Birth of Lord Krishna: Krishna was born in a tense historical period proceeding a devastating war. The warring factions built up so many weapons that the burden on the earth became unbearable. Finally the goddess of Earth took the form of a cow and prayed to Lord Brahma for relief. Lord Brahma called all the demigods to the shore of …
Read More »Krishna & Syamantaka Gem: Lord Krishna Story
Krishna & Syamantaka Gem: Satrajit, a nobleman of Dwarka, was a devotee of Surya, the Sun God. Surya being pleased with Satrajit’s devotion appeared before him and gifted him the Syamantaka gem. The Syamantaka gem’s specialty was that it could magically produce eight measures of gold a day. Krishna & Syamantaka Gem: Satrajit became a really wealthy man. Krishna then …
Read More »Kaliya: Story of Krishna and Kaliya Snake
Krishna and Kaliya Snake: Krishna was the loveliest child in the world. He was dark and handsome. He wore pretty clothes and beautiful ornaments. His hair was tied in a knot on the top of his head. Always there was a peacock feather in it. Little Krishna was the darling of all the people. Story of Krishna and Kaliya Snake: …
Read More »Krishna Kills the Snake Demon Aghasura
Krishna Kills the Snake Demon Aghasura: One day the cowherd boys were playing their games, such as imitating peacocks and running after birds’ shadows on the ground, when they came upon a mountain cave. This was actually a demon-brother of Putana‘s, who had expanded himself into an eight-mile long snake to kill the boys. The opening to the cave was …
Read More »Krishna’s Childhood in Vrindavan: Krishna Kills the Witch Putana
Krishna’s Childhood in Vrindavan: When Yasoda and Nanda found Krishna as their son, they performed all the religious ceremonies in secret, to avoid Kansa’s wrath. The family astrologer, Gargamuni, told the family, “Your son Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He will protect you from Kansa’s persecutions, and by His grace only, you will surpass all difficulties. Therefore raise …
Read More »When Goddess Lakshmi Begged: Hindu Folktale
When Goddess Lakshmi Begged: Long Long ago there was a king in Jaisalmer whose name was Rawal Prithvi Singh. His kingdom was very prosperous. He built up his capital with latticed windows and large havelis (palaces). He also captured some areas of neighboring kingdoms. But he was not broadminded. His success made him unreasonable, foolish and haughty. When Goddess Lakshmi …
Read More »Bakasura: Supernatural man-eater in Hindu epic Mahabharata
Our King tried to fight the giant with a big army. But Bakasura was very strong. He defeated the King and his army… A rakshasa, “man-eater” in epic Mahabharata Bakasura: A Rakshasa – The Pandavas and their mother, Kunti, wandered about the country in disguise. After some time they reached a city called Ekachakra. There they stayed in a brahmin’s house. …
Read More »Markandeya: The boy who was always sixteen
There was once a great rishi (Saint) whose name was Mrikandu. Some times he felt very sad since he had no son. So he prayed to God Shiva day and night. At last, Shiva appeared before Mrikandu, and said: “Mrikandu! I am very pleased with your tapas (Prayer). Ask for any boon that you desire.” “O great God”, said Mrikandu, …
Read More »Banasura – Asur king: Tales From Indian Classics
There was once a powerful king whose name was Bana. He was an Asura, or demon. So he was known as Banasura. Banasura was so strong and fierce that everyone was afraid of him. Even the kings on earth and many gods in heaven feared him. Banasura was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He once worshiped Shiva with such devotion …
Read More »Kacha and Devayani: Tales From Indian Classics
The Devas and Asuras were always fighting each other. The Devas were from amongst the Gods. The Asuras were demons. The Asuras were powerful, capable of all kinds of wickedness. Some of them were great rulers and mighty kings. In their fight with the Devas the Asuras had an advantage. They had on their side a great saint and teacher, …
Read More »