Stories Of India Retold
A podcast that retells stories from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, alongside puranas and folklore. Each episode simplifies complex mythology through the perspective of a book-loving history enthusiast. The show covers fantastical creatures, mortals, immortals, and ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats, aiming to make Indian mythology accessible one story at a time.
Episodes
Drona and Arjuna: A Bond Forged in Vengeance. Mahabharata Story From Critical Edition
A master warrior. A devoted student. A mission fueled by revenge. We dive into the riveting tale of Drona and Arjuna: a legendary teacher-student duo whose relationship shaped the destiny of empires. This isn’t your average guru-disciple story. It’s a story about the complex bond between Drona and Arjuna—how ambition, loyalty, and betrayal shaped one of Indian mythology’s most powerful relationshi
Shakuntala: Timeless Tale of A Wife's Rights and Dignity I Story From Mahabharata
In this episode, we dive into the powerful and timeless story of Shakuntala and Duhshanta (Dushyanta) as told in the Mahabharata. Shakuntala’s journey highlights themes of women’s rights, autonomy, and justice. Far more than a love story, Shakuntala is a strong, bold young woman, who stands up for herself and her son in the face of betrayal and abandonment. Tune in as we unravel the lessons from S
Churning Of The Ocean: How Gods Defeated Asuras to Claim Immortality l Samudra Manthana l Bhagavata Purana
The Suras (Gods/good) and Asuras (Anti-god/evil) must work together to obtain the precious nectar of immortality, Amrita; in a process called Samudra Manthana or Churning of the Ocean. Along the way, they face many obstacles and even a deadly poison that threatens to destroy the world. From the appearance of divine treasures to Vishnu's clever tricks, this episode explores the intense struggle, wi
Burning of the Lac House: Pandavas' Daring Escape from Duryodhana's Deadly Trap. Mahabharata Story Ep. 8
The heroic Pandava brothers face a deadly plot at the hands of their treacherous cousins, the Kauravas. Through their wisdom and unity, they outwit their enemies and make a daring escape. It all begins with the construction of a sinister house built of lac (a flammable resin) that was both their prison and their home. With a little help from their wise uncle Vidura and a talented Khanaka/miner (an
NAGOBA:The Divine Serpent’s Tale of Forgiveness.Indian Folktale.Nagapanchami Story
In this episode, we dive into a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale from the Naga folklore. A young woman, feeling lost and alone, prays to Nagoba, the serpent god, to take her into his family. Her wish is granted, but an unfortunate accident involving the serpent queen's newborns sets off a chain of events that tests the power of forgiveness.
Join in as we explore themes of divine interventio
Divine Birth of the Pandavas: Curse, Boon & Destiny. Mahabharata Ep. 7
🌟 Listen to the Fascinating Birth Story of the Pandavas! 🌟
Ever wondered how the legendary heroes of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, came into being? It starts with an accidental death which led to a fateful curse that changed everything for King Pandu. Pandu turns to Kunti to help him obtain the sons he desperately wants. With Kunti’s boon, the Pandavas are born, each embodying unique qualities of
Punyakoti's Story (Redone) Govina Haadu, Kannada Folk Song/Story in English. Indian Folktale
Punyakoti's story or Govina Haadu (Song of A Cow) is an extremely popular Kannada folksong. It is also part of Telugu folklore.
Punyakoti finds herself in the clutches of a famished tiger, Arbhuta. Realizing that escape is impossible, Punyakoti pleads with Arbhuta for one final chance to see her son before becoming the tiger's meal. Although hesitant at first, Arbhuta eventually consents to grant
Dhritarashtra & Gandhari have 100 sons in-vitro, advised to kill infant son Duryodhana. Episode.6
The story of the birth of the Kauravas.
-Why the Kurus chose Gandhari as Dhritarshtra's bride?
-How Gandhari gives birth to 100 sons and one daughter, in-vitro?
-Why some in the Kuru court wanted Dhritarashtra to kill the infant Duryodhana?
Gandhari was blessed with a boon to produce 100 sons. So she is frustrated when things don't go exactly as she had hoped–the pregnancy was unusual and she had
Birth of Dhritarashtra & Pandu. Revive A Dying Lineage through Niyoga
The Kurus were becoming an increasingly powerful and dominant Kingdom. But, they had a problem–a big one! The heirs of the Kuru dynasty died in quick succession, leaving no one to continue the line–the last in line to the Kuru throne, Vichitravirya, had died. The Kurus were in deep trouble, the lineage would end and with it, the dynasty. Bhishma and Satyavati would not let that happen. After much
How Droṇa, A Driven Warrior, Became Kuru’s Preceptor to Avenge An Insult
** Additional Notes:
**At first, the book says Drona and Drupada become friends when the latter visited Bharadvaja with his father, later in the book Drona tells Bhishma that they became friends when they attended Agnivehsya’s school together.
**Drona tells Bhishma that when they were young Drupada promised to share with him his wealth when he became king, this detail is not mentioned at first. Al
Yayati, Devayani & Sharmishta: A Tale Of Love, Betrayal & Desire. Mahabharata Podcast in English
King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, is the ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Yayati is best known for his obsession with youth and living longer and the fact he was cursed to lose his youth prematurely and live as an old man.
But there is more to Yayati’s story. Yayati is involved in a love triangle between his wife, Devayani and her friend-turned-slave, Sharmishta–it was a complicated web he wa
Bhishma:Son of Ganga, Cursed by Vasishta, Vow of Brahmacharya, Gift to Choose Time Of Death. Mahabharata
Bhishma, the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces, was destined to be a great warrior and to always uphold Dharma, but he was also destined to always keep his father happy and to never have children. Learn why!
Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe
►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com
Watch the Video Podcast:
► YouTube: https://youtu.be/o8HMnkno1LE
The Story Behind Mahabharata–The Greatest Story Ever Told
All about the Mahabharata and its author, Krishna Dwaipayana (Veda Vyasa), why he composed it, why Mahabharata is considered the greatest story ever told, who and what it is about, why it is considered sacred, why the stories found in this great epic is relevant to this day and more!
Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe
►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.co
ANNOUNCEMENT: 2.0 Version Stories Of India Retold Plus Video Podcast
Dear Listener,
Welcome to the new and improved version of the Stories of India Retold Podcast. We will start from the beginning of the Mahabharata (yet again) but with better story telling and even a video element to it.
I hope you will listen to the new episodes.
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Much Love,
Nivi.
►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretol
Ep:30.Burning Of The Khandava Forest-Krishna, Arjuna Vs. Indra. (The Mahabharata)
The heroes Arjuna and Krishna are involved in the burning of the Khandava forest–a dark episode in the Mahabharata known as the Khandava Daha(burning). Thousands died-particularly the people belonging to the Naga tribe; their leader Takshaka and his son survive and they would never forget or forgive this injustice. This story from the Khandava Daha Parva or episode, tells us the story of:
-Arjuna
Ep.29 Arjuna’s 12-year Exile: Adventures, Travel, Allies, Romance (The Mahabharata)
Arjuna’s actions lead to his exile from Khandavaprastha for 12 years. Arjuna spends the 12-years traveling, building allies and falling in love a few times. Come, follow Arjuna’s adventures!
In order to avoid any chance of breeding resentment amongst themselves, the Pandava brothers decide to set rules regarding their marriage–the rule was simple–if, when a brother was in a room with Draupadi, ano
Ep.28:Pandavas Return Home;Build Khandavaprastha (The Mahabharata)
Pandavas are finally returning home! Their very advantageous marriage to Draupadi proves to be a brilliant strategy as the Kauravas are taking notice and are calling them back home. This absolutely does not mean that all the Kauravas are glad to see them. Still, the pressure on the Kauravas to do the right thing is intense. The Pandavas are coming home, and there is nothing they can do about it.
L
Ep.27. Draupadi’s Polyandrous Marriage:Stories and Attitudes (The Mahabharata)
How acceptable was a marriage like that of Draupadi and Pandavas in their time? How did society evolve with respect to attitudes about different types of relationships and marriages? Dig deeper into the stories of why Draupadi was destined to have five husbands and look into the concept of polyandry and its practice in ancient India.
Polygamy: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more
Ep.26:Pandavas Marry Draupadi (The Mahabharata)
Draupadi was a catch. She was the princess of Panchala, a kingdom which was both wealthy and influential. The young Pandavas needed a powerful ally and Panchala fit the bill perfectly. When they heard that Drupada had arranged for a swayamvara for his daughter Draupadi, the Pandavas joined numerous other kings and princes to try and win her hand. Things get a little complicated because they attend
Ep25: Chandravamsha–Sons of the Moon (The Mahabharata)
The #Kauravas and #Pandavas come from line of rulers belonging to illustrious Chandravamsha (Chandra-Moon)or the #Lunar Dynasty. The #Bharata, #Puru, #Kuru and #Yadu #clans came from this #legendary #Kshatriya (warrior class) house. They ruled the northern Indian #subcontinent in the #Vedic age (late Bronze-early Iron Age) and left an indelible mark on the religious, social and cultural identity o
Ep:24. Arjuna Vs. The King of Gandharva; A New Friendship (The Mahabharata)
On their way to #Panchala, the #Pandavas met with the #Gandharva King, #Angaaraparna. Things were tense between them initially; they did not start out as friends. After a #fight, in which #Arjuna easily defeated Angaaraparna, the #demigod Gandharva was immensely impressed with Arjuna’s talents and character, and they struck up a mutually beneficial #friendship.
Listen to the story of:
-The reaso
Ep.23: Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna–Born out of Fire (The Mahabharata)
Drupada and Drona’s rivalry is legendary. #Drupada wanted revenge for the humiliating defeat handed down to him by his former friend, #Drona. Because he had no suitable heir, Drupada arranged for a #sacrifice which would provide him with an heir who would have the power to defeat Drona. The sacrifice produced not one, but two children–a son named #Dhrishtadyumna, and a daughter named #Krishnaa. Th
Ep.22. The Slaying of Baka by Bhima; Pandavas in Ekachakra (Mahabharata)
Rakshasa Baka was a bully who terrorized the people of Ekachakra. The people of #Ekachakra were ruled by an incompetent King who did nothing to keep them safe. #Baka volunteered to provide the people with protection from invaders and enemies; however, in exchange he demanded that the people of Ekachakra take turns to provide him with payment, which, unfortunately included eating the person who del
Ep.21:Bhima– Slays Rakshasa Hidimba; Weds Hidimba; Birth of Gatodkacha
The Rakshasa (female:Rakshasi) is a race of beings who were big and fierce looking. They were powerful warriors and were mostly portrayed as the bad guys in ancient Indian scriptures. #Hidimba was one of the better-known Rakshasas in #Indian #mythology–an entire parva is named after the story of his death in the #Mahabharata. After killing Hidimba, the #Pandavas forged an alliance with the #Raksh
Ep.20.Mahabharata’s Shakuntala (The Mahabharata)
A shorter version of Shakuntala’s story from the #Mahabharata, retold from a slightly different lens.
Shakuntala was the wife of Duhshanta–the founder of the Pourava dynasty, and the mother of the great Emperor #Bharata, who was the founder of the Kuru lineage and ancestor of the #Kauravas and #Pandavas. #Shakuntala was a smart, intelligent and a feisty young woman, and she fell in love with King
Ep19. Ekalavya–Life And Death Of The Prince Of Nishadas (The Mahabharata)
Ekalavya, a Nishada prince, was one of the best archers who lived in the time of the Pandavas. He wanted to be the best archer and he wanted to be trained by the best teacher–Drona. Drona, however, refused to teach him because Ekalavya was a Nishada. But a determined Ekalaya wasn’t ready to give up. Ekalavya’s actions put to test Drona’s relationship with his most favored student Arjuna. Arjuna di
Ep.18. Burning Of The Lac House. (The Mahabharata)
The rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas is legendary. The #Kauravas, especially #Duryodhana, were not only motivated by greed, but they also believed that they were being discriminated against because of Dhritarastra's blindness. They believed the kingdom rightfully belonged to them and were ready to do whatever it took–even murder their relatives, the Pandavas. The burning of the lac house–
Ep.17: Karna–Born to the Sun, Son of Charioteer, King of Anga ( The Mahabharata)
A self made man in a world where one's parentage and lineage decided one's future and worth!
Karna was the secret son of Kunti. Unaware of his real parents and raised as the son of a charioteer, Karna went on to make a name for himself based entirely on his talents and skills in the art of warfare.
Listen to the story of Karna's:
- Birth
- Adoptive parents
- Friendship with Duryodhana
- Enmity w
Ep.16:Drona’s Revenge/The Kuru Princes’ Preceptor (The Mahabharata)
It's not a good idea to get on Drona’s bad side!
One of the most powerful and influential characters in the story of the Mahabharata, Drona, an expert in the art and science of weapons, was the preceptor of the Kuru princes. His deep-seated hatred for his former friend King Drupada was just as legendary as the way he exacted his revenge from his nemesis.
Listen to the story of:
-Drona’s origin
Q & A. Niyoga: ancient Indian practice to beget sons and heirs
It is ridiculous how many times I say the word "sons" on this episode! (Insert- sheepish smile emoji)
Niyoga is an ancient Indian practice that was followed to make sure the continuation of a lineage through male progeny.
Listen to the episode to know more about:
- What it is and how it worked.
- The reasons for the practice
- Importance of sons in the society
- Different ways to obtain sons
- R
Ep.15: Death of Pandu–A hunting accident and the aftermath. (The Mahabharata)
Pandu was cursed by rishi Kimdama because of a hunting accident. This story is about Pandu and his wife, Madri's death as a result of the curse and the events that followed.
Listen to the story to know more about:
- The cause and manner of Pandu's death
- Why Madri chose to accompany Pandu to his afterlife rather than Kunti
- The final rites of Pandu and Madri–where, what and how.
- What happened
Ep 14: Birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas (The Mahabharata)
Part 2 of the story of the birth of Pandavas and Kauravas–the lead characters of the Mahabharata. (Part 1 - Episode 13)
Both Dhritarashtra and Pandu are married, and the responsibility of continuing the royal line is theirs. Dhritarashtra is denied the throne because of his blindness and Pandu was made king.
Listen to the story of:
- Pandu's curse–a King who could not procreate
- How Gandhari had
Ep.13: Marriages of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura (The Mahabharata)
Part 1 of the story of birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas. After the birth of the Kuru princes Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidhura, Bhishma took up the responsibility of both the thriving kingdom and also the growing princes. The members of the family were keen to see the princes marry well, have sons and continue the dynasty.
Listen to the story of:
- Who the princes married
- How and why the girls
Ep.12.Satyavati: Origin; Boon of sweet fragrance; Mother of Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata)
Daughter of the great King Uparichara; mother to the author of the Mahabharata and the divider of the vedas; mother to 2 princes who became king; and the wife of King Shantanu, Satyavati was an intelligent and beautiful woman. Born to a Puru King and a fisherwoman mother, Satyavati was destined for great things and her adoptive father made sure to give her the best he could.
Listen to:
-the origi
Ep. 11.Dhritarashtra, Pandu, Vidura:Birth; the struggle to revive a dying dynasty (Mahabharata)
Souti Vaishampayana tells the story of the births of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura, who are seen as the saviors of the Kuru lineage.
Listen to the story to learn more about:
-How and why the Kuru lineage was in danger of going extinct
-The princes' parents and how their births were planned in order to guarantee the continuation of the Kuru lineage
-How the kidnapped princess Amba convinced Bhish
Ep.10 Ashta Vasu/Eight Vasus:Vasishta’s curse; rebirth as mortals on earth (The Mahabharta)
Vasus are children of Manu, who is the son of Brahma, and are collectively called the Ashta Vasu or Eight Vasus. They are deities who represent the eight elements—earth, water, fire, wind, sun, sky, moon and the stars; in the Mahabharata, they are named Dhara, Aha, Anala, Anila, Pratyusha, Prabhasa, Soma and Dhruva, respectively. Vasus lived a privileged life in the heavens. But, one day, they got
Ep.9 Bhishma:Birth; vow of Brahmacharya; boon to choose time of death(Mahabharata)
As commander of the Kuru army and the grand-uncle to both the Kauravas and Pandavas, Bhishma is one of the main protagonists of the story. The son of King Shantanu and goddess Ganga, he was named Devavrata at birth. In Indian culture, Bhishma is widely loved and admired because of his dedication to dharma and his selflessness.
Listen to how:
-Shantanu and Ganga were married and then separated
-Bhi
Ep 8. Punyakoti’s story; Song of the cow/Govina Haadu (Indian/Kannada Folklore)
Govina Haadu,or Song of the cow (also called, Punyakotiya Kathe or Punyakoti's story) is a story about a cow named Punyakoti, who inadvertently crosses path with a very hungry and fierce tiger named Arbhuta. Based on a story in Mahabharata, this beautiful, soul stirring song has been part of Kannada folklore for thousands of years.
Listen to know how:
-Punyakoti convinces Arbhuta to let her see he
Ep 7.Yayati’s love triangle; obsession with his youth; why Puru was heir..(The Mahabharata)
Puru, son of Yayati, belonged to the Lunar dynasty. He was the founder of the Puru or Kuru lineage-key players in the Mahabharata.
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com
Instagram: @storiesofindiaretold
Ep 6. Nagas: the hunters, the hunted and the divine. (The Mahabharata)
The Nagas are semi-divine serpents. They were cursed by their mother and condemned to die in the snake sacrifice conducted by the descendent of Pandavas, King Janamejaya. Under the threat of the decimation of their race, the Nagas searched for a cure to beat their curse. Their grandfather, Brahma, revealed that the key to break their curse lies in a child named, Astika.
Listen to learn about how a
Ep. 5 Shakuntala and Dushyanta; Birth of Bharata. (The Mahabharata- Sambhava Parva)
A love story like no other. Young Dushyanta and Shakuntala meet in an enchanting hermitage in an equally enchanting forest. After spending a few moments in each others company, they fall in love and decide to marry. Alas! they are soon separated. Years later, the time comes for them to reunite, but things don't go exactly as Shakuntala had expected.
Listen to the story of:
-How Dushyanta and Shaku
Ep. 4 Garuda; The King of Birds. Part 2. Vehicle of Vishnu & Eater of Snakes (The Mahabharata)
The fully grown Garuda—the legendary eagle-like creature—was powerful and mighty. The King of Birds inspired awe and respect everywhere he went. His loyalty and bravery won the hearts of even Vishnu and Indra; and his campaign to free his mother from her slavery won him the enmity of the Nagas. Listen to the story of how:
- Garuda became Vishnu's vehicle mount;
- Stole the amrita; and
- Came to b
Ep. 3 Garuda; The King of Birds.Part 1. Origin.(The Mahabharata)
Legandary eagle-like creature, Garuda shone as brightly as the sun. Garuda's birth was blessed by powerful sages. With powerful and godly ancestors, and blessed with powers that equalled that of Lord Indra, Garuda was destined for greatness.
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com
Ep. 2 About Mahabharata
One of the most beloved text from ancient India, the Mahabharata is an epic poem. The core story talks about the Kurukshetra war fought between the Kouravas and the Pandavas. It said that—“What is not found in the Mahabharata, will not be found anywhere else.”
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com
Ep. 1 Dhruva; the immovable star. (The Purana)
A story about grit and determination of a boy named Dhruva. The name Dhruva means the one who is immovable or fixed. Just like his namesake, the Dhruva star(Pole star), Dhruva was immovable and unshakeable in his focus.
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com
Introduction: Stories of India Retold
Blog http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a
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