All posts filed under: Indic Legend Stories

Living Like a Pig

Published by

A Short History of Folktales in India Folktales are Oral stories that are passed down by the elders to the younger generation. For centuries, folktales have been a crucial medium for preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them. A Folktale from Andhra Pradesh One day, a guru foresaw in a flash of vision what he would be in his next life. So he called his favourite disciple and asked him what he would do for his guru un return for all he had received. The disciple said he would do whatever his guru asked him to do. Having received this promise, the guru said, ‘Then this is what I would like you to do for me. I have just learned that when I die, which will be very soon, i am going to be reborn as a pig. Do you see that sow eating garbage there in the yard? I am going to be reborn as the fourth piglet of its next litter. You will recognise me by a …

The Tiger’s Adopted Son

Published by

Folktales are Oral stories that are passed down by the elders to the younger generation. For centuries, folktales have been a crucial medium for preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them. A Folktale from Orissa An old couple had no children and no land. They were very poor. They went out to the jungle everyday, dug roots and tubers, and ate them. They lived that way. When they were already old, the woman got pregnant. After several months, she gave birth to a child in the tuber patch. She called out to the old man, Old man, the child is born. What should we do? He said, we have nothing to eat. We have no clothes or anything else. How will we take care of a child? She said, ‘well, old man, let’s leave him here in the tuber patch and go home. Then may be someone else will take care of him.’ They agreed and left him in the tuber patch and went home. The child began to …

How a Mouse Became the Vehicle of Lord Ganesha?

Published by

In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of How a Musician Became the Mouse and the Vehicle of Lord Ganesha Krauncha was a celestial musician in Indra’s court. One day, he was running late for a performance and was walking rather hurriedly. Unfortunately, in his haste, he stepped on an old sage’s foot. The sage, whose name was Vamadeva, cursed Krauncha in a fit of fury and pain. “May you turn into a rodent that frantically scampers everywhere!’ Poor Krauncha was immediately transformed into a huge mountain rat. Also Read: The Story and the Legend of the Elephant God Ganesha As a rat he troubled many people, often creeping …

The Untold Tantric Powers of the Yoginis of the Kamakhya Shaktipeeth

Published by

Unlike other temples, Kamakhya Temple doesn’t house traditional murtis of Yoginis. Instead, Yogini Pithas (sacred spots) are scattered around the temple, symbolizing their invisible yet omnipresent power. The temple is linked to Vama Marg Tantra, a left-hand path that involves secretive rituals, like Taamsik offerings symbolizing transcendence beyond duality.

Bopoluchi the Bride- A Folktale from Punjab

Published by

A Short History of Folktales in India Folktales are Oral stories that are passed down by the elders to the younger generation. For centuries, folktales have been a crucial medium for preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them. Bopoluchi- The Bride’s Revenge: A Folktale from Rural Punjab A number of young girls were drawing water at the village well and telling each other their fantasies of when and whom and how they would marry. One of them said, My uncle will come loaded with wedding presents and dress me in a brocade, and I will get married in a palace.’ Another said, ‘My uncle is coming soon with a camel-load of sweets.’ The third said, ‘Oh, my uncle will be here in no time in a golden carriage filled with jewels.’ Bopoluchi was the prettiest of them all and she looked sad- she was an orphan and had no one in the world to arrange a marriage for her or give her a dowry. Still, not to be outdone …

The Golden and Silver Hair of Sona and Rupa

Published by

Folktales are Oral stories that are passed down by the elders to the younger generation. For centuries, folktales have been a crucial medium for preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them. A folktale in Malwi, a Rajasthani Hindi dialect of Madhya Pradesh: Sona and Rupa One evening a prince was returning home on his black mare after a hunt, and took the mare to drink from a stream. As he watched it drink, he saw, along with his own and his mare’s reflection, several strands of gold and silver hair floating on the water. Obviously, lovely women with hair of gold and hair of silver had bathed somewhere nearby, upstream. He bent down and picked up the hair. The more he looked at it, the more he thought of the beauty of women with such hair and was infatuated with the images in his head. He tucked the hair into the folds of his turban, mounted his mare, and went home to his palace. It was time for dinner, …

The Origin of the Crescent Moon- The True Shiva Story V

Published by

In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of the Origin of The Crescent Moon According to legend, the moon god, Chandra, was born three times, which is why he also came to be known as Trijanmi. The first time, he was created by Brahma, and the second time, he emerged from the eyes of Sage Atri. Chandra’s radiance became so powerful and intolerable that he was immersed in an ocean of milk to ensure the world’s survival. Durning another event, which involved the churning of the ocean by the Asuras and the Devas, chandra was reborn and released, along with Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, Chandra came to be known as …

The Day Shiva and Parvati Met- The True Shiva Story IV

Published by

A determined Parvati began her penance, abstaining from food and only focusing on her chanting, which earned her the name Aparna, or ‘the girl who refuses to eat even a leaf’. With each passing day, her tapasya became more and more severe, until the entire world was aware of her meditation. Years passed, and Parvati grew powerful with the strength she obtained from her intense penance. In the meantime, Shiva came to learn about everything that had transpired- her devotion to him and his failure to notice her. He realised that she wasn’t a mere mortal, and decided to test her faith. Shiva approached Parvati disguised as a Sanyasi begging for food. Though she was deep in meditation, she sensed the sanyasi’s presence and opened her eyes. A wave of peace and calm swept over Shiva. Parvati stared at him without realising who he was, and then offered him all she had. While receiving the alms, the ascetic asked, ‘why are you performing this penance?’ ‘It is for Shiva. I wish to marry him, ‘she …

When Kamadeva Shot Love Arrows at Shiva- The Origin of Indian Cupid-III

Published by

In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the most Intense tale of Kamadeva trying to break Lord Shiva’s Penance and Why? The god and goddess of eternal love, Kamadeva and Rati, were a lovely couple. Their affection for each other blossomed visibly during the spring season, and their companions included flowers, buds, cuckoos, parrots, honeybees and lush green trees. One day, Kamadeva’s father, Vishnu, summoned him to his abode and said, ‘I have a difficult task for you. You are the only one with the ability to wake Shiva from his stupor. Once you do that, he will open his eyes and see the beautiful Parvati. As you are the god …

The Birth Of Parvati-II

Published by

In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of the Birth Of Parvati Taraka was a powerful and ambitious demon, and a devotee of Lord Brahma. One day he began a severe penance for Brahma, living on a mountain for a long period of time: Pleased with Taraka’s devotion, the creator appeared before him. ‘O my lord!’ Taraka cried. ‘My life’s purpose has been fulfilled now that I have felt your presence.’ Brahma smiled. ‘Tell me what your heart desires.’ Also Read: Brahma is Worshipped Only in the Most Ancient City of Pushkar ‘I want to live forever, replied Taraka. ‘My dearest devotee, you know that such a boon is …

The True Story of Sati-I

Published by

In India, the term Trimurti is used in reference to the three faces of god. They are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. They are collectively known as the Trinity. Together they represent the oneness of the universe while retaining their distinctive nature and are known for their ability to grant boons. Hymns are chanted every day all over India, in temples and homes, and countless stories abound in their praise. Here is the tale of Sati, the wife of Shiva King Daksha was one of the sons of Lord Brahma. Daksha had many daughters. Twenty-seven of them were married to the handsome moon god, Chandra and among his remaining daughters, Dakshayani was married to Shiva. Daksha was not at all happy with Dakshayani’s choice. Shiva spent most of his time either on Mount Kailash in the freezing Himalayas or in Cremation grounds. To make matters worse, he looked positively dreadful with his long, dark, matted locks and that snake wrapped around his neck like a garland. Daksha felt that his beautiful daughter deserved a better husband. …

The Legend of Sunda and Upasunda

Published by

The asura brothers Sunda and Upasunda were inseparable. They shared everything equally- food, clothes and even their kingdom. In the hope of gaining immortality, they performed severe penance to please Brahma. After a long time, the god finally appeared. ‘We are overjoyed to be in your presence, my lord!’ they said, bowing to Brahma. ‘Your penance is commendable, my dear devotees.’ Brahma smiled. ‘I will grant you a boon. Tell me, what do you wish for?’ Sunda and Upasunda had been waiting for this moment. ‘We want to be immortal.’ they chorused. Also Read: The Choice of Death- Legend of Madhu Kaitabha ‘I am afraid that is impossible. Any living being that is born must die. I am only the creator, and have no power to stop death. Ask me for something else instead. ‘ After careful thought, Sunda and Upasunda said. ‘Then give us such a boon that will allow us to die only by each other’s hand and no other.’ Now, Brahma was famous for granting boons to his asura devotees. More often …

Who is The Greatest Man in the World?

Published by

Folktales are Oral stories that are passed down by the elders to the younger generation. For centuries, folktales have been a crucial medium for preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them. A Short History of Folktales in India People believe that Indian folk tales originated in ancient India during the Vedic period (10000 BCE to 5000 BCE). And subsequently, they passed down these tales from generation to generation through oral tradition. And often used them as a means of entertainment and education. These tales evolved over time, incorporating elements from different cultures and regions of India. The tales typically have a rural or village setting and feature ordinary people, animals, and magical creatures. They are popular among all age groups due to their simplicity, humor, and accessibility. This post is dedicated to land of Nagaland; preserving the lesser known folktale from this Northeastern state of India and Northwestern region of Myanmar. Who is the Greatest Man in the World: A Folktale from Nagaland One day a man was going …

Gopal Bhar The Star Counter

Published by

One day, the nawab sent word to maharaja Krishnachandra that he wanted the whole earth measured, from side to side and from end to end, and that he would greatly appreciate it if maharaja would take it upon himself to count the stars in the sky as well. The Maharaja was astounded and said, ‘I don’t want to seem uncooperative, but you have commanded me to do the impossible.’ And the Nawab said, ‘But do it you will.’ So the Maharaja fell into a brown study and brooded over how he might fulfill the demands of the Nawab. It was not long before Gopal Bhar passed by, and seeing the Maharaja in such a state of despair, he tugged gently at the ends of his mustache and said, ‘Maharaj, what is this I see? If you have. troubles, you need only tell your Gopal, and all will be well.’ The king was not so easily consoled. He said, ‘No Gopal, this is a problem even you cannot solve. The Nawab has commanded me to measure …

What Happens When You Don’t Tell Your Stories?

Published by

A poor widow lived with her two sons and two daughters-in-law. All four of them scolded and ill-treated her all day. She had no one to whom she could turn and tell her woes. As she kept all her woes to herself, she grew fatter and fatter. Her sons and daughters-in-law now found that it was a matter for ridicule. They mocked at her for growing fatter by the day and asked her to eat less. One day, when everyone in the house had gone out somewhere, she wandered away from home in sheer misery and found herself walking outside town. There she saw a deserted old house. It was in ruins and had no roof. She went in and suddenly felt lonelier and more miserable than ever; she found she couldn’t bear to keep her miseries to herself any longer. She had to tell someone. So she told all her tales of grievance against her first son to the wall in front of her. As she finished, the wall collapsed under the weight of …

The Cost of Attention A Powerful Story to Transform Children into Conscious Adults

Published by

Its nearing four months of my grandfather’s death. He lived for 104 years and barely narrated any story in his later years but a few on insistence. And there was this one story, probably the most beautiful, the most essential one that can make any child into an attentive adult, that he had narrated when we used share a chemistry. This story had that power and possibly that is why I still remember it. As I have to choose a story a week for the Saturday Story Session at my school, I was reminded of one remarkable lore that I came across in my lifetime and I feel everyone can take something out of it. Once a king in South India had to send his son to a mystic, to a master, to learn awareness. The king was old. And he said to his son, “Put your total energy into it because unless you are aware, you are not going to succeed me. I will not give this kingdom to a man who is asleep …

Amazing Unheard Facts about Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan and What Its Success Meant for all Indians

Published by

Ramayana became the 1st serial of the TeleVision world, which earned a place in the Limca Book of Records as the world’s most watched Television series. For millions of Indians, life came to a standstill for 45 minutes every Sunday morning. At 9.30 am, people settled down to watch this epic serial, the greatest hit in Indian TV history. The budget for Ramayan was Rs.9 lakh per episode, making it the most expensive show produced at that time! The shooting for Ramayan went on for over 550 days! Arun Govil received such intense love and adoration for his portrayal of Ram that he had to give up smoking in public! Ramanand Sagar’s serial Ramayana comes in the 1st category in the history of television. It was telecasted on Doordarshan, on 25 Jan 1987. When it first came on TV, no one imagined that it would get so much fame. Ramayan, which was actually the second show that Ramanand Sagar created for TV (after Vikram Betaal), remains one of the most iconic shows to have been made …

The Choice Of Death: The Legend Of Madhu Kaitabha

Published by

While they were resting, Vishnu observed that the concentration of his foes was wavering, he addressed them in a loud voice and said, “I have been very much pleased by the skill you two have displayed. Till date, I have not come across a single person who could stand up to me in concept. In recognition of your bravery, I shall grant you a boon. Ask, and it shall be yours.”