Stories Of India Retold

All Episodes (31)

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1. 

   1. Ep.29 Arjuna’s 12-year Exile: Adventures, Travel, Allies, Romance (The Mahabharata)

   Arjuna’s actions lead to his exile from Khandavaprastha for 12 years. Arjuna spends the 12-years traveling, building allies and falling in love a few times. Come, follow Arjuna’s adventures!In order to avoid any chance of breeding resentment amongst themselves, the Pandava brothers decide to set rules regarding their marriage–the rule was simple–if, when a brother was in a room with Draupadi, another brother may not enter that room. Did any brother break that rule? What consequence would they fa

   Oct 23,2023 25:23
2. 

   2. Ep.28:Pandavas Return Home;Build Khandavaprastha (The Mahabharata)

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

   Sep 17,2023 20:38
3. 

   3. Ep.27. Draupadi’s Polyandrous Marriage:Stories and Attitudes (The Mahabharata)

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

   Aug 29,2023 15:26
4. 

   4. Ep.26:Pandavas Marry Draupadi (The Mahabharata)

   Draupadi was a catch. She was the princess of Panchala, a kingdom which was both wealthy and influential. The young Pandavas needed a powerful ally and Panchala fit the bill perfectly. When they heard that Drupada had arranged for a swayamvara for his daughter Draupadi, the Pandavas joined numerous other kings and princes to try and win her hand. Things get a little complicated because they attended the swayamvara disguised as brahmanas.  Music: Venkatesananda-Jesse Gallagher; At Depth-Lish Groo

   May 25,2023 29:04
5. 

   5. Ep25: Chandravamsha–Sons of the Moon (The Mahabharata)

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

   May 12,2023 28:00
6. 

   6. Ep:24. Arjuna Vs. The King of Gandharva; A New Friendship (The Mahabharata)

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

   Apr 28,2023 14:35
7. 

   7. Ep.23: Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna–Born out of Fire (The Mahabharata)

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

   Apr 21,2023 13:30
8. 

   8. Ep.22. The Slaying of Baka by Bhima; Pandavas in Ekachakra (Mahabharata)

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

   Mar 31,2023 16:50
9. 

   9. Ep.21:Bhima– Slays Rakshasa Hidimba; Weds Hidimba; Birth of Gatodkacha

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

   Mar 27,2023 17:55
10. 

    10. Ep.20.Mahabharata’s Shakuntala (The Mahabharata)

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

    Feb 27,2023 19:55
11. 

    11. Ep19. Ekalavya–Life And Death Of The Prince Of Nishadas (The Mahabharata)

    Ekalavya, a Nishada prince, was one of the best archers who lived in the time of the Pandavas. He wanted to be the best archer and he wanted to be trained by the best teacher–Drona. Drona, however, refused to teach him because Ekalavya was a Nishada. But a determined Ekalaya wasn’t ready to give up. Ekalavya’s actions put to test Drona’s relationship with his most favored student Arjuna. Arjuna did not accept a threat to his position as the best archer around! Listen to the story of:Why Drona re

    Jan 31,2023 14:58
12. 

    12. Ep.18. Burning Of The Lac House. (The Mahabharata)

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

    Jan 23,2023 20:58
13. 

    13. Ep.17: Karna–Born to the Sun, Son of Charioteer, King of Anga ( The Mahabharata)

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

    Dec 29,2022 19:32
14. 

    14. Ep.16:Drona’s Revenge/The Kuru Princes’ Preceptor (The Mahabharata)

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

    Dec 16,2022 15:29
15. 

    15. Q & A. Niyoga: ancient Indian practice to beget sons and heirs

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

    Dec 07,2022 13:49
16. 

    16. Ep.15: Death of Pandu–A hunting accident and the aftermath. (The Mahabharata)

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

    Nov 17,2022 11:59
17. 

    17. Ep 14: Birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas (The Mahabharata)

    Part 2 of the story of the birth of Pandavas and Kauravas–the lead characters of the Mahabharata. (Part 1 - Episode 13)Both Dhritarashtra and Pandu are married, and the responsibility of continuing the royal line is theirs. Dhritarashtra is denied the throne because of his blindness and Pandu was made king.Listen to the story of:- Pandu's curse–a King who could not procreate - How Gandhari had 100 sons, the Kauravas. (With some help from Veda Vyasa!)- How and why Pandu convinced Kunti to have so

    Nov 07,2022 21:33
18. 

    18. Ep.13: Marriages of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura (The Mahabharata)

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

    Oct 14,2022 10:41
19. 

    19. Ep.12.Satyavati: Origin; Boon of sweet fragrance; Mother of Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata)

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

    Sep 24,2022 10:36
20. 

    20. Ep. 11.Dhritarashtra, Pandu, Vidura:Birth; the struggle to revive a dying dynasty (Mahabharata)

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

    Sep 19,2022 17:46
21. 

    21. Ep.10 Ashta Vasu/Eight Vasus:Vasishta’s curse; rebirth as mortals on earth (The Mahabharta)

    Vasus are children of Manu, who is the son of Brahma, and are collectively called the Ashta Vasu or Eight Vasus. They are deities who represent the eight elements—earth, water, fire, wind, sun, sky, moon and the stars; in the Mahabharata, they are named Dhara, Aha, Anala, Anila, Pratyusha, Prabhasa, Soma and Dhruva, respectively. Vasus lived a privileged life in the heavens. But, one day, they got in trouble with the great sage Vasishta and were cursed very harshly. Listen to:-the events that le

    Sep 11,2022 08:03
22. 

    22. Ep.9 Bhishma:Birth; vow of Brahmacharya; boon to choose time of death(Mahabharata)

    As commander of the Kuru army and the grand-uncle to both the Kauravas and Pandavas, Bhishma is one of the main protagonists of the story. The son of King Shantanu and goddess Ganga, he was named Devavrata at birth. In Indian culture, Bhishma is widely loved and admired because of his dedication to dharma and his selflessness.Listen to how:-Shantanu and Ganga were married and then separated-Bhishma was born-Shantanu was heartbroken because he couldn't marry the woman he loved, Satyavati.-Bhishma

    Sep 04,2022 19:12
23. 

    23. Ep 8. Punyakoti’s story; Song of the cow/Govina Haadu (Indian/Kannada Folklore)

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

    Aug 13,2022 17:26
24. 

    24. Ep 7.Yayati’s love triangle; obsession with his youth; why Puru was heir..(The Mahabharata)

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

    May 19,2022 42:34
25. 

    25. Ep 6. Nagas: the hunters, the hunted and the divine. (The Mahabharata)

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

    May 02,2022 39:08
26. 

    26. Ep. 5 Shakuntala and Dushyanta; Birth of Bharata. (The Mahabharata- Sambhava Parva)

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

    Apr 08,2022 31:02
27. 

    27. Ep. 4 Garuda; The King of Birds. Part 2. Vehicle of Vishnu & Eater of Snakes (The Mahabharata)

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

    Mar 25,2022 25:32
28. 

    28. Ep. 3 Garuda; The King of Birds.Part 1. Origin.(The Mahabharata)

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

    Mar 24,2022 15:45
29. 

    29. Ep. 2 About Mahabharata

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

    Mar 13,2022 13:54
30. 

    30. Ep. 1 Dhruva; the immovable star. (The Purana)

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

    Mar 13,2022 16:26
31. 

    31. Introduction: Stories of India Retold

    Blog   http://storiesofindiaretold.com Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com Spotify https://open./show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a  

    Feb 28,2022 02:24