Entries by Venu Payyanur

Story of Ilwala, Vatapi and Sage Agastya

A Daitya (demon) named Ilwala and his brother Vatapi inhabited Manimati in ancient times. One day, Ilwala requested a Brahmana sage to grant him a son equal in prowess to Indra. The Brahmana refused, which enraged Ilwala, and from that day, he swore vengeance against the Brahmanas. Using his magical powers, Ilwala would transform his […]

Story of Nala and Damayanti

The story of Nala and Damayanti is one of the most intricate love stories in the Mahabharata, filled with love, devotion, loss, and redemption. Here’s a more detailed retelling, covering additional points and nuances: Nala’s Background and Qualities – Nala, the king of Nishadha, was a ruler known for his noble character, generosity, and skill […]

Arjuna receives weapons and a curse in heaven

The gods and Gandharva’s, understanding Indra’s wishes, rushed to prepare a ceremonial welcome for Arjuna. They presented him with the Arghya (a ceremonial offering), washed his feet and face, and ushered him into Indra’s palace. Thus honoured, Arjuna lived in his father’s celestial abode, learning various divine weapons and the knowledge to withdraw them. Indra […]

Arjuna receives weapons from Lord Siva

Lord Siva, purifier of all sins, appeared on the slopes of the Himalayas, disguised as a Kirata. He carried a magnificent bow, along with arrows that seemed as deadly as venomous serpents. He blazed like a living fire, descending with great speed. Accompanying him was Uma, also in the guise of a Kirata woman, surrounded […]

Bhima’s advice to Yudhishthira

Bhima was upset and angry and approached Yudhishthira and said, “Why are we living like this, hiding in the forest, without our kingdom or any happiness? Duryodhana unfairly took our kingdom through cheating, not through honesty or power. It’s like a weak jackal stealing food from mighty lions. Why are you so focused on keeping […]

Yudhishthira’s advice on Virtue

Yudhishthira said, O Panchali, your speech is eloquent, smooth, and filled with beautiful expressions. We have listened to it, yet your words reflect a sense of disbelief in divine principles. I do not act for the sake of personal gain or the fruits of my actions. I give because it is my duty to give; […]

Yudhishthira on Anger and Forgiveness

Yudhishthira, with his calm wisdom, said, Anger can be both the destroyer and the creator of fortunes. Understand, dear one, that anger is the root of all prosperity and all adversity. He who restrains his anger gains prosperity, while one who is constantly driven by wrath courts only disaster. Anger leads to the ruin of […]

Conversation between Prahlada and Vali: A Lesson on Forgiveness and Might

In this narrative, Draupadi recounts the ancient story of a conversation between Prahlada, the wise chief of the Asuras and Danavas, and his grandson Vali, the son of Virochana. The tale offers a profound exploration of the balance between forgiveness and the exercise of strength. One day, Vali approached his grandfather, Prahlada, seeking clarity. He […]

Rishi Markandeya’s advice

Having faced great misfortune, the Pandava princes finally found a peaceful dwelling in the forest. In those woods, filled with towering Sala trees and nourished by the sacred Saraswati River, they, who were like celestial Indras in their glory, found solace and enjoy the beauty of nature. King Yudhishthira, the noble leader of the Kuru […]

Draupadi’s Sorrow

When Lord Krishna spoke amidst the gathering of powerful kings, filled with anger, Draupadi, accompanied by Dhrishtadyumna and her valiant brothers, approached him, who was seated among his kin. With her voice trembling in fury, she sought refuge in the one who is known to protect all, and addressed Krishna, saying, Asita and Devala have […]