Entries by Venu Payyanur

Story of Dirghatamas and King Vali

Long ago, there lived a wise sage named Utathya, who had a beloved wife named Mamata. One day, Utathya’s younger brother, Brihaspati, who was a powerful and respected priest of the gods, approached Mamata with romantic intentions. However, Mamata, who was already pregnant with Utathya’s child, kindly told Brihaspati that she could not be with […]

Story of Santanu, Satyavati and Bhishma

Both gods and wise kings highly respected King Santanu. He was known throughout the world for his wisdom, virtues, and honesty. He had great qualities like self-control, generosity, forgiveness, intelligence, modesty, patience, and energy. Santanu, a man with vast achievements and wisdom, safeguarded his kingdom and its people. He was physically strong, with a neck […]

Yayati: A King Driven by Desire

Yayati, who had become old and weak, returned to his capital. He called his eldest son Yadu, who was very capable, and said, ‘My dear child, because of a curse from Sukracharya, I have become old, with wrinkles and white hair. But I haven’t enjoyed my youth fully yet. Please take my old age and […]

Yayati, Devayani and Sharmistha

Once, several maidens were bathing in a lake in the gardens of the Gandharva Chitrarath. A strong wind mixed up the garments the maidens had left on the bank. When the maidens emerged from the water, they found their clothes all jumbled up. In the confusion, Sarmishtha, the daughter of Asura King Vrishaparvan, took Guru […]

Story of Kacha and Devayani

In ancient times, the celestials and the Asuras frequently fought for the sovereignty of the three worlds. Gods, desiring victory, installed Brihaspati, the son of Angiras, as their priest to conduct their sacrifices, while their opponents, the Asuras, installed the learned Sukracharya as their priest. The rivalry between these two Brahmanas was intense. Sukracharya, through […]

Story of Dushyanta and Sakuntala

The founder of the Paurava line was Dushyanta, who was exuberant and dynamic. He protected the land surrounded by the four seas and ruled over all four corners of the world. He also governed regions in the sea and had power over the lands of the Mlechchhas (foreigners, non-Aryan people, people of inferior caste). During […]