mahadev and Bhagwaan Vishnu for many years. With Narayana's blessings they married Kandu Rishi and Apsara Pramalocha's daughter Marisha मारिषा, who was raised by trees and Chandra. Marisha gave birth to Daksh. Brahmadev's son Daksh Prajapati had to get rid of his old body because of being disrespectful towards Mahadev and was reborn as Marisha's son.  He also became Prajapati in Chakshusha Manvantara चाक्षुष मन्वन्तर Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Padma Purana, during Shriram's Ashwamedh yagya, the sacrificial horse was stopped by Mahadev's ardent devotee King Veermani of Devpur. This resulted into a massive battle between Shriram's army lead by Shatrughna and Bharat's son Pushkal along with Bajarangbali. When Veermani's army started losing he requested for Mahadev's help. Mahadev heard the cries of his devotee and came to his rescue along with Veerbhadra and Nandi. Massive battle ensued, which resulted in Pushkal and Shatrughna getting unconscious. At this point Hanuman ji remembered the name of Shriram and faced Mahadev.  The duel went on for many days, in the end Shivaji fired his Pashupat missile, which was absorbed by Hanuman ji due to Brahmadev's boon to him.  Eventually Shriram came to the battlefield to stop this battle. Shivaji asked Veermani to surrender to Shriram and revived everyone.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Lakshman ji was lying unconscious on the battlefield after a duel with Meghnad, Sushena Vaidya was called to treat him. The healer of the monkey clan needed Sanjivani herb from Dronagiri mountain to revive Lakshman ji. Because of his speed, Hanuman ji was given the task tohe retrieve the lifesaving herb. When Hanuman ji reached the mountain, he could not identify the herb, so without losing much time, he decided to carry the entire mountain with him. When Hanuman ji was flying in the sky carrying the entire Dronagiri mountain, he was spotted by Bharat ji, who was the caretaker of Ayodhya in the absence of Shriram. Bharat ji mistook Hanuman ji for some demon who was trying to attack Ayodhya, so he shot an arrow at him. Since the arrow was shot with the name of Shriram, hanumanjihe did not counter it and got hurt. When Hanuman ji fell on the ground, he narrated the entire incident to Bharat ji about the battle going on at Lanka and Lakshman's coma.  Bharat ji regretted his action and offered his help in sending Hanuman ji to Lanka faster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hanuman ji Vs Bheema Hanuman ji and Bheema were both sons of the wind God, Pavan. So, when Hanuman ji sensed his younger brother becoming too proud of his physical prowess, he decided to teach him a lesson in humility.  Once during the Pandava's exile Hanumanji appeared on the path of Bheema, disguised as an old monkey. The old monkey was resting on a narrow path in the jungle, with his tail blocking the way. When Bheema was passing through, he asked the monkey to remove his tail from the path so that he can cross. The monkey told Bheema to do it himself. Bheema tried his best but despite using all his strength, he could not move the tail even by an inch. It is then the monkey revealed himself as Hanumanji and taught Bheema a lesson in humility. Bheema learned his lesson and sought blessings from his elder brother. Bajarangbali blessed Bheema and promised to grace the chariot of Arjuna with his divine presence in the form of a monkey banner.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once Balaram ji faced a monkey named Dvivida from Treta Yuga. He was a general in Sugriva's army. He had become arrogant and had started troubling people. Balaram ji confronted the monkey and killed him in a duel.  This victory made Balaram ji overconfident about his physical strength. Shrikrishna decided to teach his brother a lesson and requested for help from Hanuman ji.  One day Hanuman ji appeared in the form of a normal monkey and started creating nuisance in Balaram ji's garden. Balaram ji came running and challenged tohe monkey ftoor a duel. Balaram ji used all his strength but failed to overpower the monkey. At this point Shrikrishna stopped the duel and requested Bajarangbali to reveal himself.  Balaram ji learned his lesson and sought forgiveness from Hanuman ji.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gandhari's Curse to ShriKrishna Mother of the Kauravas, Gandhari blamed Shrikrishna for causing all this death and destruction and cursed him that the way her entire lineage hads been destroyed, one day the sameday same thing will happen to his Yaduvansh. After this curse Shrikrishna returned to Dwarka and took all his relatives to Prabhas. He instructed his clan to conduct charitable acts while waiting for their impending doom.  One day Satyaki and Kritavarma got into a debate over their actions during the Mahabharata war. They started insulting each other and the debate got heated. Satyaki ended up cutting Kritavarma's head. This resulted into massive infighting among all the Yadava's who ended up killing each other including Shrikrishna's sons and friends. Only Babru and Daruk survived.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Shanti Parva of Mahabharata after the war of Mahabharata Kunti told the truth about Karna's birth to Yudhishthira. the Pandava brothers were very sad hearing about this and blamed their mother for keeping this a secret from them. They performed the last rites of Karna. However, because of keeping this secret Yudhishthira cursed all the women that they will be unable to keep any secret for long.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the Kurukshetra war Arjuna visited Alkapuri to seek divine weapons from Gods to prepare for the inevitable war. There he met Apsara Urvashi, who got infatuated with him and made advances towards him. Arjuna however, stopped her saying he considers Urvashi like his mother and cannot respond to her advances. Hearing this Urvashi got angry and cursed Arjuna to become a neuter and live among women as a dancer.  When Arjuna told Indra about this curse, Indra convinced Urvashi to reduce the period of her curse to one year, so that it can help Arjuna to liveing in disguise during their one year of incognito period.  Because of this curse Arjuna lived in Matsya kingdom as Brihannala during their one year of Agyatvas.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once Maharaj Pandu was hunting in a forest. He sensed some movement from behind the bushes and thinking it was a deer, shot an arrow. The arrow hit rishi Kindam and his wife, who were enjoying an intimate moment together disguised as deer.  When Pandu realised what he had done, he pleaded forgiveness for his actions, however Kindam rishi cursed Pandu. As per Kindam rishi's curse Pandu would die the moment he gets intimate with any woman.  Following this, Pandu assigned his blind elder brother Dhritarashtra as the caretaker king of Hastinapur and started living in the jungle with his wives Kunti and Madri. the Pandava brothers were born by using the boon of rishi Durvasa to Kunti, using which she could summon any God and seek a child from them.  Once Pandu was alone with his wife Madri and he could not control himself. The moment he decided to get intimate with her he died   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the fight between Bhagwaan Parshuram and Kartavirya Arjuna, Kartavirya's soldiers started raiding the Ashrams. After Bhagwaan Parshuram killed Kartavirya, his sons attacked various Ashrams.  During one such raid they attacked the Ashram of Parashara rishi. The great rishi tried to stop them and was hurt in his leg in the process.  After this Parashara rishi started walking with a limp and became famous as the Limping Sage.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parashara grew up thinking, his grandfather Brahmarshi Vashishtha was his father. When he found out the truth and that his father and uncles were killed by a demon under the influence of rishi Vishwamitra, he decided to conduct a yajna to exterminate all the demons from the world.   Rakshasa from all over the world started burning in the fire of Parashara's yajna. When Pulastya rishi noticed this destruction he requested Vashishtha rishi to stop his grandson. Rishi Vashishtha told Parashara rishi to stop his yajna for it was not correct to blame all the Rakshasa for the death of his father.    Parashara rishi eventually calmed down and stopped the yajna. Pulastya rishi blessed the rishi with divine knowledge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once Brahmarshi Vashishtha's eldest son Shakti Maharshi was going somewhere on a narrow path. On the way he met King Kalmashpada of Ikshwaku dynasty. They both got into an argument over who has the right to cross first. The argument escalated to a level that the King hit the Rishi with a whip. The Angry rishi cursed the king to become a demon.   The demon king under the influence of rishi Vishwamitra killed and ate Shakti Maharshi and his brothers.    Rishi Vashishtha was so grief stricken that he decided to end his life. After multiple failed attempts at ending his life he met Shakti Maharshi's wife Adrushyanti, who was pregnant. She gave birth to a boy, who grew up in the hermitage of his grandfather Vashishtha, thinking he was his father. The boy made Vashishtha rishi forget about his grief and gave him a reason to live, thus he was named Parashara.    पाराशर ऋषि का जन्म एक बार ब्रह्मर्षि वशिष्ठ के पुत्र शक्ति महर्षि एक सँकरे पहाड़ी रास्ते से कहीं जा रहे थे। रास्ते में उनकी भेंट सामने से आते हुए राजा कल्माषपाद से हुई। कौन पहले रस्ता पार करे इस बात पर दोनों में विवाद छिड़ गया। दोनों का विवाद इतना बढ़ गया की कल्माषपाद शक्ति मुनि को कोड़े मारने लगे। क्रोध में आकर शक्ति महर्षि ने राजा को राक्षस बन जाने का शाप दे दिया।  राक्षस बने कल्माषपाद ने शक्ति महर्षि को खा लिया और बाद में ऋषि विश्वामित्र के प्रभाव में वशिष्ठ ऋषि के अन्य पुत्रों को भी मार दिया।  जब वशिष्ठ ऋषि को अपने सभी पुत्रों की मृत्यु का पता चला तो दुःख के कारण उन्होंने आत्महत्या करने की सोची, परन्तु अनेक प्रयासों के बाद भी विफल रहे। जब वशिष्ठ ऋषि अपने आश्रम वापस आए तो उन्होंने शक्ति महर्षि की पानी अदृश्यन्ति को गर्भावस्था में पाया। उन्होंने एक पुत्र को जन्म दिया जो अपने दादा के साथ उनके आश्रम में बड़ा होने लगा।  अपने पौत्र को देखकर वशिष्ठ ऋषि का शोक मिट गया और उनको जीवन जीने की नई प्रेरणा मिली, इसीलिए उन्होंने बालक का नाम पाराशर रखा। Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Located in Manali, Himanchal Pradesh, this temple is dedicated to Bhima's wife, devi Hidimba. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshiped as an image of the deity. During their time living in forests Bhima had killed the demon Hidimb and married his sister Hidimba. Hidimba's son Ghatotkach fought in the Kurukshetra war and was instrumental in getting rid of the infallible Vasawi Dart of Indra from Karna.   After their marriage Devi Hidimba didn't accompany Bhima, she stayed here instead performing penance and eventually ascended to heaven.    During Navaratri lots of devotees visit this temple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Situated at the base of Annamalai Hills in Tamilnadu, this temple is dedicated to the Agni Linga form of Bhagwaan Shankar. It is believed that Mahadev graces this place in his Ardhanarishwar form.        According to the Pauranik text, once Bhagwaan Brahma and Bhagwaan Vishnu got into a debate over who is more important for the functioning of the universe. When the debate could not be settled, Mahadev appeared between them in the form of an endless pillar of fire.        Both Brahmadev and Bhagwaan Vishu could not locate the ends of this fire pillar, however in order to prove his superiority Brahmadev lied. Mahadev got angry at this lie. He took the form of Kaal-Bhairav and cut one of the heads of Brahmadev.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Situated in Kollum District Kerala, Peruviruthy Malanada Temple is probably the only temple dedicated to Kaurava Prince Duryodhana. In this temple Kaurava prince is being worshipped for many generations. There are many other temples in the vicinity dedicated to Gandhari, Dushala, Karna etc.    There is no idol in this temple, instead there is an empty platform that is worshipped as Duryodhan's throne.    It is believed that during the incognito period of Pandava's exile Duryodhana along traveled all over the world trying to find them. During one such expedition he landed in this village. He was tired and thirsty, and was offered a drink by an elderly woman. Pleased with this Duryodhan rewarded the village with wealth and one hundred acre land.    Even today the tax generated from that land is called Duryodhanan, which means Duryodhan's wealth.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mitravinda was princess of Avanti. Her brother Vinda and Anuvinda were Duryodhan's friends and wanted her to marry him in order to strengthen their friendship with Hastinapur crown. However, Mitravinda wanted to marry Shrikrishna. When Vinda and Anuvinda organized her sister's swayamvar, they deliberately did not invite Shrikrishna.  Balaram told Shrikrishna that Mitravinda is in love with him and he should gate crash the swayamvar and marry her. Shrikrishna sent his sister Subhadra to get a sense of Mitravinda's heart.  Once certain, Shrikrishna and Balaram crashed the swayamvar, where Mitravinda chose Shrikrishna as her husband. Shrikrishna and Balaram defeated Mintravinda's brothers and Duryodhan along with other suitors and married Mitravinda.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jambvanti was the daughter of Jambwan, who was a general in Shriram's army in battle against Ravan. During the search of Syamantak gem Shrikrishna and Jambwan got into a duel, which lasted many days.    In the end Jambwan realised that Shrikrishna was an incarnation of his beloved Shriram and sought forgiveness. He proposed to marry his daughter Jambvanti to Shrikrishna in return for giving him the precious gem. Shrikrishna agreed and married Jambvanti. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An incarnation of mother earth, Devi Satyabhama was the daughter of Satrajit, a Yadav king of Andhak clan. Satrajit was in possession of the divine Syamantak gem, which was gifted to him by the Sun. When the precious gem was lost, Satrajit accused Shrikrishna of stealing it.  Shrikrishna went into search of the gem, in order to get rid of the accusations and found the gem in possession of Jambwan. Shrikrishna took the gem from Jambwan and returned it to Satrajit. Pleased with this Satrajit decided to marry her daughter Satyabhama to Shrikrishna. Devi Satyabhama accompanied Shrikrishna in battle against demon Narakasur, and was instrumental in killing the demon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rukmini was an incarnation of Devi Laksmi and was born as the daughter of Bhishmak, king of Vidarbha. Her brother Rukmi wanted to marry her to his friend Shishupal, however she wanted Shrikrishna as her husband. When her brother did not listen to her, she invited Shrikrishna to abduct her from her palace.  After receiving Rukmini's invitation Shrikrishna rescued her from her palace without any delay. When Rukmi tried to stop them Shrikrishna defeated him in battle, however he allowed him to live upon Rukmini's request. Devi Rukmini was the most important of Shrikrishna's wives, who gave him ten sons including Pradyumna.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vinda and Anuvinda were sons of King Jayasena of Avanti and brothers of Mitravinda. Both were friends and ally of Duryodhan and did not like Shrikrishna for his closeness to Pandava.  When Mitravinda chose Shrikrishna in her swayamvar, both brothers opposed this and fought Shrikrishna. Shrikrishna defeated them in battle and married Mitravinda. During Yudhishthir's Rajsuya yagya Sahadev fought and defeated both brothers to bring Avanti under Yudhishthir's control. In the battle of Kurukshetra both brothers fought alongside their friend Duryodhan and were killed by Arjuna in battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rukmi was the son of King Bhishmak of Vidarbha and elder brother of Rukmini. He wanted Rumini to marry his friend Shishupal, but Rukmini wanted to marry Shrikrishna so she secretly invited him to abduct her from Vidarbha. Shrikrishna abducted Rukmini and was challenged by Rukmi. Shrikrishna defeated Rukmi, however on Rukmini's request spared his life and let him go after shaving his head.  Later during Mahabharat war Rukmi approached both Arjuna and Duryodhan to fight from their side in the war, however both of them rejected his offer because of his boastful behavior. In the end Rukmi was killed by Balaram for cheating in a game of dice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the curse of the four Kumars, the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha Jay and Vijay were born as Shrikrishna's sworn enemies Shishupal and Dantvakra in Dwapar Yuga. Shrikrishna's father Vasudev's sister Shrutadevi was married to king Vriddhasharman of Karusha kingdom. Their son was Dantavakra. Dantavatra, like his cousin Shishupal was also an ally of Jarasandh and an enemy of Shrikrishna.  During Yudhishthir's Rajsuya yagya, he was defeated by Sahadev and he was present in the assembly when Shrikrishna killed Shishupal.  After the yagya when Shrikrishna was on his way back to Dwarka, Dantavakra along with his friend Salva attacked Shrikrishna to avenge the killing of Shishupal.  Shrikrishna killed Dantavakra with his mace and relieved him from the curse, sending him back to Vaikuntha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the curse of the four Kumars, the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha Jay and Vijay were born as Shrikrishna's sworn enemies Shishupal and Dantvakra in Dwapar Yuga.  Shrikrishna's father Vasudev's sister Shrutashrava was married to the king of Chedi, and Shishupal was their son. When Shishupal was born he was born with a third eye and two extra hands. After his birth a divine voice announced that whoever's touch can cause the baby to drop his extra limbs will kill him. When Shrikrishna came to visit his aunt and lifted his cousin in his lap, his third eye disappeared and extra limbs dropped on the floor. At that moment Shishupal's mother made Shrikrishna promise that he will forgive one hundred mistakes of her son.  Shishupal grew up to become Jarasandh's ally and helped him in attacking Shrikrishna on many occasions. During Yudhishthir's Rajsuya yagya when Shrikrishna was given the honor of first arghya, Shishupal started abusing Shrikrishna and others present in the assembly. After his hundred mistakes Shrikrishna relieved him from his curse by cutting his head and sent him back to Vaikunthalok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shrikrishna's father Vasudev had a son from one of his wives, Sutanu, the princess of Kashi. His name was Paundrak. Since Vasudev spent many years inside Kansa's prison after his marriage with Devaki, Paundrak grew up in Kashi and inherited the throne.  Paundrak was an ally of Shrikrishna's sworn enemy Jarasandh. He would call himself the real Shrikrishna and imitate him in every way, including calling himself Vasudev.  Shrikrishna tried his best to talk him out of this charade but he did not listen. Eventually Shrikrishna killed him in battle and created a circle of fire around his kingdom trapping and killing the priests who would worship Paundrak as Shrikrishna.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

King Sagar had sixty thousand one sons. Sagar's sixty thousand sons dug the entire earth and created an ocean looking for the horse of their father's Ashwamedh yagya. These sixty thousand sons of Sagar were burnt to ashes by Kapil muni.  Sagar's remaining son Asamanjas had a son Anshuman, who became heir to the throne. In the line of Asamanjas was born Bhagirath.  Bhagirath performed severe penance to Brahmadev and Mahadev seeking their help in bringing the divine river Ganga to earth. He eventually succeeded in bringing Ganga to earth and used the divine water to perform last rites of his ancestors who died due to curse of Kapil muni.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the lineage of Harishchandra, there was a king named Bahuk. Bahuk lost his kingdom to his enemies and started living in the jungle at the hermitage of rishi Aurva. Bahuk died of old age and weakness.  After Bahuk's death, his wife decided to burn herself but was stopped by Aurva rishi, for the queen was pregnant with the heir to the dynasty.  When enemies of the dynasty found out about the queen's pregnancy, they tried to cause miscarriage by feeding her poison, GAR. The boy survived and was born with the GAR, hence was called Sagar.  Sagar grew up to become an illustrious ruler who defeated all his enemies and revived the rule of the great solar dynasty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandhata was born to the pregnant king Yuvanashva, with the blessings of Devraj Indra. He was named Trasdasyu, because he was feared by every adharmi.  After winning over the entire world, Mandhata attacked Lanka in order to complete his total domination of earth. A massive battle ensued between Ravan and Mandhata. After many days of stalemate, the battle was stopped by Rishi Pulastya and Rishi Galav.  After ruling the earth for many years, Mandhata decided to conquer heaven. Indra pointed to Madhupuri saying you first capture that and then come to heaven. Madhupuri was ruled by Asura Lavan, who possessed the Trishula of Mahadev. When Mandhata attacked Madhupuri, he was killed by Lavan using Mahadev's infallible Trishula.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the lineage of Purajnjay after many generations, Yuvanashva became the king. Yuvanashava had a hundred wives but no son. In order to produce an heir, he went to live in the Ashram of Bhrigu rishi with his wives where they performed a yagya for Devraj Indra.  One night a thirsty Yuvanshava accidently drank the enchanted water from the yagna meant for his wives. As a result of that Yuvanashva became pregnant.  Later Bhrigu rishi cut open the belly of King Yuvanashva to give birth to a baby. Indradev himself visited to witness the birth of this unique child.  When the child started crying due to hunger, Indra put his finger in his mouth to calm him, saying, “Mam Dhata.”; thus, giving the name Mandhata to the baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ikshwaku's eldest son Vikukshi had a son named Puranjay. Towards the end of Satyuga, Indra came to him seeking his help in the ongoing Devasura Samgram. Puranjay agreed to help Indra only if he agrees to become his ride.  Indra transformed himself into a giant bull. Purajnay fought in the battle against the demons riding that bull. He won the battle and returned the kingdom of heaven to Indra. He was also known as Indravaha for he rode Indra. For riding the bull in the battle his another name became Kukutstha.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of the Mahabharat war, only three warriors from Kaurava side survived; Kripacharya, Ashwatthama and Kritavarma. Kritavarma was the commander of Shrikrishna's Narayani sena and Duryodhan's friend. Because of Shrikrishna's promise to Duryodhan, he fought for the Kauravas in the great war. On the last day of the battle he accompanied Ashwatthama inside the Pandav camp and helped him in killing the five sleeping sons of Draupadi.  Many years later when Kritavarma taunted Satyaki for the unfair killing of Bhurishrava, Satyaki called him out for killing helpless Uppandavas. This escalated into a full blown fight with various Yadav warriors taking sides. This fight resulted in the destruction of the Yadav clan.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dhritarshtra had one son from Gandhari's maid, Yuyutsu. Yuyutsu was different from other Kaurava brothers and chose to be on the right side of Dharma all his life. He was the one who would warn Pandava brothers regarding Duryodhan's schemes to harm them as a kid. In the Mahabharat war he chose to fight against his brothers and chose to side with Pandavas. He was the only son of Dhritarashtra to survive the great war. In the end when Parikshit was made the king of Hastinapur, Yuyutsu was appointed his guardian.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the sons of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari spoke against the wrongful acts of his brothers in the royal court of Hastinapur. This Kaurav brother was Vikarna. Vikarna knew his brother, Duryodhana was on the wrong path and tried to warn him; however when things escalated to a full blown war, he chose the side of his brothers knowing fully well that it was the wrong side.  On the 14th day, when Arjuna had vowed to kill Jaydrath, Vikarna was given the task of stopping Bhima from helping Arjuna. Bhima tried to convince his cousin to switch sides, however Vikarna refused. In the end like all his other brothers he was also killed by Bhima, however unlike for other Kaurava, Bhima regretted killing him Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lakshamana was the daughter of Duryodhan and Bhanumati. Shrikrishna's son Shamb was in love with her and he abducted her from her swayamvar. An angry Duryodhan sent his entire army to stop and capture them. Shamb could not defeat the Hastinapur army and was captured. Later Balaram ji approached Duryodhan asking him to release his nephew, but Duryodhan declined. This angered Baldau and he started pulling the entire Hastinapur capital with his plough to drown it inside the Yamuna river. Afraid of this Duryodhana sought forgiveness and agreed for the union of his daughter and Shrikrishna's son.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The son Arjuna had from his wife Chitrangada, princess of Manipur, was Babruvahana. As per arjun's his promise to his father-in-law Chitrangad, Babruvahana stayed with his maternal grandfather and became the heir of the throne of Manipur throne. Babruvahana stopped the horse of Yudhishthir's Ashwamedh yagya and fought a battle with Karna's son Vrishaketu. Babruvahana managesd to kill Vrishaketu.  When Arjuna confronted Babruvahana, he managed to kill him as wellalso. He regretted his actions after learning that Arjuna was his father. Later Arjuna's other wife Ulupi revived him using Nagmani and Vrishketu was revived by Shrikrishna.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bhurishrava was son of Somdatta and grandson of Bahlika. He played a key role in the killing of Abhimanyu.  When Arjuna taunted him for his participation in the dishonorable act of killing Abhimanyu against the rules of engagement, he felt ashamed. He threw away his weapons and sat down on the battlefield. At this point Satyaki leapt forward and beheaded a weaponless Bhurishrava with his sword.  When Kritavarma taunted Satyaki recalling this incident, this became the cause of infighting among Yadav warriors and caused the destruction of the entire Yadav clan as cursed by Gandhari.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bahlika was the second son for King Prateep and elder brother of Shantanu. He was Bhishma Pitamaha's uncle who fought in the Mahabharata war from Kaurava side, upon request from Dhritarashtra. On the fourteenth day when the battle continued till after sunset after the death of Jayadrath, he was killed by Bhima in a duel. His son Somdatta and grandson Bhurishrava also fought in the great war and were both killed by Satyaki.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As per Shrikrishna's promise to Duryodhana, his Narayani sena fought for Kaurava in Mahabharat war, however Satyaki from the Vrishni clan chose to fight alongside his friend and teacher Arjuna. After Arjuna and Bhima; Satyaki proved to be the most destructive for their Kaurava enemies.  He had to suffer humiliation for beheading a weaponless Bhurishrava in the battlefield. Years later, when Kritavarma chose to humiliate him recalling this very incident their fight escalated and became the reason for destruction of the entire Yadav clan.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone is aware of younger Pandav brother Sahadev, however there is another Sahadev who fought in the battle for Mahabharata. This Sahadev was the son of Jarasandh, King of Magadh. After Jarasandh was killed by Bhima, his son Sahadev was appointed the king by Pandav. In the Mahabharata war he fought from the Pandav side and was killed by Shakuni in battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandodari was the daughter of Mayasur, the architect of demons and apsara Hema. She was as beautiful as her mother and Ravan wished to marry her as soon as he laid eyes on her.  Mandodari was aware of the shortcomings of her husband and always tried her best to convince him to follow the righteous path.  After Ravan kidnapped Devi Sita he tried to convince her to marry him. When devi Sita refused, he tried to convince her by threatening her and torturing her. When none of his tricks worked, in a fit of rage, Ravan decided to kill Devi Sita.  Mandodari could not see this happen and stood between his sword and Devi Sita, thus saving her life.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara was the daughter of vanar physician Sushena and was Vali's wife. She was an incredibly smart woman and always gave good advice to her husband. At the time of his death Vali asked Sugriva to take care of his wife and always listen to her advice.   Once Sugriva became the king of Kishkindha, he forgot about his promise to Shriram and got busy with ruling his kingdom. This angered Lakshman ji who decided to kill Sugriva for going back on his promise. Lakshman in his fit of rage entered the palace of Kishkindha, an afraid Sugriva ran to his now wife Tara for protection. Tara talked to Lakshman ji and pacified him. She convinced him to pardon Sugriva and promised that the entire army of Kishkindha would participate in the search for devi Sita right away.        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaikeyi was the daughter of the king of Kekaya, Ashwapati. Kaikeyi was raised by her father, who trained her in all the duties of a king, including battlecraft. Since she had grown without a mother, her maid Manthara had great influence on her. After her marriage to the King of Ayodhya, Dashrath, she once accompanied him during Devasur sangram, where Dashrath was fighting alongside Indra against Sambarasura.  During the battle Dashrath got wounded and his chariot wheel dislodged. Kaikeyi, who was his charioteer, helped save his life, prompting him to offer her two boons. Kaikeyi did not ask for anything at that point in time.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After fall of Tarakasura, by the hands of Kartikeya his three sons Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali and Kamalaksha (together referred as Tripurasura) performed great penance to Brahmadev and got a boon that they will live in three separate cities which can only be destroyed by a single arrow, knowing that the task was impossible. With the help of asura architect Mayasura they built three cities, which were moving constantly and would align only once in one thousand years. Unable to control Asuras, all the Gods requested Shivji to help. Earth became the chariot with the Sun and the Moon its wheels. Bhagwaan Vishnu took the form of a bull to pull the chariot, with Brahmadev as charioteer. Mount Meru became the bow, Vasuki naag its string. ShriHari provided the arrow with Agnidev its tip and Vayudev feathers at the end. When the cities got aligned and time to fire the arrow came, all the Gods felt proud that they were helping Shivji in this massive task. Shivaji felt this pride and instead of firing the arrow, just looked at the cities and smiled. The cities started burning. Brahmadev pleaded to Shivji to fire the arrow and finally he fired the arrow invoking the Pashupatastra to destroy the Tripura cities with a single arrow. However just before the destruction he sent Nandi ahead to save his devotee Mayasura from the carnage. After the destruction of Tripura cities Shivaji performed the tandav, which is also referred as “Tripura Nasha Nartana”. This act of destroying Tripura cities earned Shivaji the name Tripurantaka.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixth in the line of king Nimi, Devrat was given the divine bow of Shivaji for safekeeping. The bow was kept in the palace of Mithila with honor and was worshiped by the Janak clan.  Once during the reign of Janak Seeradhwaj, the Kingdom of Videh suffered a bad drought. On his kulguru rishi Shatananda's suggestion King Janak along with his wife Sunayana ploughed the fields of Mithila. Suddenly the plough hit something inside the ground and could not move. Upon digging they discovered a little girl inside a gold box. The king adopted this little girl and named her Sita. The bow which would normally take five thousand people to move, was once lifted by devi Sita without any assistance.  This prompted Rajarshi Janak to decide that he would marry Sita to the one who can string the divine bow of Shiva. He organized the swayamvar with this condition, however every potential suitor attending the swayamvar failed to fulfil the condition. All the Kings and Princes could not digest this humiliation and decided to attack Mithila with their joint army.  King Janak requested Devraj Indra to help, who then sent his army to fight alongside Janak and defeat all the invaders.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Devaraj Indra got the curse of becoming a sahasra-chakshu, the one with a thousand eyes, from Maharshi Gautama for having an illicit relationship with his wife Devi Ahalya. Plagued by this agony, Devaraj Indra decided to seek refuge from Mahadev himself. On the southern plateau, he established a Shivling and anointed it with the water of one million rivers. Today, the devotees of Shiva worship this Shivling installed by Indra, seeking blessings from Mahadev. Upon attainment of the boon, the grateful pilgrims often place another Shivling besides the one set up by Indra years ago.     Adorned with innumerable small and large Shivlings installed by such devotees over the years, The place is famous today as Kotilingeshwara, the abode of ten million Shivlings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, The Sun Temple of Konark compliments the picturesque coastline of Odisha. Also known as the Arka Kshetra, the land of the sun, narrates a magnificent tale of gratefulness.    It was here that Samb, the son of Shri Krishna, suffering from leprosy, worshiped the Sun for twelve years. After Shamb was recuperated from his misfortunes by the grace of the Sun, he built the idol of his savior to show his gratitude. That event established the tradition of Sun worship which eventually became embedded into the local culture.    Today, in the state of Odisha, the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Paush month is observed as Samb Dashami. On this day, mothers worship the Sun praying for the health and long life of their children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vishnupad Temple, Gaya   The holy city of Gaya, named after the demon “Gayasur'' hosts the tranquil and spiritual Vishnupad Temple. According to the legends, Gayasur was a tyrant who used to enjoy tormenting the faithful, the sages, and dharmatmas. To curb the menace of this demonic entity and to rescue his followers from the atrocities of the wicked Gayasur, Bhagwan Vishnu chalked out a plan. He put his foot on Gayasur's head and plunged him into the abyss. To commemorate the incident, the holy footprint of Bhagwan Vishnu decorated with Sankh, Chakra, Gada, and Padma have been worshipped there since then.   While in Patal Lok Gayasur craved for food, thus letting Bhagwan Vishnu setup Gaya as his adobe for Pindaan. Bhagwan Vishnu proclaimed that those who do offer food for the souls of their beloved in Gaya, Gayasur would get a portion of it. It is said that the day Pindaan stops there, a starving and agonized Gayasur will rise from the underground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices