Mayasita

Did you know this interesting tale from the Ramayana?

During his exile, Rama once saw Agni, the fire god, in his dream. Agni told him that Ravana would carry Sita away, and it was Rama’s destiny to kill the evil asura king. He had a plan to keep Sita safe by replacing her with a phantom Sita. Without anyone’s knowledge, Sita entered the fire and was replaced by Mayasita. The unsuspecting Ravana carried Mayasita away. When the war was over, Agni returned the real Sita to Rama.

Mayasita
Illustration: Prakash Sivan

Mayasita, now abandoned by Rama, was at a loss. Rama and Agni told her to practice penance. So, she prayed to Shiva and, pleased by her devotion, he appeared before her. In her desire for a husband, Mayasita said “give me a husband” five times. Shiva granted her a boon, and said that in her next birth she would have five husbands. Thus, emerging from the fire one more time, Mayasita, born as Draupadi, got the five Pandavas as her husband.

Why the Ebony Tree is Black

The Tinduka or Tendu tree, also known as Ebony, is recognisable because of its trademark black wood. There is a fascinating legend about how the tree got its characteristic colour.

Ebony tree
Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra

Devoted Sons From The Epics

Mythology is full of stories of complicated families. Some of the most interesting tales revolve around father-son relationships that often shape the course of the stories. Sons such as Rama, Bheeshma, and Puru, sacrificed a large part of their life and happiness, for a single reason — their fathers’ happiness. Read more to know more about these devoted sons and their fathers.  

Rama and Dasharatha 
Devoted sons
Illustration: Sabu Sarasan and Sundarlal; Script: Harini Gopalswami Srinivasan

In the Ramayana, Rama was the first son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Considering his eldest’s son’s capabilities and popularity among his people, Dasharatha decided to make Rama the king of Ayodhya. However, fate had other plans. Kaikeyi, one of Dasharatha’s three wives, became insecure about the future of her own son, Bharata. Under the influence of her handmaiden and advisor, Manthara, Kaikeyi took a drastic step. In their youth, Kaikeyi had once saved Dasharatha’s life and in exchange he had granted her two boons. Kaikeyi was reminded of these boons and asked Dasharatha to make Bharata the king instead. She also asked that Rama be exiled for fourteen years. Bound by his promise to his wife, Dasharatha had no choice but to make Bharata the king. However, Dasharatha pleaded with Rama to go against his wishes and not go into exile.  Despite appeals from his father, brothers and other courtiers, Rama resolved to leave Ayodhya, all to uphold his father’s word and honour. His sacrifice for his father is why Rama is known foremost as a devoted son, and then as a dutiful king.  

Puru and Yayati 
Devoted sons
Illustration: Souren Roy; Script: Subba Rao

Puru was the youngest son of King Yayati and his second wife, Sharmishtha. Yayati had married Sharmistha in secret, without informing his first wife, Devayani. When Devayani’s father, Sage Shukracharya, came to know about the king’s secret marriage, he cursed Yayati and caused him to lose his youth. The king was deeply distressed and refused to accept his punishment. He begged his sons to take on the effect of the curse, asking for their youth in return for his old age. All of them, except Puru, refused. Despite being a young and able prince with a shining future, Puru sacrificed his own youth for his father and Yayati ruled his kingdom for thousand years, while Puru lived as an old man. His supreme sacrifice proved Puru to be the most dutiful son and Yayati made him his heir. Puru then ruled the kingdom after his father retired to the forest with his wives. Puru went on to become the ancestor to both, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. 

Bheeshma and Shantanu 
Devoted sons
Illustration: L.D. Pednekar; Script: Kamala Chandrakant

In the Mahabharata, Devavrata was the son of King Shantanu of Hastinapur and Ganga. He was raised alone by his mother, Ganga, after her separation from the king. After Devavrata reached adulthood, Ganga returned her son to King Shantanu, and he was proclaimed as the heir by the king. Soon, Shantanu fell in love with Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman, and desired to marry her. However, Satyavati’s father put forward a condition for the marriage. He asked the king to proclaim the sons born to his daughter as heirs instead of Devavrata. Shantanu refused to accept this condition and left the place in anger and sadness. In the following days, Devavrata found out about all that had passed. Wanting his father’s happiness above all else, he took a drastic step. Devavrata met with Satyavati’s father and promised him that neither he nor his descendants would ever claim the throne of Hastinapur. To ensure that his promise is never broken, he further swore to never have children and remain unmarried all his life. As soon as he took this vow, the gods blessed Devavrata from above and declared that he should be known as ‘Bheeshma’ meaning ‘the one who took a terrible oath’. Those familiar with the Mahabharata would agree that Bheeshma’s extreme sacrifice for his father changed the course of the epic and had far-reaching consequences down the generations.  

The Significance of the Sacrifice 

Duty towards one’s parents, especially one’s father, is paramount in our culture. To the modern reader, Rama, Puru, and Bheeshma’s decisions might seem strange. The idea that a son could sacrifice his kingdom, his youth, or his future, without a second thought, only to please his father, is inconceivable. However, devoted sons are a common theme across most stories from our mythology. It is their supreme sacrifices for their fathers that have cemented these men as the most selfless and noble characters in Indian epics, making their stories immortal and memorable.

By Srinidhi Murthy

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Surya in the Mahabharata

By Srinidhi Murthy

It is a well-known fact that Surya was the father of Karna. But did you know that Surya also helped the Pandavas in their times of distress? Read more to know how the Sun God played a vital role in shaping the Mahabharata.

The Divine Gift 
Karna and Kunti
Illustration: Ram Waeerkar; Script: Kamala Chandrakant

Princess Kunti was the adopted daughter of King Kuntibhoja. Upon her father’s orders, Kunti diligently served Sage Durvasa for a year. Pleased with her service, Durvasa gave Kunti a boon. According to that boon, Kunti could summon any god of her choice and would be blessed with a son from that god. As soon as Durvasa left, the young princess decided to test the boon and summoned Surya. But when Surya said she would get a son as she desired, Kunti panicked. She was unmarried and requested Surya to return to his abode. But Surya would bound by the power of the boon and could not return. He blessed Kunti with a son, Karna. The Sun God also gave divine gifts to Karna in the form of kavacha (armour) and kundala (earrings).  

The Akshaya Patra 
Surya
Illustration: Pratap Mulick; Script: Kamala Chandrakant

The Pandavas and their wife, Draupadi, were worried about feeding the sages who accompanied them during their twelve-year exile. Sage Dhaumya suggested to Yudhishthira that he pray to Surya, as he was the provider of food for all creatures. Heeding this advice, Yudhishthira stood in the waters of Ganga, facing the sun, and prayed to Surya, consuming nothing but air for several days. He prayed for Surya to bestow food upon them all. Pleased by his devotion, Surya appeared before him and gave Yudhishthira the Akshaya Patra. The Akshaya Patra, a copper plate, was an inexhaustible source of food. According to Surya’s boon, it would remain full of food until Draupadi ate from it. Surya also blessed Yudhishthira, assuring him that his kingdom would be restored to him at the end of his exile. With Surya’s gift, the Pandavas and Draupadi were able to provide food to their guests for years without any hurdles. 

The Warning 

During the exile of the Pandavas, Indra became worried about the safety of his son, Arjuna. If Duryodhana refused to give the Pandavas their kingdom after the exile, a war seemed inevitable. This meant that Arjuna would have to face Karna, who had protection from his divine armour and earrings. He devised a plan to deprive Karna of his protection. Surya came to know about Indra’s plan and warned his son, Karna about Indra’s intentions, in his dream. Surya cautioned Karna that Indra would try to take advantage of his generosity to try to get him to part with his gifts. 

Surya and Karna
Illustration: Ram Waeerkar; Script: Kamala Chandrakant

The next day, Indra approached Karna in disguise as a poor Brahmin. Indra told Karna that he had come to ask for the latter’s kavacha and kundalas, since he was known for never refusing someone in need.  Despite Surya’s warning, Karna donated his kavacha and kundalas to Indra. However, he told Indra that he was aware of the god’s plan and disguise. But he would never refuse anyone even if it ended up costing him his life. Pleased by his generosity, Indra gifted Karna a powerful weapon, Shakti, but added that it could only be used once.  

To the Rescue of Draupadi 

During their thirteenth and last year of exile, the Pandavas and Draupadi secured places in the palace of King Virata, in their respective disguises. Draupadi, under the name Sairandhri, entered into the service of Queen Sudeshna. One day, Keechaka, the queen’s brother, saw Draupadi and was immediately smitten by her. He approached Draupadi and said that he would be her slave if she agreed to be with him. Draupadi rejected his proposal and replied that she was married to five mighty Gandharvas, who would kill him if they knew about his inappropriate proposal.  Despite her rejection, Keechaka went to his sister and asked for her help in convincing Sairandhri. After a lot of persuasion, Sudeshna agreed to help him.

The next day, Sudeshna sent Draupadi to fetch wine from Keechaka, despite her protests. Draupadi prayed to Lord Surya for protection. Lord Surya immediately sent a rakshasa and ordered him to protect Draupadi invisibly all the time. When Draupadi entered Keechaka’s chambers, he tried to hold her hand by force. Draupadi pushed him to the ground and rushed to Virata’s court. Keechaka came after her and kicked Draupadi in anger in the presence of all. Immediately, the invisible rakshasa, appointed by Surya, gave Keechaka a mighty blow and he fell down unconscious. Surya thus protected Draupadi during her time of distress during her exile. 

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When Durga Comes Home

By Reena I. Puri

Durga is the supreme source of energy and power in the universe. Called Ma or Mother Durga, she is the fierce protector of all who she gathers in her fold. Her strength is no match for the gods themselves as she combines the potent forces of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. 

As the consort of Shiva, she wields immense power and yet, once a year she visits her maternal home, as all daughters in Indian tradition do.  

The Goddess’s Journey

She begins her journey home on Mahalaya, the dark night of Amavasya or the new moon. Accompanied by her children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, she descends from the heights of Mount Kailasha, where she lives with Shiva, and goes to the warmth of her father’s house on earth. The people get up early that day to welcome her and fill her stay with happiness and festivity. Among Bengalis, the highlight of the morning is to listen to a recital of Mahishasura Mardini on the radio – a tradition followed for decades. The composition remembers the birth of Durga and the destruction of Mahishasura. It celebrates female power. 

Mahalaya also marks the end of the period of ‘Pitri Paksha’. The 16 days during which people remember and give offerings in the name of three past generations of ancestors. The offerings are believed to help them on their way to swargaloka or heaven. 

Durga
Illustration: Adarsh Achari
Durga’s Vahana

The mode of transport that the goddess comes and goes by foretells good or bad fortune for the people. The mode is decided by the day on which she arrives or ‘Ghatasthapna’ and the day on which she leaves, which is ‘Vijayadashami’. The vehicles she chooses between are the elephant, horse, palanquin, buffalo, rooster, man and boat. 

If the Mother Goddess arrives on an elephant, it symbolises prosperity and a good harvest. If she comes on a horse, it means drought. A palanquin indicates epidemics, and a boat promises the fulfilment of the people’s desires and hopes. If she comes and departs on a horse it foretells great social and political unrest. The rooster indicates suffering, but the man foretells peace, good fortune and happiness.  

It is believed that this year, in 2023, she has come riding on an elephant but goes back on a rooster. 

Pujo in Kolkata
Durga Puja
Illustration: Prakash Sivan

Kolkata is the city that welcomes Durga with a fervour that is unmatched in the country. With a rich tradition of music, art and culture, Pujo – as it is known here – is a festival that gives the visitor a deep and intense cultural experience. 

With the aura of female strength at its highest, this is one occasion when men walk a step behind their wives. Women dressed in their finest clothes and decked in glittering jewellery go from pandal to pandal praying to the goddess to give their families health and happiness. During the evening aarti or worship, the sound of their ululation coupled with the sound of bells and chanting fills the incense laden air. 

Ma Durga lives in the hearts and minds of all who believe in her and her benevolence. Protector, nurturer and defender of good, may she destroy all that is evil in this world.  

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Twins in the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is essentially an epic tale of warring cousins. While the Kauravas and Pandavas were out to destroy each other, there are many examples of siblings who stood together through thick and thin and helped each other every step of the way. Interestingly, the Mahabharata also mentions multiple sets of twins who went on to shape the story. – By Srinidhi Murthy

Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna 
Twins by Ritoparna Hazra
Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra

In the Mahabharata, Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna were born together from the sacrificial fire. The fire was part of a yagna, performed by King Drupada of Panchal, to obtain a mighty son. When the twins emerged from the fire, a divine voice declared that Dhrishtadyumna was destined to kill Drona, while Draupadi would become the cause of the fall of the Kuru clan. Despite knowing his destiny; Drona taught Dhrishtadyumna the science of arms, which he needed to know as a prince.

After his twin sister’s swayamvara, Dhrishtadyumna followed Draupadi and her husband, Arjuna, who was in disguise and found out his real identity. As wife of the Pandavas, Draupadi became the queen of Indraprastha. Years later, Dhrishtadyumna was a successful commander-in-chief of the Pandava army in the Kurukshetra war and beheaded Drona on the fifteenth day.  

Kripa and Kripi 

Kripa, also known as Kripacharya, and his twin sister, Kripi, were born from the seed of Sage Sharadvan and, were later adopted by King Shantanu of the Kuru dynasty. Kripi married Drona, the son of Sage Bharadwaja. Kripa, on the other hand, became a guru to the Kuru princes.

When Drona, with his wife Kripi and his son Ashwatthama, arrived at Hastinapur, he stayed for many years in the house of Kripa, his brother-in law. Kripa, along with his nephew Ashwatthama, are considered among the eight Chiranjivis (immortal beings), who are to remain alive on Earth until the end of Kaliyuga. 

Satyavati and King Matsya 
Twins by Ritoparna Hazra
Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra

In the Mahabharata, Satyavati and her twin brother, Matsya, were born from the seed of Uparichara, the king of Chedi, while he travelled through the sky in his celestial chariot. The seed was swallowed by a fish in the Yamuna and few months later, it was caught by a fisherman.

When the fisherman opened the fish’s stomach, he saw a male and female child in it. He took the babies to Uparichara, who adopted the male child and gave the female child to the fisherman as she smelt strongly of fish. The male child became King Matsya and the female child, named Satyavati, later became the mother of Sage Ved Vyasa and married King Shantanu of Hastinapura.  

Kauravas and Dushala 

Pleased by Gandhari’s hospitality to him during one of his visits, Sage Ved Vyasa gave a boon to the queen. According to the boon, she would become the mother to a hundred sons. Soon, Gandhari delivered a lump of flesh, which Vyasa broke into hundred pieces and stored in small pots. He also made an extra part for a princess, to fulfil Gandhari’s wish to have a daughter. Thus, the Kauravas and their only sister, Dushala, were born.

As the only sister of the Kauravas, Dushala was said to be dear to them all. She was married to Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu. Her husband was killed in the Kurukshetra war by Arjuna, for the role he played in the death of Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu. During the Ashvamedha sacrifice after the war, Arjuna proclaimed Dushala’s infant grandson as the king of Sindhu. 

Lakshmana Kumara and Lakshmana 

The twins Lakshmana Kumara and Lakshmana were born to Duryodhana and his wife, Bhanumati. On her swayamvara, Lakshmana was abducted by Sambha, Krishna and Jambavati’s son. He was later imprisoned by the Kuru elders for his misconduct. However, he was then married to Lakshmana after Balarama, his uncle, convinced Duryodhana.

Lakshmana Kumara fought in the Kurukshetra war and was killed by Abhimanyu on the thirteenth day of the war. According to popular Telugu folklore, Lakshmana Kumara was engaged to Vatsala, also known as Sasirekha, Balarama’s daughter. Later in the folklore, she marries Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna and Subhadra. 

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Krittika

The word Krittika finds several mentions in the Puranas. Here are a few of them:

Illustration: Tarangini Mukherjee

 

Manorama

The word Manorama finds mention in various Puranic texts. Here are some of the meanings:

Illustration: S.G. Abhirami

The Forgotten Kauravas

By Shakthi Bharathi

When we think of The Mahabharata, we think of the Pandavas as its heroes. We follow their journey, from riches to rags to riches again, with bated breath.  

But how well do we know its “villains”, the Kauravas? Their tumultuous lives — filled with what they stood to gain and everything they lost along the way — is a footnote in this great epic.  

The Kauravas were a hundred and counting, in number, but can we name any of them beyond Duryodhana and Dushasana? It’s time to brush the dust off these forgotten lives.  

Here’s an introduction to three lesser-known Kauravas. 

Vikarna
Illustration: S.G. Abhirami

As the third Kaurava brother, Vikarna could have followed in the footsteps of his siblings. But his passion for dharma burnt bright.  

During the game of dice, where his brothers taunted Draupadi while the Kuru elders looked away, it was Vikarna who stood up for his sister-in-law. When she argued that Yudhisthira could not stake her after losing himself and implored the elders to step in, Vikarna echoed her sentiments. His concern was dismissed but it still showed his strength of character.  

Eventually, he was slain in the Battle of Kurukshetra. His death was mourned by the Pandavas and Kauravas alike.
 

Did you know? 

Vikarna’s equivalent in the Ramayana is Kumbhakarna. Both of them were dutiful brothers who played out the roles ordained for them by destiny. 

Yuyutsu
Illustration: S.G. Abhirami

Yuyutsu was also Dhritarashtra’s son but his mother was Sughada, Gandhari’s personal attendant. This made him a lifelong target of his jeering half-brothers — something he shared in common with the Pandavas. They struck up an easy friendship that remained steadfast through the years. He even sent them warnings about Duryodhana’s schemes — one of which saved Bheema’s life.  

It should come as no surprise that Yuyutsu was the only Kaurava to fight for the Pandavas, during the Battle of Kurukshetra.

Did you know? 

Yuyutsu’s equivalent in the Ramayana is Vibhishana. Both of them defected before their respective wars, pledging alliance to the other side. 

Dushala
Illustration: S.G. Abhirami

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari had a hundred sons. But their final child — the 101st — was a daughter named Dushala. 

Growing up, she was doted on by her brothers and treated by the Pandavas as their own sister. But all was not idyllic for Dushala. She was married off to Jayadratha, the haughty king of Sindhu, and their marriage was riddled with unhappiness. Dushala was widowed in the war and lost her son, Suratha, some years later.  

When the Pandavas were conducting a yagna to become the ultimate rulers of the land, Dushala brought her grandson to them. The innocence in the child’s eyes moved Arjuna to crown him the king of Sindhu.

Would you agree? 

Dushala’s tale shows that it may take 105 men to wage a war, but one woman to restore peace. 

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The Vedic Gods

By Malini Saigal

The earliest Hindu scriptures are the Vedas, which have hymns to many gods or devas, most of whom were linked to natural phenomena such as Indra (god of thunder and rain), Vayu (god of wind), Agni (god of fire), Surya (sun god), Chandra (moon god), and so on. These gods were also the Dikpalas or guardians of the eight directions.

Indra
Illustration: Sanjay Valecha, Durgesh Velhal

Indra is the king of the Vedic gods. He carries a thunderbolt and brings rain or life to the world. He rides on Airavata, the white elephant, and presides over a sumptuous court in Indralok, with beautiful apsaras in attendance. He is also the guardian of the eastern direction and the husband of the beautiful Shachi or Indrani.

Agni
Illustration: Sanjay Valecha, Durgesh Velhal

Agni is the god of fire. He is associated with the domestic cooking fire and also with the fire lit at yagnas. So, his is often shown with two flames around his crown. He is the one who carries all the offerings to the various gods (as the offerings are given into the fire). Agni rides a ram and is also the lord of the southeast direction. In later times, he also becomes the foster father to Kartikeya, the son of Shiva.

Vayu
Illustration: Sanjay Valecha, Durgesh Velhal

Vayu is the Vedic god of wind. He is also the lord of prana or breath. His is the guardian of the northwest direction.

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