Sala

The word Sala finds various mentions in the Puranic texts. Here are a few of them: Sala is the name of a Kaurava, one of the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra. Sala is also the name of a serpent in the Vasuki dynasty. When Krishna went to fight his uncle Kamsa, the king ordered Sala, a […]

The Vedic Sacrifice

  The ritual of sacrifice was central to the religion of the Vedic times. At its core was the belief the gods required to be propitiated with offerings. These were to be given as prescribed in the ancient Vedic sacred texts. Once this was done, then the gods would reward the patron or the organiser […]

The Battle of Bana and Krishna

Bana, an asura king who had received a boon from Lord Shiva, was confident that no warrior could defeat him in a battlefield. His illusion shattered when he was unable to match Krishna’s powers, even with Shiva by his side.

Trishanku and Vishwamitra

Trishanku, a king of Ikshvaku race, wished to ascend heaven in his mortal body. When his teacher, Sage Vasishtha refused to help him, he sought the assistance of his teacher’s rival, Sage Vishwamitra.

Sage Durvasa’s Curse on Bhanumati

Read about what happened when Sage Durvasa, famous for his anger, cursed Bhanumati, Krishna's granddaughter.

Story of the Ashoka Tree

The Ashoka tree plays an important role in the Ramayana. It is the tree under which Sita spends her days after being abducted by Ravana. It is also the tree under which she meets Hanuman, bringing her news of Rama’s rescue. Here is an interesting legend behind the Ashoka tree. Sashoka was a feared cannibal. […]

Who were the first humans created by Brahma?

According to the Matsya Purana, Svayambhuva Manu and his wife, Shatarupa, are said to be the first humans created by Brahma. They were formed out of two sides of Brahma and are the ancestors of all human beings. They had five children. Sati and Dhruva were their grandchildren. Here is a look at their family […]

Shikhandi: The Reincarnation of Amba

Amba, the princess of Kashi, was reborn as Shikhandi to avenge the humiliation she bore in her previous life. Her two lives were connected by a garland, given by Lord Kartikeya. Read on to find out the significance of the legendary garland.